Basil Leaf Cafe

- 7-B The Plaza Unit B, Locust Valley, NY 11560

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Long Island and the greater New York region seeking a truly authentic and charming Italian dining experience, the Basil Leaf Cafe in Locust Valley, NY, stands as a well-established and highly-regarded destination. Operating for over two decades under the guidance of gracious host and experienced restaurateur Vito Patronelli, this establishment has cultivated a reputation for consistently delicious regional Italian cuisine. It's not just a restaurant; it’s a locale that transports diners to a quaint European setting, providing a cozy, romantic, and upscale atmosphere perfect for a variety of occasions, from a casual lunch to a sophisticated dinner celebration.

Unlike eateries that rely on heavy sauces and fried dishes, Basil Leaf Cafe focuses on lighter fare, utilizing only the freshest ingredients to create classic regional Italian dishes with a distinct, contemporary twist. The menu is extensive, offering a delightful selection of appetizers, salads, homemade pastas, fresh fish, and a variety of brick oven pizzas. Chef Marco Divina, who trained in Northern Italy, ensures that every dish is cooked to perfection, avoiding cream and butter in the recipes to maintain a focus on fresh, clean flavors. Customer favorites often highlight the homemade pastas, the vodka sauce which many proclaim is the best, and signature entrees like the grilled baby lamb chops or the Tagliolini Con Gamberi E Arugola.

The dining experience is enhanced by the unique architecture and ambiance. The cafe is composed of two buildings connected by a beautiful outdoor patio, allowing for distinct dining environments. One room offers a romantic feel with soothing green tones and a double-sided fireplace, while the other features a long brick bar, a wood-burning oven, terra cotta flooring, and vintage photographs of classic old movie stars, creating a comfortable yet upscale vibe. A dedicated private room is available upstairs, making it an ideal choice for celebrations and special events. Whether you are catching up with friends, enjoying a romantic date night, or hosting a large private party, Basil Leaf Cafe provides a welcoming and intimate backdrop.

Location and Accessibility

Basil Leaf Cafe is conveniently nestled within a quaint shopping plaza in Locust Valley, a charming and picturesque community on Long Island’s North Shore. This location, while slightly tucked away, adds to its intimate and neighborhood-gem feel. The village of Locust Valley offers a small-town atmosphere surrounded by stunning properties in neighboring villages, making the area a special retreat from the faster pace of NYC. It's easily accessible for those driving in the Long Island region.

The physical address is 7-B The Plaza Unit B, Locust Valley, NY 11560, USA. For those arriving by car, the restaurant is notably accessible, offering both a complimentary parking lot and free street parking, a significant convenience in the region. Furthermore, the Basil Leaf Cafe prioritizes accessibility for all guests. The establishment features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, and wheelchair-accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming visit for everyone.

Services Offered

Basil Leaf Cafe offers a comprehensive range of services to accommodate various dining preferences and events, from casual meals to large catered gatherings:

• Dining Service: Options include Dine-in, Takeout, and Outdoor seating on the cozy, inviting patio.
• Meal Times: Serving the community for Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch, allowing for flexibility in dining plans.
• Event and Catering: Full Catering services for both On-Premise and Off-Premise events, including corporate parties. A dedicated private dining room upstairs is available for hosting special occasions, weddings, and private parties.
• Reservations: The cafe Accepts Reservations, with recommendations for Lunch, Brunch, and Dinner reservations, particularly on weekends or for larger groups, ensuring you secure your preferred seating.
• Payment Options: For convenience, the cafe Accepts Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Atmosphere: Provides table service in a variety of atmospheres—Casual, Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, and Upscale—depending on the chosen dining area.

Features / Highlights

The Basil Leaf Cafe distinguishes itself with a number of key features that contribute to its enduring popularity and high praise from local patrons:

• Exceptional Beverage Program: Recognized for having a Great wine list, featuring a diverse international selection with many Italian labels, as well as serving Great cocktails, Beer, Hard liquor, and high-quality Coffee.
• Cuisine Quality: Known for its Fast service, the quality of its Great dessert selection, and its commitment to using fresh, light ingredients, including a dedicated selection of Healthy options, Comfort food, Small plates, and Vegetarian options.
• Atmosphere and Design: The multi-room layout—including a romantic space with a fireplace and another with a brick bar and wood-burning oven—is joined by an elegant Outdoor seating patio that guests find cozy and reminiscent of dining in another country. It also Serves local specialty dishes.
• Special Provisions: The venue is Popular for both Solo dining and Groups, and it is Good for kids, offering High chairs for younger patrons.

Contact Information

To make a reservation, inquire about catering, or for general information, you can reach Basil Leaf Cafe using the following contact details:

Address: 7-B The Plaza Unit B, Locust Valley, NY 11560, USA

Phone: (516) 676-6252

Mobile Phone: +1 516-676-6252

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Basil Leaf Cafe means opting for a piece of Long Island's culinary history. For almost 30 years, this regional Italian restaurant has mastered the art of combining a welcoming, intimate atmosphere with consistently high-quality cuisine. The multi-faceted dining rooms and the charming, lush outdoor patio provide a setting for any mood, from a cozy, romantic dinner to a lively gathering. The rave reviews for the homemade pasta, the unique lightness of the food (eschewing heavy creams and butter), and the delicious desserts underscore the kitchen’s dedication to excellence. Patrons frequently mention the warm hospitality of Vito Patronelli and his accommodating staff, which contributes significantly to the overall comfortable and personal feel. Whether you’re a local Long Islander or visiting the New York area, Basil Leaf Cafe is worth choosing for its authentic regional Italian fare, extensive wine and cocktail list, and its ability to turn a simple meal into a memorable, intimate dining experience. The availability of a private dining room also makes it a standout choice for residents looking for a sophisticated and hassle-free venue for their next big celebration or corporate event in the Nassau County area.

Basil Leaf Cafe

7-B The Plaza Unit B, Locust Valley, NY 11560, USA