Seemor
Basta Middle Eastern GrillA-Worth Trying
417 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
· Middle Eastern restaurant
· 4.9/5 Google (176 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Bright, fast-casual Middle Eastern spot with standout falafel, fries, and customizable bowls; great veggie options and friendly staff, with limited seating and occasional order misses.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Basta Middle Eastern Grill achieves a solid A- grade through exceptional food quality and strong service attentiveness, delivering reliably fresh, flavorful bowls and sandwiches in a bright, modern Hell's Kitchen setting. Limited seating and modest destination appeal prevent grade A territory, though the restaurant competes well with respected neighborhood favorites through consistent execution and genuine local loyalty.
Restaurant Summary
Basta feels like a bright, modern nook where bowls and pita sandwiches meet fresh-grilled aromas and a friendly counter team. Reviewers call it a serene little escape from Midtown bustle, with sparkling clean interiors and warm, helpful staff guiding first-timers. The culinary approach leans elevated-traditional Middle Eastern with North African notes: customizable bowls, sabich, kofta, and house-made dips. Expect clean, vibrant flavors over heavy sauces, and do not skip the crispy harissa-salt fries. Great for quick lunches, pre-show bites, and casual dinners driven by ingredient quality. Families will find it approachable. Teens and younger diners gravitate to chicken shawarma, fries, and simple bowls, while adventurous eaters can add zhoug, amba, and roasted vegetables. No kids menu noted, but the build-your-own format makes it easy to tailor milder options.
At a Glance
- Exceptionally fresh bowls, sandwiches, and dips with generous portions
- Friendly, knowledgeable counter team and clean, modern space
- Limited seating and occasional order omissions
- Some reports of early closing or confusing hours
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- house-made dips with mix-and-match boxes
- exceptional fries with harissa salt
- sabich and regional breads beyond standard pita
What People Love
- Crispy, well-seasoned fries with harissa salt
- Perfectly crisp falafel and warm hummus
- Flavorful kofta and shawarma proteins
- Clean, airy design and fast service
Points of Concern
- Occasional order errors (e.g., missing protein) reported by a small minority
- Limited seating; space can fill during peak pre-show times
- A few reports of closing earlier than posted hours
- One mention of a heavy door raising accessibility concerns
- Review patterns show signs of potential over-enthusiasm (high five-star share, some marketing tone) which may not reflect every experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$25-34 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Build a bowl: brown rice mujadara base + beef kofta + roasted cabbage + chopped salad + spicy feta tahini (~$17-19 with add-ons)
- Sabich pita for vegetarians; add amba and zhoug for brightness and heat
- Order a Dip Box for group snacking; pair with warm pita or tannour
Perfect For
- Pre-theater quick bite near Times Square
- Casual lunch with healthy options
- Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly meals
- Sharing dip boxes for small gatherings
Location Insights
Area: Residential-meets-nightlife pocket in Hell's Kitchen with theaters nearby; draws pre-show diners and local office workers.
Safety: Generally busy and well-lit with steady foot traffic; typical Midtown-West urban conditions.
Nearby: Near Times Square theaters, 9th Ave dining corridor, offices, and apartments; convenient for quick meals and takeout.
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen offers a vibrant dining scene with a mix of casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and ethnic cuisine reflecting its diverse community. The area is lively, especially in the evenings, attracting both locals and visitors seeking a dynamic urban atmosphere close to Broadway and the Theater District.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday11:00–21:00
Sunday11:00–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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