Basil Leaf Cafe

Whenever I visit family on Long Island, I b-line straight to Basil Leaf.  I have been here countless times, over countless years, during countless periods of my life.  I've made life decisions at Basil Leaf, taken and given significant advice here, and have come here for lunch and reflection on many occassions.  For the majority of the last few years, my family has come to Basil Leaf for Christmas Eve.  This restaurant has become something of an institution for us.  Locust Valley is beautiful, the staff and manager here treat us like family, and the food and drink here is always fantastic.  The outside seating portion is also some of the most relaxing and chill outside seating of anywhere I have been on Long Island.  This is a great place to get a bottle of white wine during the summer with a date and just chat all afternoon.  In fact, I'd love to do just that in the near future.

Fantastic, consistent and always reliable! We have been dining here for over 25 years! We have been through 2 owners and have never been disappointed! Food is fresh, unique and very tasty. Service is professional and attentive without being intrusive. Only problem, we don't come here enough! That will change, now that my son is older! Looking forward to more visits!

My family has been coming here for over 20 years. It has become one of my favorite restaurants. The restaurant has two different dining areas with a different vibe, however both are comfortable and you feel like you are eating in someones home. Do not expect Italian-American food on this menu. If you frequent the Matteo's restaurants you will not be happy here. For one this neighborhood is very exclusive and the clientele is made up of people who have eaten at fine restaurants around the world.  This food is gourmet and what you would likely find in a restaurant in Italy. Red tomato sauce cannot be found on this menu. Basil Leaf has a loyal following and it is obvious by the interactions of different parties. This is not intimidating however, and everyone is treated just as well. The service here is in my opinion half of what makes this is great restaurant. Every plate is brought out at the same time, silverware is changed with every course and your leftovers are handed to you at the door when you leave. The menu has not changed in the past few years but I would recommend the specials when it comes to the desserts. I have rarely ordered the red meat here but I notice that it has a following by the regulars here; the pastas are what I typically have, they are clearly homemade and sauces are unique. Don't forget to try a brick oven pizza; have half of one as an appetizer.