Sarah O.

a month ago

"If you’re craving real Turkish hospitality in the middle of Manhattan, Ali Baba Mediterranean & Turkish Cuisine delivers it from the moment you walk in. The food is great, yes, but what really elevates the whole experience is the warmth that comes with it. Nurten and Menderes made us feel like we were guests in their home rather than customers in a restaurant — the kind of hospitality Turks are known for but you rarely find outside the country. The meal kicked off with their iconic balloon bread, straight out of the stone oven. It comes puffed, warm, lightly blistered, and honestly worth the visit on its own. Pair that with the cold meze — especially the hummus, smoky eggplant, and muhammara — and you’re already in a good place. For mains, the lamb shish kebab was exactly what it should be: tender, seasoned just right, and grilled cleanly with no unnecessary heaviness. The pide and seafood options looked great too, and the menu makes it easy for a group to try a bit of everything. The space feels cozy and lively without being chaotic. It’s a solid spot for a date, a relaxed dinner with friends, or a solo plate of comfort food after a long day. If you go during a quieter hour, you’ll get even more of the relaxed, warm atmosphere. Overall, Ali Baba is one of those places that reminds you why Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine is loved worldwide: simple, honest flavors made with intention — and the kind of hospitality that stays with you long after you leave. Nurten and Menderes truly made the night."

beyza simsekoglu

a month ago

"I honestly did not expect an experience like this. First of all, the atmosphere is incredible, you truly feel like you’re in a restaurant back in Türkiye. I could write paragraphs about the food because everything was unbelievably delicious. My absolute favorites were the Alinazik and the Special Kebab, so fresh, so flavorful. The meze platter, pide, lahmacun… every single thing we tried was outstanding. I highly recommend this place. It’s definitely going to become a spot I visit every month."

Eeraj Qaisar

a month ago

"A great find for a nice and relaxed Turkish dinner. Attentive staff, polite and friendly. Food was great and portions were of the right size. We didn't feel rushed and the overall vibe was inviting. Highly recommended."

Marat Shalagin

a month ago

"I had dinner here today with four of my friends, and we were all genuinely impressed. The atmosphere is warm, cozy, and very inviting — a perfect place to relax and enjoy a good meal. They also offer halal options, which was an important plus for us. We ordered a variety of meats — chicken, lamb, and beef — and everything was cooked perfectly. The meat was juicy, flavorful, and prepared with real attention to quality. The portions are generous, and the presentation is clean and thoughtful. You can tell the kitchen puts care into every dish. The service was excellent as well: fast, friendly, and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants to enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine and have a great dining experience. We’ll definitely be coming back!"

Steven Warren

3 months ago

"Had a really great meal here! The food was packed with flavor and everything we ordered was delicious. The hummus was a standout, definitely recommend trying it. I loved that they brought out this huge fluffy bread as a complimentary appetizer right when we sat down, which was a nice touch. The portion sizes were just right and the presentation was beautiful on every plate. I have to mention the lamb dishes because they were incredible. The lamb was perfectly cooked with amazing flavor and seasoning. You really can't go wrong with anything that includes lamb on their menu. The restaurant itself is well decorated and the food presentation is top notch. However, there were a few quirks during our visit. While we were eating, their outdoor canopy actually blew off in the wind, which was pretty dramatic. The outdoor seating area also felt like it wasn't given much thought compared to the indoor space. The service was a bit inconsistent. Our server had a habit of clearing plates while we were still eating from them to make room for the next course, even though there was plenty of space on our table. We could have easily moved things around ourselves. It made us feel a bit rushed, especially when it took a while to get our check at the end. Despite these small issues, I'd definitely come back. The food quality is excellent and the pricing is very fair for New York City. The flavors and preparation really make this place worth visiting again."