Ali Baba Restaurant
Longwood, FL 32750
Phone: (407) 331-8680
- Price:
- $
- Hours:
- Daily 11am-11pm
Editorial Review for Ali Baba Restaurant – by Sylvia Whitman
The Scene
A mosaic of mosaics, tropical fish tanks, big-screen TV, and Eastern paraphernalia. The long buffet line dominates one side of the room, across from the dancers' altar. Homemade tiles on many of the tables bestow motherly advice. Laid-back service may require you to wait for your check if the waitress is eating her lunch.
The Food
The buffet selection is vast, and placards list the names and ingredients of each dish. Start with hummus, red bean dip, and baba ghanoush, which you scoop up with pita bread. Add hunks of feta cheese and whole black olives to the salad. Don't miss the falafel, along with the beef and chicken kabobs. If you'd like to have something to doggie-bag, order an entree such as the braised lamb shank, swimming in a flavorful broth and served with your choice of rice. The fessanjan (chicken in a pomegranate-walnut sauce) come on strong. Skip dessert in the buffet--the baklava was as soggy as an old bandage.
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Insider Tips
No, That's not a BongOn the patio, smokers can inhale their tobacco through a water pipe known as a sheesha.
Yes, that tummy's a tad WesternThe weekend belly dancers hail from Columbia, Canada, and the United States. Every two weeks or so, Ali Baba also features flamenco.
Shop as You DigestA small store behind the cash register sells Middle Eastern books, spices, music and toys.
User Reviews for Ali Baba Restaurant
06/05/2008 Posted by Dazzo
I took my girlfriend there for a Friday night dinner. Had seen that prices change when the show starts; so we got there early. While the food was good, and show was terrific, the bill left me livid. They had charged me the post-show rate, even though we were done eating before the show ever started. But, more importantly, was the $20 tip that was AUTOMATICALLY assessed FOR A BUFFET! The waiter came over three times in total; once to bring the wine, once to fill water, and once with tea. 25% of the bill for that. I must be in the wrong business!
Pros: Great food, great show
Cons: SHADY business practices
05/19/2008 Posted by ShastaZam
Terrific atmosphere, very festive on a Friday Night., LOVED the Belly Dancers, Great Food so fresh, tasty and such a VARIETY that everyone in my group was very happy! Just had a wonderful time. Sure beats any other Middle Eastern Restaurant I have ever been to...5***** All the way!
Pros: GREAT FOOD! CHOICE, QUALITY All 5*
Cons: Crowded on weekends for the dancers, gets loud!
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