Ali Baba
Tucked right on 175 E Main St in Newark, DE, Ali Baba brings a flavorful touch of the Mediterranean to town with dishes that truly hit the spot. It’s one of those casual gems that you stumble upon once—and then can’t stop thinking about. The vibe? Totally relaxed. It’s great for families, friends catching up, or even a chill outdoor lunch when the weather’s nice.
As soon as you walk in, you’re met with that warm, cozy energy—moderate noise, lots of laughter, the clinking of plates, and food that smells too good to ignore. The menu is stacked with popular picks, but a few standout stars really steal the show. The Moroccan Chicken is a must-try—rich in spices, tender, and full of bold flavor. Then there’s the Lamb Kabob, grilled just right, juicy, and packed with that smoky edge that makes you want another bite before you’ve even finished the first.
Craving something classic? Their Chicken Kabob is a go-to favorite—lightly seasoned, well-balanced, and perfect with their fluffy rice or warm pita. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, the Bastilla will surprise you—in the best way. It’s that sweet-savory combo wrapped in flaky pastry that somehow works better than you’d expect.
Families love Ali Baba for a reason—it’s laid-back, welcoming, and the kind of place where you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy really good food. Whether you're planning a quick lunch with coworkers or a group dinner with friends, there’s room for everyone. Plus, with outdoor seating, it’s easy to turn a meal into a relaxed hangout.
Ali Baba isn’t just a restaurant—it’s where Newark locals and visitors alike get a real taste of Mediterranean comfort food, made with heart.
Reviews
The decor was fun and definitely Middle Eastern themed. Three male waiters took turns circulating around the table and took excellent care of my wife and I. I got a gin and tonic that was pretty heavy on the gin which is not common. My wife and I both greatly enjoyed the meals that we selected.. I jokingly complained to the waiter that they serve too much food and that I'm gonna have to take some home. He smiled and said they plan it that way. All in all a very enjoyable dining experience. We would definitely go back.
I came in with a friend and while the place is not the fanciest and could probably use some upgrades at some point, wow my dinner was so good! We started with the hummus (which was huge even to share with 2) and then I got the special which was a slow cooked chicken and mmm was that tasty! So tender, it just melted in my mouth and not spicy at all. We also got glasses of wine which were generous pours. Overall a pleasant dinner on a cold evening!
Great time with a great friend. At first we thought service was a Little slow. We were greeted promptly drink order and food order good. The food took longer then we liked. We saw that the waitstaff was going in and out of the kitchen quickly. Considering it was OK. Food outstanding!!! Ordered soup to go they only had a cup left so it was no charge Had enough food leftover for 2 meals The staff remembered all the repeat customers. They said to me you usually get take out which is true. Highly recommend
Have been meaning to come to this spot on main street and it did not disappoint. The inside was extremely cozy, the service was great as the owner was very attentive and made good conversation. Has a lot of room for bigger parties in the main room, and the food was lovely. The food was an absolute treat, will be coming again.
We discovered Ali Baba Mid Eastern Restaurant while browsing Yelp for local recommendations, and I'm so glad we chose this place! Everything about it--the food, ambiance, and service--was excellent. Overall Ratings: * Restaurant: 5/5 * Service: 5/5 * Food: 5/5 * Parking: Street parking & back lot available Restaurant Atmosphere: I love the authentic décor and the thoughtful layout. The restaurant offers three distinct seating areas: -A main dining room with booths and chairs -A traditional Middle Eastern seating area -A covered outdoor hookah lounge I was initially concerned that the hookah smoke might affect our dining experience, but the setup ensures a comfortable atmosphere for everyone. Service: The staff was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. They offered great recommendations and, best of all, provided efficient service. What We Ordered: -Spanikopita - Delicious. -Lamb Tajine - Absolutely delicious! -Moroccan Chicken - The chicken was unbelievably tender and flavorful--one of my favorite dishes in a long time. The portion sizes were generous! Almost every guest, including us, left with leftovers. Final Thoughts: Without a doubt, I'll be returning soon to explore more of the menu. Ali Baba Mid Eastern Restaurant has easily become one of our favorite spots in Delaware!