Seemor

Ali Baba Mediterranean & turkish CuisineA-Worth Trying

Name: Ali Baba Mediterranean & turkish Cuisine
Address: 224 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, New York, United States
Rating: 4.7

224 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022 · Mediterranean restaurant, Halal restaurant, Italian restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (1037 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Warm, hospitable Turkish spot with standout kebabs, meze, and bread; good value for Midtown, but service can be inconsistent and prices add up.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Ali Baba Mediterranean & Turkish Cuisine delivers exceptional food quality anchored by standout kebabs, meze, and fresh bread, supported by strong service attentiveness and genuine hospitality. However, inconsistent execution and occasional service delays prevent grade A territory, while the pleasant but modest setting lacks destination appeal. Competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants and worth visiting for Turkish cuisine fans seeking warm, reliable dining in Midtown East.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and inviting, with staff who greet you like regulars even on a first visit. Reviewers rave about the fresh bread and meze, and several call out servers by name for going the extra mile. One diner summed it up: "We felt genuinely cared for while sharing a table full of kebabs and dips." However, there are moderate authenticity concerns due to some templated praise and clustered staff mentions. The cooking leans classic Turkish with Midtown polish: charcoal-grilled lamb and chicken, creamy hummus, smoky eggplant, and house breads, plus a side path of Italian pastas and pizza. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional and cross-over: comforting flavors, quality ingredients, and generous mixed grills meant for sharing rather than culinary theatrics. Families report a friendly welcome, and the menu has real kid anchors: margherita pizza, chicken shish, spaghetti, and creamy pastas. There is no explicit kids menu, but portions and familiar items make it workable. For picky eaters, stick to pizza, plain pasta, grilled chicken, fries, and rice; spicier meze and lamb-forward dishes suit more adventurous palates.

At a Glance

Warm hospitality with attentive named servers
Standout kebabs, meze, and fresh bread from the oven
Fair value for Midtown East with shareable platters
Service inconsistency at peak times; occasional long waits
A few reports of small portions or overpriced wraps

What Sets It Apart

balloon_bread_from_stone_oven
broad_halal_turkish_menu_with_italian_crossover
welcoming_service_culture

What People Love

Feeling welcomed like regulars
Tender, well-seasoned lamb and chicken
Fresh balloon bread with creamy dips
Cozy ambiance that is lively but not chaotic

Points of Concern

Service can lag on busy nights; a few unresolved issues reported
Some find wraps or certain meze light for the price
Infrequent complaints about seasoning or temperature variances
Review patterns show mild promotional tone in some 5-star posts; interpret praise with balance

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$48-64 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Pair Mixed Appetizer Plate with balloon bread, then share the Mixed Grill; finish with Kunefe or Baklava. Vegetarians: Kasarli Pide plus Eggplant dishes. Gluten-free: many meze and grills are labeled.

Perfect For

Sharing a mixed grill and meze with friends
Casual date night in Midtown
Family dinner with familiar kid-friendly options
Pre-theater or post-work meal near offices

Location Insights

Area: Midtown East corridor with offices, hotels, and residential blocks; steady business-travel and neighborhood traffic.

Safety: Well-trafficked, generally safe with good lighting and foot traffic into late evening.

Nearby: Near offices, hotels, and 53rd St dining; convenient to Midtown landmarks and corporate towers.

Turtle BayTurtle Bay is a primarily residential and diplomatic neighborhood with a quieter, more refined atmosphere compared to the rest of Midtown. Dining options range from casual eateries catering to office workers to upscale restaurants favored by residents and visitors, reflecting a mix of international and contemporary cuisine.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:30–22:00 Tuesday11:30–22:00 Wednesday11:30–22:00 Thursday11:30–22:00 Friday11:30–22:00 Saturday11:30–22:00 Sunday12:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →