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Ali Baba RestaurantA-Worth Trying

Name: Ali Baba Restaurant
Address: 32 Ivor Pl, London NW1 6DA, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.4

32 Ivor Pl, London NW1 6DA · Egyptian restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (593 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Warm, family-run Egyptian spot with homestyle stews and grills; excellent hospitality and flavor, moderate prices, but some complaints about small portions and occasional service/policy issues.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Ali Baba Restaurant delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored in traditional Egyptian stews and grills, paired with outstanding service warmth that makes diners feel genuinely welcomed. Reliable execution and strong recent momentum support the grade, though the modest neighborhood setting and occasional portion-value concerns prevent it from reaching grade A territory. A beloved local favorite that exceeds typical restaurant standards.

Restaurant Summary

Tucked on a quiet Marylebone side street, this family-run spot hums with warm hospitality and the scent of stews simmering with garlic and coriander. Diners describe feeling looked after, with hosts guiding them through Egyptian classics and sometimes sending out little tasters. One guest summed it up simply: "We felt at home the moment we sat down." The room is cozy and relaxed, just off the bustle of Baker Street. The culinary approach leans traditional and comforting: homestyle molokhia and koshary, slow-cooked stews, and charcoal-grilled meats over flash. Fans rave about balance and depth rather than theatrics. If you love soulful, slow-cooked flavors, this is your lane; if you want edgy fusion, you may prefer elsewhere. Grills are delicious but can feel pricey for portion size to some, while stews and koshary deliver standout value. For families, the setting is friendly and unfussy, and there are kid-approachable dishes like breaded chicken with chips, rice, and a lamb burger. Without a kids menu, you will still find simple sides and familiar flavors to keep younger diners happy. Picky eaters can lean into fries, rice, and mild grilled chicken, while adventurous kids might discover new favorites among the mezza and stews.

At a Glance

Homestyle Egyptian stews and grills with deep, balanced flavor
Genuine, welcoming service that guides and personalizes
Good vegetarian and vegan coverage across mezza and stews
Some perceive grills as pricey for portion size
Isolated older complaints about hygiene and rigid group policies

What Sets It Apart

heritage_egyptian_cooking
family_run_warmth
central_marylebone_location

What People Love

The feeling of being hosted like family
Rich, garlicky-coriander molokhia and hearty koshary
Thoughtful suggestions and occasional tasters from staff
A calm, cozy room just off busy Baker Street

Points of Concern

Grill portions can feel small for the price compared to stews
Older reports mention cash-only or strict group policies; recent reviews suggest smoother experiences
A few dated hygiene complaints contrast with many recent clean, homely impressions
Review patterns show enthusiastic praise for staff; likely genuine in a small team, but bias is possible

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£34-£46 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For vegetarians/vegans: Balady salad, baba ghanough, falafel, ful, red rice, and koshary.
For value: Choose a stew (molokhia, bamia, fasolia) plus one mezza; add Om Ali for a sweet finish.
For kids: Escalope Pane with chips or lamb burger with fries; keep sauces on the side.

Perfect For

A comforting, casual dinner with soulful flavors
Introducing a friend to classic Egyptian dishes
Small celebrations where warmth matters more than flash
Solo diners who want a friendly, low-key meal

Location Insights

Area: Quiet Marylebone side street near Baker Street and Marylebone stations; a mix of residential and destination dining.

Safety: Safe, well-traveled central London neighborhood with good lighting and steady foot traffic.

Nearby: Close to Baker Street attractions, offices, hotels, and residential blocks; convenient for visitors and locals.

MaryleboneAn elegant, sophisticated neighborhood known for its refined dining scene, boutique shops, and proximity to cultural institutions like the Wallace Collection and Regent's Park.

Marylebone VillageA charming, village-like enclave within central London featuring high-end restaurants, independent boutiques, and a sophisticated urban village atmosphere.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–22:00 Tuesday12:00–22:00 Wednesday12:00–22:00 Thursday12:00–22:00 Friday12:00–22:00 Saturday12:00–22:00 Sunday12:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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