Ali Baba's Cafe – Middle Eastern
Ali Baba’s Cafe invites guests into a vibrant, aromatic space where the air is perfumed with toasted cumin and the earthy scent of slow-simmered fava beans. Silky swirls of tahina-rich hummus and smoky baba ghanoush anchor the table, perfectly complemented by the satisfying crunch of golden falafel croquettes and a bright tapestry of tangy house-made pickles. It is a soulful destination for communal dining, where every shared plate captures the sun-drenched flavors and rustic charm of traditional Levantine comfort food.
Madera Road +18055268400 https://alibabascafe.comRating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Price range: $$
Dietary options: vegan, vegetarian, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, paleo, low-sodium, low-fat, mediterranean, heart-healthy, dash-sodium-reduced, anti-inflammatory, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, gerd, atkins, south-beach, alkaline, volumetrics, renal, aip, carnivore, tlc, zone, macrobiotic, juice-cleanse, lectin-free, slow-carb
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners rave about the welcoming ambiance and courteous service, frequently highlighting how attentive staff members make every family visit feel special. Guests love the fresh, crispy salads and praise the consistent quality of the ingredients, making it a top recommendation for those seeking a reliable and pleasant meal. Celebrated for its warm atmosphere and regular table checks, reviewers highlight the overall experience as one they would eagerly repeat with friends.
Menu
Appetizers
- Assorted Pickles - $3: pickled cucumbers, turnips and kalamata olives Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Baba Ghanoush (Small) - $8: roasted eggplant dip Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Baba Ghanoush (Large) - $12: roasted eggplant dip Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Baba's Fries - $15: freshly peeled and sliced potatoes with herbs and olive oil Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Falafel Croquette - $1: crushed vegetarian chickpea croquette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Foul Modamas (Small) - $9: fava bean dip mixed with a touch of garlic and lemon juice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, Macrobiotic, Juice-Cleanse Available at: breakfast, lunch
- Foul Modamas (Large) - $12: fava bean dip mixed with a touch of garlic and lemon juice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, Macrobiotic, Juice-Cleanse Available at: breakfast, dinner, lunch
- Hummus Bi Tahina (Small) - $8: blended chickpea and sesame dip dusted with cayenne pepper Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hummus Bi Tahina (Large) - $11: blended chickpea and sesame dip dusted with cayenne pepper Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Jaffa Hummus - $19: hummus topped with beef, roasted onion, and pine nuts Dietary tags: Mediterranean Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pickled Baby Eggplant - $2 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sautéed Vegetables (Small) - $8: cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and green beans sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic and other exotic spices Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sautéed Vegetables (Large) - $12: cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and green beans sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic and other exotic spices Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Stuffed Grape Leaves - $1: filled with rice and herbs Available at: dinner, lunch
- Yogurt and Cucumber Dip (Small) - $9: served with a touch of mint Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Yogurt and Cucumber Dip (Large) - $12: served with a touch of mint Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lebneh (Small) - $9: thick yogurt cheese with an olive oil topping Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lebneh (Large) - $12: thick yogurt cheese with an olive oil topping Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Soups & Salads
- Baba’s Salad (Small) - $6: chopped romaine lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers tossed with a Mediterranean vinaigrette dressing seasoned with lemon, extra virgin olive oil, and exotic spices Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Baba’s Salad (Large) - $9: chopped romaine lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers tossed with a Mediterranean vinaigrette dressing seasoned with lemon, extra virgin olive oil, and exotic spices Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Shawarma Salad - $18: baba’s salad topped with marinated and grilled beef Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Shawarma Salad - $17: horiatiki salad topped with marinated and grilled chicken shawarma Available at: dinner, lunch
- Falafel Salad - $16: crushed falafel mixed with roasted almonds and tossed in baba’s salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Homemade Soup of the Day (Cup) - $5: ask for daily soup choices Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Homemade Soup of the Day (Bowl) - $7: ask for daily soup choices Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Horiatiki (Small) - $8: greek salad tossed with romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber, kalamata olives and feta cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Horiatiki (Large) - $11: greek salad tossed with romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber, kalamata olives and feta cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lamb Shawarma Salad - $20: baba’s salad topped with marinated and grilled lamb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salmon Shawarma Salad - $22: baba’s salad topped with marinated and grilled salmon Dietary tags: Mediterranean, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tabbouleh (Small) - $9: summer salad of cracked wheat, chopped parsley, tomato, cucumber and mint Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tabbouleh (Large) - $12: summer salad of cracked wheat, chopped parsley, tomato, cucumber and mint Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Sandwiches
- Beef Kufteh Sandwich - $12: pita bread, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and tahina sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Shawarma Sandwich - $11: pita bread, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and tahina sauce Dietary tags: Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Kufteh Sandwich - $11: pita bread, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and tahina sauce Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Shawarma Sandwich - $11: pita bread, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and tahina sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Falafel Sandwich - $10: pita bread, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and tahina sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich - $11: pita bread, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and tahina sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lamb Kufteh Sandwich - $12: pita bread, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and tahina sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lamb Shawarma Sandwich - $13: pita bread, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and tahina sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Roasted Leg of Lamb Sandwich - $12: pita bread, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and tahina sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salmon Shawarma Sandwich - $13: pita bread, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and tahina sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sautéed Vegetable Sandwich - $12: pita bread, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and tahina sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Burgers
- Chicken Burger - $17: lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese in a warm bun with baba fries Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hamburger - $18: lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese in a warm bun with baba fries Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lamb Burger - $20: lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese in a warm bun with baba fries Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
Shawarma Plates
- Beef Shawarma Plate - $20: thinly sliced beef marinated in baba’s sauce then grilled, served on rice with hummus and Baba’s Salad Dietary tags: Mediterranean Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Shawarma Plate - $17: shredded chicken marinated in baba’s sauce then grilled, served on rice with hummus and Baba’s Salad Dietary tags: Halal, Mediterranean Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lamb Shawarma Plate - $21: thinly sliced lamb marinated in baba’s sauce then grilled, served on rice with hummus and Baba’s Salad Dietary tags: Mediterranean Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salmon Shawarma Plate - $23: thinly sliced salmon marinated in lemon juice sautéed with caramelized onion, served on rice with hummus and Baba’s Salad Dietary tags: Mediterranean, Juice-Cleanse Available at: dinner, lunch
House Specialties
- Falafel Plate - $16: vegetarian chickpea croquettes served with tahina, tabbouleh, hummus, and baba’s salad Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Chicken Breast - $23: marinated in freshly squeezed lemon juice and served with tabbouleh, hummus, baba ghanoush and vegetables Dietary tags: Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Juice-Cleanse Available at: dinner, lunch
- Oven Roasted Chicken (Half) - $16: chicken basted with garlic and herbs, served with rice, sautéed vegetables, and a Baba’s Salad Available at: dinner, lunch
- Oven Roasted Chicken (Whole) - $18: chicken basted with garlic and herbs, served with rice, sautéed vegetables, and a Baba’s Salad Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lamb Curry - $20: sautéed onion and bell pepper served in creamy garlic curry with leg of lamb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Roasted Chicken Curry - $22: sautéed onion and bell pepper served in curry with roasted chicken Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo Available at: dinner, lunch
- Roasted Shrimp Curry - $32: sautéed onion and bell pepper served in coconut curry with roasted shrimp Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Scampi - $32: shrimp sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with lemon juice, garlic, and capers Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Juice-Cleanse Available at: dinner, lunch
- Stuffed Filet of Salmon - $32: salmon stuffed and grilled with a blend of garlic, parsley and mediterranean spices in lemon juice and olive oil Dietary tags: Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Juice-Cleanse, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tilapia Plate - $18: marinated in extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, then grilled Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Juice-Cleanse, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Veggie Curry - $20: sautéed onion and bell pepper served in creamy coconut curry with veggies Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Kufteh Plates
- Beef Kufteh - $17: seasoned meat ground and blended with mediterranean spices then broiled, served with rice, sautéed vegetables and a Baba’s Salad Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Kufteh - $16: seasoned meat ground and blended with mediterranean spices then broiled, served with rice, sautéed vegetables and a Baba’s Salad Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lamb Kufteh - $19: seasoned meat ground and blended with mediterranean spices then broiled, served with rice, sautéed vegetables and a Baba’s Salad Available at: dinner, lunch
Kebab Plates
- Beef Kebab - $19: cubes of beef marinated in baba’s sauce then grilled on a skewer Dietary tags: High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Breast Kebab - $18: marinated in extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, then grilled Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal, Juice-Cleanse Available at: dinner, lunch
- Kebab Combo - $49: ground and cubed of beef, chicken, and lamb seasoned and grilled Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lamb Kebab - $28: cubes of seasoned lamb tenderloin grilled on a skewer Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salmon Kebab - $22: cubes of salmon seasoned then grilled on a skewer Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Kebab - $30: grilled shrimp marinated and seasoned in lemon juice Dietary tags: Juice-Cleanse Available at: dinner, lunch
Meals to Share
- Dinner for Two - $35: chicken or beef shawarma, served on a bed of rice with 4 falafels, baba’s salad and 2 pita breads Available at: dinner, lunch
- Family Combo for Four - $49: chicken or beef shawarma, served on a bed of rice with chicken kebab, 6 falafels, baba’s salad and 4 pita breads Available at: dinner, lunch
- Family Combo for Six - $110: beef or chicken shawarma, beef or chicken kufteh, rice, chicken kebab, whole oven-roasted chicken, 10 falafels, baba’s salad and 6 pita breads Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced Available at: dinner, lunch
- Family Combo for Eight - $130: beef or chicken shawarma, beef or chicken kufteh, rice, chicken kebab, whole oven-roasted chicken, 10 falafels, baba’s salad and 6 pita breads Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced Available at: dinner, lunch
Kid’s Menu
- Kid's Baba's Fries - $15: made from freshly sliced potatoes Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Kid’s Burger - $10: your choice of chicken or beef Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Kid’s Falafel Sandwich - $7: kids portioned falafel sandwich Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Kid’s Kebab - $8: your choice of chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, or shrimp (served with rice) Available at: dinner, lunch
- Kid’s Shawarma Sandwich - $7: your choice of chicken or beef Available at: dinner, lunch
Dessert
- Baklava - $4: layers of light flaky crusts baked with honey and walnuts Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Baklava Box - $20: an assortment of baklava treats Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Creamed Caramel - $8: a custard dessert with a layer of soft caramel on top Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Harisa - $3: a light and tasty honey coconut cake Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
Beverages
- Bottled Drinks - $3 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Fountain Drinks - $3 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Hot Chai & Milk - $7 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Hot Mint Tea - $5 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Immuni-Tea - $8: special herbal tea with ginger, lemon, and turmeric Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Turkish Coffee - $6
Frequently Asked Questions about Ali Baba's Cafe
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- This restaurant is unique for its welcoming communal atmosphere, attentive service, and diverse menu catering to over forty dietary preferences.
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include chicken, lamb, and salmon shawarma, beef shawarma plates, roasted shrimp curry, falafel croquettes, and hummus bi tahina.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- Ali Baba's Cafe offers a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere with a communal dining style, characterized by aromatic Middle Eastern scents and attentive service.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The extensive menu features diverse Middle Eastern dishes including shawarma, seafood, and numerous appetizers catering to over forty dietary preferences.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Ali Baba's Cafe offers a casual, communal dining experience featuring a warm atmosphere, attentive service, and moderately priced Middle Eastern cuisine.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Ali Baba's Cafe specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine, featuring traditional dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, and various shawarma specialties.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- Ali Baba's Cafe has a website at https://alibabascafe.com, though the provided data does not specify online ordering capabilities.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Diners rave about the welcoming ambiance, courteous service, and fresh salads, resulting in a positive 4.0/5 rating for consistent quality.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- With a 4.0/5 rating and moderate ($$) pricing, guests find good value in the consistent ingredient quality and reliable service.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Families are welcomed by attentive staff and a warm atmosphere, with reviewers frequently highlighting the restaurant as a top recommendation.
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