Aladdin — Restaurant in Manchester

I don't like leaving bad reviews but this was bad. My son called ahead and booked our table (he has a clearly Muslim name btw). Immediately on entering we didn't feel welcome and I guess we were not the usual clientele. We were placed upstairs although downstairs was quite empty. The starter of hummus came quickly (bread was hard and cold) then there was a long wait for mains . Just before we got the mains a group of maybe 12 rowdy men came in and were seated directly next to us - with enough alcohol/beer to open a pub. They actually had to stand for a while to get it all on the table. We were surprised tbh and would not have gone if we knew this would happen. We felt very uncomfortable. Fortunately the mains were so extremely tiny we were able to eat them within minutes and get out very quickly before they got even louder. The chicken kebab was a few dry bits of chicken on a small saucer. No salad or garnish at all. I would give a bigger portion to a 7 year old . The Maqlubeh was also surprisingly small. We also ordered a yoghurt dip which was definitely needed with the dry chicken. Overall the meal was just over £40. Felt rushed, robbed and...

I have visited this family local restaurant for the past 25 years with many many friends even from overseas and most of my family. Everyone has been delighted. I have been lucky to have dined in many fine places but very few can match the welcome, service and consistency of their food. They are exceptionally friendly, helpful and obliging people. The food is always fresh , tasty and beautifully presented. The decor is warm and modest but very comfortable. I think that it is always best to book as this is a very popular spot which has expanded and evolved over the years. BYO keeps the costs down but for a feast expect to pay £25 a head. I am surprised to read reveiws of people waiting to be seated but I have a feeling that the staff really don't want to turn people away and really do want to help and assist. I write this first reveiw on a restaurant because simply it is my son and I's favourite local spot and you will always be guarenteed of a fabulous evening....

Honestly unbelievable place, especially given we were able to walk in on Saturday night. Warm, friendly, helpful staff and amazing service. Open kitchen downstairs with some seating and more tables upstairs. Great value veggie mezze. Each dish £5-£6.50 with 2 per person being more than enough with a pitta each. We had a few leftovers between which they were more than happy to package up for us. BYOB so if you drink it’s an especially great value meal. The quality of the dishes is superb. Not an expert in Syrian cuisine but, beautiful fresh flavours. Even as a veggie I was tempted by the meat. This place deserves to be popping! I hope next time we go we have to book (not that that will be too far...