Aladdin's Café — Restaurant in Casselberry

Amazing authentic Lebanese food. Stopped by on a Thur nite and very surprised to see it empty. Was recommended by a co-worker who was half-Lebanese. Food was so delicious! Ingredients were fresh and high quality - no gristle in any of my meat dishes. Had baba ghanouj, grape leaves, shish tawook to start. Baba was smooth, creamy, well-blended with a hint of smoky flavor but not overpowering. The olive oil mixed with it was so good - best way to describe was a clean flavor without leaving any greasy residue. Of course it was imported from a Mediterranean Arabic country, hence the flavor - Hassan the owner said from Morocco or Syria. Grape leaves had vegetarian option so I chose meat! Very tasty, not oily. Shish tawook (chicken kabob) had a nice grilled flavor, nicely tender and marinated. I like the Persian version (shish tavook) a little bit better because it is a little juicier, but the Lebanese was not dried at all - slightly different flavor and definitely warrants a reorder on return visit - and I tend not to order chicken dishes so that says something!

Fried kibbi was very good - least favorite but I would reorder again, yes. Crunchy outside, tasty, soft/crumbly inside, meat minced well and not gamey. Makanek was very delicious even though drenched in oil. The sausage had a robust flavor that was not gamey (I love lamb), and stood up well in oil. Very savory but lean flavor - some sausages taste savory due in part to fatty content, but not this one.

Baklava was excellent in the tradition of other Arabic cuisines - tend to be drier vs Greek which is wet. Not to the extremely dry end which tends to be very flaky and crumbles. Just wet enough to notice the honey, and no syrupy or cloying sweetness. Would describe the sweetness as not overpowering, even a little subtle, dissolves almost like a powder even though no sugar dust.

The owner told me 30 year history of establishment, and how it has been a favorite of foreign dignitaries when they travel to FL. I can see why. Reminds me of an Afghan restaurant in upper East side of Manhattan that had same claim (Pamir). And yes, prices reasonable. Forgot to mention the nice service by owner and the refreshing hot green tea (Moroccan with mint). Mint nicely soothes the entire GI tract, but be wary if you have GERD, not to lay down for at least 2 hrs after (if you have average gastric emptying time) - the tea is soothing but not sleep inducing, so you...

An Enchanting Culinary Journey - A Must-Visit Lebanese Gem!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Alaadin’s Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Casselberry Fl. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew this was going to be a delightful experience.

The restaurant's ambiance exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by the soulful tunes of traditional Lebanese music that added a touch of authenticity to the entire dining experience.

Now, let's talk about the food! The hummus at Alaadin Restaurant is unlike anything I've ever tasted before. Made from scratch, it boasts a velvety smooth texture and an explosion of flavors that make it simply irresistible. One bite, and you'll understand why this hummus deserves all the rave reviews it receives.

As for the fattoush, it was like a nostalgic trip back to my grandmother's kitchen. The freshness of the vegetables and the tangy dressing blended in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of tastes that danced on my taste buds.

The attention to detail in every dish was truly commendable, reflecting the care and love put into each creation. It's evident that the chefs at Alaadin Restaurant take immense pride in preserving the authenticity of Lebanese cuisine.

To top it all off, the service was impeccable. The staff was courteous, knowledgeable, and ever so eager to ensure that our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional.

If you're a fan of Lebanese cuisine or simply looking to explore new culinary delights, Alaadin Restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Whether you're seeking a cozy spot for a date night or a gathering with friends and family, this restaurant offers an enchanting journey through the vibrant flavors of Lebanon.

I can't wait to return and indulge in the memorable experience that is at...

Delish! This was my second time here, as the food was so fresh, homemade, and delicious the first time. I wanted to return with others to share that experience again with me.

Initially, the owner himself greets you with a smile and graciously serves you at the table .

Although a vegetarian-type, I saw that the menu presented with many middle eastern meat dishes. Yet, there was no difficulty seeking out several non-meat dishes as well. We ordered stuffed grape leaves as an appetizer...tender leaves, good flavor. The order served two per person.

For my main course, I chose the Vegetarian Combination as my favorite. The dish was enough for two! Two falafels ... mildly crispy on the outside and slightly spongy, not overly dry nor oily, on the inside. Tabouli, served on a large leaf lettuce, was quite refreshing with a hint of lemon and not over-burdened with bulgar wheat. Hummus was yummy creamy. Baba Ganouj was creamy, yet not overwhelmed with any strong eggplant flavor, and delish! And a choice of one spinach pie or one stuffed grape leaves roll... the pie had a flaky crust filled with fresh, creamy spinach, made daily as well. Each food item was fresh-tasting with just the right amount of flavors to not be over powering. The dish as a whole was excellent.

Even the mint tea was presented with whole, fresh leaves steeping in the tea pots.

My adult daughters are picky about, yet love, Middle Eastern-Mediterranean cuisine. Both of them stated this place...