Baladi Restaurant & Bakery — Restaurant in Cincinnati

Walking into Baladi Restaurant & Bakery felt like stepping into a cozy yet vibrant corner of the Middle East. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a decor that tastefully combined traditional elements and modern touches. The restaurant was spotlessly clean, from the tables to the floors, and even the open kitchen area, which gave me a sense of confidence in their hygiene standards. It was clear that they take pride in maintaining a pristine environment.

The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive. From the moment I entered, I was greeted with a smile and guided to my table. The servers were knowledgeable about the menu and offered helpful recommendations, especially for someone like me who was eager to explore Middle Eastern cuisine. The service was prompt, and the food arrived quickly without sacrificing quality. Throughout the meal, the staff checked in to ensure everything was perfect, which added a personal and welcoming touch to the experience.

The food was the star of the show. I started with classic mezze like hummus and tabbouleh, both of which were fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. For the main course, I opted for the shish kebab and lahmajun. The kebab was tender, perfectly marinated, and grilled to perfection, while the lahmajun had a thin, crispy crust with a rich and savory topping. The freshly baked pita and lavash bread served on the side were the perfect complement to the meal. For dessert, I tried the kunafa, and it was a revelation—the gooey cheese and sweet syrup were perfectly balanced, making it an unforgettable treat. I also enjoyed a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, which was refreshing and paired wonderfully with the meal.

In terms of value, Baladi Restaurant & Bakery offers generous portions and high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices. The combination of delicious food, attentive service, and a clean, welcoming atmosphere makes it a standout dining experience.

Overall, my visit to Baladi Restaurant & Bakery was a delightful journey through Middle Eastern flavors. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the cuisine or a curious first-timer, this restaurant is a must-visit. I left already planning my next visit to try more of their...

My friend and I got very sick (food poisoning) for an entire week after eating their food. We both had the same symptoms and this was the only place we were together. We had pita chips and hummus with gyro meat added. Unfortunately, that meat was not cooked. We didn't notice until a few bites in. I think this may be the root of our sickness/salmonella, but I'm not sure. There was a major gyro recall recently. We loved the grape leaves - probably the BEST I've ever had. The chicken shwarma was decent. The decor/atmosphere in-person was not as fancy as the pictures. The lack of music for most of our meal was not good. The owner's child was walking around the tables and, unfortunately, seemed sick - though our sick symptoms were different than the child's. The young waiter/cook was the only worker that day. He didn't check on us after serving the food and was busy filling orders. Most things went wrong in our experience. I just hope others do not get sick - please check that the...

This is a wonderful Syrian restaurant, the bread is freshly made along with other baked goods by the owner. I do not like the gyro meat, but the chicken shawarma is excellent, the lamb kebabs are excellent, the various cheese bread and other baked dishes are amazing. The deserts are scrumptious, and the owner bis friendly.

However the restaurant has odd hours, at least to me. I'm a traveler and I've passed through this town multiple times I like to be able to dependably go to places I've eaten at before and enjoyed. The place would be so much better if the owner had more expanded hours. Also the long-time waitresses I remembered from my last visit no longer work there, and it's more of a self-serve type of model now. Don't let my gripes seem off-putting though. This is absolutely a place worth going to, if you should happen to pass through Cincinnati Ohio on business or pleasure definitely try to stop by, just make sure you hit it during...