This has to be when reviews do not do justice, or maybe the restaurant doesn't live up to them. Either way, this was a special family dinner with religious celebration and this restaurant put a damper on it. So, we had reservations with email confirmation for a dinner party of 5 at 7:30 pm, but we were told there is no reservation, after telling them the name of the person and mentioning the email the hostess said ok, then things went downhill. The hostess started being exceptionally rude, she started arguing with the bus boys out loud to put the tables together for our party, we sat next to which we assumed were the owners of place because the husband and wife were doing the business bills and we can sense the TENSION at that table. Once seated we had to ask for table placements at least twice and the third time to get a napkin. After we placed our order, the hostess returned and said, "we don't have filet mignon, order something else," verbatim. After getting the meal which was over priced, we wanted sparkling water but instead got water that was caffeinated and without warning it was poured out in our glasses, we tried to make an effort to explain about that we do not want caffeine with no avail, so we just asked for plain tap water. After we finished our mediocre meal we asked for a dessert menu, we waited a while to get them and once we ordered items from it right away our hostess told my wife we don't have it, "get this one," she said ok and asked for some cappuccino, "we don't have milk," at 7:30ish they were out of filet mignon and 8:45 PM they were out of milk, IN MANHATTAN!!! Please save your money and look for other places with great Turkish and Mediterranean food with a much...
   Read moreA memorable evening with exceptional service. Last night, my dining experience at Ali Baba, a Turkish Mediterranean gem in Manhattan, left me thoroughly impressed. Despite a minor hiccup with our reservation, which was inadvertently given to another party, the staff handled the situation with utmost professionalism and grace.
Upon realizing the mistake, they politely addressed the issue, ensuring we were seated comfortably. This initial mix-up could have marred our evening, but it was their exceptional service and sincere apologies that set the tone for what was to become a delightful dining experience.
The ambiance of the restaurant was inviting, perfectly capturing the essence of Mediterranean charm. As for the food, it was nothing short of spectacular. Each dish was a testament to authentic Turkish flavors, prepared with care and presented beautifully.
The staff, attentive and knowledgeable, made sure our every need was met. They went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, turning a small oversight into an opportunity to showcase their commitment to customer satisfaction.
I understand that a previous review highlighted the reservation issue, but I firmly believe that the way the staff rectified the situation deserves recognition. Itâs rare to find a restaurant that not only serves excellent food but also prioritizes the customer experience to this extent.
In conclusion, Ali Baba is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Turkish Mediterranean cuisine in Manhattan. Their ability to turn a mishap into a positive experience is commendable, and itâs this level of service that will keep me coming back. Highly...
   Read moreAli Baba Mediterranean and Turkish Cuisine: The Best Turkish Restaurant in NYC
If youâre looking for authentic Turkish cuisine in New York City, Ali Baba Mediterranean and Turkish Cuisine is an absolute must-try. Often hailed as the best Turkish restaurant in NYC, Ali Baba brings the true flavors of Turkey to the city with dishes that are both traditional and memorable.
From the moment you step inside, youâre treated like family, and the warm, inviting ambiance makes it perfect for any occasion. The food is incredibleârich with the flavors and spices of the Mediterranean. Their mezze platter is ideal for sharing, featuring creamy hummus, smoky baba ganoush, and stuffed grape leaves that are truly exceptional. The kebabs, especially the Adana and lamb varieties, are tender, juicy, and full of authentic spice blends that transport you straight to Turkey.
For vegetarians, options like the stuffed eggplant and moussaka are prepared with the same attention to detail, each bite bursting with flavor. And no Turkish meal would be complete without Ali Babaâs heavenly baklava, delicately layered and perfectly sweetened.
Whether youâre a longtime fan of Turkish food or a newcomer to the cuisine, Ali Baba Mediterranean and Turkish Cuisine is a place youâll want to return to time and time again. Itâs truly a hidden gem and comes highly recommended for anyone wanting the best Turkish dining experience NYC has to offer. If youâre in the city,...
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