Ali Baba Mid Eastern Restaurant — Restaurant in Newark

I've been going here for years. The eating experience hasn't changed too much. The service is okay but friendly. They're certainly improved the quality of service since they first opened. As I recall the owners are Lebanese. Another review said there was new management now, but I usually see the same people.

I would say the food is made in a very Lebanese/Palestinian style and dishes from that region seem to be where this place really shines. That opinion is based on the food I grew up eating with my family and the food I've eaten at other Middle Eastern restaurants (Turkish, Moroccan, Syrian, Egyptian, etc). I can imagine that if you grew up eating food from elsewhere in the Middle East this might not be what you expected.

The hummus is probably my favorite on Main St (there are a lot of poor imitations of hummus in Newark). Honestly, it's the only place on Main St I'll eat hummus now.

Years ago they started serving hookahs on the front patio. I suspect many reviews you see are more related to that then the food. I'm not an avid hookah smoker but have met old college buddies for a hookah a few times over the years. Was always a fine hookah experience for us, but likely not as authentic as a hookah bar in Beirut. Then again hookah bars in Delaware are few and far between.

I'd probably only give the place 4 stars, just because it isn't quite fine dining. But the guys who run the place are always super friendly and I never found anywhere else near Newark to get good food like my momma made it. It's a...

Asalam Alicom all ya out there,,, To be fair, I travel a lot inside n outside the U.S, so I get to see a lot n my standards are high. Quick points about the restaurant: 1-The hookah is really so bad, and the hoses r not clean, it gives me head pain. Carved Apple with the flavor in it should be used as bowl instead of Orange and the charcoal should be the Kokonara type which contains less CO2 instead of the fast burning round ones the guys use. Most importantly each hookah has to be cleaned daily n hoses should be cleaned after every customer. High standards restaurants offer $2 New bagged hoses. Buy ur own hookah if u want to save paying $20 n get the hoses that is made from plastic from I side so when u wash it ,it won't get corroded like steel. 2-Most of the food is good(3 out of 5)like hummus, Taboolah is good, Turkish coffee also. 3-100% the meat is not Halal as they told me. The supply truck company logo for the meat speaks for it self that it's not Halal when some research is done.Halal meat would cost more since it is healthy. So a restaurant that offer hookah (NO healthy)doesn't fit with offring halal food, logicaly nor mathematicly,lol. 4- the decoration inside is beautiful . Should u go there ,I would recommend going there around 5 p.m on the outside tables n take a Turkish coffee with dessert. 5- the stuff is friendly n active when they r not over loaded like in weekend nights Oh, I broke my fingers from...

Ali Baba is a true hidden gem in Newark, offering authentic Middle Eastern food in a cozy, no-frills setting. The décor is simple but warm, with traditional music playing softly in the background and a welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a family kitchen than a restaurant. The menu covers a broad range of Lebanese and Mediterranean favorites—hummus, falafel, shawarma, kebabs, grape leaves, and more. I started with the mezze sampler, which came with creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, crispy falafel, and warm pita bread. Every component tasted freshly made. The falafel was perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. For my entrée, I had the chicken shawarma platter, which included marinated grilled chicken, rice, salad, and garlic sauce. The chicken was juicy and well-seasoned, and the garlic sauce added an extra punch that was addictive. Portions are generous and pricing is very fair, especially considering the quality and freshness. The staff is polite and knowledgeable, happy to explain dishes if you’re unfamiliar. Service is unhurried but personal—it’s a place to sit and enjoy, not rush through. Ali Baba is a great option whether you're looking for a vegetarian-friendly meal or a protein-packed feast. Highly recommended for anyone craving hearty, flavorful food...