Aladdin's Eatery Squirrel Hill — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

I have eaten at this location twice--it's not the same standard or quality as the one in Fox Chapel or up on McKnight. On both occasions (one as a take-out and the other as an eat-in) my order was filled incorrectly. On both occasions I ordered their specialty lamb salad, which at other Aladdin locations is one of my favorite things on the menu. Despite having the same menu offerings--the service and food quality hasn't been the same. On my most recent visit, when I placed my order, I pointed to it on the menu and specifically requested that the lamb be medium rare. The falafel appetizer was fine. But, when my main dish was brought out, Instead of a salad, received a hot entree with meat that was so over-cooked it bordered on the consistency of shoe leather (okay, not that I've had experience chewing shoe leather!) I didn't want the food to go to waste so I requested a take-home container--pointing out that I had ordered their specialty salad. Perhaps I should have been a little more forthright about my hope and expectation that I'd still receive a salad. Nope. It took yet another 10 or so minutes to even get a container for said entree--not adjustment to the bill or even an apology for the mix-up. Ah well. So it goes. The service and food quality at both the Fox Chapel and McKnight locations is far superior to the Squirrel Hill location, with the added bonus of easy access and free parking (parking in Squirrel Hill is always a challenge). Case in point regarding the food quality/service differential, on one of the occasions I had lunch at the Fox Chapel location I told the waiter who had stopped by the table to see how everything was--that I genuinely loved the surprise of the pickled turnips in the salad and appreciated the tender, perfectly cooked lamb and would he compliment the chef on my behalf. Not too long after that, I received a complimentary little take-out container of those delectable turnips and some of the tasty chili oil as well. Thoughtful and attentive--unlike my "meh" recent experiences at Squirrel...

Aladdin's is a staple of the Squirrel Hill restaurant scene. It is moderately priced and accommodates of a wide range of dietary restrictions-- including but not restricted to vegan, keto, paleo, and gluten-free diets.

Usually when I am courting a new restaurant I'll shop around the menu for my first couple visits and then settle on one dish that will be my "go to" for future visits. I've been going to Aladdin's since I was 19 years old and I have yet to finish shopping around this menu. It boasts wraps, pita pizzas, salads, soups, and spreads. I try something new every other time I visit and I'm never disappointed. I would highly suggest getting a plate of hummus for the table because the smooth whip compliments just about everything. If you're a vegan looking for a very filling meal that wont break your wallet then you absolutely need to try the Mujadara Power Salad-- a hearty plant based dish that will make your head roll.

I'm a big fan of dining in at Aladdin's. The high ceiling decor is simple as well as comfortable. They also offer a nice out door seating area during the summer months which is stationed adjacent to the sidewalk. This little patio is a great way to run into familiar Squirrel Hill friends on a sunny day. This all being said, Aladdin's is also a great take out option because food packages and transports easily without compromising the presentation. This past Sunday I stopped in on a whim to grab an order of hummus & pita. The place was crowded with a dinner rush, but it still only took them about five minutes to complete my order.

Very happy to suggest one of my favorite restaurants to anyone that might be reading this. The menu is vibrant and accessible. It's a great place for dates or catching up with friends. I'm sure you'll have a...

I had the most bizarre experience today. I ordered a salad that I’ve ordered many times before for take out, which always comes with dressing on the side. When I got home, I realized they forgot the dressing. No big deal, I live close by.

I went back and politely asked for the dressing, only for the hostess to tell me that it should’ve been “mixed in the salad” but that she could “get me a few side dressings.” I said sure, that would be nice, and apologized for the misunderstanding. Except, she rang up the dressing, so I said never mind and just decided to go check the salads in the car. There was absolutely no dressing; it was completely dry. (The dressing has never come pre-mixed anyway in my 10+ experiences).

So I took the salad in to show the hostess and instead of realizing her fault, she decided to continue on about how it’s usually mixed in. I’m not sure if she was new or what, but that was the weirdest customer service experience I ever had. I was made to feel like I was being unreasonable for wanting dressing that I paid for and I can’t believe she was so defensive over a minor thing. Especially when I was the one who had...