1246 Stanley Street
Price range: inexpensive to moderate
Food: Good
Service: Good
Decor: Good
This is an interesting restaurant with very authentic Middle Eastern food. The front room is well lit and dominated by the bar while the back room has more atmosphere and is very lively. It is decorated in gaudy Bedouin fashion with Persian carpets and hammered metal ornaments. Brass filagree lamps shed soft lighting. There is continuous entertainment with traditional singers, an Arabian style dance band, and accomplished belly dancers. The menu offers a long list of Eastern favorites from Shish Kebab to Felafel. Generally the food is well prepared in the typical Mid-East manner although some Canadian and French dishes have been added as an afterthought. The “Very Special Dishes,” Cous-cous and Kat Kout (grilled or stuffed chicken), are available with a four person minimum when ordered in advance. Appetizers are all strongly seasoned purees and include tahina (sesame paste), Baba Ghanouch (an eggplant base), and Hommos Bi Tahina (mashed chickpeas).They are served with fresh pita bread. The Lebanese salad combines a tangy mixture of cucumbers, onions, yogourt, and spices. The stuffed vine leaves are very good as is the substantial portion of Felafel. A delicious Arab Baklava is served for dessert. The choice of mint tea or Turkish Coffee completes the Eastern tradition. Service is smooth.
A la carte main dishes at lunch and dinner from $3 to $7; businessmen’s lunch $2.95. Open six days a week; 11:30 a.m. to midnight Mon. thru Thurs., 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fri., 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sat. Closed Sundays, New Year’s Day, Easter Monday and Christmas Day. Reservations advisable, necessary on weekends, jacket required evenings. Entertainment nightly on weekends. Can accommodate groups up to 75; group lunches $3 to $5, dinners $5 to $8. Fully licensed. Honors AE, CX, DC, MC.
Notes for 2010 Readers
This restaurant, reviewed in 1976, no longer exists. Currently, the address is occupied by Chez Lien Plus. There are two restaurants with the name “Ali Baba” at different locations: The Couscoussière D’Ali Baba on Amherst, and Grillade Ali Baba on Mackay. It is not clear if one or either of these are related to the original restaurant; if anyone has any information or updates, please share them in the comments.
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