Falafel is king at this casual, dirt-cheap eatery in the Lower Haight.

by Gina Goff

In Short
A well-worn yet comfy decor with dim lighting and a cozy back room lined with floor pillows creates an Arabian feel at this quasi-Mediterranean restaurant. Patrons line up at the counter to place orders for meat and vegetarian shish kebobs, lamb and turkey shawarmas and the signature spicy falafel wraps, which are big enough to share. Lighter bites include inventive salads topped with ingredients like garbanzo beans, couscous and sprigs of mint and appetizers such as deep-fried eggplant.

12/19/06

Delicious, no-frills food

by blkestin

If you are looking for a tasty, cheap, quick lunch or dinner, I highly recommend Ali Baba's. Their falafel is, hands-down, the best I've ever had - crunchy, crispy on the outside, very flavorful, and not at all soggy. Their salads and spreads are all great as well. I like to get the mixed appetizer plate, where you can choose any 3 items from the appetizer menu. The portions are very plentiful, especially considering the prices. It's not fancy or pretty, but you cannot go wrong with Ali Baba's if you are just looking for high quality, very dependly good food.

• Pros: Awesome food at amazing prices

10/12/06

Best falafals - hands down

by rakeshtondon

The falafals are soo good - tasty, fresh and flavorful. The hot sauce adds that extra oomph - definitely try it next time you go to Ali Baba. The bakhlavas are good too, but I wouldn't recommend eating them cold. Have them heat it - you'd be glad that you did.

07/16/03

Tasty and cheap

by maggiemookie

Once you try the falafel sandwich (which is really a wrap), you'll be hooked. Enormous portions, perfect for sharing.

01/12/03

Great Food

by lord_humongous

The food is great and you get A LOT. Great value and friendly employees.

• Pros: inexpensive, great food
• Cons: no parking

10/19/02

Great Little Stop in the Haight

by Angela_Olive

I love this restaurant. Everyting is cheap, fresh, and very good. Try the vegetarian shish-kababs. Can't go wrong here.