Ali Baba NYC Review: The Best Lamb Kebab I've Tried in New York?
Quick Summary
During Ramadan, I decided to break my fast at Ali Baba Mediterranean Cuisine, a Turkish restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. I've tried quite a few Turkish and Middle Eastern spots across New York City, but this dinner turned out to be one of my favorites.
I ordered a Mixed Mezze Platter, Lamb Adana Kebab, and Turkish Kunefe for dessert. Everything was delicious, but the Lamb Adana was the absolute highlight—honestly the best kebab I've had in New York City so far. Combined with a generous mezze platter, warm service, and a modern, fine-dining-style atmosphere, it was well worth the $76.64 bill.
Overall Rating: 9.4/10
Food: 9.6/10 | Service: 9.5/10 | Atmosphere: 9.4/10 | Value: 8.8/10
Price: Expensive ($$$)
My Favorites: Lamb Adana Kebab, Mixed Mezze Platter & Turkish Kunefe
Best For: Couples, date nights, special occasions, iftar dinners, and group gatherings
Good to Know
📍 Address: 224 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022
🍽️ Cuisine: Turkish / Mediterranean (Halal)
💵 My Total Spent: $76.64 (excluding tip)
🚇 Subway: E train to Lexington Ave–53rd St (~2-minute walk) or 4/5/6 to 51st St (~5-minute walk)
🅿️ Parking: Street parking available along E 53rd St
⭐ Don't Miss: Lamb Adana Kebab & Mixed Mezze Platter
Watch My Experience
Jump to:
- Quick Summary
- Good to Know
- Watch My Experience
- Why I Chose Ali Baba for My Ramadan Iftar
- Atmosphere: Cozy, Modern, and Romantic
- Service: Friendly and Professional
- Location & How to Get There
- What I Ate at Ali Baba
- Price & Value — Was Ali Baba Worth $76.64?
- What I Think & Would I Return?
- Final Verdict: Is Ali Baba NYC Worth Visiting?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ali Baba NYC
- Ali Baba Restaurant Information
Why I Chose Ali Baba for My Ramadan Iftar
During Ramadan, I enjoy visiting restaurants where I can sit down, relax, and have a proper dinner after fasting throughout the day. This time, I was craving authentic Turkish food.
I've eaten at several Turkish spots before—including NAR Restaurant in Midtown—and I enjoy comparing restaurants that serve similar cuisines. Ali Baba caught my attention because of its extensive menu and upscale dining setting.
For this visit, I wanted to try Ali Baba's signature kebab and traditional appetizers. I ended up ordering more than enough food for one person, but I was glad I did.
Atmosphere: Cozy, Modern, and Romantic
One thing I immediately liked about Ali Baba was the interior design. Unlike some Turkish restaurants that focus on traditional decor, Ali Baba offers a modern, fine-dining feel with crisp white tablecloths, dark upholstered chairs, warm ambient lighting, exposed brick walls, and colorful ceiling lanterns.
During my visit, someone was setting up audio equipment for live music, which added to the evening's charm. The setup reminded me of other elevated dining spots I've visited, such as Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar in Manhattan. It works well for romantic dates, family dinners, or special occasions like an iftar gathering.
Service: Friendly and Professional
The service was another highlight of my dinner. The staff were welcoming, attentive, and professional throughout the meal.
When dining at a restaurant with higher prices, good service makes a huge difference. I wanted to enjoy my iftar at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed, and the staff made sure I had a great experience.
- Getting a table: Seated promptly upon arrival.
- Table service: Attentive, courteous, and well-timed.
Location & How to Get There
Ali Baba is located at 224 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, in Midtown East, Manhattan.
Getting here by subway is very convenient:
- E Train: Exit at Lexington Avenue–53rd Street station (~2-minute walk).
- 4, 5, or 6 Train: Exit at 51st Street station (~5-minute walk).
- F Train: Exit at Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station (~15-minute walk).
The E train is easily the most direct option since the station exit drops you just steps away on 53rd Street.
What I Ate at Ali Baba
Complimentary Turkish Bread with Butter
Before my ordered dishes arrived, the server brought out a basket of warm, sliced Turkish bread topped with sesame seeds, accompanied by a scoop of soft butter. The bread was soft inside with a nice crust—a simple but very welcome start after a day of fasting.
Mixed Mezze Platter — Generous and Delicious
- Price: $25.00
For my appetizer, I ordered the Mixed Mezze Platter, which came on a large divided tray featuring five different Turkish and Mediterranean dips:
- Haydari: Thick yogurt dip seasoned with garlic and herbs.
- Muhammara: Roasted red pepper dip prepared with walnuts and spices.
- Hummus: Creamy chickpea and tahini spread (centered).
- Stuffed Eggplant: Eggplant filled with savory seasoned vegetables.
- Baba Ghanoush: Smoky roasted eggplant dip.
Having previously sampled Middle Eastern dip platters at spots like El Toum in Jackson Heights, I really appreciated the variety here. The portion was huge and could easily be shared between two or three people.
Lamb Adana Kebab — The Best Kebab I've Had in NYC
- Price: $29.00
For my main course, I ordered the Lamb Adana Kebab, which ended up being the highlight of my entire dinner.
The dish features two long skewers of hand-minced, seasoned lamb grilled over charcoal, served alongside fluffly rice, fresh Turkish salad, and grilled peppers and tomatoes. The lamb was incredibly juicy, perfectly spiced, and full of smoky flavor.
I've eaten kebabs across many NYC spots, but this one stood out above the rest. Honestly, it was the best kebab I've eaten in New York City so far. At $29, it isn't cheap, but the quality and taste fully justify the price.
Turkish Kunefe — A Sweet Ending to My Iftar Dinner
- Price: $11.00
For dessert, I ordered the Turkish Kunefe, made with crisp, shredded phyllo dough encasing warm cheese, soaked in sweet syrup, and covered in crushed pistachios.
Cutting into it revealed a great cheese stretch beneath the crispy pastry. Having previously loved the Kunafa at Ayat in Astoria, it was great to try Ali Baba's Turkish take. It was sweet, warm, and a satisfying way to close out my iftar meal.
Price & Value — Was Ali Baba Worth $76.64?
Here is the price breakdown of what I ordered:
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Mixed Mezze Platter | $25.00 |
| Lamb Adana Kebab | $29.00 |
| Turkish Kunefe | $11.00 |
| Food Subtotal | $65.00 |
| Final Bill | $76.64 (excluding tip) |
The $11.64 difference above the food subtotal accounts for NYC sales tax and standard dining charges. While $76+ for one person is on the higher side, the generous portions, top-tier food quality, and professional service made it worth every dollar for a special dinner.
What I Think & Would I Return?
I had a wonderful experience at Ali Baba. The Mixed Mezze Platter provided a fantastic range of flavors, and the Turkish Kunefe was a sweet finish. But the Lamb Adana Kebab was the clear star of the night—juicy, perfectly seasoned, and unmatched in flavor.
The refined interior, candlelight, and hospitable staff created an inviting setting for breaking fast.
Would I return? Definitely. On my next visit, I plan to try the Lamb Shank or Lahmacun (traditional Turkish flatbread topped with minced meat).
Final Verdict: Is Ali Baba NYC Worth Visiting?
If you are looking for an exceptional Turkish dining experience in Midtown Manhattan, Ali Baba is well worth visiting.
The Lamb Adana Kebab alone makes the trip worthwhile. Combined with generous mezze, delicious desserts, and an elegant setting, it is one of the top Mediterranean spots in the neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ali Baba NYC
Is Ali Baba in Manhattan worth visiting?
Yes! The food quality—especially the Lamb Adana Kebab—along with attentive service and a modern atmosphere, makes it one of the best Turkish dining experiences in Midtown.
What should I order at Ali Baba?
The Lamb Adana Kebab is an absolute must-order. I also recommend starting with the Mixed Mezze Platter and ending with the Turkish Kunefe.
How expensive is Ali Baba NYC?
My food subtotal came to $65, and my final bill was $76.64 before tip for three courses. Appetizers run around $15–$25, mains range from $25–$40, and desserts are around $11.
Is Ali Baba halal?
Yes, Ali Baba serves 100% halal meat.
Does Ali Baba accept reservations?
Yes, reservations can be booked online in advance.
How do I get to Ali Baba in Midtown Manhattan?
Take the E train to Lexington Avenue–53rd Street Station; the restaurant is a 2-minute walk away.
Ali Baba Restaurant Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Ali Baba Mediterranean Cuisine |
| Address | 224 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022 |
| Phone | (212) 888-8622 |
| Website | alibabanyc.com |
| Cuisine | Turkish / Mediterranean (Halal) |
| Neighborhood | Midtown East, Manhattan |
| Price | Expensive ($$$) |
| My Total Bill | $76.64 before tip |
| Favorite Dish | Lamb Adana Kebab |
| Other Favorites | Mixed Mezze Platter & Turkish Kunefe |
| Portions | Generous (especially the mezze platter) |
| Atmosphere | Modern, warm, cozy, romantic |
| Service | Friendly, professional, attentive |
| Halal | Yes |
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Subway | E to Lexington Ave–53rd St; 4/5/6 to 51st St |
| Would I Return? | Yes |
| Next Dishes to Try | Lamb Shank & Lahmacun |
| Overall Rating | 9.4/10 |
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