Ali Baba is a highly-rated and beloved establishment in Troy, New York, celebrated for its authentic and creative take on Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine.
Here is a detailed look at what makes this Troy favorite unique, its history, customer feedback, and essential information.
What Makes Ali Baba Unique
Ali Baba distinguishes itself by offering classic Mediterranean fare—such as kebabs and hummus—while also integrating unique dishes with a twist, all served in a casual, compact, and cozy setting.
- Mediterranean with a Twist: While the core menu is authentic Mediterranean and Turkish, they are particularly known for their specialty pizzas, which infuse Mediterranean ingredients and flavors. Unique offerings include the Doner Kabob (Gyro) Pizza and the Chicken Curry Pizza.
- Wood-Fired Oven Dishes: The restaurant utilizes a wood-fired oven to prepare dishes like various Pides and Guvech (casserole stews), adding an authentic, smoky depth of flavor that customers highly appreciate.
- The Signature Sauce: Mentioned repeatedly in reviews, the restaurant’s homemade Yogurt Sauce is described as “addicting” and is a non-negotiable accompaniment to many of their dishes, especially the Lavash Bread.
History and Significant Events
Ali Baba has been a long-standing fixture in the Capital District’s culinary scene.
- Opening: The restaurant has been bringing authentic Mediterranean cuisine to the Troy area since 2001.
- Recognition: A notable event in the restaurant’s history is its selection for “Best Albany Restaurants” by urbanspoon.com in March 2013, signaling its excellence and popularity within the broader Capital Region.
Highlight Menu Items and Customer Feedback
Ali Baba boasts an exceptional 4.7-star rating and is a local favorite, known for its flavorful food and strong focus on quality.
Recommended Dishes
Reviewers consistently praise the following items:
| Dish | Description & Customer Praise |
| Iskender Kebab | Description: Sliced Doner Beef and/or Lamb with sliced bread, topped with Ali Baba’s white sauce and a flavorful tomato sauce. |
| Praise: “I had the pleasure of trying their Iskender Kebab, and it was absolutely delicious—thinly sliced beef and lamb with a perfect balance of spices, served with a flavorful tomato and yogurt sauce.” The Curry Iskender variation is also a favorite. | |
| Lavash Bread | Description: Fresh oven-baked bread, often ordered to accompany various dips and sauces. |
| Praise: “The bread makes a perfect dipping receptacle,” especially for the “addicting” yogurt sauce. | |
| Pide and Pizzas | Description: Unique gourmet pizzas and Turkish flatbreads (Pide) cooked in a wood-fired oven. |
| Praise: The menu offers a wide variety of options for every palate, including savory meats and vegetarian options. | |
| Mixed Plate (Large) | Description: A great way to sample the appetizers, featuring up to ten different salads/mezze options, such as Humus, Ezme (fresh tomato, parsley, and hot red peppers crushed together), and Stuffed Grape Leaves. |
General Customer Feedback
- Overall Sentiment: Feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with diners calling the food “the best and most authentic Mediterranean food I have ever had!!!” and “so flavorful, and so well prepared.”
- Ambiance: The atmosphere is described as warm, inviting, and casual, making it good for dining in, groups, and children.
- Minor Concerns: Some reviews noted occasional inconsistencies with meat portions or items being forgotten from delivery orders. However, these points were often followed by statements that the quality of the food was so high that it was impossible to hold a grudge.
Location and Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 2243 15th St, Troy, NY 12180 |
| Phone | (518) 273-1170 |
| Website | http://www.alibabatroy.com/ |
| Hours | Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Map Link | View on Google Maps |
