Ali Baba Grill Cafe/Istanbul Food Lovers on 550 Mary Esther Cut Off is a Mediterranean restaurant and it literally has the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE! I ordered a pickup plate and I was blown away by the service. 1. They offer military discount! 2. They offered me some tea and a Turkish coffee complimentary during my wait! 3. They were kind enough to gift me a dessert! I was blown away by the generosity and the kindness of the associate. The inside is also very nice, lots of space for tables and lots of room for a family style meal. The food prices have increased a lot since the uploaded menu photos like on Google!!!! It's pretty pricey, but huge portions! I ordered a Shrimp Kabob Plate and subbed one of the kabobs for chicken. I also ordered an extra side of Tahini (not tzatziki) sauce. I will say the portion of the protein was not as much as I would like on first glance, but it was A LOT OF FOOD! The portion of the entire plate itself was huge. Two cups of rice, two salads, one huge pita, the meat proteins and one tzatziki sauce. I loved the pickled onions on the salad, so flavorful and delicious! Unfortunately, I was accidentally given two tzatziki sauces instead of an extra tahini, but accidents happen! No problem! I just LOVE garlic, so I felt like the flavors I was desiring was missing? Again, I love garlic lol. I think that the bread, when it came out was warm... got stale really fast? There were only 3 chicken pieces, but they were HUGE! I just think I need to explore more sauce options, because I felt like something was missing. But I still ate a TON and was satisfied after. I was really blown away by the customer service there. The associate, I'm not sure if he was the owner or not, but was extremely generous and kind! He was super friendly, had a smile on his face, and the small goodies really blew me away and made my day better. Thank you! read more

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Worst food ever....DO NOT EAT HERE! Gyro meat hard as a rock, gyro bread completely fell apart, condiments (tomato, onion, watered down Tzatziki, horrible ketchup for fries) were minimal, mushy, horrible..... I had eaten here before and it has gone completely downhill, food basically inedible and not cheap. Service OK, but the food was sooooo bad, you are just wasting your money.. HORRIBLE, INEDIBLE, NOT EVEN WORTH THE GAS TO DRIVE THERE. NEGATIVE 5 STARS, but to post, had to give it 1 star. Ate there Sep 2026​ read more

Very dirty tables, stuff floating in drinks. Brought us the wrong order. Then, he charged me 18% service charge for a group of 4. Same restaurant as Istanbul Food Lovers read more

This place is awesome. I've been to turkey several times and this place feels nostalgic. The crew working there are super cool and accommodated menu changes easily. They even made me a Turkish coffee while waiting for our mixed platter which, was amazing. From the chicken, the minced meat to the lamb. Everything was awesome with the exception of one thing, which was the lettuce/salad which was discolored and old but, didn't come to eat grass here so wasn't an issue. read more

Absolutely disgusting in every way. The food is terrible. The ambiance was prison cell bathroom chic. There are no words to describe the hebby Jebbies this place gave me. I have no idea how it has a license to operate. read more

My husband and I came in for lunch. He ordered a chicken gyro, I ordered surf and turf kabobs. We didn't really get either of those. Not to mention I tipped in cash and they still over charged my card by $3-4 dollars. We told the server we did not like the food and we were very unhappy. Still over tipped and paid full price for food and were not even givin the opportunity to get a better choice or to fix it. So we paid $70 total just for lunch that wasn't right or good. read more

Ali Baba Grill Cafe - Surf and turf kabobs - Turkish Near Me - Fort Walton Beach, Florida

They don't disclose a 18% service charge for eating at this place. Food is 1/3. One of the 3 things we ordered was good but the other 2 dishes were dry and overcooked like it was sitting and reheated. The 18% service charge was a blindside move. read more

Always a great meal and ambience . Service is prompt and friendly . The salad bar is second to none.

The restaurant is clean and love the decor. Sadly, the food lack taste and it was a huge disappointment. Over cooked mushy white rice! I guess I have been spoiled with the basmati rice at the other locations I've visited before. The kabab meat had no flavor! It was taught. The Knafeh was dry! If it had cheese, it disappeared in the cooking process. All for $40. I felt robbed! The positive note, the server offered us tea while I wanted for my order to go. also, the prices on the menu by the counter does not reflect the prices in their system. The for example the Knafeh on the menu was priced at $9.99 but their system has it for $13.50. Same with the other plate. I didn't make no fuss about the difference in prices because I was hoping to get amazing food. Sadly not the case. read more

Ali Baba Grill Cafe - Turkish Near Me - Fort Walton Beach, Florida

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I love Greek food and wanted to try somewhere I had never been but unfortunately, I don't see returning. We ordered the cheese rolls but with every bite, all you tasted was the old oil they were fried in. The gyros were okay but the fries that came as a side were fried in the same old oil and were inedible. read more

The price was high for our takeout order of gyros and fries. The gyro meat looked and tasted as if it had set in warmer for way to long. Over cooked and dry. The fries were inedible. Also appears to have been left under heat lamp for extended time. Will not be going back! read more

2 stars, even though the flavor of the food was good. However, I feel like the prices are too steep for the quality. I ordered the Meze vegetarian platter, for 16$, and it left me wishing there were more on the plate. 2 falafel balls, 2 small grape leaves, a scoop of hummus and a scoop of baba ganoush, and one piece of pita. The hummus was half frozen. Again, they had good flavor in their items but it was very overpriced and not presented well. Don't think I will return. read more

Ali Baba Grill Cafe - This is the Meze platter, minus the 2 grape leaves. Very small, and half frozen hummus. - Turkish Near Me - Fort Walton Beach, Florida

The ONLY place that makes me feel like home. Their menu is so rich and the food is OMG.. You should definitely try lahmacun aka Turkish pizza. The appetizers are so fresh and yummy! I am from Turkey and this restaurant has exceeded my expectations! read more

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Yummy food. New name: Istanbul Food Lover's Restaurant. Nice atmosphere and really extensive menu. read more

Ali Baba Grill Cafe - Appetizer platter and red lentil soup - Turkish Near Me - Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Every time I go the food is so good!! My favorite is the tabouleh & spicy gyro. The service is amazing, they even threw in a dessert last time I was in there! The restaurant makes you feel like you're at home, super cozy! read more

We were looking for a halal option, this place was so good. We ordered the kebab platter for our family of 4, and it had a little of everything. We also ordered the kinafa, it was not overly sweet and so tasty. The staff was very friendly and helpful. read more

Ali Baba Grill Cafe - a plate of food on a table - Turkish Near Me - Fort Walton Beach, Florida

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Be careful at this location. They're not the same owners from the past and have hidden charges. Last time I visited my bill was very high for 2 gyro lunch specials... he had added a service charge In another occasion they charged something extra. They scam people this way on top of their over priced food items. I wish there was a CAVA in this area. Question your ticket!!!! read more

Service was outstanding!! Food selection is very good. Most importantly the food was delicious. Definitely worth it.. get here and come often.. read more

Absolutely delicious and flavorful. Highly recommend. The kebab is super juicy and fresh. read more

Ali Baba Grill Cafe - Eggplant kebab - Turkish Near Me - Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Ok, I am so angry at this place!!! It's now called Istanbul Turkey. The Gyros that we ordered were disgusting. Absolutely Grouse! The meat was old, no taste. My daughter could not finish it. I was starving and finished most of it. The service sucks. only one guy. I had to go to the front to remind him of out sauce that still was not out. Then, He charged me for TWO Tips and I said what is this?! Two tips? He said one for the kitchen and one for me. Oh hell NO!! The soup was awful!!! Please don't waste your time coming here. I miss the Greek festival already. I also want to mention that I am not feeling good and feel like vomiting. I think the meat was bad. Which explains why the meat had no flavor whatsoever. Go to The Red Onion Or Yiota's Greek Deli. Go to any other place but this. I want my money back. read more

I called before going there to ask if the food is Halal, they said it is, when i got there, i was surprised with the prices, it was doubled than regular and not even half the quantity, but I said it's ok, but when the order came in, i was so upset in a way i didn't eat it, the Kabab taste has nothing to do with Kabab, The fries is more than chicken pieces and the chicken was not well cooked, the Fish burger was also too expensive and was overly cooked . all in all, the experience is so bad altogether, I would give 1 star only for the costumer services, but the food is so messed up. do not go there, save your money and pay it for something that taste like food. read more

Food was great, service was odd. The woman serving us never checked on us to see if everything was okay, never asked to refill my drink. I did know about the 18% service fee before going, due to someone else's review. I think they mentioned it's for dish washing, which is odd because our glasses were filthy with stains and residue hmmm. I'll most likely be back. read more

Ali Baba Grill Cafe - Our water glasses - Turkish Near Me - Fort Walton Beach, Florida

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I think I have been here years ago and this time went with my wife and son and his girlfriend. Middle Eastern/Turkish food is exciting and delicious depending on how it's prepared and Ali Baba Grill/Istanbul Restaurant provided some delicious lunch options today. Sarai our server was sweet and friendly providing great service. We had several items - falafel for starters (a bit dry but traditional). Then we had Ali Baba gyro lamb and chicken gyros, chicken kabob wrap. All were tasty. The menu has so many items you are sure to find something for any palate. The Ambiance is unique with Country music for your listening pleasure. Definitely just like Turkey - lol. Anyhow a solid 4 stars. If your looking for something different for lunch in FWB - Ali Baba is it and they will have you out in a reasonable time to stay within your lunch hour! Ask for Turkish Delight !! And their Baklava is to die for! Check it out ! read more

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This is a family favorite for Mediterranean food in Fort Walton. We find a day to visit every year during vacation. I definitely recommend people try this place at least once. Everything we have had has been amazing! We love their hummus and baba ghanoush. They make a fresher baba ghanoush than other places and it's my personal favorite. Their gyro meat is delicious, and so are their kabobs. I like the chicken kabob wraps over the chicken gyro wrap but we have no complaints regarding any of the food. Service is a little slow and the building is usually empty when we get there but we tend to get there an hour before they close. read more

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I love going here to grab a bite for lunch! Coming from Michigan, we had a BUNCH of eastern European, middle eastern, etc. food. I'm a huge fan of Greek food, especially the gyros from a restaurant called Olga's Kitchen! After I moved here, we scouted a bunch of places for gyros. We went around and found a few, but Ali Baba takes the trophy! The food is amazing and well made. The waiters and service are also very nice as well. It is a bit dark in the restaurant, but nothing too bad. Definitely recommend for a good eat! read more

Great Turkish cuisine! Hummus, kabobs, we're all what I'm used to getting in Turkey and other places overseas! Would definitely recommend!

Excellent service, Fab food, welcoming atmosphere...highly recommended. We will be back .... read more

Outstanding service, delicious food, large portions. Left feeling full of gratitude and full belly! The decor was very warm and inviting as well! First time there and was gifted complimentary items with my meal. Absolutely recommend! read more

When it comes to menus, they've got the best menu aesthetically in town! Every item on their menu comes with a picture next to it so you'll know what to order. Based on recommendations I went for the spicy gyro platter and it was well worth it! It came with spicy gyro, pita, rice, tzatziki sauce and a side salad. It's a large portion, but you don't get that "ugh, I'm full feeling" afterwards. The Greek salad is a bit on the smaller side, but my friend thoroughly enjoyed it. Their pita bread and tzatziki dipping sauce is really good. I love the texture of the pita, soft and doughy. They were out of their Ayran yogurt drink which looked really good. read more

Ali Baba Grill Cafe - Spicy gyro platter - Turkish Near Me - Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Good spot to get your Mediterranean fix. My gyro hit the spot, was loaded with gyro meat. I would have liked a bit more tzaziki next time. Ordered the baklava and after eating it I'm thinking this may be new owners since recipe seemed differed. I do prefer the old style with pecans I believe whereas this had pistachios. Service was friendly and place clean. read more

Ali Baba Grill Cafe - Gyro - Turkish Near Me - Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Very disappointed. We used to live in the area, and we liked this place. Now this place is unrecognizable. Food is expensive and not worth it. Portions are small for the amount that we paid. Barely any meat, and it tasted like leftovers. Inside the restaurant, they played county music, which was completely out of place. Because of the quality of food which was vat overpriced, I wouldn't recommend this place at all. read more

The food here hits the spot every time. A little pricey in my opinion. The staff treat you like family. And you literally feel like home when you done in. They have a "living room" setup for those waiting on their to-go orders. read more

First of all let me start with saying the location was easy to find. I am from Middle east so I know how "good" food tastes. So here is my review: The food: we ordered chicken adana and a combo (ckn adana & ckn chop) plates. One of ckn adana's skewer smelled as if the meat was very old and under cooked. The other plate was ok.... Ordered mint lemonade which was a shame. He took tropicana lemonade and sprinkled ground dry mint leaves on top. Super disgusting. The only good part about the food was the sauce. The service: mediocre service. When we came in, after being greeted and seated. We waited a few and I had to ask for water multiple times. Even after the food had arrived there was no water. Super lazy service. The food price: ridiculously expensive for mediocre quality. Yes people are on vacation and enjoying but this is ridiculous. Dont waste your money. To top it off - there is a F**** 18% service charge. FOR 2 PEOPLE, 18% INCLUDED!!! They are really robbing customers in the name of "service charge." My suggestion, take yourself elsewhere. P.S - whoever gave this place more then 1-2 stars has lost their mind. Just my humble opinion. read more

Very fresh food, great service, clean and the portions are large. I had the chicken gyro platter lunch special at $9.99 and my husband had the gyro with french fries. It all was extremely bland food which is surprising being Middle Eastern No salt no seasoning no spice. And a gyro should have plenty of spice and seasoning The tzatziki sauce just tastes like plain yogurt. The Pita bread was stale. I would not go back. Our two lunch meals one being a special with tip and all out the door was $28. For two people. read more

Careful - 1] they charge 18% gratuity no matter what the party size is 2] since they do not a lot of traffic the food quality is left overs. Very bad quality 3] the prices are exorbitantly high given the quality and portion. Lastly DO NOT try their gyros. Do not waste your money read more

Delicious authentic Turkish food. Great service. Highly recommend!!! I ordered the lahmajoun, Adana kebab, and of course, I had to get baklava. All were fantastic. read more

Absolutely amazing food. The saddest part about moving from florida is that there is no place that compares to this place. Definitely give this place a try, you will not be disappointed, the staff is incredibly amazing and the food is to die for. read more

We love this place, the food is delicious, service is great! I do highly recommend Adana Kebabs and Lahmacun (Turkish Thin Meat Pizza). The owner is extremely friendly. I hope they will get their alcohol license and start to serve it soon. read more

I and my family just missed old Ali Baba. Taste and service were so much better. Why do I need to wait for drink ( water) about 20 min?

Let me start by saying the food was good. I ordered the gyro platter and my husband ordered the Adana kebab. Both are served with rice and spiced up bugler. I understand between COVID and inflation, prices are escalating. However, the additional 18% added to the bill for "dishwashing" is ludicrous. The up charge is stated on the menu, but we failed to see it. We would've walked out before ordering if we had. Again, good food, but not worth the prices unless you are seriously hungry for this type of food. This may explain why the place was empty the except for another couple the entire time we were there. read more