Excellent food and great selection. I would come here every week if I lived or work close by

I've been coming here since around 2010 probably. I really like the food (not so much the racial vibe. They are not too fond of white people it feels like). But today was just too much! I've seen the price go from: $15, $18, $20, to $25... TAX AND CARD FEES HAVE AWLAYS BEEN INCLUDED. Well, today.... The young man told me it was $25 plus tax. So he said it was over $84 for three people. I complained a little to him about it and went on, THEN my wife heard the lady next to my male cashier charge someone the $25 flat with no tax!!!! I of course went and asked her WHY???? She said because the other guy paid with cash.... There is not tax!!!! I said you mean a credit card fee right?? She said NO.... If you pay cash there is no tax!!!!! I'd like the Great State of Texas to look into this one. I bet the comptroller would like to know about this!!! TBH, I really don't think the other guy probably even paid cash. It felt like a hate on whitey move to me. THIS PLACE IS SHADY. read more

The food is absolutely delicious! The buffet is constantly refreshed with fresh food. The service is good. This is a buffet style restaurant so there is very little interaction between waiters and customers. The ambiance is quaint due to Mediterranean style music playing in the background. In my opinion the music should match the cuisine. Definitely check out Ali Baba! read more

Great! Drinks included in the price and lots of variety. I'm not a vegetarian but the vegetarian stuff was my favorite. The breads are being freshly prepared. There is so much good here. We don't have AYCE Mediterranean in the Bay Area where I live. I really disliked being by prompted to tip before being seated. read more

I dined here for their weeknight dinner buffet and thought it had a decent selection from appetizers to dessert. Flavor was standard; nothing amazing, but good enough to where I'd consider coming back. Service was great! My friend and I were seated near a corner, but there was always someone stopping by to grab our finished plates. read more

Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill - Mediterranean Near Me - Richardson, Texas

Hands down my favorite Mediterranean restaurant I've been to in DFW. Everything is always consistently fresh and flavorful. The sauces are amazing - tzatziki, hummus, baba ghanoush, and more. I personally love the chicken cooked in a yogurt sauce, roasted cauliflower, and chickpea moussaka as my top standouts, but truly there are too many delicious things to name. I love how many chicken options there are as someone who isn't crazy about beef or pork. There is also falafel and plenty of beans for your vegan/ vegetarian friends. There were markers for allergies / preferences on the labels, but I didn't attend too closely as I don't have dietary restrictions. They have tasty rice pudding topped with pistachios and fresh fruit as something sweet to pair with your meal. I enjoy the lentil soup for dipping pita bread in. All you can eat buffets are always the best for getting to try everything and making everyone in your party happy. It's a bit on the expensive side (around $25 per person before tip), but it's totally worth it for special occasions. Within the last year they've redone the seating inside, but the food quality has stood the test of time! read more

Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill - Mediterranean Near Me - Richardson, Texas

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I went to Ali Baba on a Saturday for lunch with a friend. It gets crazy on the weekends - I would be prepared to wait! The experience is akin to a cruise ship buffet if you know what that's like. The weekend buffet price is $25 pp - I would make sure you are hungry enough to get your value. There are no discounts for vegans/vegetarians. We were seated at a high top for 2 that was right next to the door/waiting area, so people kept leaning on the counter right next to us and we felt our space was being invaded. The food was pretty good! I loved the cauliflower, potatoes, hummus, and garlic sauce. One of the soda flavors was out of order. The falafel was just a little on the dry side. The "entree" options for vegetarians are limited. The women's bathroom only had two stalls and one was out of order, resulting in a long and stressful line in a cramped space. The place was a zoo on the weekends - I would considering coming back at a less busy time. read more

Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill - Mediterranean Near Me - Richardson, Texas

Sunday lunch buffet review $25 plus tax/ tip Fair amount of offerings of chicken, beef with limited lamb, and vegetarian options. No lamb shanks as offered by other similar buffets. Also, only dessert was a rice pudding and fruit. While everything I had was good for the most part, some items were dry. I am not sure this will be my go to spot for Mediterranean. Everything is self serve and you pay as you enter. read more

The place is looking a little rough with the booth chair material showing large holes and places on the wall have tape and dents. Despite the aged appearance, the lunch buffet doesn't disappoint. Everything is so tasty! Plenty of vegetable choices and meat choices. I love their baked cauliflower. The seasoning just pops in your mouth. Same goes for the cooked spinach, and the cooked mixed vegetables. The saffron chicken is lovely because of the sauce which I like to sop up with my pita bread. The salad bar has hummus, baba ganoush, fatoush (cucumber and tomato salad), and tabouli. In addition to warm, fresh Arabic pocket bread, you can also get zaatar bread. I always finish my meal with the rice pudding. It is firm and has a few pistachios in it. The best I have had in the area. The drink station has generic sodas now, but they taste nearly the same as the big competitors that you are familiar with. Holiday prices are $25 for the buffet. Ouch! But hey, the food is still worth it. If you need to leave your seat, leave your plate and get a fresh one. The staff will take your used plates and leave your silverware. You pay at the entrance before being seated. This allows you to hangout or leave as soon as you need to without having to get anyone's attention to pay the bill. Still a great experience! read more

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What's for Dinner? Ali Baba! I looooove this place - hands down - 100% - no question. Still delicious and now with dinner buffet!!! Not many buffets. Not many dinner buffets. Not many dinner buffets with healthy, delicious food. Wow! So fresh - all the food - the lettuce in the salads crispy, the meats juicy, the breads soft and warm. So clean. Yes, I have been to other Mediterranean buffets - this is my fave!!! Pics are not all the food they have either - there's more!) read more

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I'm not sure why people think this buffet is good... There are way better options, literally, around the corner. Poor food variety. Not many options compare to others. Not even the drinks were good. Skip this place and go to the other two close by. read more

Popped in for a quick lunch pick up order and was encouraged by the kind host to grab a to go plate and to hop in the buffet line. Oh boy, were the options endless! I grabbed a bit of everything from grilled chicken kabob, to steak, to hummus, peppers, grilled veggies, pita bread, and more! Overall I spent around $23 for a hefty plate of food (you are charged by the pound when taking it to go). Will definitely be back! read more

There's nothing bad to say about Ali Baba. Even the price for the lunch buffet is decent given what everything else costs and for how good the food is every time. The only not as good experience I had here was once when I had a cold and I couldn't taste everything. It delivers every time we go. If we lived closer, we'd probably try to eat here every day. Service is also great every time. They get you seated quickly, they keep the food rotated and fresh, and they clear the empty plates. read more

This was 4.75- so so wonderful! I absolutely will be returning when I'm in town! Huge recommend- especially for celiacs & gluten intolerant (as everything clearly labeled, with indivisible serving tongs, etc.) The front phone was actually answered (rare at many restaurants these days), promptly sat, paying for meal was easy as flat buffet price, service was very attentive yet in a none intrusive way. And have I mentioned the large variety of hot entrees as well as salads as well as soups as well as condiments... salt & pepper grinders on the table... & an overall positive environment. And I haven't even touched on the healthier sodas & unsweetened tea available & more... & I'm saying all this as someone who normal dislikes buffets... but I'll 100% be at this buffet again! Bravo to everyone at this lovely establishment such a clean & inviting restaurant! read more

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I was absolutely horrified to find live bugs in my food!! See those brown specs on my cucumber? Those were crawling around when I opened the sealed plastic container they were delivered in. They're lively! After calling them to tell them about my experience, one manager offered me a $50 gift card. I called back to claim it and they told me they're no longer offering it to me. I'm sad to not go back there because I've always enjoyed it but live bugs in my food was the deal breaker. I can't imagine what else is in that kitchen if someone packed a to go order with live bugs clearly crawling around! I'm shocked! I've never experienced something so gross in my life then for them to offer and take back a gift card. So terribly unprofessional. read more

Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill - Mediterranean Near Me - Richardson, Texas

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I love Mediterranean food and I think this place have the best eggplant dip and kobab. The roasted cauliflowers also amazing flavor . Definitely coming back here ; food is simple but amazing read more

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Food and service are spectacular and have been for years! I love the food. The saffron chicken, saffron rice and dolmas are amazing. My only complaint is the bathroom could use some upgrading and regular cleaning read more

We used to love this place, but it is just not the same! We stopped in for lunch on a Monday. It was Presidents Day, but we were shocked they had a sign on the door indicating that the buffet was $25 instead of $20 for "holiday pricing". Seriously! On Presidents Day! **Eye roll** We proceeded in, paid for the buffet, and got a table. When I went to get a drink, almost all the fountain drink options were labeled OUT. Okay, what is going on here!?! Not good. Especially since we can only drink sugar free beverages. I stopped an employee to complain and explain. He was kind enough to set up the sugar free drink dispenser for us, but no clue why all the other ones were out!? On to the buffet. I always like to start with soup and the tomato basil soup did not disappoint, but the seeded bread was soaked with too much olive oil and the spanakopita was soggy. The rest of the food was average at best. The chicken is usually so good here, but it was flavorless. Even the chicken dish with the mushrooms and gravy. No flavor whatsoever. Definitely not worth the Presidents Day up charge holiday pricing! We won't be back. read more

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Loved the food, mushroom chicken, starters, desserts , kebabs and desserts. Yum!!! Worth the money. Good service. Decent seating. read more

Amazing food but expensive 25 bucks a person for the lunch buffet. The restaurant is very clean always The wait staff is very pleasant and always quick about removing your used plate plates and bowls. We have been going for about 10 years now. The only thing is I wish they had real Dr.pepper read more

The gyros, potatoes and pasta were really good but the rice tasted undercooked! Nice ambiance and it's self service. I came here on Saturday evening with my family for dinner and we kinda liked it! It's good but not that great either. Would give it 3 out of 5 stars /5 read more

Their food is always amazing. The buffet so worth the price. Zatar bread is delicious and so are the kebabs! read more

...... READ THIS REVIEW..... Go - Awesome food!! Don't be surprised by a line or wait to get in at mealtimes - they have a loyal following. I've been eating here since 2003 (old location, before the buffet existed). All other Mediterranean places don't really compare in freshness, quality and flavor. When you walk in and get your first smell of the food.... well, that will say everything you need to know - DELICIOUS!! Although one dish has always been super dry (Chicken Kabob, but we discussed a change in cooking technique that might help...), everything else I've had sets the standard I judge all other restaurants by. I've been out of Dallas for 2-1/2 years and today found 2 new favorites!!! (See below) Atmosphere is inviting with nice upscale decor. Well layedout buffet with double sided salad bar and split mains buffets. In between the 2 mains buffets is the bread area. Customers move around easily and the lines aren't long due to the layout. Plenty of staff keeping everything clean and ensuring the buffets are full. Very attentive too - removing dirty plates only when you go back for more... or if it's obvious you need more table space. ($25/person - and worth every bite!) NOTE: I love to rip a piece of pita bread and dip it in the hummus and then into the tabbouleh. Delicious combination of flavors. ToGo buffet is available but they charge a flat rate by weight. Be careful - it can get expensive that way, but if your short on time or want leftovers... that's the way to do it. Tables are first-come first-serve... everyone need to be present to be seated. Below are the things I had today. Check their menu for a full list. (Everything below is on my plate photos.) My new favorites!!! 1. Kafta Kabob (Ground beef, lamb, onions, parsley) Great sear/color, very moist and excellent flavor. Get more than one! (And don't forget the onions on the side.) I loved it. (They look like large breakfast sausages, see photo of my 2nd plate - in the 3 o'clock position.) 2. Chicken Kafta (Ground chicken, bell peppers, onions, parsley, soy sauce) Very nice. Lovely. Unique seasoning profile yields a delicious bite every time. Very subtle gentle heat aftertaste, not salty - all flavors! Much better than the chicken kabobs in their flavor and moisture. Awesome! Safran Chicken (Safran/garlic sauce) Perfect! Put it over the safran rise. Excellent flavor, not a thick sauce but covers the chicken enough. One of my favorites for 15+ years! Falafel Small muffin size with a quick fry. Firm outer layer is thin and crunchy. 80% is the inner soft part which gives you a stronger flavor profile compared to thinner and more heavily fried versions. This is much better - don't skip these! Tabbouleh Perfect!! As good as it gets - fresh and flavorful. Slight lemon profile is a delight. Hummus The best I've had. Soft and creamy - not too dense like so many others. Light drizzle of olive oil. Pita Bread Warmed and kept under a heat lamp. Fresh, soft and delicious. Chicken Kabobs DRY! Hard to eat and all flavors are lost or muted because of that. Not as salty as in the past - used to be extremely salty. Looks great visually but it does not deliver. Sad, but these have always been super dry ever since I started eating at Ali Baba's way back when. I hope they can figure a way to fix that. It has real potential otherwise. (Again, we discussed a change in cooking technique that might help...) Wine Don't miss the Ksara Ressrve Du Couvent red wine. Excellent choice and exclusive to Ali Baba's. (Special import) It's a medium weighted wine with delicious dark berries, hint of vanilla and very subtle tannins (only a 1 of 10... barely detectable). I love it!! A great addition to you meal. Overall rating, 8.8 out of 10. SHOUT OUTS...... Chris (manager) is awesome! Say hi - he will ensure you have everything you need and have a great experience. Junior (staff) - be sure to sit in his section for excellent service. He spoiled me without talking to me or being invasive. He is attentive and was nice when I called him over to compliment him. See my Yelp profile page for a Best In Dallas list: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=KbFb7BxxJfHmHG3P-jY1CQ&utm_source=ishare read more

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I really enjoy going to the lunch buffet, which is available on weekdays and weekends. The buffet is all you can eat. There is a good variety of meats and sides and is all well seasoned. The staff and help are all very friendly. They are efficient in helping clear your table so you can go and enjoy more food! I love their pudding dessert with a touch of cinnamon on top! read more

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Great food, always consistent and delicious. If you haven't been there, try the lunch buffet. Fresh and flavorful ingredients and the dishes are very authentic. Def recommend. read more

5/5 for the buffet alone. A healthy, delicious and nutritious lunch with so much variety for $9 per pound cannot be beat read more

Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill - Buffet - Mediterranean Near Me - Richardson, Texas

This place used to be my favorite buffet. Even though I don't eat much, but I did enjoy the variety and food quality. I'm not sure happened the past month, two time we ate here were all sad experiences. The food were not the same, almost all the roast meats were dry, and the gyro taste salty and very starchy. The weekend is $25 per person and there's not much improvement than the weekdays. If you really want to try this place, to-go box option is still more worthy it. I hope this is only temporary downside of this restaurant, I want to eat here regularly like I did in the summer time. Hopefully it will change to be better. read more

Service:I came in for the weekend lunch buffet (11am to 3pm). Service was great. The hostess had her toddler daughter with her propped on the hostess booth. Her service did not suffer at all. I admire a business that makes accommodations for a working mother. Kudos to them! Food: Food was great but the standout was the chicken kabob.I absolutely loved it! The kabob was so well cooked, tender and the marinade was tasty. Just falling apart as I cut into it. Cooking them so well for a buffet is something to really praise. The other kabobs and items were good too but they don't compare to the chicken kabobs in my opinion. I woukd say this is the best chicken kabob I have had in the DFW area and I eat Mediterranean food a lot. I am sorry Ephesus restaurant, you have lost the chicken kabob crown. The hummus was creamy and tasted as well. Again probably the best I have had so far in DFW. I have no idea how they got it to be creamy. Ambience: There are plenty of tables and a bar area. Great for groups or catching up with a friend. Only talking about the buffet time. Value: The buffet cost $22.94. A little high compared to other buffets but given the taste and freshness, I would say it is worth it. You should definitely head here to try the chicken kabobs :) read more

Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill - Chicken kabob, chicken kafta, kibbe, salad stuff, hummus, pita bread and garlic sauce - Mediterranean Near Me - Richardson, Texas

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I go to Ali Baba often because I feel it's the freshest in town. Wonderful food and service! The meats: gyro, stuffed peppers, beef kafta, and chicken dishes are juicy and satisfying. The falafal is crunchy and textural but light -- and Ali Baba features many colorful vegetable dishes such as sauteed zucchini with peppers, carrot, mushroom, onion, roasted cauliflower, and spinach medley, taboule, and many salads. Their rice and roasted potatoes stand out, but my all-time favorite dish is the melt-in-your mouth baked eggplant and chickpeas in tomato sauce. Epic rice pudding with pistachios makes a delicate finish! read more

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Came here with some colleagues for a work lunch and was pleasantly surprised! I love mediterranean food but have never been to or heard of a mediterranean buffet. They had a variety of dishes and everything was really good! The meats weren't dry and seasoned very well. The potatoes were super flavorful and all the dishes tasted fresh. For $20 a person, it's a really great price for a ton of food. I would highly recommend and re-visit! read more

One of my ABSOLUTE favorite places to eat in a 100 mile radius!!! The BUFFET is fantastic--love getting a scoop of each favorite items & their Rice Pudding w/ Cinnamon is the perfect combo me to a delicious meal... I wish I could go once a week, I would!!! read more

The food options are the best, down to taste and quality. Especially when you come in during buffet hours. You will definitely get your money's worth. As far as service, we mostly do to-go at the buffet. Amanda, and all of the staff at the front are always very helpful, and make our experience great. We've been going to this location for years, and they never disappoint! read more

The food here is so fresh and delicious. We love their all you can eat buffet. So many choices so little stomach. Even so, if I can't eat a whole lot, it doesn't matter because what I do eat is so worth it and makes my tummy happy. read more

I enjoy eating at this place. I am a vegetarian and they have a variety of items to enjoy from. Love this place . Ambiance is ok. Always crowded and bustling with people. I wish they separate vegetarian from other meat items. read more

Omg I can't say how much I enjoy dinner and lunch here! My favorite items are their chicken kabobs, Mediterranean salad and cauliflower! Those three dishes are great for sharing and healthy imo! The service is amazing as well! My only gripe is that they close early, but tbh we shouldn't be eating that late. read more

Have eaten here several times and the food is very good. What is a buffet they're still service and it is adequate. I like the fact that they have quite a variety of food. read more

Great service and food!! I think about this place now every time I want Mediterranean. Worth the drive if you aren't from the area!

Buffet stile only when we were there. Food was good, they kept the buffet clean and full. Worth a try.

Food delicious, service great only complaint is that the grape leaves were not good. Too mushy and not enough stuffing. Restaurant was clean and quiet. read more

5+ Stars for a memorable lunch today. My Granddaughter was the first to exclaim, THIS is the best food I've ever tasted !! Cold and Hot bars had plenty of vegetarian choices and the herbs and seasoning were just perfect. PLEASE open more locations next year!! read more