Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Ali Baba's Kitchen

    4.3 (207 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order Ali Baba's Kitchen Takeout or Delivery

    Ali Baba's Kitchen Photos

    ALI BABA'S KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like Ali Baba's Kitchen

    Recommended Reviews - Ali Baba's Kitchen

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Feta Cheese
    Christine M.

    I ordered for pick up on the phone, it was a bit tricky. I picked up my order so I saw the interior of the place. It was clean, open, and straightforward. The staff isn't too pleasant, but I don't mean that in a bad way. The food itself was good, I got a lemon chicken. It was expensive, but good. I found it interesting that they don't out their white sauce on the side (esp for a take out order) and on top of that, they charge for white sauce itself. I don't see myself wanting to stop by because I'm in the area.

    "Side Dishers Bowl" (ginger chicken, falafel, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives, pickled onions, tamarind sauce, ABK sauce)
    Matthew L.

    Ali Baba's Kitchen is a Middle Eastern restaurant that opened in Hamden, Connecticut in 2014. It was founded by husband and wife Pakistani immigrants Jamshed and Sobia Khalid. Jamshed worked in the fishing industry as a young man, but dreamed of working in the restaurant business. He came to the United States in 1989 and worked for a vending machine business. He finally entered the food industry in 2000 when he started "Mughali Foods": a food cart that prepared Indian and Pakistani food. In 2003, Jamshed became the owner of Noor Mahal, an Indian restaurant in Orange, but continued to run the food cart. He sold the restaurant three years later to focus exclusively on the food cart operation. He later dubbed it "Ali Baba's Fusion" and shifted the menu to halal Middle Eastern cuisine. At one point, Jamshed even had six Ali Baba food carts operating around New Haven. The Kalids opened a brick & mortar location in Hamden in 2014. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the couple cut down their food cart division to a single cart and put most of the focus on the brick & mortar location which was rebranded as "Ali Baba's Kitchen". The menu was also augmented to focus on healthier food options. A second location opened in North Haven in 2025. My wife and I recently sampled Ali Baba's delicious cuisine for the first time. Although I had heard several great things about them for a few years, I never got around to stopping in. While my wife was recovering from a minor surgical procedure at Yale-New Haven Hospital, I ventured to nearby Cedar Street in search of a cheap lunch. Located adjacent to the hospital, the street features a menagerie of food carts that are often visited by hospital visitors and staff. When I saw (and smelled) Ali Baba's food cart, my decision had been made. I ordered the "Mixed Combo" (grilled beef gyro and lemon chicken strips, sautéed onions, rice) and it was phenomenal. A week later, once my wife was home, I decided to head to the brick & mortar location to get takeout. Once again I ordered the "Mixed Combo", my wife ordered the "Side Dishers Bowl" (chicken biryani with ginger chicken and falafel topped with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives, pickled onions, tamarind sauce, ABK sauce), and we shared sides of "Samosas" (with tamarind sauce and chana masala) and "Hummus" (with pita bread pieces). We think that the food at Ali Baba's is sensational and we plan to order from them again and again! We look forward to trying out the new location in North Haven because it's just a five minute drive from home!

    Emily G.

    I was lucky enough to attend an event to honor the beautiful makeover and rebrand of their restaurant. The inside is absolutely stunning. I can't get over how good it looks! The workers and owners are so sweet. The family is wonderful and kind. This is most definitely a family business you would want to support! The hummus is one of the few I will get out because it is done so well! The pita just adds to the beauty of the hummus. The falafel is perfection. Flavorful and perfectly crispy. The rice bowls are delicious from the base to the toppings. I love the lemon chicken is one of my favorite things! I always try to grab a roti roll too! They are so unique and have 860 Kombucha served right in tap! It's so freaking good. I couldn't decide between the chai and and butterfly pea. They were all incredible. This is definitely an easy pick up spot or a place to go and have lunch.

    Tahini Sauce and Falafel
    Tiffany B.

    A hidden gem in Connecticut! Ali Baba's Kitchen is serving some of the most delicious Middle Eastern food and I have seriously been craving it since my last visit. 10/10 recommend the hummus with fresh pita bread chips and lemon chicken in a build your own bowl or gyro - just incredible! The interior was just recently renovated as well, and it is beautiful. The ambiance in the room is very bright and welcoming, and the staff is some of the most kind people I have ever met. They also serve Kombucha on tap from 860 Kombucha - locally brewed in Connecticut. It was my first time trying and it is so tasty. It does not taste as vinegar-y as the ones you find in the store. Very refreshing and clean.

    Enamul H.

    I ordered 2 Bowl it's really Delicious and flavorful. Customer service was great employee was friendly and kind , . And restaurant was so clean and perfect I loved it . 10/10.

    Lemon Chicken
    Karissa D.

    Had an issue with an online order but the manager Huda, contacted me and resolved the issue. Great customer service! Thank you!

    Lemon Chicken with canned black olives?

    See all

    Photo of Jaime T.
    45
    38
    21

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Thank you very much!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Food and desserts were great, also very much enjoyed their kombucha on tap! Staff was kind and accurate, place was very clean inside.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Thank you Ryan! So glad you enjoyed your meal and the kombucha!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Thanks so much Jennifer! Glad you enjoyed your meals!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Thanks Jim!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Thanks Yvonne! It was my pleasure! Happy eating!

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kevin C.
    19
    42
    18

    6 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Thanks so much for your support Kevin!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Lemon chicken is amazing and price is reasonable. They also have an amazing beef platter which is also delicious. I highly recommend.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Good food and great service, convenient plus they serve halal food. I usually get there mix gyro platter.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Hi Khawaja, thanks so much for your support!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan K.
    1
    70
    27

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Thanks Dan!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Abi A.
    2
    15
    32

    11 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Augie B.
    111
    329
    7

    6 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Thanks so much Augie!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ed H.
    0
    31
    6

    7 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Glad to hear about your experience Nicholas! Happy eating!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Thanks Madilyn! Glad you enjoyed our food!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of David C.
    17
    32
    63

    7 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ido K.
    0
    22
    16

    10 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Hi Kenya! Thanks so much for the kind words and support. Happy eating!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Thank you so much Zakiyyah!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Pretty good but not the same as "street meat" that I got used to in NYC. The meat itself was spicier while the sauces were more bland.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Hey Stacey! Thanks for the review! Happy eating!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alwyn F.
    216
    9
    10

    7 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A C.
    0
    90
    11

    10 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Thank you so much Semyrah!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Adam C.
    11
    89
    20

    11 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Hey Nick! Glad you enjoyed the food! Happy eating!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jamshed K.

    Jamshed K.

    Thanks so much Robert! Hope to see you back soon! Happy eating!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 3 of 6

    Ask the Community - Ali Baba's Kitchen

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mediterranean 607 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    RAWA Mediterranean Fusion, Middle Eastern Food, Pizza Place

    RAWA Mediterranean Fusion, Middle Eastern Food, Pizza Place

    4.6(167 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    Rawa is a Mediterranean fusion restaurant that opened in New Haven, Connecticut in May 2017. It was…read morefounded by business partners Salam Al-Rawi and Fayez Al Hammadi. Al-Rawi is originally from Baghdad, Iraq. In the late 1970s, when Saddam Hussein's regime was particularly repressive, Al-Rawi decided to flee. He forged a stamp on his expired passport, hopped on a plane, and left the country. He could have ended up dead. He later worked at a number of successful restaurants in New York City. Hammadi is originally from Syria and co-owns Mosaic Nautural (a mosaic and tile art business) with his brothers. One of his other talents is cooking. Al-Rawi and Hammadi decided to partner up and found a space in New Haven's Westville neighborhood that had previously been home to Stone Hearth. At Rawa, the two have crafted a menu that features traditional Middle Eastern mezze platters (such as hummus, baba ghanouj, muhammara, labne), salads, soups, kebabs, falafel, biryani dishes, and even Mediterranean-inspired pizza served on pita bread crust. I recently attended Rawa's 8-Year Anniversary Celebration. This was my first visit to Rawa since their first year open and I was happy to be back. The place was all decked out with colorful decor. My group was treated to endless plates of various mezze platters, salads, falafel, biryani dishes, and Rawa's unique Middle Eastern approach to pizza. The bar tenders were also busy all night crafting delicious cocktails for the event. Some of the ones I enjoyed include the "Saffroni" (Hendricks gin, elderflower, ginger, saffron), the "Blood Orange Old Fashion" (bourbon, blood orange liqueur, bitters), and the "Up & Down Old Fashion" (bourbon, bitters). Attendees of the celebration were also treated to live entertainment with music by NYC-based Middle Eastern fusion band "Baklava Express" and a belly dance performance by Kelvia Mitri-Meda. I had an excellent time and I was so full by the end. If you love authentic Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food then look no further than Rawa!

    It was my first time here. My better half has been here quite a few times in the past, and always…read morespoke highly of it. Mediterranean is not my jive but it seemed like a good spot for a date night. Seemed. We were seated quickly, which was nice. It wasn't what I'd consider busy, but apparently it was busy for them on this particular night of service. Took about 15min from the time we were seated to have our order taken. Better half says it is usually more calming and intimate. Tonight absolutely was not that. It gives... Starbucks, if it served Mediterranean food... like, no coffee. With teacup candles. Real ones. (fire code???) I ordered the wings, with low expectations. Anyone that knows me and my heart also knows how I feel about a good wing. These wings were not that. They came out looking exactly how I anticipated them to based on what I saw in previous reviews (and the item description, which, shockingly, was painfully accurate) -- sad, and beige. First bite revealed various shades of pink, although the skin was seasoned nicely. I'm partial against this style of chicken wing so its hard for me to give it any credit... moving on. I also had the chicken kebab sandwich... which isn't really a sandwich. Its more of a ... gyro? I liked it. The chicken in the sandwich was really nice. Cooked well, definitely cooked better than the wings. Wish the cuts/pieces were smaller though. It was nice and hot, but also kind of wet, I guess from steam? It came wrapped in sort of a parchment paper, that was also wet. And the closer I got to the end, the more liquid dripped out from the bottom. Water mixed with tomato, other spices and whatnot... it wasn't pretty. I got less and less interested as I made progress. Better half got the Merguez Kebab Sandwich/gyro thing. Similar to my Chicken Kebab, the cuts of meat were huge however it was just hard to come to terms with the notion that they were each fully cooked through, and it was also... wet. More wet than my Chicken Kebab. She didn't finish it, and I don't blame her. The hummus was nice. The pita was hot and fresh. You could see some of the char from the skillet it was made in, which was nice. Unfortunate that either are individual at-cost appetizers (although looking at my receipt, I can infer that the first pita was included with the hummus as I was only charged for one and we had two). I don't think I will be returning there on my own volition. Maybe tonight was a bad night, and that happens sometimes. The staff were certainly nice, and considering it was a Saturday evening, the volume of patrons is worth appreciation. It wasn't rowdy, the music was nice, the ceiling fan blades passing over one of the ceiling lights drove me crazy a little bit, but it is a nice place. I'm just a little let down that this was how my Saturday night dinner went. I'm still hungry, dawg. There was also a woman in scrubs(?) or some sort of inpatient-wear that walked past the restaurant outside, locked eyes with the folks at a table, smiled and waved, and slowly meandered away until she came back to walk in the other direction. Not sure what that was about, but its typical New Haven shit. Stranger things have happened, lol! TLDR if you're not super picky/sensitive about your food and you're a big (gotta be big) fan of Mediterranean Fusion food, I absolutely recommend RAWA. Otherwise... hard pass -- for me, at least. Respectfully.

    Photos
    RAWA Mediterranean Fusion, Middle Eastern Food, Pizza Place - Inside

    Inside

    RAWA Mediterranean Fusion, Middle Eastern Food, Pizza Place - Moussaka

    Moussaka

    RAWA Mediterranean Fusion, Middle Eastern Food, Pizza Place - Exterior

    See all

    Exterior

    Nour Lebanese Cuisine - Vegetarian Combo

    Nour Lebanese Cuisine

    4.7(673 reviews)
    24.5 mi
    $$

    I was so fortunate to find this amazing restaurant, about a mile off exit 8 on I84…read more The owners are so friendly, kind, and ready to share thier culture. The two times I've been in, they've brought out samples of thier menu items to try. I've ordered various things on the menu: hummus, lebneh, falafel wraps, falafel platters, baked kibbe platters, the green bean side, etc. All have been amongst the best Lebanese food I've tried. I want to expand and try more things, like the chicken and beef kafta. If you have questions just ask. Certain platters come with different items. Some rice, some salad, etc. Thier pita is fresh and delicious, and comes in different sizes. They have a decent sized dining area for dine-in, and the take-out area is right as you walk in the side door. Here you will also find a grocery area with Lebanese essentials. The selection is sizable, and offers items you won't find in a regular grocery store. I stocked up on spices, and coffee. Prices are reasonable, and portions are generous. I will return every opportunity I get.

    This is a little hole in the wall spot that gives it such charm. It's part of the ambience. They…read moreserve you straight from the kitchen and people running the joint got it on lock down. Been many times and send people often. The food is by far the best Mediterranean food I've had in a 50 mile radius .

    Photos
    Nour Lebanese Cuisine - Dinning room

    Dinning room

    Nour Lebanese Cuisine - Roasted lamb over rice and nuts. Out of this world.

    Roasted lamb over rice and nuts. Out of this world.

    Nour Lebanese Cuisine - Grocery

    See all

    Grocery

    Lebnani Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar

    Lebnani Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar

    4.6(157 reviews)
    18.4 mi
    $$

    My daughter has been here a couple times and tonite my wife, daughter and I brought a friend to…read morecelebrate a birthday. The food was excellent and service was totally on-point. We started with loaded fries and substituted falafel instead of chicken because our daughter is vegan. The fries were crispy and piled up with finely chopped tomato, falafel, tahini and a whipped garlic topping. We also had hot sauce on the side which was deliciously smoky and hot. My wife and I both had lamb kafta which was amazing. I had tabouli and yellow rice and my wife had roasted vegetables and their olive mix. Our friend had the chicken kafta and our daughter had lentil soup and her own order of fries. Everything was fresh and flavorful, and we had the pleasure of meeting Reem, the owner! Wonderful place and we are CERTAIN to go back!!

    The service from Chloe was impeccable. She is the one and only reason this restaurant got 3 stars…read moreinstead of 1. And I feel sorry for her, because whenever she asked us how everything was, we couldn't even answer her because the "Lebanese" food was so terrible. Don't put her out there and claim this is Lebanese food. How dare you do that to this young woman? She does not deserve that! I grew up eating Lebanese food, since my paternal grandparents were full Lebanese (therefore, of course so was my dad, and therefore I'm half Lebanese). This food tasted nothing like the food my Sittu (Lebanese for grandmother) or my aunts made... or even my mom, who learned to cook Lebanese food from my Sittu and from her sisters-in-law. The "Lebanese" food was very disappointing. Get a Lebanese chef and stop getting good reviews because of your French fries, for goodness sake! You're making Lebanese food look bad! STOP IT!

    Photos
    Lebnani Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar - Interior

    Interior

    Lebnani Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar - Beef Shawarma Platter

    Beef Shawarma Platter

    Lebnani Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar - Flower Bowl

    See all

    Flower Bowl

    Ravagh Persian Grill

    Ravagh Persian Grill

    3.9(211 reviews)
    41.4 mi
    $$

    Updated review! Still going after all these years!…read more This time for dinner. We got an appetizer platter which was fantastic but very pricey, if I'm remembering right it was $36ish and just because of the price I would not order it again. We also ordered the obligatory kebabs and cherry rice. Of course we loved them. For the first time ever we tried some desserts. I just ordered the oddest sounding thing. Falooda. Now I'm dreaming of eating it again! Rose/Lemon ice with little noodles! There was also some tart cherries in juice on the side and a lemon wedge. The waitress was so nice, she had to explain how to eat it. Just dump the cherries on top of the ice & noodles and a squeeze of lemon. It was delicious. Best dinner I've had in a while!

    We're in a safe space so I won't worry about the few haters who may be reading, but sometimes at a…read morerestaurant I'll skip my favorites so that I can have new content for reviews and photos. I was quite lucky to revisit the excellent jujeh kebob and torshi at Ravagh Trip 2: Electric Boogaloo while expanding the map. Khoresh Bademjan has a sauce so enticing you might drink it. And this zereshk polo meets the Third Level of Barberryness. The first level is satisfaction in the mere idea of consuming barberries and the second is the photo appeal. Ravagh is better than most purveyors in that you can actually taste this quirky, sweet ingredient. The service was outstanding on both excursions.

    Photos
    Ravagh Persian Grill - Zereshk Polo

    Zereshk Polo

    Ravagh Persian Grill - 8. Chicken Koobideh Kebob

    8. Chicken Koobideh Kebob

    Ravagh Persian Grill

    See all

    Ali Baba's Kitchen - mediterranean - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...