Ali Baba Family Restaurant

421 E Main St, El Cajon - 92020
293 reviews
Middle Eastern Halal Mediterranean
(619) 442-3622

Horrible experience!!! I would have given a Negative star rating if there was an option. The Owner is really RUDE! He has no respect for his customers! I would NOT RECOMMEND going to this restaurant. We went to the restaurant at 10:00 pm on a Tuesday evening. Before going we had called them check if they had deserts (Baklavas and Kunafas) and also informed them that we are coming ONLY for deserts and Tea. The restaurant was absolutely empty, NOT a single customer. The waitress was taking order for the desserts and tea (worth $60-$70) and in the meantime the owner walks to our table and says that "You cannot JUST order desserts, This is NOT a sweet shop...You need to order food and ONLY THEN we will serve you the desserts and the tea" We just got up and left. This was an insult! This is ridiculous! I have never come across such a horrible experience at a restaurant in my life time. This is not how your treat your customers. We will NEVER go to this restaurant again. This is the reason why a restaurant just opposite to Ali Baba was fully packed at that time whereas NOT A SINGLE TABLE WAS OCCUPIED in Ali Baba.

I called them in advance two hours agowhn We get there 40minutes before closing the waiter was super super rude he told me you guys can’t site I ask him why he answer me oh we are closing in 40min so I say what you don’t wanna serve us he says no and start argue for 10min I was super hungry but later a lady came and ask us to site she make the order in rush no time to Che the menu the worse foodWe just eat a little 70% food went back to the kitchen for two peoples $60 only one kabab and two slice of smiley fish one breadno recommended at all. I will never go there again.

Authentic, delicious Middle Eastern food made right. I've been going here for years and they have never once disappointed. Freshly-made dishes with all of the staples (always get the hummus and fresh bread!) plus some lovely twists and options. Make sure you bring friends and family, because they are both generous and gracious in service and portion sizes; their menu literally specializes for large, hungry parties. Truly fit for a king!

I’m a big fan of Mediterranean cuisine so for me this was amazing. The food was delicious and the staff is very friendly. We usually order family platter cause it comes with pretty much all kinds of kabobs and different rice. Their bread and hummus is delicious too. Overall great place, kids friendly. Ambience is fair and can be improved.

Great food at a reasonable price point. The waitress was very friendly and nice. They automatically add 15% to the bill, which was fine, but you should be aware before going. I'd go back again for sure

Best sharma! And bread is delicious too. Definitely coming back!

Bad quality!I went to this restaurant with my family and the restaurant smell very bad and the restroom very dirty. Also I ordered to go and the food was not fresh . In addition, when we ate there , they charge us extra 30 $ as a tip without notice. We doubt check and they stated its service. So be a ware they will charge you extrq money than your exact bill.

Had a great meal here. The food was tasty and the portions generous. The family feasts plate are a nice option

THATS THE BEST FISH I EVER HAD IN YEARS!!!!Delish!!!!I ordered the fried Pompano fish and my wife got The Qouzi (Lamb Shank) with Rice and stew.Then we got spiced tea with Kunafa which also was soooo yummy!We ran out of milk for my 2 year old so they were so generous to give warm milk for her :)

This place is a long time local pearl. Good food and nice people. Be sure to bring your appetite when you walk in because the serving is more than enough.