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Ali Baba (Mediterranean cuisine) $

127 So. Linden Avenue, S. San Francisco, 94080 (Directions)

650.871.2221

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Big portions, value prices, fresh, fast Mediterranean food in South SF
Reviewer: Jason Total Reviews: 1040 Reviewed: 7/9/2005 Rating: 8.5 My photo gallery	Thanks to Jim for submitting Ali Baba. There is no way I would have found this place on my own, its way off the beaten path. Located in South San Francisco, this Mediterranean house is hidden among the many auto shops along Linden. I can imagine this place is a hot spot during lunch time with the mechanics. Its quite the atmosphere when you walk inside. They have all types of decorations to transport your lunch to a foreign experience....artwork on wall, lamps hanging from the ceiling, vases on the floor...cool stuff. The prices at Ali Baba are great and portion sizes are even better. I wanted a falafel but had to try the beef shawerma plate. It came with garlic potatoes and a drink. The shawerma was wrapped in foil and almost looked like a burrito and even weighed the same. My first bite was 80% meat, this sandwich is loaded with beef. Also in the mix, is red onions, tahini, cucumbers, tomatoes, and parseley. The shawerma is wonderful and meat was juicy. Wasnt dry like the other places in San Mateo. My garlic potatoes were soft and coated with exotic spices. There was too much tasty food on my plate and unfortunately couldnt finish it. I love Ali Baba and will be my 1st Med/Middle Eastern place to visit near my house in Burlingame. They are only open til 7:30PM Mon-Sat so if you have time after work, give them a try. Food is great and prices wont break your wallet. I feel guilty giving them an 8.5 but Im sure if my next visit is equally as good, you'll see Ali Baba in the 9 range.

7.5
Agent Rating

Reviewer: Fuzz313 Total Reviews: 10 Reviewed: 7/1/2007 Rating: 7.5 My photo gallery	Its almost lunch so I hit Jatbar for suggestions around South City. Not wanting something heavy and really looking for more of an excuse to take a break from the office, I scroll for what South City has to offer. Suddenly there it is. I want baba ghanouj and some falafels. Where to get it? I plug in the coordinates and printout the map and head over to Ali Baba. Located in a heavy industrial area on Linden, the restaraunt is actually squished in between two other businesses. I arrive a little bit after the lunch rush and could imagine what this place must be like. Parking can be a bit tricky. I walk in and get my order to go. Loading up on utensils and napkins, I spy Jason's review (in a frame!) on the wall. Totally stoked, I head back to the fort. I inspect my baggy and sampled the falafels. Nicely coated outside with the insides still nicely textured. These falafels are more crunchy whereas Falafel Drive Inn's are more crispy. FDI's also pack a little bit more heat on the spice level. The baba ghanouj was ok. A little plain, but they give you alot of it. I expected it to come with garnishes like pickled beets, cucumbers, and tomatoes. All I got was the obligatory pita bread. As mentioned earlier, you get alot, so I had some to share with co-workers. On a second visit, I was planning to get one of the entrees, but didn't figure on the cooking time. Kebob plates are cooked to order. Not good when you know you have less than half hour for lunch with meetings right afterward. Mental note to call ahead. Not wanting to leave empty handed, I go for the chicken shawerma sandwich and a mago drink from the fridge. The sandwich was a solid combination of boneless chicken from the roasting spit, nestled on flatbread, and wrapped up with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The sauce was light and bound everything together. Very good. Both visits were under 10.00. If you want a break from the usual business cafeteria or deli, then swing by Ali Baba for some solid Middle Eastern treats.


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RustyRebar ate...

Combo 2

“meh”

11/27/2006 2:17:47 PM