Although the ingredients were very fresh and everything seemed well-prepared, the flavor was not exactly to my liking, a bit oddly sweet. However I would have probably been willing to try other dishes here if the service had not been so poor. Drink refills were conveniently not offered on sodas/tea until everyone was well-finished eating and coffee refills were not offered at all. The waitress was extremely inattentive and absent most of the time, we had to go yell into the kitchen to order dessert. Then, adding insult to injury after all that work the dessert portion for the price was exceptionally miserly. I was not impressed. At all.
(1)
Amanda B.
If I had to sum up Aladdin's Eatery in a sentence: Delicious, healthy, and often locally-sourced food that isn't too expensive. I've gone there a few times, and my favorite dish by far is the Arayiss Pitza- crispy pita topped with fresh, flavorful hummus, ground meat, tomato, and pine nuts. The hummos plate is another great option for an appetizer, or if you're just not terribly hungry. The only dish I've gotten from Aladdin's that I wasn't particularly fond of was the chicken schwarma rolled- the chicken was a bit tough and the sauce was somewhat cold, and it overall just didn't rock my socks. But other than that, pretty much everything I've tried from here has been a win. If you can, leave some room for dessert. They always have a big selection of gourmet cake (one slice can easily be split between two people) and local baked goods. A rocky road bar and some hot tea at the end of a meal always makes me a happy camper. The service at Aladdin's has always been friendly, but not fawning, when I've gone. It's got the air of a nice restaurant, but not so fancy that you'd feel uncomfortable dropping by in jeans and a tee shirt.
(4)
Savannah F.
Service is usually just okay, but I love their food. It is reasonably priced, and they have so many healthy options. The chicken is always tender, more so than most restaurants I've visited.
(4)
Mitchell T.
I have always enjoyed Aladdin's and yesterday's late lunch was no exception. My lentil soup was even better than I would have expected and my Aladdin's combo plate was delicious. The meats were prepared perfectly and I loved the rice. Grace was my server and she offered a great combination of great service and friendliness. I will certainly save room for dessert on my next visit which I am sure will be soon.
(4)
Chelsey M.
The food here is okay. I don't think it's anything special, nor do I think it holds a flame to Pita hut, Pita house, or Lavash. I ordered a lamb plate when I visited. It was fine, but I ordered my rice without pine nuts and almonds. It always worries me when the waitress doesn't write things down because I know they'll come out wrong, and sure enough..I was hungry and it wasn't that big of a deal, just a personal preference. I picked the almonds and pine nuts out though, and although this wasn't an issue for me, it would be for someone with a nut allergy. For two entrees, an appetizer of hummus, one beer, one coke, and a slice of cheesecake that was just okay, it was about $50.
(3)
Teri D.
Was jonesing for some shawarma and decided to go here. Nice little place with flavorful hummus and nice thin pita bread which we split open to put our meat and lettuce from the salad in. The shawarma and hummus plate was high on hummus but a bit low on the meat. Best thing about this place is the price and really good if you are a vegetarian. They have a weekday lunch special of soup and salad for $6.99. Will probably go again if in the area to test drive the falafel.
(3)
Jenny H.
I LOVE their fresh squeezed juice-- especially the carrot apple. I love it even more when a place offers variety. Aladdin's favorite combo does just that: three types of meat, vermicelli rice and a crisp refreshing salad. If I'm really hungry, I won't have much to tote home, but other times they make for great leftovers. Tonight was no exception. Our tummys were set on pizza, but when plans fell through we thought of Aladdin's as the next best thing. Maggie, our server, was really friendly and my friend had room for their tiramisu (which was decent and not as dry as before). All-in-all, we were actually pretty glad that we went sans-pizza tonight.
(4)
Alexa A.
I went to Alladin's recently on a recommendation from another gluten-free diner; I never think to go there, because I think of it as the chain restaurant option that's just down the street from independent Mediterranean restaurant Lavash, who has always done right by me. But, hearing they had good options for gluten-free diners as well as vegetarians and vegans, I decided to give it a shot. I'm sure glad I did! Color me impressed, and embarrassed I didn't check it out sooner. The extensive menu has clear labels for what is gluten free, and many of their options in fact are. It's also significantly more affordable than Lavash, and they have beer! (And cider!) I also got a slice of their new gluten-free chocolate cake for dessert -- AMAZING. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Lisa S.
I live in the apartments behind Aladins, so as you can imagine every time I head home, I always stop there. I am definitely a regular. I always get the fattoush salad with chicken and it is amazing. It literally hits taste buds you never thought existed in your mouth. I have also had the curry chicken roll, which I can forever rave about. It's delicious in every imaginable way. If I ever get a dessert of some sort I always go for the baklava assortment. I can devour a container of that in one sitting and still want more! As for the staff. Super friendly and very courteous! Love this place, never a disappointment!
(5)
Barbara S.
Aladdin's is one of my go-to restaurants when I'm looking for something casual and healthy. The service is always good. The ambiance is friendly and pretty quiet.It's a good choice for vegetarian as well as meat options. My favorite vegetarian menu items are the majudderah (lentils, caramelized onions, and salad over rice) and the V-9 vegetable soup. The combo appetizer with hummus, baba ghannouj, tabbouli, etc is also quite good. My favorite Lebanese meat dish is kibbe, and it's only pretty good here. Kibbe is shaped like footballs, and is a cracked wheat exterior stuffed with meat, pine nuts and spices that is deep fried in oil. Aladdin's version is often dried out -- I suspect they make it in large batches and freeze it. But this is a picky complaint. It's still worth ordering, in my opinion. I highly recommend the hot Moroccan Mint tea.
(4)
RB B.
Ok, but nothing great. Food was pretty ho-hum...standard Hummus, falafel and baba. Annoying that they charge for extra salad dressing when you order a salad, and super annoying that they charge for hot sauce. Really? Hot sauce?
(2)
Rico J.
Just had this place for the first time and LOVED it! Relaxing decor and a great menu with refreshingly unique food. Ill be back for sure!!
(5)
Ha H.
Authentic; also dishes taste the same time over time. Lot's of healthy options. Easy to call in for a take out, which is what I do 80% of the time. Long time fan. High Marks!
(5)
Troy S.
I wasn't actually planning on going here the other day but the other Mediterranean place nearby was packed so we made our way over here. I have been to Aladdins before but it had been awhile. I enjoyed the food and variety of choices available here compared to other Mediterranean places. We ordered the Veggie sampler plate to start. We both love the Baba Ganoush along with its smoky flavor. This was the first time my cousin had ever had Baba and he loved it. I barely was able to eat any. The platter also had 2 grape leaves, 4 falaffels, tabouli, and hummus. The falaffel was great and I could have eaten all of them. The tabouli was decent and refreshing. I am not a huge tabouli fan in general. The hummus was really smooth which I still can't figure out how they get it like that when mine is always a little lumpy. Plenty of food for 2-4 people to start the meal. From my brother's recommendation we ordered Jasmine Rice with chicken mishwi and shashatawook wrap (spelling?) We both were pleased with our dishes as they were full of flavor and cooked very well. I really enjoyed the food. The atmosphere is very conducive for talking and catching up with my cousin who I hadn't seen in a few months. Prices aren't too bad either. I am glad the louder place was full.
(4)
Animesh G.
The place was pretty good. But I don't think it deserves more stars because the service here is pathetic. There is a long wait if you need to place your order. The food was pretty good. Good presentation and taste. My stars are purely based on the poor service provided at this place.
(3)
Lilly S.
Consistently good food and service at these restaurants! Definitely not 100% authentic.. for example, they call something on the menu "zatar" which is basically just thyme.. but everything from the hummus to the grape leaves to dessert is great! Tip, try the smoothies.. delicious!
(4)
Wendy D.
I come here every few weeks or so and almost never have any complaints. They have awesome vegetarian options, all the meat dishes I have had have been good too and the prices are fair. I even got my birthday cake here one year (tiramisu) and it was amazing. My only real complaint is that a couple of years ago I got a salad with char-grilled tuna and the tuna was awful, dry and tasted like old socks. I let it go and forgot about it until yesterday. I ordered the tuna pita and immediatly remembered the last time I had tuna at Aladdin's. It was just terrible. I ate the veggies and pita and left the chewy-rubbery gray tuna peices in the wrapper on my plate. I'll still go back eventually I'm sure, but definetly not for anything with tuna. Oh and actually one small thing that kind of got to me last time was that they sat us in the front window table (awesome), but then the manager came out at conducted an interview at a table across from us. I could hear the whole thing. It was hard for me to have a conversation and was probably nerve wracking for the girl being interviewed. The whole place was empty...why seat us there??
(4)
Briden S.
Honestly I have never really been a fan, to me it feels like a fast food Med food, and it just does not sit right with me. I can never find anything appetizing to me besides some hummus. Maybe it is because I do not fully understand all that goes into the food, but I have had great Mediterranean food before and this just does not cut it.
(2)
Emily U.
It is very delicious! Have been coming here, well, for a LONG time. Has it been 10 years? Consistently yummy. Lots to choose from. The lamb is divine- moist and tender. Great selection of fruit and veg smoothies. And, well, there is the cheesecake selection! :) Cheap if you want just one thing (like a pita), no sides. Only complaint is that we had MINIMAL waiter service on our last visit. Lots of empty water/coffee time that was unfortunate. And we were ready to order for 10 min before it was taken. I think it depends on where you sit.
(4)
Peter D.
I appreciate the ease of parking here, campus is always a pain in the A. Anyways, the inside is pretty and I really like the hanging bowls that decorate the ceiling. Our server was a total slacker, failed badly at drink refills and mumbled the whole time. Food was great though. Hummas was very filling, and I got a chicken..... wrap... thing. Can't remember what it was called unformulated but my GF liked it more then her schwarma which she really likes.
(3)
Liz M.
This is already my favorite restaurant in Columbus! Everything I have tried here is amazing: kibbie, mujadara pocket, chicken curry roll, lamb rolled. The meat dishes are perfectly seasoned, and all of the veggies are fresh! The restaurant and bathroom are extremely clean, and the servers are very friendly. They have extensive vegetarian options and even carry vegan desserts!!
(5)
Jim P.
Awesome food. We had hummus, Baba, Falaffel, some spinach-pita-feta thingy.. Sheeshkabob ( I butchered the spelling I know), had a guava smoothie, everything was just wonderful and service was great!
(5)
Rachel C.
I came to Aladdin's with high expectations. I love Mediterranean food, and the nearby Lavash was very good, so I absolutely expected Aladdin's to measure up as well. Instead, I found meh food and terrible service. I'm not planning on returning, at least not to this location. THE PROS: a relatively nice interior. ease of access-close to campus and right off high st. THE CONS: this was honestly the worst service I think I have ever experienced. I went with a college-aged friend on a busy evening (Aladdin's was one of the only restaurants in Clintonville with power) and the waitress helped two larger parties that arrived after we did before venturing over with a menu. we then got our food significantly after the other tables. water was refilled sparingly, like they needed to conserve it. lastly, as she was setting our food down, she caught herself, and switched my friend's plate with mine. we had both ordered wraps, mine a vegetarian hummus/falafel combo, his a traditional gyro. i took a big bite of the wrap and found that she had placed his gyro in front of me. i'm vegetarian, and i was very unhappy. we had a two person table, and i feel that if she wasn't sure which one of us had ordered which dish, she should have asked. i think that we were profiled as being unlikely tippers and treated as such. this turned into a self-fulfilling prophecy, since i think she got about 10% off each of us. the food was not terrible, but it was definitely over-hyped. i would much rather go down the block and eat at Lavash, which has food that is at least as good or better, where the owner personally comes out and socializes, than eat at this overrated chain. the dessert selection was slim and extremely Americanized; think large cookies and cheesecake that actually had American flag toothpicks stuck in it. After I commented on the lousy service to some friends, they said that they had similar experiences at this location, so I may be persuaded to give Aladdin's another try somewhere else, but the Clintonville store has lost a customer that was very eager to be impressed.
(2)
Caitlin W.
Just a quick update. Went here again last night. The hummous was terrible and the baba was way better than before. The grape leaves were wonderful. The portions have decreased in size according to my memory. This is probably a good thing. The prices have not decreased. This is not the best thing. On the other hand, the service was great.
(4)
Christiana C.
I don't know what's been going on with Aladdin's lately. I used to go there once a week and it was always a really good experience. Lately, the portions have shrunk and the prices are the same/a little higher. I keep getting charged 12 for a plate of hummus and 1.50 for side veggies. Um, what? Allow me to wax nostalgic about the Good Ole Days, because Aladdin's didn't used to do me like this. But! Their wait staff is still always good times. I usually see the same people and I like them a lot. They're very helpful and attentive. And the food is still some good Mediterranean eating.
(3)
E B.
I had the lentil soup which was good. But this was offset by the cake I had for dessert.I was a combination of dry texture and sogginess from being thawed.
(3)
KC M.
Great food you can feel good about eating - but the service at this location is very spotty. Our server seemed terribly distracted, and with only about 5 tables in the whole place, and two servers, we still waited almost 10 minutes for our soup, and had to wait until our server went to another table twice to get them items before he gave us our checks. Not good service, by any means, and it's not like they were busy. Ah, well, the food is great, like I said - but I think I'll stick with takeout.
(3)
Bryant A.
this place is awesome. the atmosphere is small, but clean and the staff is friendly. the reason why i mention this first is because i had eaten at lavash which is down the street and its very cramped and noisey times. the food is great. all the meats are well cooked and seasoned. i recommend sticking with the platters. they have more to offer your pallette. ive been here a few times already and between my wife and i all the dishes we tried were delicious. dont get me wrong, lavash is awesome as well and ther platters are huge, (although pricy) but this place is more chill and a great place to take a date or in my case, my wife. lavash gets really crowded quickly and sometimes families come in with boat loads of kids. though they are cute, they are noisey and it dampers the experience. i am originally from brooklyn nyc, born and raised. i have tried many middle eastern esque restaraunts. this place is up there with the best.
(5)
Kevin M.
Just as good as the location in Grandview. Check out my review for that location, but suffice to say that the food is good, the prices are reasonable, the service is quick, and the menu has tons of variety.
(5)
James W.
Stopped in here on a Saturday night. They have a massive menu. Started with a side salad with the house dressing. Delicious! Had a chicken Schwarma(Just ok). The person I was with had the Chili Lentil soup(Great!). And something with a sfiha sound to it. Which was also delicious. And dessert of Heath Bar Cheesecake(nothing special). The major thing bringing down this establishment is the service. Was horribly slow. My glass of Diet coke sat empty my whole meal. The waitress brought out our soup and salad with the dinner.(I HATE this) And was just generally slow. There were only about 5 tables in house and 2 waiters. Food=Great Selection=Great Pricing=Great Service=Poor
(3)
doreen w.
This place loses a star because the service is consistently inattentive and mediocre. I guess that is irrelevant since they lace the hummus with crack and i found myself waiting outside five minutes before they open to get my fix.
(4)
Amanda D.
Hummus here is great
(4)
Kevin T.
The Flavor Saver Special and a nice fruit smoothie. That says it all. Aladdin's is a great place and the service has always been wonderful!
(4)
Robert B.
Yummo! The food here is awesome. I love the vegetarian platter. The chili and salads are also excellent. If you are in the mood for desert this place has variety of gourmet cakes to satisfy even the most complex of palates.
(4)
Jaynie M.
My husband and I used to come here a lot. We started coming because they had buy one get one coupons they would publish in a quarterly book we could pick up at a bookstore. They stopped putting their coupons in the last 2 quarters. We like the food and the staff is great, but the coupons really helped. We want them back! :)
(4)
Jen D.
I really like this place. The staff have always been really friendly and the food is delicious. ...and like Justin said, their hummus is really good.
(4)
Emily H.
Great Middle Eastern/Mediterranean food in a cute, tiny space in Clintonville. I've visited several other Aladdin's locations, and have always been pleased with the food, service, and decor. My go-to dish is Jasmine's Favorite, a combination of peas, carrots, green beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, onion, parsley, and rice. The fatayer plate, the soups, and pitas are all also delicious. They also have an assortment of smoothies and natural juices - I recommend the delicious and thick mango juice. The reason I most often visit Aladdin's, and I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet, is the desserts! They have an enormous glass case at the front counter which is usually filled with 5 or more varieties of cheesecake and 10 or more cakes. There are seasonal and year-round favorites - both chocolate and non-chocolate varieties, sure to please everyone. You can even order a whole cake for a special occasion with a little advance notice. I would definitely recommend any of the Aladdin's locations. This particular one has limited parking, but there is one in Grandview with a larger lot. Definitely give it a try - and leave room for dessert!
(4)
Max T.
Very good Mediterranean food, and a great lunchtime destination. This ISN'T Greek, so don't expect standard gyros, but there is some general overlap. The rolled pitas are great - very thin pitas cooked to near-crispness, with good quality meats & other fillings and topped with one of Aladdin's sauces. Their garlic sauce is the best, but be forewarned, it's VERY strong. Depending on your appetite, the rolled pita may not be quite enough - augmenting with a hummus appetizer normally does the trick!
(4)
Erin B.
Trippy, weird and great. Try it.
(4)
Paul F.
I stopped here to have lunch but the menu was so much different than Pita Hut -n- Grill, I decided to skip it and go a few doors down to try Lavash Cafe. I'm sure there's nothing wrong with Aladdin's but....
(4)
Susan H.
I love Aladdin's Eatery! Quiet, quiant Clintonville establishment with GREAT food, LOTS of choices, quick service, good prices. Hubby & I went there just to try it out and were very pleasantly surprised. We've been here a few times and try something different every time - the menu is huge! We've never been disappointed. Highly recommend it - AND save room for homemade FABULOUS desserts. And if you eat too much, take your dessert to go.
(5)
Cat F.
I've always enjoyed this little gem of a restaurant. I like the flavors, although they're more mild than I usually prefer. I enjoy the hummus and the vegetarian dishes, but the kebabs are also good. I've always had good service, too, even when we've sat and lingered a long time over our meal.
(4)
J R.
Love their hummus.
(4)
Tracy B.
food ok, but very am concerned with possible very poor treatment of staff. people should be treated well, especially in this economy.
(1)
Shelley S.
MMMMMMmmmmmm... I don't even know what I ate here, it was a baked-something with spicy chicken and scallions and peas inside. All I know was that it was fabulous and delicious & I already want to go back. Also, this is random, but I really liked the quality of the lettuce in my salad. Very tasty.
(4)
Sheren H.
i used to live at the olentangy village's the cove. so aladdin's was just a couple of steps away. great pitza! and unique drinks
(4)
Jessica G.
I love this place. I usually eat at the on in Bexley but it's not in Yelp. Great for vegetarians (I'm vegan and have lots to choose from). The service is friendly and competent. It's fast for lunch. They serve wine and beer. The lentil soup is awesome. I order the mujadra pocket every darn time because I love love love it. We take my niece and it's kid-friendly, but I don't think they have a separate menu.
(5)
Matthew M.
I would eat here more often if it didn't cost quite as much as it does to get filled up. Aladdin's baba ghanouj is one of my favorite renditions of the motif because of its pronounced smoky flavor. A server there told me they roast eggplants on a grill at the back of the restaurant. The sfiha (beef with cinnamon, other spices and pine nuts folded and baked into a pita with cheese on top) is exceptionally delicious and comes with a salad to balance out the meal when you order it as an entree. The chicken mishwi plate is likewise a salad dish and is topped with a very tender and tastily marinated chicken breast. The soups (chili, lentil soup, 9 bean soup) are very good, the pita pizzas are usually light and flavorful, and it's nice that you can have a beer or glass of wine with your meal at Aladdin's. The servers have almost always been courteous, pleasant, and responsive here. The food seems like it is of wholesome ingredients and eating here feels like a good thing to do for one's body. Again, the main obstacle for me is that i end up spending more than i intend in order to feel sated by eating at Aladdin's.
(4)
Erin R.
aladdin's has always been dependable to me since i grew up in cleveland and hit every aladdin's in the metro area, it seemed like. i have my favorite things, and i know that most of the time they're going to be exactly what i am looking for. went back last night for dinner with a friend, and besides the fact that people who came in after us were seated before us because our hostess disappeared, it was the same goodness i've come to expect. last night we split hummus, even though i am much more of a baba ghannouj fan. theirs is excellent. i could probably eat it every day - similar to my feelings about guacamole. the hummus was good, my only issue is that restaurants NEVER give you enough pita. i understand conserving and not wasting it, but man. i could stand to not eat hummus with a spoon. as an entree i had the aladdin's kabob last night. in the past couple of years i've noticed they've added pickles and turnips to their rolled sandwiches, and i LOVE IT. so much better than the old green pepper and/or cucumber and tomato only. i have never heard any complaints about the rolled sandwiches. i've also had soups, the fattoush salad, pockets, some of the pita pizzas and the kibbeh, and i'm into all of them. the falafel isn't my all time favorite, but it isn't one of my all time favorites as a food anyway so that might be why. aladdin's knows how to do mediterranean food that isn't making me go broke. in hobo economy, i can appreciate that. service at this location has been kind of all over the place - the past few times i've been there have been conflict-free, but i do recall a couple of instances where they got weird about splitting a check or handling a large group. still a dependable neighborhood place, and a restaurant chain that i've been into since high school.
(4)
Kenley M.
Aladdin's serves quality food, fresh juices, and desserts that are hard to resist. The menu has lots of options from hummus to chili to kebabs to mediterranean pizzas. While the food is prepared consistently well, from fresh ingredients, I sometimes wish it were a little spicier, or had a little more garlic, or olive oil, or something. I generally get good service there, and have been many times. They are happy to accomodate special orders, like adding cheese to a vegan soup. The main drawbacks for me are price and portion size: while Aladdin's is by no means an expensive meal, you can get more for your money elsewhere in Columbus.
(3)
Birdy N.
This review is specifically for a visit on Dec31, 2012. We stopped by at about 915pm, to pick up a couple of pieces of dessert to take home. We were abruptly told they closed at 9pm, we pointed to the sign that said they closed at 10pm but they simply ushered us out of the restaurant and locked the door behind us. Wow....don't do us any favours please. That is the last time we ever visit. You'd think that with much better food at the Pita Hut and Acropolis they would be bending over backwards to make up with service what their food lacks.
(1)
Beth B.
I have to say, I don't think many people realize how rare and amazing genuine, authentic hummus is. If anything, Aladdin's is worth the trip simply to taste the smooth, thick texture of their hummus with just the right amount of olive oil. I can't claim to be from the Mediterranean, but after living in Amman for four months, every bite of Aladdin's is tinged with the sweet taste of nostalgia. If you're feeling a little adventurous, I highly recommend the fuul - mashed fava beans with a little garlic, pepper, tomato and other delectable spices - is a great alternative to hummus (also makes a fantastic breakfast food - trust me on this!) Their falafel is tasty as well, never too hard or crusty and very flavorful. My standard fare is the chicken curry rolled pita and a pomegranate iced tea - sometimes I've gotten free refills on the tea, but I'm not sure if this standard practice. The tea is not too sweet, and the chicken curry comes with healthy vegetables like peas, beets, banana peppers, onions, and just a little touch of sauce all wrapped up in hot pita. The pita is never stale and the chicken is never greasy, a trait I've found consistent in all of Aladdin's food - they really pride themselves on healthy eating, even when it's lamb shish kabob or another hearty dish. The meat in most of the beef and lamb dishes can be a bit large and hard to bite in rolled pita, but it's well-cooked and juicy. Of course, I can't leave out the desserts. Where the food lacks decadence, sugar, and fat, the desserts more than make up for it. The tiramisu is my absolute favorite, as well as with many of Aladdin's other regular patrons. The baklava isn't terribly outstanding, just individual pieces saran wrapped and placed in a basket by the register. In short, the atmosphere, the food, and the experience are consistently excellent and create a large community of regulars. I recommend this restaurant for anything from an afternoon business lunch to an intimate dinner for two. Ahlan wa sahlan!
(5)
Kevin D.
Seriously, the worst Med food I've ever tasted. 99 cent falafels in Montreal (circa 1999) tasted better. My partner's veggie wrap was a blight of what appeared to be overly chunky and dry canned tuna. My own meat trio was batting .333, with only the lamb being even borderline acceptable in terms of seasoning and cooking. The Baba was passable, but more burnt than fire-roasted. Lavash or Mezha are seriously better options than Aladdin's for Med food in CBUS. Only upshot, maybe? The smoothies... As a final aside, the service was horrendous.
(1)
Sarah C.
This is just next to my apartment, so I go to Aladdin's quite often than I should. It is OK Mediterranean considering the price. The service is also OK; my server was trying to be nice, but kind of not that attentive. Everything was OK, but not great, so I will give it 3 stars. If I want some "great" Mediterranean, I go to Lavash.
(3)
Emily A.
Quality ingredients, a big selection of vegetarian food, and a nice little atmosphere. Decent service. Wonderful pizzas! I'd agree with another poster that food can be a little bland, and you can get more food of equal quality for less money elsewhere. I used to go the Aladdin's in Lakewood, Ohio (Cleveland) and I remember it being spicier or less bland than the one in Clintonville, but maybe my taste buds have just evolved. I would give 3.5 stars if possible for a good vegetarian-friendly place.
(3)
Caitlin E.
I have visited Aladdin's multiple times and have never had a bad experience. The service has always been quick and courteous, and the atmosphere is warm and comforting. At this location, they have artwork by local artists for sale of various mediums. The food is very good. They have a great variety of vegetarian and vegan options, and you can spend anywhere as low as $5.95 to $30 for a meal. This time I had their Farmer's Pitza and Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake. Both were amazing. The desserts are also to die for. They have types of cheesecake that you won't even find on The Cheesecake Factory menu, and The server will take the time to go through each item in the refrigerated case in the front. Overall you can find something delicious for any budget and diet in a cozy environment with friendly staff.
(5)
Erin M.
So glad that we stumbled onto this little gem. The food was amazing. Nice variety and many vegetarian options. We ordered an assortment of appetizers and a salad to split. Everything was fresh and flavorful. We will be back!
(5)
Birdy N.
This review is specifically for a visit on Dec31, 2012. We stopped by at about 915pm, to pick up a couple of pieces of dessert to take home. We were abruptly told they closed at 9pm, we pointed to the sign that said they closed at 10pm but they simply ushered us out of the restaurant and locked the door behind us. Wow....don't do us any favours please. That is the last time we ever visit. You'd think that with much better food at the Pita Hut and Acropolis they would be bending over backwards to make up with service what their food lacks.
(1)
Kevin D.
Seriously, the worst Med food I've ever tasted. 99 cent falafels in Montreal (circa 1999) tasted better. My partner's veggie wrap was a blight of what appeared to be overly chunky and dry canned tuna. My own meat trio was batting .333, with only the lamb being even borderline acceptable in terms of seasoning and cooking. The Baba was passable, but more burnt than fire-roasted. Lavash or Mezha are seriously better options than Aladdin's for Med food in CBUS. Only upshot, maybe? The smoothies... As a final aside, the service was horrendous.
(1)
Sarah C.
This is just next to my apartment, so I go to Aladdin's quite often than I should. It is OK Mediterranean considering the price. The service is also OK; my server was trying to be nice, but kind of not that attentive. Everything was OK, but not great, so I will give it 3 stars. If I want some "great" Mediterranean, I go to Lavash.
(3)
Troy S.
I wasn't actually planning on going here the other day but the other Mediterranean place nearby was packed so we made our way over here. I have been to Aladdins before but it had been awhile. I enjoyed the food and variety of choices available here compared to other Mediterranean places. We ordered the Veggie sampler plate to start. We both love the Baba Ganoush along with its smoky flavor. This was the first time my cousin had ever had Baba and he loved it. I barely was able to eat any. The platter also had 2 grape leaves, 4 falaffels, tabouli, and hummus. The falaffel was great and I could have eaten all of them. The tabouli was decent and refreshing. I am not a huge tabouli fan in general. The hummus was really smooth which I still can't figure out how they get it like that when mine is always a little lumpy. Plenty of food for 2-4 people to start the meal. From my brother's recommendation we ordered Jasmine Rice with chicken mishwi and shashatawook wrap (spelling?) We both were pleased with our dishes as they were full of flavor and cooked very well. I really enjoyed the food. The atmosphere is very conducive for talking and catching up with my cousin who I hadn't seen in a few months. Prices aren't too bad either. I am glad the louder place was full.
(4)
Animesh G.
The place was pretty good. But I don't think it deserves more stars because the service here is pathetic. There is a long wait if you need to place your order. The food was pretty good. Good presentation and taste. My stars are purely based on the poor service provided at this place.
(3)
Gwen W.
Interesting establishment. I've been wanting to try Aladdin's for years, so I posted a UYE. When we got to the restaurant, it want busy yet, so we were seated right away. I decided on an appetizer and meal: Baba Ganoush and Mediterranean Lamb Plate. This dinner did not score high for me. Why? A few things: smoked flavor, tart/bitter taste, and overcooked meat. I did not like the prominent smoked flavor of the Baba. It lingered in my mouth, which left my taste buds in disappointment. I've never had a thing for smoked food, period. The Baba also was quite tarty - made me pucker and shiver, yuck! I could not taste the eggplant. The lamb plate was nothing to brag about either. The chucks of lamb were overcooked a bit. The rice and nut mix could have used some moisture. I was nervous that the cinnamon would be overwhelming. It wasn't. However, this dish didn't have bold flavors, like I was expecting. Our waitress was polite and checked in at just the right points. But the flavors left in my mouth after trying the dishes was too much to come out on top.
(2)
Vincent L.
Loved it! Had the vegetarian dish name K something and it's pretty great. It's always nice to know a restaurant cares about vegetarian and vegan customers.
(4)
Donna O.
Aladdin's is a franchise that doesn't seem like one, because the food is high-quality, fresh and tasty. A healthy meal can be had whether you are vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian or an omnivore - there is a dish on Aladdin's menu which will become your favorite. They have smoothies and raw juices, and soups that are amazing. The V-9 soup is especially good. Even their fried options get a healthy boost - chicken sambusek with an onion and tomato garnish was our splurge appetizer. Rolled grilled pita sandwiches are my favorite - the falafel or lamb. Both have lots of veggies, and the falafel rolled has turnips - crunchy and not an addition you see on the menu often. The spouse likes the mixed grill dinner, with beef, chicken and lamb on rice, with a side salad. It's just the right amount of food, whatever you order. If you're feeling like pizza, they have pita pizzas. The table next to us ordered one, and it looked good - lots of toppings. Their desserts will knock you off the healthy-eating wagon - carrot cake and strawberry topped cake - so good, and fun to share. Being a little bad is okay here.
(3)
Jen R.
Aladdin's is a go-to for me. Always awesome food and always great service and that is consistent at any of their locations in my experience. Fantastic baba ganoush and the tuna schwarma rolled is a staple order. And if they ask you if you'd like hot sauce, say yes!
(5)
Krista R.
Despite the stupid name of this local chain, I think the food is delicious and appealing to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. My friend is a regular here, and I can see why. We shared... hummus and pitta, an order of stuffed grape leaves, chicken shawarma, a gyro, and a seared tuna salad. Lots of side sauces came with these items and really enhanced the meal. Everything we ordered was fresh and flavorful. The prices were decent for the quality and portions, and the restaurant itself is cute. The place was PACKED for a Sunday afternoon, which probably explains the panicked server and length of time it took to get our food. I'd go back for sure.
(4)
Lauren F.
I have only been here once but I really liked it. They have a nice selection of raw juices so I will be back for that alone but the food was also very good. They have a large menu with lots of different menu options. I got the falafel appetizer and Jazmine's favorite as an entree and both were very good.
Awesome food, and great service! What more could you ask for? Their pita pizzas are my absolute favorite! I don't get to go here often, but it sure is a treat when I do!
(5)
Codi F.
Great food, excellent staff, convenient location, cool atmosphere. Buy a bag of pita bread on your way out. It is very versatile. I use it to wrap my gyros. My only real complaint is that the hummus here isn't as good as the Aladdin's in Dublin. Dublin Aladdin's has PERFECT hummus. The hummus at the High Street location has a less desirable texture and isn't garnished well.
(5)
Dave G.
the management is awful.......they don't help the staff when busy....the wait staff is great
(1)
Kate B.
I enjoy coming here. I've never had to wait for a table, and the servers are professional and friendly. They have a well-curated draft list that alternates pretty frequently, but the menu is so large that it can be overwhelming. My favorites are their pitzas and the spicy kafta rolled. Highly recommend ordering a side of their homemade hot sauce - it's incredible.
(4)
Candace M.
We walked into Lavash, realized that their line was enormously long and that their food was a lot more pricey than Aladdin's, and made the quick decision to head down the street. I had the Dawali Rolled plus hummus. TO DIE FOR! Seriously, now that I've had it, I crave it all the time. So good! My boyfriend got the Aladdin's favorite combo and he didn't love it, mostly because it was more salad than he had been expecting. We both got dessert, and liked it! I'm not entirely convinced that my baklava didn't come from a box, based on what I saw, but it was good regardless. The service was friendly and quick. I have found that the lunch seems to take longer than the dinner, possibly because the dinner hour is just a lot busier. For a quick, easy, and delicious lunch or dinner, we will be keeping Aladdin's in mind! I already want that Dawali Rolled again... yummm!
(5)
Marcia E.
This was only so-so for me. The pita bread we got was stale and old. The wine I got tasted like vinegar. I asked for a different glass, and the second glass also tasted off. I didn't drink anymore of it. The best part was the appetizer, Dawali, was good, but the rolled pita beef thing I got was meh. Too much cinnamon. Not enough garlic. Hubby liked his though. But I wouldn't go back probably.
(2)
Nina R.
I've only been here a handful of times, but each time I've gotten the Chicken Salad Pocket. Delicious chicken salad with an olive oil based dressing on the side. Staff is friendly enough. This location is always pretty empty when I've been here, but it keeps it nice for a meeting or friendly lunch. They do have a beer list which I didn't realize until today- looks like Ohio brews- kinda nice!
(4)
Miranda L.
Stopped in for a late lunch earlier this week. Service was good and pleasant. Hummus was super fast- heavy on the tahini and low on the garlic and lemon. Served with the pitas that are used as the wraps. The hummus was not as balanced as I like in mine. (I'm still going with Pita House in Bexley tops the columbus hummus scene.). It was pretty smooth here though. House salad- The arugula was a nice touch in the salad itself. House dressing, tasty for sure. Super tasty it you get a lemon to squeeze on it. The lemon helped the house dressing be what it wanted to be. Spicy Kafta wrap- undercooked beef. Spots of overly pink meat throughout both pieces. After I saw pink in the wrap, I dissected the other kofta too. I'm not pro-well done beef but, when consuming ground beef at a place that I know nothing about their meat sources (and there's not a disclaimer of potentially undercooked meat), I want my meat throughly cooked. It was possibly undercooked because there wasn't enough beef in it to cook evenly. Was heavy, heavy on green (parsley perhaps) and maybe a filler. Before I notice the undercooked beef, I'd taken say four bites. In those four bites I didn't find the 'spicy' that was in the dish's name. The wrap was super crunchy. Like cracker flakey crunch. In the end, I showed the waiter the undercooked beef in my wrap. He comped it on the ticket, which was appreciated. I was asked if I wanted something else but at that point I was over Aladdin's. Undercooked meat aside, I prefer the product that's being produced at the restaurant that's only a parking lot away. With so many restaurant options in C-Bus I cannot say for a positive that I'd return for another meal.
(2)
Sarah H.
This was my first time eating here. I ordered the lunch special. For $6.99 I got a massive bowl of soup and a side salad. The soup was half lentil and half vegetarian chili and it was both delicious and filling. The salad was very flavorful and there was just the right amount of dressing. The ambiance was very surprising from what I expected from the outside. I was very pleased. Overall I will be back.
(4)
Tomas P.
One of my favorites at any of their location! Their food is always fresh and delicious.
(4)
Ryan K.
I strolled on over to Aladdin's for a lite dinner with a friend last weekend. I have to say I was fairly impressed by their establishment. I decided on the hummus as that's always a favorite of mine and found theirs to be spot on. The combination of some pita bread and vegetables to dip it in also fit the bill. Lastly I indulged myself with their tropical smoothy which is actually quite tasty and worthy delight. My experience with the service was also exemplary. The staff was swift, courteous, and never left me wanting of something. Combined with a price point that is reasonable it is clear that I'll likely be back at some point in the future.
(4)
Gus W.
This place is more like a 2.5 star, but since we had pretty nice service, I'll bump it up to a 3. It's been about two and a half years since I last stepped foot in an Aladdin's, and it happened to be this one coincidentally. Even though I lived in Olentangy Village, it took a while for me to check out this place, and the first time I went (aka the last time I went prior to this) I wasn't very impressed. I had their beef kafta rolls, and it just didn't taste that great, so this time around I stayed away from it. There was a few of us there for a meet up, so I was able to try a few of the appetizer dishes. I ordered the falafel and was not a fan. It was way denser than most falafel I eat (maybe too pureed), and two of them was more than enough to make me full. I tried the baba ganoush, which had a bit of a smoky flavor to it, and I thought that was the best of the apps. The Foole was just okay. I wish they'd give you better pita to dip instead of just store bought thinly cut slices. I went with the lamb as my main course, and they really didn't provide a whole lot of it. The meat was cooked pretty well done and cut into pretty small pieces, and they never gave me the option of how I'd like it cooked. The rice had a hint of cinnamon, and I didn't mind that. The garlic sauce that came with it was pretty tasty as well. For dessert they had a number of cheesecakes and a signature chocolate cake with mousse layering in the middle. I went with a Kit Kat cheesecake, because how could that be bad? It wasn't great; it wasn't terrible, but it was incredibly rich, and I couldn't finish it. Ranajoy had ordered the signature cake, which I had a bite of, and it didn't do much for me either. At the end of the day, I'm probably not going to be back to Aladdin's again unless I'm forced to. I don't know if it's just this spot in particular that's lackluster, but I'm willing to bet the majority of the chain is the same. The quality of ingredients is just not there for me, and I could understand if the pricing was a bit lower, but it's not. If you're looking for Mediterranean fare in Columbus, there are just so many other options that are better and cheaper.
(3)
Erin B.
Trippy, weird and great. Try it.
(4)
Ha H.
Authentic; also dishes taste the same time over time. Lot's of healthy options. Easy to call in for a take out, which is what I do 80% of the time. Long time fan. High Marks!
(5)
RB B.
Ok, but nothing great. Food was pretty ho-hum...standard Hummus, falafel and baba. Annoying that they charge for extra salad dressing when you order a salad, and super annoying that they charge for hot sauce. Really? Hot sauce?
(2)
Rico J.
Just had this place for the first time and LOVED it! Relaxing decor and a great menu with refreshingly unique food. Ill be back for sure!!
(5)
Briden S.
Honestly I have never really been a fan, to me it feels like a fast food Med food, and it just does not sit right with me. I can never find anything appetizing to me besides some hummus. Maybe it is because I do not fully understand all that goes into the food, but I have had great Mediterranean food before and this just does not cut it.
(2)
Emily U.
It is very delicious! Have been coming here, well, for a LONG time. Has it been 10 years? Consistently yummy. Lots to choose from. The lamb is divine- moist and tender. Great selection of fruit and veg smoothies. And, well, there is the cheesecake selection! :) Cheap if you want just one thing (like a pita), no sides. Only complaint is that we had MINIMAL waiter service on our last visit. Lots of empty water/coffee time that was unfortunate. And we were ready to order for 10 min before it was taken. I think it depends on where you sit.
(4)
J R.
Love their hummus.
(4)
Liz M.
This is already my favorite restaurant in Columbus! Everything I have tried here is amazing: kibbie, mujadara pocket, chicken curry roll, lamb rolled. The meat dishes are perfectly seasoned, and all of the veggies are fresh! The restaurant and bathroom are extremely clean, and the servers are very friendly. They have extensive vegetarian options and even carry vegan desserts!!
(5)
Jim P.
Awesome food. We had hummus, Baba, Falaffel, some spinach-pita-feta thingy.. Sheeshkabob ( I butchered the spelling I know), had a guava smoothie, everything was just wonderful and service was great!
(5)
Scott B.
Although the ingredients were very fresh and everything seemed well-prepared, the flavor was not exactly to my liking, a bit oddly sweet. However I would have probably been willing to try other dishes here if the service had not been so poor. Drink refills were conveniently not offered on sodas/tea until everyone was well-finished eating and coffee refills were not offered at all. The waitress was extremely inattentive and absent most of the time, we had to go yell into the kitchen to order dessert. Then, adding insult to injury after all that work the dessert portion for the price was exceptionally miserly. I was not impressed. At all.
(1)
Peter D.
I appreciate the ease of parking here, campus is always a pain in the A. Anyways, the inside is pretty and I really like the hanging bowls that decorate the ceiling. Our server was a total slacker, failed badly at drink refills and mumbled the whole time. Food was great though. Hummas was very filling, and I got a chicken..... wrap... thing. Can't remember what it was called unformulated but my GF liked it more then her schwarma which she really likes.
(3)
Amanda B.
If I had to sum up Aladdin's Eatery in a sentence: Delicious, healthy, and often locally-sourced food that isn't too expensive. I've gone there a few times, and my favorite dish by far is the Arayiss Pitza- crispy pita topped with fresh, flavorful hummus, ground meat, tomato, and pine nuts. The hummos plate is another great option for an appetizer, or if you're just not terribly hungry. The only dish I've gotten from Aladdin's that I wasn't particularly fond of was the chicken schwarma rolled- the chicken was a bit tough and the sauce was somewhat cold, and it overall just didn't rock my socks. But other than that, pretty much everything I've tried from here has been a win. If you can, leave some room for dessert. They always have a big selection of gourmet cake (one slice can easily be split between two people) and local baked goods. A rocky road bar and some hot tea at the end of a meal always makes me a happy camper. The service at Aladdin's has always been friendly, but not fawning, when I've gone. It's got the air of a nice restaurant, but not so fancy that you'd feel uncomfortable dropping by in jeans and a tee shirt.
(4)
Savannah F.
Service is usually just okay, but I love their food. It is reasonably priced, and they have so many healthy options. The chicken is always tender, more so than most restaurants I've visited.
(4)
Mitchell T.
I have always enjoyed Aladdin's and yesterday's late lunch was no exception. My lentil soup was even better than I would have expected and my Aladdin's combo plate was delicious. The meats were prepared perfectly and I loved the rice. Grace was my server and she offered a great combination of great service and friendliness. I will certainly save room for dessert on my next visit which I am sure will be soon.
(4)
Cat F.
I've always enjoyed this little gem of a restaurant. I like the flavors, although they're more mild than I usually prefer. I enjoy the hummus and the vegetarian dishes, but the kebabs are also good. I've always had good service, too, even when we've sat and lingered a long time over our meal.
(4)
Lisa S.
I live in the apartments behind Aladins, so as you can imagine every time I head home, I always stop there. I am definitely a regular. I always get the fattoush salad with chicken and it is amazing. It literally hits taste buds you never thought existed in your mouth. I have also had the curry chicken roll, which I can forever rave about. It's delicious in every imaginable way. If I ever get a dessert of some sort I always go for the baklava assortment. I can devour a container of that in one sitting and still want more! As for the staff. Super friendly and very courteous! Love this place, never a disappointment!
(5)
Tracy B.
food ok, but very am concerned with possible very poor treatment of staff. people should be treated well, especially in this economy.
(1)
Barbara S.
Aladdin's is one of my go-to restaurants when I'm looking for something casual and healthy. The service is always good. The ambiance is friendly and pretty quiet.It's a good choice for vegetarian as well as meat options. My favorite vegetarian menu items are the majudderah (lentils, caramelized onions, and salad over rice) and the V-9 vegetable soup. The combo appetizer with hummus, baba ghannouj, tabbouli, etc is also quite good. My favorite Lebanese meat dish is kibbe, and it's only pretty good here. Kibbe is shaped like footballs, and is a cracked wheat exterior stuffed with meat, pine nuts and spices that is deep fried in oil. Aladdin's version is often dried out -- I suspect they make it in large batches and freeze it. But this is a picky complaint. It's still worth ordering, in my opinion. I highly recommend the hot Moroccan Mint tea.
(4)
Beth B.
I have to say, I don't think many people realize how rare and amazing genuine, authentic hummus is. If anything, Aladdin's is worth the trip simply to taste the smooth, thick texture of their hummus with just the right amount of olive oil. I can't claim to be from the Mediterranean, but after living in Amman for four months, every bite of Aladdin's is tinged with the sweet taste of nostalgia. If you're feeling a little adventurous, I highly recommend the fuul - mashed fava beans with a little garlic, pepper, tomato and other delectable spices - is a great alternative to hummus (also makes a fantastic breakfast food - trust me on this!) Their falafel is tasty as well, never too hard or crusty and very flavorful. My standard fare is the chicken curry rolled pita and a pomegranate iced tea - sometimes I've gotten free refills on the tea, but I'm not sure if this standard practice. The tea is not too sweet, and the chicken curry comes with healthy vegetables like peas, beets, banana peppers, onions, and just a little touch of sauce all wrapped up in hot pita. The pita is never stale and the chicken is never greasy, a trait I've found consistent in all of Aladdin's food - they really pride themselves on healthy eating, even when it's lamb shish kabob or another hearty dish. The meat in most of the beef and lamb dishes can be a bit large and hard to bite in rolled pita, but it's well-cooked and juicy. Of course, I can't leave out the desserts. Where the food lacks decadence, sugar, and fat, the desserts more than make up for it. The tiramisu is my absolute favorite, as well as with many of Aladdin's other regular patrons. The baklava isn't terribly outstanding, just individual pieces saran wrapped and placed in a basket by the register. In short, the atmosphere, the food, and the experience are consistently excellent and create a large community of regulars. I recommend this restaurant for anything from an afternoon business lunch to an intimate dinner for two. Ahlan wa sahlan!
(5)
Kevin M.
Just as good as the location in Grandview. Check out my review for that location, but suffice to say that the food is good, the prices are reasonable, the service is quick, and the menu has tons of variety.
(5)
Julie H.
I had lunch here with a few friends on a Saturday. There was no wait time, we were seating promptly. The food took a while, but the service was over all good. I enjoyed my dish. We order balaklava to take with us. I had it later and it was a bit dry and not the best balaklava I've had. I loved the entrees and would go back for lunch there again.
(4)
Greg K.
Stopped in one night for a late dinner since Acropolis was closed and I was craving some Mediterranean food. I hadn't been here in a very long time and couldn't remember if I liked it or not. I had a simple beef shawrma dinner and it really hit the spot. The pita is thinner and crispier than what you might expect but in this case it's a good thing. The shawarma is a decent size and packed with beefy goodness. Again, it was a late night meal so I didn't get to try anything else on the menu but I'll bet it's pretty good. The only drawback is the delicious seasoning they put on the outside of the pita will have your hands smelling for hours even after a good scrubbing.
(4)
Chelsey M.
The food here is okay. I don't think it's anything special, nor do I think it holds a flame to Pita hut, Pita house, or Lavash. I ordered a lamb plate when I visited. It was fine, but I ordered my rice without pine nuts and almonds. It always worries me when the waitress doesn't write things down because I know they'll come out wrong, and sure enough..I was hungry and it wasn't that big of a deal, just a personal preference. I picked the almonds and pine nuts out though, and although this wasn't an issue for me, it would be for someone with a nut allergy. For two entrees, an appetizer of hummus, one beer, one coke, and a slice of cheesecake that was just okay, it was about $50.
(3)
Teri D.
Was jonesing for some shawarma and decided to go here. Nice little place with flavorful hummus and nice thin pita bread which we split open to put our meat and lettuce from the salad in. The shawarma and hummus plate was high on hummus but a bit low on the meat. Best thing about this place is the price and really good if you are a vegetarian. They have a weekday lunch special of soup and salad for $6.99. Will probably go again if in the area to test drive the falafel.
(3)
Alexa A.
I went to Alladin's recently on a recommendation from another gluten-free diner; I never think to go there, because I think of it as the chain restaurant option that's just down the street from independent Mediterranean restaurant Lavash, who has always done right by me. But, hearing they had good options for gluten-free diners as well as vegetarians and vegans, I decided to give it a shot. I'm sure glad I did! Color me impressed, and embarrassed I didn't check it out sooner. The extensive menu has clear labels for what is gluten free, and many of their options in fact are. It's also significantly more affordable than Lavash, and they have beer! (And cider!) I also got a slice of their new gluten-free chocolate cake for dessert -- AMAZING. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Lilly S.
Consistently good food and service at these restaurants! Definitely not 100% authentic.. for example, they call something on the menu "zatar" which is basically just thyme.. but everything from the hummus to the grape leaves to dessert is great! Tip, try the smoothies.. delicious!
(4)
Wendy D.
I come here every few weeks or so and almost never have any complaints. They have awesome vegetarian options, all the meat dishes I have had have been good too and the prices are fair. I even got my birthday cake here one year (tiramisu) and it was amazing. My only real complaint is that a couple of years ago I got a salad with char-grilled tuna and the tuna was awful, dry and tasted like old socks. I let it go and forgot about it until yesterday. I ordered the tuna pita and immediatly remembered the last time I had tuna at Aladdin's. It was just terrible. I ate the veggies and pita and left the chewy-rubbery gray tuna peices in the wrapper on my plate. I'll still go back eventually I'm sure, but definetly not for anything with tuna. Oh and actually one small thing that kind of got to me last time was that they sat us in the front window table (awesome), but then the manager came out at conducted an interview at a table across from us. I could hear the whole thing. It was hard for me to have a conversation and was probably nerve wracking for the girl being interviewed. The whole place was empty...why seat us there??
(4)
Jenny H.
I LOVE their fresh squeezed juice-- especially the carrot apple. I love it even more when a place offers variety. Aladdin's favorite combo does just that: three types of meat, vermicelli rice and a crisp refreshing salad. If I'm really hungry, I won't have much to tote home, but other times they make for great leftovers. Tonight was no exception. Our tummys were set on pizza, but when plans fell through we thought of Aladdin's as the next best thing. Maggie, our server, was really friendly and my friend had room for their tiramisu (which was decent and not as dry as before). All-in-all, we were actually pretty glad that we went sans-pizza tonight.
(4)
Caitlin E.
I have visited Aladdin's multiple times and have never had a bad experience. The service has always been quick and courteous, and the atmosphere is warm and comforting. At this location, they have artwork by local artists for sale of various mediums. The food is very good. They have a great variety of vegetarian and vegan options, and you can spend anywhere as low as $5.95 to $30 for a meal. This time I had their Farmer's Pitza and Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake. Both were amazing. The desserts are also to die for. They have types of cheesecake that you won't even find on The Cheesecake Factory menu, and The server will take the time to go through each item in the refrigerated case in the front. Overall you can find something delicious for any budget and diet in a cozy environment with friendly staff.
(5)
Erin M.
So glad that we stumbled onto this little gem. The food was amazing. Nice variety and many vegetarian options. We ordered an assortment of appetizers and a salad to split. Everything was fresh and flavorful. We will be back!
(5)
Ryan K.
I strolled on over to Aladdin's for a lite dinner with a friend last weekend. I have to say I was fairly impressed by their establishment. I decided on the hummus as that's always a favorite of mine and found theirs to be spot on. The combination of some pita bread and vegetables to dip it in also fit the bill. Lastly I indulged myself with their tropical smoothy which is actually quite tasty and worthy delight. My experience with the service was also exemplary. The staff was swift, courteous, and never left me wanting of something. Combined with a price point that is reasonable it is clear that I'll likely be back at some point in the future.
(4)
Gus W.
This place is more like a 2.5 star, but since we had pretty nice service, I'll bump it up to a 3. It's been about two and a half years since I last stepped foot in an Aladdin's, and it happened to be this one coincidentally. Even though I lived in Olentangy Village, it took a while for me to check out this place, and the first time I went (aka the last time I went prior to this) I wasn't very impressed. I had their beef kafta rolls, and it just didn't taste that great, so this time around I stayed away from it. There was a few of us there for a meet up, so I was able to try a few of the appetizer dishes. I ordered the falafel and was not a fan. It was way denser than most falafel I eat (maybe too pureed), and two of them was more than enough to make me full. I tried the baba ganoush, which had a bit of a smoky flavor to it, and I thought that was the best of the apps. The Foole was just okay. I wish they'd give you better pita to dip instead of just store bought thinly cut slices. I went with the lamb as my main course, and they really didn't provide a whole lot of it. The meat was cooked pretty well done and cut into pretty small pieces, and they never gave me the option of how I'd like it cooked. The rice had a hint of cinnamon, and I didn't mind that. The garlic sauce that came with it was pretty tasty as well. For dessert they had a number of cheesecakes and a signature chocolate cake with mousse layering in the middle. I went with a Kit Kat cheesecake, because how could that be bad? It wasn't great; it wasn't terrible, but it was incredibly rich, and I couldn't finish it. Ranajoy had ordered the signature cake, which I had a bite of, and it didn't do much for me either. At the end of the day, I'm probably not going to be back to Aladdin's again unless I'm forced to. I don't know if it's just this spot in particular that's lackluster, but I'm willing to bet the majority of the chain is the same. The quality of ingredients is just not there for me, and I could understand if the pricing was a bit lower, but it's not. If you're looking for Mediterranean fare in Columbus, there are just so many other options that are better and cheaper.
(3)
Gwen W.
Interesting establishment. I've been wanting to try Aladdin's for years, so I posted a UYE. When we got to the restaurant, it want busy yet, so we were seated right away. I decided on an appetizer and meal: Baba Ganoush and Mediterranean Lamb Plate. This dinner did not score high for me. Why? A few things: smoked flavor, tart/bitter taste, and overcooked meat. I did not like the prominent smoked flavor of the Baba. It lingered in my mouth, which left my taste buds in disappointment. I've never had a thing for smoked food, period. The Baba also was quite tarty - made me pucker and shiver, yuck! I could not taste the eggplant. The lamb plate was nothing to brag about either. The chucks of lamb were overcooked a bit. The rice and nut mix could have used some moisture. I was nervous that the cinnamon would be overwhelming. It wasn't. However, this dish didn't have bold flavors, like I was expecting. Our waitress was polite and checked in at just the right points. But the flavors left in my mouth after trying the dishes was too much to come out on top.
(2)
Vincent L.
Loved it! Had the vegetarian dish name K something and it's pretty great. It's always nice to know a restaurant cares about vegetarian and vegan customers.
(4)
Donna O.
Aladdin's is a franchise that doesn't seem like one, because the food is high-quality, fresh and tasty. A healthy meal can be had whether you are vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian or an omnivore - there is a dish on Aladdin's menu which will become your favorite. They have smoothies and raw juices, and soups that are amazing. The V-9 soup is especially good. Even their fried options get a healthy boost - chicken sambusek with an onion and tomato garnish was our splurge appetizer. Rolled grilled pita sandwiches are my favorite - the falafel or lamb. Both have lots of veggies, and the falafel rolled has turnips - crunchy and not an addition you see on the menu often. The spouse likes the mixed grill dinner, with beef, chicken and lamb on rice, with a side salad. It's just the right amount of food, whatever you order. If you're feeling like pizza, they have pita pizzas. The table next to us ordered one, and it looked good - lots of toppings. Their desserts will knock you off the healthy-eating wagon - carrot cake and strawberry topped cake - so good, and fun to share. Being a little bad is okay here.
(3)
Jen R.
Aladdin's is a go-to for me. Always awesome food and always great service and that is consistent at any of their locations in my experience. Fantastic baba ganoush and the tuna schwarma rolled is a staple order. And if they ask you if you'd like hot sauce, say yes!
(5)
Candace M.
We walked into Lavash, realized that their line was enormously long and that their food was a lot more pricey than Aladdin's, and made the quick decision to head down the street. I had the Dawali Rolled plus hummus. TO DIE FOR! Seriously, now that I've had it, I crave it all the time. So good! My boyfriend got the Aladdin's favorite combo and he didn't love it, mostly because it was more salad than he had been expecting. We both got dessert, and liked it! I'm not entirely convinced that my baklava didn't come from a box, based on what I saw, but it was good regardless. The service was friendly and quick. I have found that the lunch seems to take longer than the dinner, possibly because the dinner hour is just a lot busier. For a quick, easy, and delicious lunch or dinner, we will be keeping Aladdin's in mind! I already want that Dawali Rolled again... yummm!
(5)
Marcia E.
This was only so-so for me. The pita bread we got was stale and old. The wine I got tasted like vinegar. I asked for a different glass, and the second glass also tasted off. I didn't drink anymore of it. The best part was the appetizer, Dawali, was good, but the rolled pita beef thing I got was meh. Too much cinnamon. Not enough garlic. Hubby liked his though. But I wouldn't go back probably.
(2)
Krista R.
Despite the stupid name of this local chain, I think the food is delicious and appealing to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. My friend is a regular here, and I can see why. We shared... hummus and pitta, an order of stuffed grape leaves, chicken shawarma, a gyro, and a seared tuna salad. Lots of side sauces came with these items and really enhanced the meal. Everything we ordered was fresh and flavorful. The prices were decent for the quality and portions, and the restaurant itself is cute. The place was PACKED for a Sunday afternoon, which probably explains the panicked server and length of time it took to get our food. I'd go back for sure.
(4)
Miranda L.
Stopped in for a late lunch earlier this week. Service was good and pleasant. Hummus was super fast- heavy on the tahini and low on the garlic and lemon. Served with the pitas that are used as the wraps. The hummus was not as balanced as I like in mine. (I'm still going with Pita House in Bexley tops the columbus hummus scene.). It was pretty smooth here though. House salad- The arugula was a nice touch in the salad itself. House dressing, tasty for sure. Super tasty it you get a lemon to squeeze on it. The lemon helped the house dressing be what it wanted to be. Spicy Kafta wrap- undercooked beef. Spots of overly pink meat throughout both pieces. After I saw pink in the wrap, I dissected the other kofta too. I'm not pro-well done beef but, when consuming ground beef at a place that I know nothing about their meat sources (and there's not a disclaimer of potentially undercooked meat), I want my meat throughly cooked. It was possibly undercooked because there wasn't enough beef in it to cook evenly. Was heavy, heavy on green (parsley perhaps) and maybe a filler. Before I notice the undercooked beef, I'd taken say four bites. In those four bites I didn't find the 'spicy' that was in the dish's name. The wrap was super crunchy. Like cracker flakey crunch. In the end, I showed the waiter the undercooked beef in my wrap. He comped it on the ticket, which was appreciated. I was asked if I wanted something else but at that point I was over Aladdin's. Undercooked meat aside, I prefer the product that's being produced at the restaurant that's only a parking lot away. With so many restaurant options in C-Bus I cannot say for a positive that I'd return for another meal.
(2)
Sarah H.
This was my first time eating here. I ordered the lunch special. For $6.99 I got a massive bowl of soup and a side salad. The soup was half lentil and half vegetarian chili and it was both delicious and filling. The salad was very flavorful and there was just the right amount of dressing. The ambiance was very surprising from what I expected from the outside. I was very pleased. Overall I will be back.
(4)
Tomas P.
One of my favorites at any of their location! Their food is always fresh and delicious.
(4)
Nina R.
I've only been here a handful of times, but each time I've gotten the Chicken Salad Pocket. Delicious chicken salad with an olive oil based dressing on the side. Staff is friendly enough. This location is always pretty empty when I've been here, but it keeps it nice for a meeting or friendly lunch. They do have a beer list which I didn't realize until today- looks like Ohio brews- kinda nice!
(4)
Greg K.
Stopped in one night for a late dinner since Acropolis was closed and I was craving some Mediterranean food. I hadn't been here in a very long time and couldn't remember if I liked it or not. I had a simple beef shawrma dinner and it really hit the spot. The pita is thinner and crispier than what you might expect but in this case it's a good thing. The shawarma is a decent size and packed with beefy goodness. Again, it was a late night meal so I didn't get to try anything else on the menu but I'll bet it's pretty good. The only drawback is the delicious seasoning they put on the outside of the pita will have your hands smelling for hours even after a good scrubbing.
Awesome food, and great service! What more could you ask for? Their pita pizzas are my absolute favorite! I don't get to go here often, but it sure is a treat when I do!
(5)
Codi F.
Great food, excellent staff, convenient location, cool atmosphere. Buy a bag of pita bread on your way out. It is very versatile. I use it to wrap my gyros. My only real complaint is that the hummus here isn't as good as the Aladdin's in Dublin. Dublin Aladdin's has PERFECT hummus. The hummus at the High Street location has a less desirable texture and isn't garnished well.
(5)
Dave G.
the management is awful.......they don't help the staff when busy....the wait staff is great
(1)
Kate B.
I enjoy coming here. I've never had to wait for a table, and the servers are professional and friendly. They have a well-curated draft list that alternates pretty frequently, but the menu is so large that it can be overwhelming. My favorites are their pitzas and the spicy kafta rolled. Highly recommend ordering a side of their homemade hot sauce - it's incredible.
(4)
Julie H.
I had lunch here with a few friends on a Saturday. There was no wait time, we were seating promptly. The food took a while, but the service was over all good. I enjoyed my dish. We order balaklava to take with us. I had it later and it was a bit dry and not the best balaklava I've had. I loved the entrees and would go back for lunch there again.
(4)
Lauren F.
I have only been here once but I really liked it. They have a nice selection of raw juices so I will be back for that alone but the food was also very good. They have a large menu with lots of different menu options. I got the falafel appetizer and Jazmine's favorite as an entree and both were very good.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Scott B.
Although the ingredients were very fresh and everything seemed well-prepared, the flavor was not exactly to my liking, a bit oddly sweet. However I would have probably been willing to try other dishes here if the service had not been so poor. Drink refills were conveniently not offered on sodas/tea until everyone was well-finished eating and coffee refills were not offered at all. The waitress was extremely inattentive and absent most of the time, we had to go yell into the kitchen to order dessert. Then, adding insult to injury after all that work the dessert portion for the price was exceptionally miserly. I was not impressed. At all.
(1)Amanda B.
If I had to sum up Aladdin's Eatery in a sentence: Delicious, healthy, and often locally-sourced food that isn't too expensive. I've gone there a few times, and my favorite dish by far is the Arayiss Pitza- crispy pita topped with fresh, flavorful hummus, ground meat, tomato, and pine nuts. The hummos plate is another great option for an appetizer, or if you're just not terribly hungry. The only dish I've gotten from Aladdin's that I wasn't particularly fond of was the chicken schwarma rolled- the chicken was a bit tough and the sauce was somewhat cold, and it overall just didn't rock my socks. But other than that, pretty much everything I've tried from here has been a win. If you can, leave some room for dessert. They always have a big selection of gourmet cake (one slice can easily be split between two people) and local baked goods. A rocky road bar and some hot tea at the end of a meal always makes me a happy camper. The service at Aladdin's has always been friendly, but not fawning, when I've gone. It's got the air of a nice restaurant, but not so fancy that you'd feel uncomfortable dropping by in jeans and a tee shirt.
(4)Savannah F.
Service is usually just okay, but I love their food. It is reasonably priced, and they have so many healthy options. The chicken is always tender, more so than most restaurants I've visited.
(4)Mitchell T.
I have always enjoyed Aladdin's and yesterday's late lunch was no exception. My lentil soup was even better than I would have expected and my Aladdin's combo plate was delicious. The meats were prepared perfectly and I loved the rice. Grace was my server and she offered a great combination of great service and friendliness. I will certainly save room for dessert on my next visit which I am sure will be soon.
(4)Chelsey M.
The food here is okay. I don't think it's anything special, nor do I think it holds a flame to Pita hut, Pita house, or Lavash. I ordered a lamb plate when I visited. It was fine, but I ordered my rice without pine nuts and almonds. It always worries me when the waitress doesn't write things down because I know they'll come out wrong, and sure enough..I was hungry and it wasn't that big of a deal, just a personal preference. I picked the almonds and pine nuts out though, and although this wasn't an issue for me, it would be for someone with a nut allergy. For two entrees, an appetizer of hummus, one beer, one coke, and a slice of cheesecake that was just okay, it was about $50.
(3)Teri D.
Was jonesing for some shawarma and decided to go here. Nice little place with flavorful hummus and nice thin pita bread which we split open to put our meat and lettuce from the salad in. The shawarma and hummus plate was high on hummus but a bit low on the meat. Best thing about this place is the price and really good if you are a vegetarian. They have a weekday lunch special of soup and salad for $6.99. Will probably go again if in the area to test drive the falafel.
(3)Jenny H.
I LOVE their fresh squeezed juice-- especially the carrot apple. I love it even more when a place offers variety. Aladdin's favorite combo does just that: three types of meat, vermicelli rice and a crisp refreshing salad. If I'm really hungry, I won't have much to tote home, but other times they make for great leftovers. Tonight was no exception. Our tummys were set on pizza, but when plans fell through we thought of Aladdin's as the next best thing. Maggie, our server, was really friendly and my friend had room for their tiramisu (which was decent and not as dry as before). All-in-all, we were actually pretty glad that we went sans-pizza tonight.
(4)Alexa A.
I went to Alladin's recently on a recommendation from another gluten-free diner; I never think to go there, because I think of it as the chain restaurant option that's just down the street from independent Mediterranean restaurant Lavash, who has always done right by me. But, hearing they had good options for gluten-free diners as well as vegetarians and vegans, I decided to give it a shot. I'm sure glad I did! Color me impressed, and embarrassed I didn't check it out sooner. The extensive menu has clear labels for what is gluten free, and many of their options in fact are. It's also significantly more affordable than Lavash, and they have beer! (And cider!) I also got a slice of their new gluten-free chocolate cake for dessert -- AMAZING. I will definitely be back.
(4)Lisa S.
I live in the apartments behind Aladins, so as you can imagine every time I head home, I always stop there. I am definitely a regular. I always get the fattoush salad with chicken and it is amazing. It literally hits taste buds you never thought existed in your mouth. I have also had the curry chicken roll, which I can forever rave about. It's delicious in every imaginable way. If I ever get a dessert of some sort I always go for the baklava assortment. I can devour a container of that in one sitting and still want more! As for the staff. Super friendly and very courteous! Love this place, never a disappointment!
(5)Barbara S.
Aladdin's is one of my go-to restaurants when I'm looking for something casual and healthy. The service is always good. The ambiance is friendly and pretty quiet.It's a good choice for vegetarian as well as meat options. My favorite vegetarian menu items are the majudderah (lentils, caramelized onions, and salad over rice) and the V-9 vegetable soup. The combo appetizer with hummus, baba ghannouj, tabbouli, etc is also quite good. My favorite Lebanese meat dish is kibbe, and it's only pretty good here. Kibbe is shaped like footballs, and is a cracked wheat exterior stuffed with meat, pine nuts and spices that is deep fried in oil. Aladdin's version is often dried out -- I suspect they make it in large batches and freeze it. But this is a picky complaint. It's still worth ordering, in my opinion. I highly recommend the hot Moroccan Mint tea.
(4)RB B.
Ok, but nothing great. Food was pretty ho-hum...standard Hummus, falafel and baba. Annoying that they charge for extra salad dressing when you order a salad, and super annoying that they charge for hot sauce. Really? Hot sauce?
(2)Rico J.
Just had this place for the first time and LOVED it! Relaxing decor and a great menu with refreshingly unique food. Ill be back for sure!!
(5)Ha H.
Authentic; also dishes taste the same time over time. Lot's of healthy options. Easy to call in for a take out, which is what I do 80% of the time. Long time fan. High Marks!
(5)Troy S.
I wasn't actually planning on going here the other day but the other Mediterranean place nearby was packed so we made our way over here. I have been to Aladdins before but it had been awhile. I enjoyed the food and variety of choices available here compared to other Mediterranean places. We ordered the Veggie sampler plate to start. We both love the Baba Ganoush along with its smoky flavor. This was the first time my cousin had ever had Baba and he loved it. I barely was able to eat any. The platter also had 2 grape leaves, 4 falaffels, tabouli, and hummus. The falaffel was great and I could have eaten all of them. The tabouli was decent and refreshing. I am not a huge tabouli fan in general. The hummus was really smooth which I still can't figure out how they get it like that when mine is always a little lumpy. Plenty of food for 2-4 people to start the meal. From my brother's recommendation we ordered Jasmine Rice with chicken mishwi and shashatawook wrap (spelling?) We both were pleased with our dishes as they were full of flavor and cooked very well. I really enjoyed the food. The atmosphere is very conducive for talking and catching up with my cousin who I hadn't seen in a few months. Prices aren't too bad either. I am glad the louder place was full.
(4)Animesh G.
The place was pretty good. But I don't think it deserves more stars because the service here is pathetic. There is a long wait if you need to place your order. The food was pretty good. Good presentation and taste. My stars are purely based on the poor service provided at this place.
(3)Lilly S.
Consistently good food and service at these restaurants! Definitely not 100% authentic.. for example, they call something on the menu "zatar" which is basically just thyme.. but everything from the hummus to the grape leaves to dessert is great! Tip, try the smoothies.. delicious!
(4)Wendy D.
I come here every few weeks or so and almost never have any complaints. They have awesome vegetarian options, all the meat dishes I have had have been good too and the prices are fair. I even got my birthday cake here one year (tiramisu) and it was amazing. My only real complaint is that a couple of years ago I got a salad with char-grilled tuna and the tuna was awful, dry and tasted like old socks. I let it go and forgot about it until yesterday. I ordered the tuna pita and immediatly remembered the last time I had tuna at Aladdin's. It was just terrible. I ate the veggies and pita and left the chewy-rubbery gray tuna peices in the wrapper on my plate. I'll still go back eventually I'm sure, but definetly not for anything with tuna. Oh and actually one small thing that kind of got to me last time was that they sat us in the front window table (awesome), but then the manager came out at conducted an interview at a table across from us. I could hear the whole thing. It was hard for me to have a conversation and was probably nerve wracking for the girl being interviewed. The whole place was empty...why seat us there??
(4)Briden S.
Honestly I have never really been a fan, to me it feels like a fast food Med food, and it just does not sit right with me. I can never find anything appetizing to me besides some hummus. Maybe it is because I do not fully understand all that goes into the food, but I have had great Mediterranean food before and this just does not cut it.
(2)Emily U.
It is very delicious! Have been coming here, well, for a LONG time. Has it been 10 years? Consistently yummy. Lots to choose from. The lamb is divine- moist and tender. Great selection of fruit and veg smoothies. And, well, there is the cheesecake selection! :) Cheap if you want just one thing (like a pita), no sides. Only complaint is that we had MINIMAL waiter service on our last visit. Lots of empty water/coffee time that was unfortunate. And we were ready to order for 10 min before it was taken. I think it depends on where you sit.
(4)Peter D.
I appreciate the ease of parking here, campus is always a pain in the A. Anyways, the inside is pretty and I really like the hanging bowls that decorate the ceiling. Our server was a total slacker, failed badly at drink refills and mumbled the whole time. Food was great though. Hummas was very filling, and I got a chicken..... wrap... thing. Can't remember what it was called unformulated but my GF liked it more then her schwarma which she really likes.
(3)Liz M.
This is already my favorite restaurant in Columbus! Everything I have tried here is amazing: kibbie, mujadara pocket, chicken curry roll, lamb rolled. The meat dishes are perfectly seasoned, and all of the veggies are fresh! The restaurant and bathroom are extremely clean, and the servers are very friendly. They have extensive vegetarian options and even carry vegan desserts!!
(5)Jim P.
Awesome food. We had hummus, Baba, Falaffel, some spinach-pita-feta thingy.. Sheeshkabob ( I butchered the spelling I know), had a guava smoothie, everything was just wonderful and service was great!
(5)Rachel C.
I came to Aladdin's with high expectations. I love Mediterranean food, and the nearby Lavash was very good, so I absolutely expected Aladdin's to measure up as well. Instead, I found meh food and terrible service. I'm not planning on returning, at least not to this location. THE PROS: a relatively nice interior. ease of access-close to campus and right off high st. THE CONS: this was honestly the worst service I think I have ever experienced. I went with a college-aged friend on a busy evening (Aladdin's was one of the only restaurants in Clintonville with power) and the waitress helped two larger parties that arrived after we did before venturing over with a menu. we then got our food significantly after the other tables. water was refilled sparingly, like they needed to conserve it. lastly, as she was setting our food down, she caught herself, and switched my friend's plate with mine. we had both ordered wraps, mine a vegetarian hummus/falafel combo, his a traditional gyro. i took a big bite of the wrap and found that she had placed his gyro in front of me. i'm vegetarian, and i was very unhappy. we had a two person table, and i feel that if she wasn't sure which one of us had ordered which dish, she should have asked. i think that we were profiled as being unlikely tippers and treated as such. this turned into a self-fulfilling prophecy, since i think she got about 10% off each of us. the food was not terrible, but it was definitely over-hyped. i would much rather go down the block and eat at Lavash, which has food that is at least as good or better, where the owner personally comes out and socializes, than eat at this overrated chain. the dessert selection was slim and extremely Americanized; think large cookies and cheesecake that actually had American flag toothpicks stuck in it. After I commented on the lousy service to some friends, they said that they had similar experiences at this location, so I may be persuaded to give Aladdin's another try somewhere else, but the Clintonville store has lost a customer that was very eager to be impressed.
(2)Caitlin W.
Just a quick update. Went here again last night. The hummous was terrible and the baba was way better than before. The grape leaves were wonderful. The portions have decreased in size according to my memory. This is probably a good thing. The prices have not decreased. This is not the best thing. On the other hand, the service was great.
(4)Christiana C.
I don't know what's been going on with Aladdin's lately. I used to go there once a week and it was always a really good experience. Lately, the portions have shrunk and the prices are the same/a little higher. I keep getting charged 12 for a plate of hummus and 1.50 for side veggies. Um, what? Allow me to wax nostalgic about the Good Ole Days, because Aladdin's didn't used to do me like this. But! Their wait staff is still always good times. I usually see the same people and I like them a lot. They're very helpful and attentive. And the food is still some good Mediterranean eating.
(3)E B.
I had the lentil soup which was good. But this was offset by the cake I had for dessert.I was a combination of dry texture and sogginess from being thawed.
(3)KC M.
Great food you can feel good about eating - but the service at this location is very spotty. Our server seemed terribly distracted, and with only about 5 tables in the whole place, and two servers, we still waited almost 10 minutes for our soup, and had to wait until our server went to another table twice to get them items before he gave us our checks. Not good service, by any means, and it's not like they were busy. Ah, well, the food is great, like I said - but I think I'll stick with takeout.
(3)Bryant A.
this place is awesome. the atmosphere is small, but clean and the staff is friendly. the reason why i mention this first is because i had eaten at lavash which is down the street and its very cramped and noisey times. the food is great. all the meats are well cooked and seasoned. i recommend sticking with the platters. they have more to offer your pallette. ive been here a few times already and between my wife and i all the dishes we tried were delicious. dont get me wrong, lavash is awesome as well and ther platters are huge, (although pricy) but this place is more chill and a great place to take a date or in my case, my wife. lavash gets really crowded quickly and sometimes families come in with boat loads of kids. though they are cute, they are noisey and it dampers the experience. i am originally from brooklyn nyc, born and raised. i have tried many middle eastern esque restaraunts. this place is up there with the best.
(5)Kevin M.
Just as good as the location in Grandview. Check out my review for that location, but suffice to say that the food is good, the prices are reasonable, the service is quick, and the menu has tons of variety.
(5)James W.
Stopped in here on a Saturday night. They have a massive menu. Started with a side salad with the house dressing. Delicious! Had a chicken Schwarma(Just ok). The person I was with had the Chili Lentil soup(Great!). And something with a sfiha sound to it. Which was also delicious. And dessert of Heath Bar Cheesecake(nothing special). The major thing bringing down this establishment is the service. Was horribly slow. My glass of Diet coke sat empty my whole meal. The waitress brought out our soup and salad with the dinner.(I HATE this) And was just generally slow. There were only about 5 tables in house and 2 waiters. Food=Great Selection=Great Pricing=Great Service=Poor
(3)doreen w.
This place loses a star because the service is consistently inattentive and mediocre. I guess that is irrelevant since they lace the hummus with crack and i found myself waiting outside five minutes before they open to get my fix.
(4)Amanda D.
Hummus here is great
(4)Kevin T.
The Flavor Saver Special and a nice fruit smoothie. That says it all. Aladdin's is a great place and the service has always been wonderful!
(4)Robert B.
Yummo! The food here is awesome. I love the vegetarian platter. The chili and salads are also excellent. If you are in the mood for desert this place has variety of gourmet cakes to satisfy even the most complex of palates.
(4)Jaynie M.
My husband and I used to come here a lot. We started coming because they had buy one get one coupons they would publish in a quarterly book we could pick up at a bookstore. They stopped putting their coupons in the last 2 quarters. We like the food and the staff is great, but the coupons really helped. We want them back! :)
(4)Jen D.
I really like this place. The staff have always been really friendly and the food is delicious. ...and like Justin said, their hummus is really good.
(4)Emily H.
Great Middle Eastern/Mediterranean food in a cute, tiny space in Clintonville. I've visited several other Aladdin's locations, and have always been pleased with the food, service, and decor. My go-to dish is Jasmine's Favorite, a combination of peas, carrots, green beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, onion, parsley, and rice. The fatayer plate, the soups, and pitas are all also delicious. They also have an assortment of smoothies and natural juices - I recommend the delicious and thick mango juice. The reason I most often visit Aladdin's, and I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet, is the desserts! They have an enormous glass case at the front counter which is usually filled with 5 or more varieties of cheesecake and 10 or more cakes. There are seasonal and year-round favorites - both chocolate and non-chocolate varieties, sure to please everyone. You can even order a whole cake for a special occasion with a little advance notice. I would definitely recommend any of the Aladdin's locations. This particular one has limited parking, but there is one in Grandview with a larger lot. Definitely give it a try - and leave room for dessert!
(4)Max T.
Very good Mediterranean food, and a great lunchtime destination. This ISN'T Greek, so don't expect standard gyros, but there is some general overlap. The rolled pitas are great - very thin pitas cooked to near-crispness, with good quality meats & other fillings and topped with one of Aladdin's sauces. Their garlic sauce is the best, but be forewarned, it's VERY strong. Depending on your appetite, the rolled pita may not be quite enough - augmenting with a hummus appetizer normally does the trick!
(4)Erin B.
Trippy, weird and great. Try it.
(4)Paul F.
I stopped here to have lunch but the menu was so much different than Pita Hut -n- Grill, I decided to skip it and go a few doors down to try Lavash Cafe. I'm sure there's nothing wrong with Aladdin's but....
(4)Susan H.
I love Aladdin's Eatery! Quiet, quiant Clintonville establishment with GREAT food, LOTS of choices, quick service, good prices. Hubby & I went there just to try it out and were very pleasantly surprised. We've been here a few times and try something different every time - the menu is huge! We've never been disappointed. Highly recommend it - AND save room for homemade FABULOUS desserts. And if you eat too much, take your dessert to go.
(5)Cat F.
I've always enjoyed this little gem of a restaurant. I like the flavors, although they're more mild than I usually prefer. I enjoy the hummus and the vegetarian dishes, but the kebabs are also good. I've always had good service, too, even when we've sat and lingered a long time over our meal.
(4)J R.
Love their hummus.
(4)Tracy B.
food ok, but very am concerned with possible very poor treatment of staff. people should be treated well, especially in this economy.
(1)Shelley S.
MMMMMMmmmmmm... I don't even know what I ate here, it was a baked-something with spicy chicken and scallions and peas inside. All I know was that it was fabulous and delicious & I already want to go back. Also, this is random, but I really liked the quality of the lettuce in my salad. Very tasty.
(4)Sheren H.
i used to live at the olentangy village's the cove. so aladdin's was just a couple of steps away. great pitza! and unique drinks
(4)Jessica G.
I love this place. I usually eat at the on in Bexley but it's not in Yelp. Great for vegetarians (I'm vegan and have lots to choose from). The service is friendly and competent. It's fast for lunch. They serve wine and beer. The lentil soup is awesome. I order the mujadra pocket every darn time because I love love love it. We take my niece and it's kid-friendly, but I don't think they have a separate menu.
(5)Matthew M.
I would eat here more often if it didn't cost quite as much as it does to get filled up. Aladdin's baba ghanouj is one of my favorite renditions of the motif because of its pronounced smoky flavor. A server there told me they roast eggplants on a grill at the back of the restaurant. The sfiha (beef with cinnamon, other spices and pine nuts folded and baked into a pita with cheese on top) is exceptionally delicious and comes with a salad to balance out the meal when you order it as an entree. The chicken mishwi plate is likewise a salad dish and is topped with a very tender and tastily marinated chicken breast. The soups (chili, lentil soup, 9 bean soup) are very good, the pita pizzas are usually light and flavorful, and it's nice that you can have a beer or glass of wine with your meal at Aladdin's. The servers have almost always been courteous, pleasant, and responsive here. The food seems like it is of wholesome ingredients and eating here feels like a good thing to do for one's body. Again, the main obstacle for me is that i end up spending more than i intend in order to feel sated by eating at Aladdin's.
(4)Erin R.
aladdin's has always been dependable to me since i grew up in cleveland and hit every aladdin's in the metro area, it seemed like. i have my favorite things, and i know that most of the time they're going to be exactly what i am looking for. went back last night for dinner with a friend, and besides the fact that people who came in after us were seated before us because our hostess disappeared, it was the same goodness i've come to expect. last night we split hummus, even though i am much more of a baba ghannouj fan. theirs is excellent. i could probably eat it every day - similar to my feelings about guacamole. the hummus was good, my only issue is that restaurants NEVER give you enough pita. i understand conserving and not wasting it, but man. i could stand to not eat hummus with a spoon. as an entree i had the aladdin's kabob last night. in the past couple of years i've noticed they've added pickles and turnips to their rolled sandwiches, and i LOVE IT. so much better than the old green pepper and/or cucumber and tomato only. i have never heard any complaints about the rolled sandwiches. i've also had soups, the fattoush salad, pockets, some of the pita pizzas and the kibbeh, and i'm into all of them. the falafel isn't my all time favorite, but it isn't one of my all time favorites as a food anyway so that might be why. aladdin's knows how to do mediterranean food that isn't making me go broke. in hobo economy, i can appreciate that. service at this location has been kind of all over the place - the past few times i've been there have been conflict-free, but i do recall a couple of instances where they got weird about splitting a check or handling a large group. still a dependable neighborhood place, and a restaurant chain that i've been into since high school.
(4)Kenley M.
Aladdin's serves quality food, fresh juices, and desserts that are hard to resist. The menu has lots of options from hummus to chili to kebabs to mediterranean pizzas. While the food is prepared consistently well, from fresh ingredients, I sometimes wish it were a little spicier, or had a little more garlic, or olive oil, or something. I generally get good service there, and have been many times. They are happy to accomodate special orders, like adding cheese to a vegan soup. The main drawbacks for me are price and portion size: while Aladdin's is by no means an expensive meal, you can get more for your money elsewhere in Columbus.
(3)Birdy N.
This review is specifically for a visit on Dec31, 2012. We stopped by at about 915pm, to pick up a couple of pieces of dessert to take home. We were abruptly told they closed at 9pm, we pointed to the sign that said they closed at 10pm but they simply ushered us out of the restaurant and locked the door behind us. Wow....don't do us any favours please. That is the last time we ever visit. You'd think that with much better food at the Pita Hut and Acropolis they would be bending over backwards to make up with service what their food lacks.
(1)Beth B.
I have to say, I don't think many people realize how rare and amazing genuine, authentic hummus is. If anything, Aladdin's is worth the trip simply to taste the smooth, thick texture of their hummus with just the right amount of olive oil. I can't claim to be from the Mediterranean, but after living in Amman for four months, every bite of Aladdin's is tinged with the sweet taste of nostalgia. If you're feeling a little adventurous, I highly recommend the fuul - mashed fava beans with a little garlic, pepper, tomato and other delectable spices - is a great alternative to hummus (also makes a fantastic breakfast food - trust me on this!) Their falafel is tasty as well, never too hard or crusty and very flavorful. My standard fare is the chicken curry rolled pita and a pomegranate iced tea - sometimes I've gotten free refills on the tea, but I'm not sure if this standard practice. The tea is not too sweet, and the chicken curry comes with healthy vegetables like peas, beets, banana peppers, onions, and just a little touch of sauce all wrapped up in hot pita. The pita is never stale and the chicken is never greasy, a trait I've found consistent in all of Aladdin's food - they really pride themselves on healthy eating, even when it's lamb shish kabob or another hearty dish. The meat in most of the beef and lamb dishes can be a bit large and hard to bite in rolled pita, but it's well-cooked and juicy. Of course, I can't leave out the desserts. Where the food lacks decadence, sugar, and fat, the desserts more than make up for it. The tiramisu is my absolute favorite, as well as with many of Aladdin's other regular patrons. The baklava isn't terribly outstanding, just individual pieces saran wrapped and placed in a basket by the register. In short, the atmosphere, the food, and the experience are consistently excellent and create a large community of regulars. I recommend this restaurant for anything from an afternoon business lunch to an intimate dinner for two. Ahlan wa sahlan!
(5)Kevin D.
Seriously, the worst Med food I've ever tasted. 99 cent falafels in Montreal (circa 1999) tasted better. My partner's veggie wrap was a blight of what appeared to be overly chunky and dry canned tuna. My own meat trio was batting .333, with only the lamb being even borderline acceptable in terms of seasoning and cooking. The Baba was passable, but more burnt than fire-roasted. Lavash or Mezha are seriously better options than Aladdin's for Med food in CBUS. Only upshot, maybe? The smoothies... As a final aside, the service was horrendous.
(1)Sarah C.
This is just next to my apartment, so I go to Aladdin's quite often than I should. It is OK Mediterranean considering the price. The service is also OK; my server was trying to be nice, but kind of not that attentive. Everything was OK, but not great, so I will give it 3 stars. If I want some "great" Mediterranean, I go to Lavash.
(3)Emily A.
Quality ingredients, a big selection of vegetarian food, and a nice little atmosphere. Decent service. Wonderful pizzas! I'd agree with another poster that food can be a little bland, and you can get more food of equal quality for less money elsewhere. I used to go the Aladdin's in Lakewood, Ohio (Cleveland) and I remember it being spicier or less bland than the one in Clintonville, but maybe my taste buds have just evolved. I would give 3.5 stars if possible for a good vegetarian-friendly place.
(3)Caitlin E.
I have visited Aladdin's multiple times and have never had a bad experience. The service has always been quick and courteous, and the atmosphere is warm and comforting. At this location, they have artwork by local artists for sale of various mediums. The food is very good. They have a great variety of vegetarian and vegan options, and you can spend anywhere as low as $5.95 to $30 for a meal. This time I had their Farmer's Pitza and Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake. Both were amazing. The desserts are also to die for. They have types of cheesecake that you won't even find on The Cheesecake Factory menu, and The server will take the time to go through each item in the refrigerated case in the front. Overall you can find something delicious for any budget and diet in a cozy environment with friendly staff.
(5)Erin M.
So glad that we stumbled onto this little gem. The food was amazing. Nice variety and many vegetarian options. We ordered an assortment of appetizers and a salad to split. Everything was fresh and flavorful. We will be back!
(5)Birdy N.
This review is specifically for a visit on Dec31, 2012. We stopped by at about 915pm, to pick up a couple of pieces of dessert to take home. We were abruptly told they closed at 9pm, we pointed to the sign that said they closed at 10pm but they simply ushered us out of the restaurant and locked the door behind us. Wow....don't do us any favours please. That is the last time we ever visit. You'd think that with much better food at the Pita Hut and Acropolis they would be bending over backwards to make up with service what their food lacks.
(1)Kevin D.
Seriously, the worst Med food I've ever tasted. 99 cent falafels in Montreal (circa 1999) tasted better. My partner's veggie wrap was a blight of what appeared to be overly chunky and dry canned tuna. My own meat trio was batting .333, with only the lamb being even borderline acceptable in terms of seasoning and cooking. The Baba was passable, but more burnt than fire-roasted. Lavash or Mezha are seriously better options than Aladdin's for Med food in CBUS. Only upshot, maybe? The smoothies... As a final aside, the service was horrendous.
(1)Sarah C.
This is just next to my apartment, so I go to Aladdin's quite often than I should. It is OK Mediterranean considering the price. The service is also OK; my server was trying to be nice, but kind of not that attentive. Everything was OK, but not great, so I will give it 3 stars. If I want some "great" Mediterranean, I go to Lavash.
(3)Troy S.
I wasn't actually planning on going here the other day but the other Mediterranean place nearby was packed so we made our way over here. I have been to Aladdins before but it had been awhile. I enjoyed the food and variety of choices available here compared to other Mediterranean places. We ordered the Veggie sampler plate to start. We both love the Baba Ganoush along with its smoky flavor. This was the first time my cousin had ever had Baba and he loved it. I barely was able to eat any. The platter also had 2 grape leaves, 4 falaffels, tabouli, and hummus. The falaffel was great and I could have eaten all of them. The tabouli was decent and refreshing. I am not a huge tabouli fan in general. The hummus was really smooth which I still can't figure out how they get it like that when mine is always a little lumpy. Plenty of food for 2-4 people to start the meal. From my brother's recommendation we ordered Jasmine Rice with chicken mishwi and shashatawook wrap (spelling?) We both were pleased with our dishes as they were full of flavor and cooked very well. I really enjoyed the food. The atmosphere is very conducive for talking and catching up with my cousin who I hadn't seen in a few months. Prices aren't too bad either. I am glad the louder place was full.
(4)Animesh G.
The place was pretty good. But I don't think it deserves more stars because the service here is pathetic. There is a long wait if you need to place your order. The food was pretty good. Good presentation and taste. My stars are purely based on the poor service provided at this place.
(3)Gwen W.
Interesting establishment. I've been wanting to try Aladdin's for years, so I posted a UYE. When we got to the restaurant, it want busy yet, so we were seated right away. I decided on an appetizer and meal: Baba Ganoush and Mediterranean Lamb Plate. This dinner did not score high for me. Why? A few things: smoked flavor, tart/bitter taste, and overcooked meat. I did not like the prominent smoked flavor of the Baba. It lingered in my mouth, which left my taste buds in disappointment. I've never had a thing for smoked food, period. The Baba also was quite tarty - made me pucker and shiver, yuck! I could not taste the eggplant. The lamb plate was nothing to brag about either. The chucks of lamb were overcooked a bit. The rice and nut mix could have used some moisture. I was nervous that the cinnamon would be overwhelming. It wasn't. However, this dish didn't have bold flavors, like I was expecting. Our waitress was polite and checked in at just the right points. But the flavors left in my mouth after trying the dishes was too much to come out on top.
(2)Vincent L.
Loved it! Had the vegetarian dish name K something and it's pretty great. It's always nice to know a restaurant cares about vegetarian and vegan customers.
(4)Donna O.
Aladdin's is a franchise that doesn't seem like one, because the food is high-quality, fresh and tasty. A healthy meal can be had whether you are vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian or an omnivore - there is a dish on Aladdin's menu which will become your favorite. They have smoothies and raw juices, and soups that are amazing. The V-9 soup is especially good. Even their fried options get a healthy boost - chicken sambusek with an onion and tomato garnish was our splurge appetizer. Rolled grilled pita sandwiches are my favorite - the falafel or lamb. Both have lots of veggies, and the falafel rolled has turnips - crunchy and not an addition you see on the menu often. The spouse likes the mixed grill dinner, with beef, chicken and lamb on rice, with a side salad. It's just the right amount of food, whatever you order. If you're feeling like pizza, they have pita pizzas. The table next to us ordered one, and it looked good - lots of toppings. Their desserts will knock you off the healthy-eating wagon - carrot cake and strawberry topped cake - so good, and fun to share. Being a little bad is okay here.
(3)Jen R.
Aladdin's is a go-to for me. Always awesome food and always great service and that is consistent at any of their locations in my experience. Fantastic baba ganoush and the tuna schwarma rolled is a staple order. And if they ask you if you'd like hot sauce, say yes!
(5)Krista R.
Despite the stupid name of this local chain, I think the food is delicious and appealing to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. My friend is a regular here, and I can see why. We shared... hummus and pitta, an order of stuffed grape leaves, chicken shawarma, a gyro, and a seared tuna salad. Lots of side sauces came with these items and really enhanced the meal. Everything we ordered was fresh and flavorful. The prices were decent for the quality and portions, and the restaurant itself is cute. The place was PACKED for a Sunday afternoon, which probably explains the panicked server and length of time it took to get our food. I'd go back for sure.
(4)Lauren F.
I have only been here once but I really liked it. They have a nice selection of raw juices so I will be back for that alone but the food was also very good. They have a large menu with lots of different menu options. I got the falafel appetizer and Jazmine's favorite as an entree and both were very good.
(5)Emily B.
My love affair started with Aladdin's when I was in college in Pittsburgh. We'd go often to the location in Squirrel Hill. I never even thought it might be a chain, to be honest. When I moved East after graduating in 2003, I forgot about it until I moved to Columbus 10 years later and Aladdin's was on my block! I had to get myself in there right away! Their hummus is excellent. The best I've ever had in my whole entire life. Get it with the special "hot sauce" and the pickled veggies side. I really like their baba ghanoush too--it's smokey eggplant paté which can be eaten like hummus. Anything I've ever ordered on the menu is outstanding. I love the chicken salad pita pocket and the rolled diwali (rice stuffed grape leaves). Their salads and soups are yummy. Definitely get the Aladdin's Dressing--it's a lemon-oil based herb dressing that I've even tried to replicate for myself at home! Service is great. Everyone is friendly--good Clintonville neighbors! I even used them to cater my sister's baby shower since they were so close to my house. We ordered an assortment of appetizers and wraps. All the wraps were labelled and our order was spot on (with extra "hot sauce" for the Mama-to-be!) Once when my nephew was younger, the manager saw him fussing and brought out a little cup of peas to occupy him. Does not get much better than this for service excellence. When I have a Mediterranean craving, Aladdin's is the man!
(5)Amanda T.
Awesome food, and great service! What more could you ask for? Their pita pizzas are my absolute favorite! I don't get to go here often, but it sure is a treat when I do!
(5)Codi F.
Great food, excellent staff, convenient location, cool atmosphere. Buy a bag of pita bread on your way out. It is very versatile. I use it to wrap my gyros. My only real complaint is that the hummus here isn't as good as the Aladdin's in Dublin. Dublin Aladdin's has PERFECT hummus. The hummus at the High Street location has a less desirable texture and isn't garnished well.
(5)Dave G.
the management is awful.......they don't help the staff when busy....the wait staff is great
(1)Kate B.
I enjoy coming here. I've never had to wait for a table, and the servers are professional and friendly. They have a well-curated draft list that alternates pretty frequently, but the menu is so large that it can be overwhelming. My favorites are their pitzas and the spicy kafta rolled. Highly recommend ordering a side of their homemade hot sauce - it's incredible.
(4)Candace M.
We walked into Lavash, realized that their line was enormously long and that their food was a lot more pricey than Aladdin's, and made the quick decision to head down the street. I had the Dawali Rolled plus hummus. TO DIE FOR! Seriously, now that I've had it, I crave it all the time. So good! My boyfriend got the Aladdin's favorite combo and he didn't love it, mostly because it was more salad than he had been expecting. We both got dessert, and liked it! I'm not entirely convinced that my baklava didn't come from a box, based on what I saw, but it was good regardless. The service was friendly and quick. I have found that the lunch seems to take longer than the dinner, possibly because the dinner hour is just a lot busier. For a quick, easy, and delicious lunch or dinner, we will be keeping Aladdin's in mind! I already want that Dawali Rolled again... yummm!
(5)Marcia E.
This was only so-so for me. The pita bread we got was stale and old. The wine I got tasted like vinegar. I asked for a different glass, and the second glass also tasted off. I didn't drink anymore of it. The best part was the appetizer, Dawali, was good, but the rolled pita beef thing I got was meh. Too much cinnamon. Not enough garlic. Hubby liked his though. But I wouldn't go back probably.
(2)Nina R.
I've only been here a handful of times, but each time I've gotten the Chicken Salad Pocket. Delicious chicken salad with an olive oil based dressing on the side. Staff is friendly enough. This location is always pretty empty when I've been here, but it keeps it nice for a meeting or friendly lunch. They do have a beer list which I didn't realize until today- looks like Ohio brews- kinda nice!
(4)Miranda L.
Stopped in for a late lunch earlier this week. Service was good and pleasant. Hummus was super fast- heavy on the tahini and low on the garlic and lemon. Served with the pitas that are used as the wraps. The hummus was not as balanced as I like in mine. (I'm still going with Pita House in Bexley tops the columbus hummus scene.). It was pretty smooth here though. House salad- The arugula was a nice touch in the salad itself. House dressing, tasty for sure. Super tasty it you get a lemon to squeeze on it. The lemon helped the house dressing be what it wanted to be. Spicy Kafta wrap- undercooked beef. Spots of overly pink meat throughout both pieces. After I saw pink in the wrap, I dissected the other kofta too. I'm not pro-well done beef but, when consuming ground beef at a place that I know nothing about their meat sources (and there's not a disclaimer of potentially undercooked meat), I want my meat throughly cooked. It was possibly undercooked because there wasn't enough beef in it to cook evenly. Was heavy, heavy on green (parsley perhaps) and maybe a filler. Before I notice the undercooked beef, I'd taken say four bites. In those four bites I didn't find the 'spicy' that was in the dish's name. The wrap was super crunchy. Like cracker flakey crunch. In the end, I showed the waiter the undercooked beef in my wrap. He comped it on the ticket, which was appreciated. I was asked if I wanted something else but at that point I was over Aladdin's. Undercooked meat aside, I prefer the product that's being produced at the restaurant that's only a parking lot away. With so many restaurant options in C-Bus I cannot say for a positive that I'd return for another meal.
(2)Sarah H.
This was my first time eating here. I ordered the lunch special. For $6.99 I got a massive bowl of soup and a side salad. The soup was half lentil and half vegetarian chili and it was both delicious and filling. The salad was very flavorful and there was just the right amount of dressing. The ambiance was very surprising from what I expected from the outside. I was very pleased. Overall I will be back.
(4)Tomas P.
One of my favorites at any of their location! Their food is always fresh and delicious.
(4)Ryan K.
I strolled on over to Aladdin's for a lite dinner with a friend last weekend. I have to say I was fairly impressed by their establishment. I decided on the hummus as that's always a favorite of mine and found theirs to be spot on. The combination of some pita bread and vegetables to dip it in also fit the bill. Lastly I indulged myself with their tropical smoothy which is actually quite tasty and worthy delight. My experience with the service was also exemplary. The staff was swift, courteous, and never left me wanting of something. Combined with a price point that is reasonable it is clear that I'll likely be back at some point in the future.
(4)Gus W.
This place is more like a 2.5 star, but since we had pretty nice service, I'll bump it up to a 3. It's been about two and a half years since I last stepped foot in an Aladdin's, and it happened to be this one coincidentally. Even though I lived in Olentangy Village, it took a while for me to check out this place, and the first time I went (aka the last time I went prior to this) I wasn't very impressed. I had their beef kafta rolls, and it just didn't taste that great, so this time around I stayed away from it. There was a few of us there for a meet up, so I was able to try a few of the appetizer dishes. I ordered the falafel and was not a fan. It was way denser than most falafel I eat (maybe too pureed), and two of them was more than enough to make me full. I tried the baba ganoush, which had a bit of a smoky flavor to it, and I thought that was the best of the apps. The Foole was just okay. I wish they'd give you better pita to dip instead of just store bought thinly cut slices. I went with the lamb as my main course, and they really didn't provide a whole lot of it. The meat was cooked pretty well done and cut into pretty small pieces, and they never gave me the option of how I'd like it cooked. The rice had a hint of cinnamon, and I didn't mind that. The garlic sauce that came with it was pretty tasty as well. For dessert they had a number of cheesecakes and a signature chocolate cake with mousse layering in the middle. I went with a Kit Kat cheesecake, because how could that be bad? It wasn't great; it wasn't terrible, but it was incredibly rich, and I couldn't finish it. Ranajoy had ordered the signature cake, which I had a bite of, and it didn't do much for me either. At the end of the day, I'm probably not going to be back to Aladdin's again unless I'm forced to. I don't know if it's just this spot in particular that's lackluster, but I'm willing to bet the majority of the chain is the same. The quality of ingredients is just not there for me, and I could understand if the pricing was a bit lower, but it's not. If you're looking for Mediterranean fare in Columbus, there are just so many other options that are better and cheaper.
(3)Erin B.
Trippy, weird and great. Try it.
(4)Ha H.
Authentic; also dishes taste the same time over time. Lot's of healthy options. Easy to call in for a take out, which is what I do 80% of the time. Long time fan. High Marks!
(5)RB B.
Ok, but nothing great. Food was pretty ho-hum...standard Hummus, falafel and baba. Annoying that they charge for extra salad dressing when you order a salad, and super annoying that they charge for hot sauce. Really? Hot sauce?
(2)Rico J.
Just had this place for the first time and LOVED it! Relaxing decor and a great menu with refreshingly unique food. Ill be back for sure!!
(5)Briden S.
Honestly I have never really been a fan, to me it feels like a fast food Med food, and it just does not sit right with me. I can never find anything appetizing to me besides some hummus. Maybe it is because I do not fully understand all that goes into the food, but I have had great Mediterranean food before and this just does not cut it.
(2)Emily U.
It is very delicious! Have been coming here, well, for a LONG time. Has it been 10 years? Consistently yummy. Lots to choose from. The lamb is divine- moist and tender. Great selection of fruit and veg smoothies. And, well, there is the cheesecake selection! :) Cheap if you want just one thing (like a pita), no sides. Only complaint is that we had MINIMAL waiter service on our last visit. Lots of empty water/coffee time that was unfortunate. And we were ready to order for 10 min before it was taken. I think it depends on where you sit.
(4)J R.
Love their hummus.
(4)Liz M.
This is already my favorite restaurant in Columbus! Everything I have tried here is amazing: kibbie, mujadara pocket, chicken curry roll, lamb rolled. The meat dishes are perfectly seasoned, and all of the veggies are fresh! The restaurant and bathroom are extremely clean, and the servers are very friendly. They have extensive vegetarian options and even carry vegan desserts!!
(5)Jim P.
Awesome food. We had hummus, Baba, Falaffel, some spinach-pita-feta thingy.. Sheeshkabob ( I butchered the spelling I know), had a guava smoothie, everything was just wonderful and service was great!
(5)Scott B.
Although the ingredients were very fresh and everything seemed well-prepared, the flavor was not exactly to my liking, a bit oddly sweet. However I would have probably been willing to try other dishes here if the service had not been so poor. Drink refills were conveniently not offered on sodas/tea until everyone was well-finished eating and coffee refills were not offered at all. The waitress was extremely inattentive and absent most of the time, we had to go yell into the kitchen to order dessert. Then, adding insult to injury after all that work the dessert portion for the price was exceptionally miserly. I was not impressed. At all.
(1)Peter D.
I appreciate the ease of parking here, campus is always a pain in the A. Anyways, the inside is pretty and I really like the hanging bowls that decorate the ceiling. Our server was a total slacker, failed badly at drink refills and mumbled the whole time. Food was great though. Hummas was very filling, and I got a chicken..... wrap... thing. Can't remember what it was called unformulated but my GF liked it more then her schwarma which she really likes.
(3)Amanda B.
If I had to sum up Aladdin's Eatery in a sentence: Delicious, healthy, and often locally-sourced food that isn't too expensive. I've gone there a few times, and my favorite dish by far is the Arayiss Pitza- crispy pita topped with fresh, flavorful hummus, ground meat, tomato, and pine nuts. The hummos plate is another great option for an appetizer, or if you're just not terribly hungry. The only dish I've gotten from Aladdin's that I wasn't particularly fond of was the chicken schwarma rolled- the chicken was a bit tough and the sauce was somewhat cold, and it overall just didn't rock my socks. But other than that, pretty much everything I've tried from here has been a win. If you can, leave some room for dessert. They always have a big selection of gourmet cake (one slice can easily be split between two people) and local baked goods. A rocky road bar and some hot tea at the end of a meal always makes me a happy camper. The service at Aladdin's has always been friendly, but not fawning, when I've gone. It's got the air of a nice restaurant, but not so fancy that you'd feel uncomfortable dropping by in jeans and a tee shirt.
(4)Savannah F.
Service is usually just okay, but I love their food. It is reasonably priced, and they have so many healthy options. The chicken is always tender, more so than most restaurants I've visited.
(4)Mitchell T.
I have always enjoyed Aladdin's and yesterday's late lunch was no exception. My lentil soup was even better than I would have expected and my Aladdin's combo plate was delicious. The meats were prepared perfectly and I loved the rice. Grace was my server and she offered a great combination of great service and friendliness. I will certainly save room for dessert on my next visit which I am sure will be soon.
(4)Cat F.
I've always enjoyed this little gem of a restaurant. I like the flavors, although they're more mild than I usually prefer. I enjoy the hummus and the vegetarian dishes, but the kebabs are also good. I've always had good service, too, even when we've sat and lingered a long time over our meal.
(4)Lisa S.
I live in the apartments behind Aladins, so as you can imagine every time I head home, I always stop there. I am definitely a regular. I always get the fattoush salad with chicken and it is amazing. It literally hits taste buds you never thought existed in your mouth. I have also had the curry chicken roll, which I can forever rave about. It's delicious in every imaginable way. If I ever get a dessert of some sort I always go for the baklava assortment. I can devour a container of that in one sitting and still want more! As for the staff. Super friendly and very courteous! Love this place, never a disappointment!
(5)Tracy B.
food ok, but very am concerned with possible very poor treatment of staff. people should be treated well, especially in this economy.
(1)Barbara S.
Aladdin's is one of my go-to restaurants when I'm looking for something casual and healthy. The service is always good. The ambiance is friendly and pretty quiet.It's a good choice for vegetarian as well as meat options. My favorite vegetarian menu items are the majudderah (lentils, caramelized onions, and salad over rice) and the V-9 vegetable soup. The combo appetizer with hummus, baba ghannouj, tabbouli, etc is also quite good. My favorite Lebanese meat dish is kibbe, and it's only pretty good here. Kibbe is shaped like footballs, and is a cracked wheat exterior stuffed with meat, pine nuts and spices that is deep fried in oil. Aladdin's version is often dried out -- I suspect they make it in large batches and freeze it. But this is a picky complaint. It's still worth ordering, in my opinion. I highly recommend the hot Moroccan Mint tea.
(4)Beth B.
I have to say, I don't think many people realize how rare and amazing genuine, authentic hummus is. If anything, Aladdin's is worth the trip simply to taste the smooth, thick texture of their hummus with just the right amount of olive oil. I can't claim to be from the Mediterranean, but after living in Amman for four months, every bite of Aladdin's is tinged with the sweet taste of nostalgia. If you're feeling a little adventurous, I highly recommend the fuul - mashed fava beans with a little garlic, pepper, tomato and other delectable spices - is a great alternative to hummus (also makes a fantastic breakfast food - trust me on this!) Their falafel is tasty as well, never too hard or crusty and very flavorful. My standard fare is the chicken curry rolled pita and a pomegranate iced tea - sometimes I've gotten free refills on the tea, but I'm not sure if this standard practice. The tea is not too sweet, and the chicken curry comes with healthy vegetables like peas, beets, banana peppers, onions, and just a little touch of sauce all wrapped up in hot pita. The pita is never stale and the chicken is never greasy, a trait I've found consistent in all of Aladdin's food - they really pride themselves on healthy eating, even when it's lamb shish kabob or another hearty dish. The meat in most of the beef and lamb dishes can be a bit large and hard to bite in rolled pita, but it's well-cooked and juicy. Of course, I can't leave out the desserts. Where the food lacks decadence, sugar, and fat, the desserts more than make up for it. The tiramisu is my absolute favorite, as well as with many of Aladdin's other regular patrons. The baklava isn't terribly outstanding, just individual pieces saran wrapped and placed in a basket by the register. In short, the atmosphere, the food, and the experience are consistently excellent and create a large community of regulars. I recommend this restaurant for anything from an afternoon business lunch to an intimate dinner for two. Ahlan wa sahlan!
(5)Kevin M.
Just as good as the location in Grandview. Check out my review for that location, but suffice to say that the food is good, the prices are reasonable, the service is quick, and the menu has tons of variety.
(5)Julie H.
I had lunch here with a few friends on a Saturday. There was no wait time, we were seating promptly. The food took a while, but the service was over all good. I enjoyed my dish. We order balaklava to take with us. I had it later and it was a bit dry and not the best balaklava I've had. I loved the entrees and would go back for lunch there again.
(4)Greg K.
Stopped in one night for a late dinner since Acropolis was closed and I was craving some Mediterranean food. I hadn't been here in a very long time and couldn't remember if I liked it or not. I had a simple beef shawrma dinner and it really hit the spot. The pita is thinner and crispier than what you might expect but in this case it's a good thing. The shawarma is a decent size and packed with beefy goodness. Again, it was a late night meal so I didn't get to try anything else on the menu but I'll bet it's pretty good. The only drawback is the delicious seasoning they put on the outside of the pita will have your hands smelling for hours even after a good scrubbing.
(4)Chelsey M.
The food here is okay. I don't think it's anything special, nor do I think it holds a flame to Pita hut, Pita house, or Lavash. I ordered a lamb plate when I visited. It was fine, but I ordered my rice without pine nuts and almonds. It always worries me when the waitress doesn't write things down because I know they'll come out wrong, and sure enough..I was hungry and it wasn't that big of a deal, just a personal preference. I picked the almonds and pine nuts out though, and although this wasn't an issue for me, it would be for someone with a nut allergy. For two entrees, an appetizer of hummus, one beer, one coke, and a slice of cheesecake that was just okay, it was about $50.
(3)Teri D.
Was jonesing for some shawarma and decided to go here. Nice little place with flavorful hummus and nice thin pita bread which we split open to put our meat and lettuce from the salad in. The shawarma and hummus plate was high on hummus but a bit low on the meat. Best thing about this place is the price and really good if you are a vegetarian. They have a weekday lunch special of soup and salad for $6.99. Will probably go again if in the area to test drive the falafel.
(3)Alexa A.
I went to Alladin's recently on a recommendation from another gluten-free diner; I never think to go there, because I think of it as the chain restaurant option that's just down the street from independent Mediterranean restaurant Lavash, who has always done right by me. But, hearing they had good options for gluten-free diners as well as vegetarians and vegans, I decided to give it a shot. I'm sure glad I did! Color me impressed, and embarrassed I didn't check it out sooner. The extensive menu has clear labels for what is gluten free, and many of their options in fact are. It's also significantly more affordable than Lavash, and they have beer! (And cider!) I also got a slice of their new gluten-free chocolate cake for dessert -- AMAZING. I will definitely be back.
(4)Lilly S.
Consistently good food and service at these restaurants! Definitely not 100% authentic.. for example, they call something on the menu "zatar" which is basically just thyme.. but everything from the hummus to the grape leaves to dessert is great! Tip, try the smoothies.. delicious!
(4)Wendy D.
I come here every few weeks or so and almost never have any complaints. They have awesome vegetarian options, all the meat dishes I have had have been good too and the prices are fair. I even got my birthday cake here one year (tiramisu) and it was amazing. My only real complaint is that a couple of years ago I got a salad with char-grilled tuna and the tuna was awful, dry and tasted like old socks. I let it go and forgot about it until yesterday. I ordered the tuna pita and immediatly remembered the last time I had tuna at Aladdin's. It was just terrible. I ate the veggies and pita and left the chewy-rubbery gray tuna peices in the wrapper on my plate. I'll still go back eventually I'm sure, but definetly not for anything with tuna. Oh and actually one small thing that kind of got to me last time was that they sat us in the front window table (awesome), but then the manager came out at conducted an interview at a table across from us. I could hear the whole thing. It was hard for me to have a conversation and was probably nerve wracking for the girl being interviewed. The whole place was empty...why seat us there??
(4)Jenny H.
I LOVE their fresh squeezed juice-- especially the carrot apple. I love it even more when a place offers variety. Aladdin's favorite combo does just that: three types of meat, vermicelli rice and a crisp refreshing salad. If I'm really hungry, I won't have much to tote home, but other times they make for great leftovers. Tonight was no exception. Our tummys were set on pizza, but when plans fell through we thought of Aladdin's as the next best thing. Maggie, our server, was really friendly and my friend had room for their tiramisu (which was decent and not as dry as before). All-in-all, we were actually pretty glad that we went sans-pizza tonight.
(4)Caitlin E.
I have visited Aladdin's multiple times and have never had a bad experience. The service has always been quick and courteous, and the atmosphere is warm and comforting. At this location, they have artwork by local artists for sale of various mediums. The food is very good. They have a great variety of vegetarian and vegan options, and you can spend anywhere as low as $5.95 to $30 for a meal. This time I had their Farmer's Pitza and Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake. Both were amazing. The desserts are also to die for. They have types of cheesecake that you won't even find on The Cheesecake Factory menu, and The server will take the time to go through each item in the refrigerated case in the front. Overall you can find something delicious for any budget and diet in a cozy environment with friendly staff.
(5)Erin M.
So glad that we stumbled onto this little gem. The food was amazing. Nice variety and many vegetarian options. We ordered an assortment of appetizers and a salad to split. Everything was fresh and flavorful. We will be back!
(5)Ryan K.
I strolled on over to Aladdin's for a lite dinner with a friend last weekend. I have to say I was fairly impressed by their establishment. I decided on the hummus as that's always a favorite of mine and found theirs to be spot on. The combination of some pita bread and vegetables to dip it in also fit the bill. Lastly I indulged myself with their tropical smoothy which is actually quite tasty and worthy delight. My experience with the service was also exemplary. The staff was swift, courteous, and never left me wanting of something. Combined with a price point that is reasonable it is clear that I'll likely be back at some point in the future.
(4)Gus W.
This place is more like a 2.5 star, but since we had pretty nice service, I'll bump it up to a 3. It's been about two and a half years since I last stepped foot in an Aladdin's, and it happened to be this one coincidentally. Even though I lived in Olentangy Village, it took a while for me to check out this place, and the first time I went (aka the last time I went prior to this) I wasn't very impressed. I had their beef kafta rolls, and it just didn't taste that great, so this time around I stayed away from it. There was a few of us there for a meet up, so I was able to try a few of the appetizer dishes. I ordered the falafel and was not a fan. It was way denser than most falafel I eat (maybe too pureed), and two of them was more than enough to make me full. I tried the baba ganoush, which had a bit of a smoky flavor to it, and I thought that was the best of the apps. The Foole was just okay. I wish they'd give you better pita to dip instead of just store bought thinly cut slices. I went with the lamb as my main course, and they really didn't provide a whole lot of it. The meat was cooked pretty well done and cut into pretty small pieces, and they never gave me the option of how I'd like it cooked. The rice had a hint of cinnamon, and I didn't mind that. The garlic sauce that came with it was pretty tasty as well. For dessert they had a number of cheesecakes and a signature chocolate cake with mousse layering in the middle. I went with a Kit Kat cheesecake, because how could that be bad? It wasn't great; it wasn't terrible, but it was incredibly rich, and I couldn't finish it. Ranajoy had ordered the signature cake, which I had a bite of, and it didn't do much for me either. At the end of the day, I'm probably not going to be back to Aladdin's again unless I'm forced to. I don't know if it's just this spot in particular that's lackluster, but I'm willing to bet the majority of the chain is the same. The quality of ingredients is just not there for me, and I could understand if the pricing was a bit lower, but it's not. If you're looking for Mediterranean fare in Columbus, there are just so many other options that are better and cheaper.
(3)Gwen W.
Interesting establishment. I've been wanting to try Aladdin's for years, so I posted a UYE. When we got to the restaurant, it want busy yet, so we were seated right away. I decided on an appetizer and meal: Baba Ganoush and Mediterranean Lamb Plate. This dinner did not score high for me. Why? A few things: smoked flavor, tart/bitter taste, and overcooked meat. I did not like the prominent smoked flavor of the Baba. It lingered in my mouth, which left my taste buds in disappointment. I've never had a thing for smoked food, period. The Baba also was quite tarty - made me pucker and shiver, yuck! I could not taste the eggplant. The lamb plate was nothing to brag about either. The chucks of lamb were overcooked a bit. The rice and nut mix could have used some moisture. I was nervous that the cinnamon would be overwhelming. It wasn't. However, this dish didn't have bold flavors, like I was expecting. Our waitress was polite and checked in at just the right points. But the flavors left in my mouth after trying the dishes was too much to come out on top.
(2)Vincent L.
Loved it! Had the vegetarian dish name K something and it's pretty great. It's always nice to know a restaurant cares about vegetarian and vegan customers.
(4)Donna O.
Aladdin's is a franchise that doesn't seem like one, because the food is high-quality, fresh and tasty. A healthy meal can be had whether you are vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian or an omnivore - there is a dish on Aladdin's menu which will become your favorite. They have smoothies and raw juices, and soups that are amazing. The V-9 soup is especially good. Even their fried options get a healthy boost - chicken sambusek with an onion and tomato garnish was our splurge appetizer. Rolled grilled pita sandwiches are my favorite - the falafel or lamb. Both have lots of veggies, and the falafel rolled has turnips - crunchy and not an addition you see on the menu often. The spouse likes the mixed grill dinner, with beef, chicken and lamb on rice, with a side salad. It's just the right amount of food, whatever you order. If you're feeling like pizza, they have pita pizzas. The table next to us ordered one, and it looked good - lots of toppings. Their desserts will knock you off the healthy-eating wagon - carrot cake and strawberry topped cake - so good, and fun to share. Being a little bad is okay here.
(3)Jen R.
Aladdin's is a go-to for me. Always awesome food and always great service and that is consistent at any of their locations in my experience. Fantastic baba ganoush and the tuna schwarma rolled is a staple order. And if they ask you if you'd like hot sauce, say yes!
(5)Candace M.
We walked into Lavash, realized that their line was enormously long and that their food was a lot more pricey than Aladdin's, and made the quick decision to head down the street. I had the Dawali Rolled plus hummus. TO DIE FOR! Seriously, now that I've had it, I crave it all the time. So good! My boyfriend got the Aladdin's favorite combo and he didn't love it, mostly because it was more salad than he had been expecting. We both got dessert, and liked it! I'm not entirely convinced that my baklava didn't come from a box, based on what I saw, but it was good regardless. The service was friendly and quick. I have found that the lunch seems to take longer than the dinner, possibly because the dinner hour is just a lot busier. For a quick, easy, and delicious lunch or dinner, we will be keeping Aladdin's in mind! I already want that Dawali Rolled again... yummm!
(5)Marcia E.
This was only so-so for me. The pita bread we got was stale and old. The wine I got tasted like vinegar. I asked for a different glass, and the second glass also tasted off. I didn't drink anymore of it. The best part was the appetizer, Dawali, was good, but the rolled pita beef thing I got was meh. Too much cinnamon. Not enough garlic. Hubby liked his though. But I wouldn't go back probably.
(2)Krista R.
Despite the stupid name of this local chain, I think the food is delicious and appealing to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. My friend is a regular here, and I can see why. We shared... hummus and pitta, an order of stuffed grape leaves, chicken shawarma, a gyro, and a seared tuna salad. Lots of side sauces came with these items and really enhanced the meal. Everything we ordered was fresh and flavorful. The prices were decent for the quality and portions, and the restaurant itself is cute. The place was PACKED for a Sunday afternoon, which probably explains the panicked server and length of time it took to get our food. I'd go back for sure.
(4)Miranda L.
Stopped in for a late lunch earlier this week. Service was good and pleasant. Hummus was super fast- heavy on the tahini and low on the garlic and lemon. Served with the pitas that are used as the wraps. The hummus was not as balanced as I like in mine. (I'm still going with Pita House in Bexley tops the columbus hummus scene.). It was pretty smooth here though. House salad- The arugula was a nice touch in the salad itself. House dressing, tasty for sure. Super tasty it you get a lemon to squeeze on it. The lemon helped the house dressing be what it wanted to be. Spicy Kafta wrap- undercooked beef. Spots of overly pink meat throughout both pieces. After I saw pink in the wrap, I dissected the other kofta too. I'm not pro-well done beef but, when consuming ground beef at a place that I know nothing about their meat sources (and there's not a disclaimer of potentially undercooked meat), I want my meat throughly cooked. It was possibly undercooked because there wasn't enough beef in it to cook evenly. Was heavy, heavy on green (parsley perhaps) and maybe a filler. Before I notice the undercooked beef, I'd taken say four bites. In those four bites I didn't find the 'spicy' that was in the dish's name. The wrap was super crunchy. Like cracker flakey crunch. In the end, I showed the waiter the undercooked beef in my wrap. He comped it on the ticket, which was appreciated. I was asked if I wanted something else but at that point I was over Aladdin's. Undercooked meat aside, I prefer the product that's being produced at the restaurant that's only a parking lot away. With so many restaurant options in C-Bus I cannot say for a positive that I'd return for another meal.
(2)Sarah H.
This was my first time eating here. I ordered the lunch special. For $6.99 I got a massive bowl of soup and a side salad. The soup was half lentil and half vegetarian chili and it was both delicious and filling. The salad was very flavorful and there was just the right amount of dressing. The ambiance was very surprising from what I expected from the outside. I was very pleased. Overall I will be back.
(4)Tomas P.
One of my favorites at any of their location! Their food is always fresh and delicious.
(4)Nina R.
I've only been here a handful of times, but each time I've gotten the Chicken Salad Pocket. Delicious chicken salad with an olive oil based dressing on the side. Staff is friendly enough. This location is always pretty empty when I've been here, but it keeps it nice for a meeting or friendly lunch. They do have a beer list which I didn't realize until today- looks like Ohio brews- kinda nice!
(4)Greg K.
Stopped in one night for a late dinner since Acropolis was closed and I was craving some Mediterranean food. I hadn't been here in a very long time and couldn't remember if I liked it or not. I had a simple beef shawrma dinner and it really hit the spot. The pita is thinner and crispier than what you might expect but in this case it's a good thing. The shawarma is a decent size and packed with beefy goodness. Again, it was a late night meal so I didn't get to try anything else on the menu but I'll bet it's pretty good. The only drawback is the delicious seasoning they put on the outside of the pita will have your hands smelling for hours even after a good scrubbing.
(4)Emily B.
My love affair started with Aladdin's when I was in college in Pittsburgh. We'd go often to the location in Squirrel Hill. I never even thought it might be a chain, to be honest. When I moved East after graduating in 2003, I forgot about it until I moved to Columbus 10 years later and Aladdin's was on my block! I had to get myself in there right away! Their hummus is excellent. The best I've ever had in my whole entire life. Get it with the special "hot sauce" and the pickled veggies side. I really like their baba ghanoush too--it's smokey eggplant paté which can be eaten like hummus. Anything I've ever ordered on the menu is outstanding. I love the chicken salad pita pocket and the rolled diwali (rice stuffed grape leaves). Their salads and soups are yummy. Definitely get the Aladdin's Dressing--it's a lemon-oil based herb dressing that I've even tried to replicate for myself at home! Service is great. Everyone is friendly--good Clintonville neighbors! I even used them to cater my sister's baby shower since they were so close to my house. We ordered an assortment of appetizers and wraps. All the wraps were labelled and our order was spot on (with extra "hot sauce" for the Mama-to-be!) Once when my nephew was younger, the manager saw him fussing and brought out a little cup of peas to occupy him. Does not get much better than this for service excellence. When I have a Mediterranean craving, Aladdin's is the man!
(5)Amanda T.
Awesome food, and great service! What more could you ask for? Their pita pizzas are my absolute favorite! I don't get to go here often, but it sure is a treat when I do!
(5)Codi F.
Great food, excellent staff, convenient location, cool atmosphere. Buy a bag of pita bread on your way out. It is very versatile. I use it to wrap my gyros. My only real complaint is that the hummus here isn't as good as the Aladdin's in Dublin. Dublin Aladdin's has PERFECT hummus. The hummus at the High Street location has a less desirable texture and isn't garnished well.
(5)Dave G.
the management is awful.......they don't help the staff when busy....the wait staff is great
(1)Kate B.
I enjoy coming here. I've never had to wait for a table, and the servers are professional and friendly. They have a well-curated draft list that alternates pretty frequently, but the menu is so large that it can be overwhelming. My favorites are their pitzas and the spicy kafta rolled. Highly recommend ordering a side of their homemade hot sauce - it's incredible.
(4)Julie H.
I had lunch here with a few friends on a Saturday. There was no wait time, we were seating promptly. The food took a while, but the service was over all good. I enjoyed my dish. We order balaklava to take with us. I had it later and it was a bit dry and not the best balaklava I've had. I loved the entrees and would go back for lunch there again.
(4)Lauren F.
I have only been here once but I really liked it. They have a nice selection of raw juices so I will be back for that alone but the food was also very good. They have a large menu with lots of different menu options. I got the falafel appetizer and Jazmine's favorite as an entree and both were very good.
(5)