Ali Baba Malta: Lebanese, Middle Eastern mezze in Gżira
Lebanese, Middle Eastern mezze · Gżira, Malta
Our Review of Ali Baba, Gżira
Food at Ali Baba: 16/20
If you have a taste for Lebanese food then look no further. Tucked away in the heart of Gżira, the restaurant was opened in 1987 by Abdul Rahman and Nadra Harba, the parents of the current owner - the wonderful Hany. Ali Baba is reminiscent of the best restaurants I used to frequent in Beirut. And the cooking is simply outstanding. As ever the starters stand out and many well know dishes are given an exciting twist, at very reasonable prices. Take the Homous Aswad (made of black chickpea homous, black tahini, garlic and lemon, pomegranate seeds and molasses) at €8.50, the Saltet Halyoon Char grilled asparagus (with date and almond jam, aged parmesan cheese shavings and orange segments) at €17.65, or the Muhammara Oven-roasted red bell peppers, (almonds, pistachios and lots more) at €7.50. The main courses are pricier but excellently executed. It’s worth waiting the cooking time for the Castaleta Ghanam Meshwieh Grilled lamb cutlets, lightly marinated in herbs and spices, with wilted vegetables and coriander flavored freekeh risotto at €43.75. The Feteyell Ghanam Meshwieh Marinated and grilled lamb tenderloins, roasted and smoked beetroot puree, wilted greens at €44.95 is an alternative for the impatient. Farrouj Mishiwi Oven Roasted poussin, potato and celeriac puree, seasonal greens is €36.75.
Atmosphere at Ali Baba: 7/10
Ali Baba may have had forty thieves but you would struggle to fit them all in here. There are so few tables booking is essential. The decoration is straightforward compared to the often glamorous crowd, and this is not somewhere to take a non-foody you want to impress. Beloved by locals who know the drill and don’t mind cabbing to the sometimes raucous neighbourhood of Gzira. The restaurant is buzzy without being defeaning.
Service at Ali Baba: 8/10
The Lebanese waiters run around keeping everything running. Some complain it is hard to get their attention but I have never had a problem. The boss, Hany, certainly knows his Italian wines, which is a real God send for those of us who did their sommelier training in the French cadre. I can safely say I have drank my best ever Italian white wine here. Naturally there is also a good selection of Lebanese wines. Just tell Hany what you like and let him guide you.
Cuisine
Lebanese, Middle Eastern mezze
Price Level
€€€
Ratings
Ali Baba — Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does Ali Baba serve?
Ali Baba is a Lebanese, Middle Eastern mezze restaurant in Gżira, Malta.
How expensive is Ali Baba?
Ali Baba is rated €€€ for price (on a scale of € to €€€€€).
Where is Ali Baba in Malta?
Ali Baba is located in Gżira, Malta at 9 Ponsomby Street, Il-Gżira GZR 1075, Island of Malta, Malta.
Is Ali Baba worth visiting?
Ali Baba scored 30/40 in our independent Malta Guide review, covering food quality (16/20), atmosphere (6/10) and service (8/10).
Can I book a table at Ali Baba online?
Yes, Ali Baba accepts online reservations via their official website.