Ali Baba Mediterranean Deli in Columbia — Fresh Mezze, Grilled Meats, and Homemade Pastries

What to expect at Ali Baba Mediterranean Deli

Ali Baba Mediterranean Deli in Columbia serves Lebanese and broader Mediterranean food made to order, with an emphasis on grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and house-made pastries. The menu centers on mezze (small plates), shawarma, kebabs, and sandwiches, alongside daily specials that shift with what's fresh. The space is casual and counter-service, designed for quick lunch or takeout rather than lingering over wine.

The deli sources ingredients with attention to flavor — olive oils, cheeses, and spices that taste like they belong to the region rather than a generic "Mediterranean" label. Regulars return for the consistency: the same careful seasoning, the same quality of meat, the same house-made hummus and baba ganoush that tastes nothing like the plastic-tub versions at chain groceries.

Key Takeaways

• Ali Baba is a counter-service deli, not a full-table restaurant, so order at the counter and eat at one of a few small tables or take your food with you.
• Shawarma, kebabs, and mezze platters are the core menu, with daily specials that change based on what's available and what the kitchen is making that day.
• Most items are made to order, so expect a short wait during lunch rush but fresher food than places that hold everything under heat lamps.
• The deli also sells packaged items — olives, oils, spices, and frozen pastries — if you want to cook Mediterranean food at home.

Signature dishes and what to order

The shawarma — thin-sliced, spiced meat wrapped in pita with tahini sauce, tomato, and onion — is the standout. The meat has the right char and seasoning, and the pita is warm enough to hold together without falling apart. Order it with extra tahini if you like the sauce pronounced.

Kebabs come as chicken, lamb, or beef, grilled over charcoal and served with rice, grilled vegetables, and pita. The lamb has a clean, mineral flavor that signals good sourcing. Mezze platters let you sample several things at once: hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, dolmas, and fresh vegetables with pita for dipping. These are good for sharing or for a solo meal if you want variety without committing to a full entrée.

House-made baklava and other pastries are available daily, along with Lebanese coffee and fresh juices. The baklava is crisp and not oversweetened, which means the pistachio or walnut filling tastes like itself rather than like sugar with a nut hint.

Location, hours, and what to bring

Ali Baba is located in Columbia's downtown or midtown area (exact address and hours vary, so check their current information before visiting). The deli is typically open for lunch and early dinner, closed on Sundays or Mondays depending on the season. Call ahead during holidays or if you're planning a large order.

The space is small, so during the noon rush you may wait in line. If you're ordering for a group or want a specific item, calling ahead to place your order means you can pick it up ready to go. The deli accepts cash and card.

Takeout and catering options

Ali Baba handles takeout as its primary business model, so ordering to go is seamless. Containers are sturdy enough that shawarma and kebabs travel without falling apart. If you're ordering for a gathering, the deli can prepare platters of mezze, grilled meats, and sides — call to discuss quantities and any dietary needs.

Frozen pastries and prepared items are also available for takeout, so you can stock your freezer with baklava or spinach pies for later.

How Ali Baba fits into Columbia's food scene

Mediterranean delis like Ali Baba occupy a specific niche in Columbia's dining landscape: they're not fine dining, not casual chains, but neighborhood spots where the owner or a small team cooks the way they learned to cook, using ingredients that matter. The food is affordable, the portions are real, and the flavors don't apologize for being bold.

If you're used to Mediterranean food from restaurants that treat it as a trend, Ali Baba will feel different — less plating, more substance, the kind of place where regulars know their order by heart and the owner remembers their name.

Dietary considerations and ingredients

Many mezze items are vegetarian or vegan: hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and dolmas (depending on how they're prepared). The deli can usually accommodate requests to hold meat, dairy, or other ingredients if you ask when ordering. Pita and most grains are gluten-containing, but the staff can tell you which items are naturally gluten-free or can be prepared without bread.

If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, speak directly with whoever is taking your order — they know the ingredients and preparation methods better than any menu can convey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ali Baba a full restaurant or just a deli counter?

It's a counter-service deli with a few small tables. You order at the counter, pay, and either eat at one of the tables or take your food with you. There's no table service or waiter.

How long does it take to get food if I order during lunch?

Most items are made to order, so during peak lunch (noon to 1 p.m.) you might wait 10 to 20 minutes. Calling ahead to place your order means you can pick it up ready to go and skip the wait.

Can I order for a group or party?

Yes. Call ahead to discuss quantities, dietary needs, and pickup time. The deli can prepare platters of mezze, grilled meats, and sides for groups. Advance notice helps them prepare without running short on ingredients.

What's the difference between shawarma and kebab?

Shawarma is thin-sliced meat cooked on a vertical spit, then wrapped in pita with sauce and vegetables. Kebab is meat threaded on a skewer and grilled over charcoal, then served with rice and grilled vegetables. Both are flavorful, but the preparation and presentation are different.

Do you sell ingredients to cook at home?

Yes. Ali Baba stocks packaged items like olives, oils, spices, and frozen pastries. You can buy ingredients to cook Mediterranean food at home or grab prepared items if you don't have time to cook.