Ali Baba is not one of those well known restaurants around the Turkish city, or not a place you would find review about, but it is one of those place I would highly recommend you try when visiting Istanbul.
Ali Baba is a bit like the Tawlet Restaurant of Beirut. It has been serving simple Turkish authentic food to the locals, businessmen and tourists for many years. Kafta, meat balls, white bean salad, rice, lamb and a tasty shawarma or kebab are the only things available on the menu. You eat what they are cooking that day: Very simple indeed and at an affordable price. The place has an impeccable reputation - way out of proportion with its tiny size. Eager patrons, police officers and tourists wait in long queues or share tables with the rest of the weekend crow
This small eatery next to the Suleymaniye mosque was certainly a great find indeed. No sophistication, just clean and tasty local food. Situated in front of the entrance to the Suleymaniye mosque, there's plenty of tables outside.
The service is excellent and the cost is pretty reasonable - around TL20 for main meal with bread, salad and drinks.
