Have made 2 more visits to this location since May (read my earlier review - 2 stars) - completely disappointed... I am done giving this place a shot, and shooting down my appetite.
FOOD:
- decent quality, but don't make the shawarma properly. It's not a freakin' salad that I'd be content with the stuff tossed together. I want a proper wrap.
- They grill it for less than 30 seconds. And it wasn't even busy. I was the only person there. What the heck... I want a warm, nicely grilled, properly assembled shawarma. No -- that's asking for too much at Ali Baba. It's like asking for a medium-rare steak in federal prison.
- They don't listen for what you want or especially don't want. And once they've slobered the topping in, it's there to stay... Yup-- whether you like it or not, that's what you're getting then.
- they also have samosas and baklavas - if you absolutely must have a samosa or a baklava, then I guess you could.... FIND ANOTHER PLACE.
Food rating: 0.5 / 5 (I'm too nice to give a zero but way too disappointed to dish out a 1).
SERVICE:
- I think my description above will explain my overall service rating..
Service rating: 0.5 / 5
PRICE:
- good deals - 8 bucks for 2 wraps; they have specials for each day
- but so do other places (Wrap N Grab shawarma place is a block away at Dundas St and Chestnut St) - so the deals at Ali baba are not exquisite at all
Price rating: 4/5
DECOR:
- the one thing that stands out about Ali Baba's as compared to other shawarma places - they have decent chair/table set up.
- spacious and clean..
Decor rating: 4/5. I just wish they would back their decor with what they're actually there to sell - food and service.
OVERALL RATING: 1/5
- they have had time to settle down at this new location. because they are a franchise and have a good-looking place, it seems they keep getting business. But not a second star in my rating (like that matters though =P)! ;)
Why to go there:
- if you are looking for downtown toronto's choices of shitty shawarmas and shittier service
Why not to go there:
- if good food is what you seek, and if you have some value for your hard-earned (or tax-return in my case!) money.