Aleppo Sweets

The Best Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island

"Youssef Akhtarini learned to bake as a teenager growing up in Aleppo, Syria. After fleeing the war-torn city and moving to Providence, Akhtarini opened Aleppo Sweets in 2019 with help from his wife, Reem. At this bakery and cafe, you’ll find nearly a dozen different varieties of light and crunchy Syrian-style baklava, from a version with whole pistachios wrapped in purses of phyllo dough to one that is rolled ladyfinger-style with crushed nuts. Don’t overlook the savory side of the menu, which includes mezze like smoky baba ghanoush and za’atar-dusted labneh, chicken and lamb kebabs, and red lentil soup. The cafe employs several other Syrian refugees who have made new homes in Providence." - Erika Adams, Jenna Pelletier

The 33 Best Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island - Eater

"Youssef Akhtarini learned to bake as a teenager growing up in Aleppo, Syria. After fleeing the war-torn city and moving to Providence, Akhtarini opened Aleppo Sweets in 2019 with help from his wife, Reem. At this bakery-cafe you’ll find nearly a dozen different varieties of light and crunchy Syrian-style baklava, from a version with whole pistachios wrapped in purses of phyllo dough to one that is rolled ladyfinger-style with crushed nuts. Don’t overlook the savory side of the menu, which includes meze like smoky baba ghanoush and za’atar-dusted labneh, chicken and lamb kebabs, and red lentil soup. The cafe employs several other Syrian refugees who have made new homes in Providence." - Jenna Pelletier

Eater Boston’s Favorite Dishes, Summer 2021 - Eater Boston

"I wish we could have settled into Aleppo Sweets — such a gorgeous little cafe, founded by baker Youssef Akhtarini, a Syrian refugee who passed through Turkey en route to Providence — for an afternoon, sipping ginger, cardamom, and mint tea or Arabic coffee and trying every kind of baklava." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal

This New England Road Trip Itinerary Is Just an Excuse to Snack | Bon Appétit

"The East Coast is full of fudge, but where else will you find eight-plus varieties of baklava (all available for contactless curbside pickup)? Despite this bakery’s name, these Syrian pastries go easy on the sugar, relying on citrus and spices for maximum flavor. Read more about its founderYoussef Akhtariniright here!" - ByAmanda Shapiro

Youssef Akhtarini Fled Syria. His Baklava Recipe Came With Him. | Bon Appétit

"Aleppo Sweets. It’s one of our 50 nominees for America’s best new restaurants, and it’s become one of the more popular spots in town—a haven for homesick Syrians, including the refugees he hires to work there, and anyone who dreams of baklava that crackles like a potato chip." - ByPriya Krishna

Joyce Gong

Google

This place takes quality over quantity VERY seriously, meaning the portions are very small. I got the lamb special and my friend got the chicken kabobs with rice. Both dishes had MINIMAL vegetables and her chicken dish had a 2x4 slice of pita. The servers were nice in that when prompted they gave us more pita but still it was very jarring. The quality of the food was really delicious, both the rice and meat were of high quality. The real kicker of the meal was the ice cream baklava, the pistachio was awesome! I probably wouldn’t come back mostly because of the portion size and lack of a balanced meal but the ice cream is worth it enough to give it a try! There is a reason it’s called Aleppo SWEETS.

Travis Vollrath

Google

- Sunday at 11:00pm / 14 people in the restaurant - $30 tab Staff - Staff is helpful and quick to serve. The Syrian roots are strong and proud here. They k ow their food. Drinks - I asked for a recommendation to combat the hot day from the son working the front and he suggested a hibiscus cold tea. It was spot on what I needed and paired the wrap I got perfectly. Food - I requested a custom made item not found on the menu. I requested a chicken shawarma and falafel wrap mixed into one. They accommodated me without hesitation and it was the best wrap I have had. This place does it right! As I was leaving I asked for a mix of 4 baklava items of their choice for the road. The staff were excited to do so. Atmosphere - The place is comfortable, open, and very welcoming. It’s clean and well cared for.

Jane Yoon

Google

Visiting from NYC and this place was so great we already can’t wait to come back. My husband and I ordered the Meze Platter and our favorites were the Labneh and Babaganoush. We ordered the lamb kebab (2 portions) and it was memorably delicious. Now, the grand finale was the baklavas with the vanilla ice cream. I didn’t expect it to be as delicious as it was. We would come back JUST to get the ice cream baklavas again. Every bite was better than the last. The crumbled pistachios mixed into the ice cream just take it over the top. Wow. A meal we will never forget.

Linda Sutton

Google

THE place in RI for baklava. Menu includes many Syrian selections. We had the lamb kebab, perfectly seasoned, with pita and Syrian rice. Will be back. Baklava sold in 4, 8, 12 piece boxes ($31 for 12). 2 and 5 lb boxes need to be ordered day ahead.

I V

Google

We found this quaint little café during one of our visits to the area and were pleasantly surprised by the cozy atmosphere and kind staff. We ordered the babaganoush and labneh to start. The babaganoush was perfectly smokey and the labneh was very creamy. We were surprised by the amount of meat the kebabs came with, as well as the veggies on the side which included pickles, pickled cabbage and onions. We finished off the meal with pistachio and walnut baklava- these are a “must order” as they are probably the most fresh baklava I’ve ever had .

Sarah Nekoufar

Google

This is a must visit in Providence! It was packed from the moment we walked in to the moment we left, but everyone managed to get a table when they needed. We were two people and ordered the mezze platter, the lamb kabob, and the cheese fatayer. For dessert we ordered the Turkish coffee with baklava. Everything was delicious and the perfect amount!

Duncan McAuley

Google

Went here with some friends to celebrate the fall of the Assad regime. One of them is Syrian so this wasn't random. This is one of those places where you almost feel like you're not in the same country anymore. Really nice decor inside. Enjoyed the tea, stuffed dates, and some other small plates I couldn't recall the names of. Street parking was easy and free. Will definitely be back.

Naz

Google

The food is good! Their Baklava ice cream is the best!

Derek M.

Yelp

The cafe featured a cozy, warm setting . I especially loved the array of baklava and the Aleppo Pepper flatbread

salam m.

Yelp

Nice food but awkward service They give you menu when you sit down but you have to get up and order/ pay at the counter which is weird in my opinion Ambiance was nice but I won't be dinning in maybe order to go in the future

Lein And Bein N.

Yelp

Aleppo Sweets is a beautiful café serving delicious Syrian food and desserts. I tried the Fatayer, a flatbread with toppings, which was tasty and made for a great snack. I also had a Turkish coffee that came in a charming copper cup. The café can get lively in the evening, and it's not the best spot for work or studying since there's no Wi-Fi and few outlets, but the owners don't seem to mind if you're working. It's a perfect place to meet up with friends instead. The desserts are excellent, with flaky puff pastry that isn't overly sweet.

Ciel D.

Yelp

A Refreshing interior with interesting designs and fabrics. Great fresh Middle Eastern food. When it first opened the baklava was top-notch, not sure what happened. Still it's better than packaged.

Ameena D.

Yelp

Our party of 5 had lunch at Aleppo Sweets last Saturday and loved it! The restaurant is casual...you order at the counter and they bring your food once it's ready. Service is friendly and food comes out quickly. Food itself is great. We shared tabouleh, stuffed grape leaves, different fatayer (the Aleppo pepper once is NOT for the faint of heart), chicken kabob, and rice. The tabouleh was fantastic, highly recommend. Prices are decent although quantities are a bit small. We'll definitely return!

Jacklyn K.

Yelp

Feels like being transported to a middle eastern travel adventure in the best way! Was in love with the ambiance in Aleppo Sweets and the authentic family feeling behind the counter. The strawberry lemon smoothie was the perfect refreshing treat on a hot day and I would deem this baklava the best I've ever had. My photos don't do it justice. Pricey little pieces of sweet heaven but well worth it!

Ahmad G.

Yelp

This place used to be good but unfortunately we had a very negative experience. Photos looked so good. But when we went there, we realized it's more for desserts. There was nothing to remember. The service was lacking. I haven't been back for a while, hope they improve these points I mentioned.

Tianna D.

Yelp

This place was recommended through a foodie friend. I came here yesterday with my family. It was such a charming restaurant - perfect spot for a rainy day. You order at the counter and then choose a somewhere to sit. We came here around 4pm and it wasn't too busy but by about 7pm it started to. We ordered some Turkish coffee and some baba ganoush and hummus to share- we felt for something light to have till dinner time. I'm not usually a fan of baba ganoush, something about the texture, so I usually go for hummus BUT I always like to try things again in case I develop a liking for it and I will say, THIS baba ganoush is one of the best ones I've ever had. It was so creamy and smokey and just the right texture *for me*. I ended up having more than I said I would. We ordered some of their famous baklava to take home and they were delectable. The next time I'm back in Providence I definitely have to come back here and try their kabobs and wraps from how good it looked when the servers brought them out to other tables.

Stephanie T.

Yelp

I came back to try their food on a Wednesday evening. At first, there was no other groups but then people starting to come in. We first grabbed menus and sat at a table to decide what we wanted to order. After deciding, we went to the counter to order and was given a table number. We had their Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Fatayer Cheese, Fatayer Pepper & Lamb, Iced Hibiscus Tea, and Iced Blackberry Drink. It was our first time having fatayer which is softly baked bread, served as a flatbread or pinched into the shape of a 'boat' and filled with toppings. It tasted like a mini pizza. The Chicken Shawarma wrap had flavorful marinated chicken and the wrap was crispy. I liked the little pickles that came with it as well. For the drinks, I really liked the blackberry drink. It was sweet. Inside is cozy and the tabletop water fountain was very calming. Service was great as always.

Julie P.

Yelp

I've only ever gotten the Baklava at Aleppo Sweets and it's very good. It's definitely an authentic Syrian restaurant with a full lunch, dinner, and coffee menu as well, I just haven't happened to stop in for a meal yet. It's generally very busy and you wait in line to order at the counter. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated and always feels warm and inviting. Most recently I got a box of 12 Baklava with half chocolate, half pistachio. Both were very good, but the chocolate ones really hit the spot for a dense nutty experience that also fulfilled a chocolate craving. I'd come in with the intention of getting some vegan Baklava for my mostly vegan parents, but they were out just after noon. I don't know if it's best to call ahead for such things, or I was just too late in the day. Regardless, it was enjoyed by me and my parents.

Bianca S.

Yelp

Aleppo Sweets is an amazing spot with a fantastic atmosphere and even better food. We loved the decorations and hanging plants. We ordered variety of dishes to split between three of us. We ordered the spicy chicken shawarma wrap, the spicy falafel wrap, the baba ghanoush, the cheese fatayer, and the musabaha and finished off the meal with an ice cream baklava sweet treat to share. We got two Turkish coffees with milk and a hibiscus iced tea that were delicious complements to the meal. There was a bit of a wait for the coffees, but that's totally understandable considering how they are made! All of the dishes were delicious but the spicy chicken shawarma with a garlic sauce to die for and the pistachio baklava with vanilla ice cream sandwiched between was out of this world good. The ice cream was the perfect consistency and had pistachios pressed into it. It was the perfect dessert to share!

Andrew K.

Yelp

Cozy spot serving up a good variety of options. Started with the baba ganoush which was a nice portion (on par with the $9 price point). The flavoring and texture was nice but it was served with the colder flat bread rather than the puffy warm bread we saw around the restaurant, which was as the only let down. Next was the soup, which was aromatic and aesthetically pleasant but a little flat on flavor and thin on texture. Went for two flatbreads: the lamb and the cheese. The former was a favorite for me and the bread was good for the baba ganoush, too. The cheese flatbread was essentially a white pizza so, while delicious, wasn't altogether the most interesting. Finished with the kibbeh, which was a good finish. The outer layer wasn't as dense as I have had before and the flavor of the beef with the onion was nice. The ambiance is pleasant and they do a nice job paying homage to the culture. We aren't a fan of baklava but the options for this are multi fold and looked beautiful.

Rafael P.

Yelp

Truly the best baklava I've ever had the pleasure of eating! Can't speak to the food offerings but worth it for the baklava alone. Perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Mike F.

Yelp

I have been bringing my family to Aleppo Sweets for many years now. This is one of our favorite spots. We usually come here for celebrations like birthdays and graduations. I once brought my brother here for Father's Day and now he brings his family. It can get busy sometimes and while they don't accept reservations, it's worth the wait. Youssef has taken us in right before closing- the drive from Boston to Providence can be crazy. There's street parking and also a small outdoor space to eat ( side building). This is such a beautiful place to come enjoy authentic Syrian food. Especially the baklava! Here are my favorite dishes: Chicken and Lamb kabob Falafel Tabouleh Labneh Aleppo pepper bread The ginger tea is good and of course, the baklava!

Caitlin T.

Yelp

As a local, Aleppo Sweets is close to my heart. You are greeted by the kindest people who own the place, and have the option to sit in sunny window-adjacent plush seating that is the perfect comfort on a snowy day. From mint tea, to the lentil soup and hummus, all drinks and savory foods are wonderful.

Bob W.

Yelp

I feel guilty giving 4 stars. The food was good, reasonably price, and the place has good vibes. The owner was very friendly. I did knock off one star because some of their food really required use of utensils and plate. I know it's a cultural thing but for the unaccustomed. We just haven't grasp the art of scooping up food using hands and peta bread. Otherwise, a unique and good culinary experience.

Barbara B.

Yelp

It is a quiet relaxing place to meet a friend for lunch. You could actually hear a conversation and I never felt we were being rushed to finish and leave. I had a falafel wrap with four falafel, and a yogurt sauce on the side that I thoroughly enjoyed. I also got a sweeten iced tea with cardamom and ginger that was perfect. While I did not order baklava this time, I have gotten that in the past to take home and it is great!

Cash B.

Yelp

Absolutely delicious and unapologetically authentic, incredible overall experience. You genuinely can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

Vijay S.

Yelp

Been a while since I came here. Love their chicken shawarma and garlic sauce. The chicken is flavorful and delicious. I also got the zaatar pie which was quite good. The red lentil soup reminded me of Indian dal. Would love to try their sweets. Overall great spot for Syrian/Middle Eastern food.

Nan Z.

Yelp

Great halal cafe to meet with friends. Order at counter and self serve your water and utensils and put away your dishes at end. Kibbeh and chicken kebabs were both good. We also tried other things before but can't remember.

Vicky L.

Yelp

Purchased the fresh box of 4 baklavas for $12 (Classic chopped pistachios, classic chopped walnuts, Lady finger chopped pistachios, 2 harissa whole pistachios (they gave one more for free :D). Plenty of seating. Liked all the flavors and not overly sweet.

Phoebe S.

Yelp

My favorite restaurant in PVD. Aleppo Sweets has the best Middle Eastern food around. Prices are reasonable with the coolest atmosphere, you can't go wrong eating here!! :)

Rachel A.

Yelp

Everything was delicious and the small pot of tea was pretty big! We ended up pouring the rest of the tea into two to-go cups and taking it with us.

Jessica S.

Yelp

We ended up here because Tea in Sahara was closed. Cute decor. Tea was good. The baklava assortment was very good, and I grew up near Dearborn, so that is saying something. My friend ordered some things off the menu for lunch and she liked everything. I would return to try some other things.

Angela K.

Yelp

I had the Turkish coffee (with milk) and baklava. Both were amazing! I'm not in Providence often but if I ever return, I would definitely visit again. The Turkish coffee was delicious, especially the hint of cardamom and the baklava was super fresh and the perfect balance of flavors. Must visit in Providence!

Alfred W.

Yelp

Came here because of the great reviews. We had the food, not the sweets. We had the shawarma, which was probably the best of the bunch. Chicken kebab was also pretty good and I enjoyed the pickled vegetables which came with the meals. The misses: the grape leaves were hot but relatively bland. The kibbeh was similarly bland and kinda just tasted like a ground beef pocket. The lamb kebab surprisingly fell flat too. It was basically textureless ground lamb without a ton of flavor. Overall, I'd give it a 2.5 rating. Service is nothing to speak of as you are expected to pick up your own dishes and forks, sort of like a middle eastern Panera. The restaurant was nicely renovated, however.

Anderson D.

Yelp

Really fantastic. Great mezze, baklava that isn't too sweet, and tea. Stellar, craveworthy lamb flatbread!

Lauren F.

Yelp

This place has such a warm ambiance!!! Every first date I've been on in Providence has been here because it's such a good vibe. They serve baklava and tea/coffee so it's a mix of a cafe and casual restaurant vibe. The interior design is so beautiful and cozy - I would come here for atmosphere alone but the food is also great. We got the Fatayer with cheese and a chicken shawarma wrap. The Fatayer was deliciously cheesy, with a citrusy toping that balanced the flavors well. It wasn't greasy and surprisingly light for a cheese bread. It came with two, and can be an appetizer. I would definitely try different flavors of the Fatayer. The chicken shawarma wrap was delicious. It came with pickles that had a unique and lovely flavor, and this creamy dip that was so good I wish I could buy it in bulk. Chicken was cooked well, it was not dry. One of the best chicken shawarma wraps I have had - lots of little touches that put it over the top. Overall, highly recommend this place!

Kasem W.

Yelp

Cute decor cute place, very good service. The Baklavas are good and fresh. Did not try coffee and tea, but it looked promising. The food is average. Not too bad not too great. Skip the Musabaha, they don't know how to make it :)

Margaret L.

Yelp

I had eaten treats from Aleppo sweets before but I finally made it in for a full meal and it was great. We got a couple pots of tea, hummus, stuffed dates, individual dinners and an assortment of baklava to top it off. The large pot of tea is... large! The small is also easily sufficient for two people to split. We tried the black tea with mint and the green tea. Both were good, and lightly sweetened but not overwhelmingly so. A nice balance. We all enjoyed our meals (I got a falafel wrap, not spicy) and the appetizers and of course the baklava was delicious. My favorite was the classic pistachio but all that we tried were great. I will definitely be back. As others have said the seating area is small so I can imagine it gets packed. We visited for an early (6ish) dinner on a Sunday and there was plenty of seating but it was filling up by the time we left. I would also love to just enjoy tea and baklava here because the atmosphere is great.

Maisune E.

Yelp

What a wonderful homey place. I love the atmosphere and decor and back-home feeling every time I come in. I usually get lamb kabob and rice because I can't eat gluten, and I love love love their pickles. When I could eat gluten, I loved the baklava with walnuts :') and it's halal so clean and refreshing!

Yen D.

Yelp

Yes! I loved their cardamom, ginger and cinnamon tea with their baklava. All of them were heavy on pistachio. They have 6 types. Loved the bird's nest with pistachio. Also came back to have their baklava with vanilla ice cream. Unfortunately, I never got a chance to come back to try their lunch or dinner, but I definitely miss this place.

Alexandra R.

Yelp

Amazing restaurant, food is incredible, prices are reasonable, and the service is wonderful.

Eri L.

Yelp

Came back to try their Ginger, Cardamom & mint tea, and was shocked by how much I liked it. Would definitely recommend ordering a large pot and sharing with the rest of your party - and if you go during off-peak hours it's a lovely place to catch up with folks.

Reggie D.

Yelp

There was a little ROCK in one of the pistachio pieces of baklava. Seriously. My partner chipped their tooth pretty significantly and is having to pay out of pocket at the dentist to repair the broken tooth because of it. It's unfortunate and obviously not intentional, but this should have been avoided. It makes me wonder if there are quality issues in their other items. We don't plan to go back.

Joseph S.

Yelp

We had visited pre-COVID for tea and pastries. Last night was our first dinner try. Cozy spot; good service; and lots of nearby street parking. Solid Middle Eastern food. We ordered too much with 4 entrees and 3 Mezzes. One of us took home a large doggie bag. Kabobs were standard. Outstanding were the teas, chicken shawarma, and foule. Damages for 4 with tip was $100. Go. Enjoy!

Maysa M.

Yelp

We got the Ginger/Cardamom small pot of tea, fatayer (meat, zaatar, Aleppo pepper), labneh, and stuffed dates. Everything was delicious and I would definitely visit this place to try a few other dishes. My favorite was the tea and zaatar fatayer--definitely recommend trying it! As for the ambiance, I loved the casual, chill environment. Lots of sunlight, cozy seating, and fresh plants. It's a great place to catch up with friends or even just hang out and read a book. There's some outdoor seating too which is great for the warmer days.

Margot P.

Yelp

Stuffed dates + ginger mint cardamom tea + a good friend for conversation = heaven. Lovely ambiance, clean bathroom, terrific menu, comfy seating. This place is amazing.

Guy K.

Yelp

In A Nutshell: -Aleppo Sweets is a must-check-out while you are visiting Providence! -Named after the capital of Syria, you will find this great restaurant close to Brown University in a quaint neighborhood. -As you walk inside you will be greeted w/ beautiful Arabic music, decor & friendly hello's from the staff who work there. -There are plenty of seating indoors, plus a small section outside. -The Chicken Shawarma was the BEST shawarma I've ever eaten! The taste along w/ the crunchiness were so mouth-watering. -You can also order common Syrian street food such as Fatayer, I really enjoyed the Za'tar spices mixed w/ olive oil & the Aleppo Pepper versions. -For you meat lovers out there, I also suggest ordering their delicious Chicken Kabob, you get a lot of meat! -The Turkish coffee is served in an authentic serving container too. Overall, if you want to try something different in a very casual & friendly atmosphere, you need to stop by Aleppo Sweets in Rhode Island!

Beth W.

Yelp

We love this place and have loved it since it opened. Our favorites are the warm chickpea dish and their smokey baba ganoush. Our friends ship us their baklava, which is always such a treat!

Zaid A.

Yelp

Fantastic food. Any time we are passing through Providence we stop by here. Baklava is the best in the Northeast and the savory dishes are fees as well.

Anshita S.

Yelp

Stopped here a few weeks back to grab a few things for take out, but I cannot wait to go back and have a proper sit down meal. First off the space is very tastefully decorated and the ambiance is so cozy. The bathroom was clean. The service was great as well. We had the Baba Ghanoush and it was amazing. The texture and taste was perfect. We also tried Aleppo Pepper Fatayer and man-o-man was that DELICIOUS! The bread was light, soft and pillowy with nice bold flavors from the Aleppo pepper. It was a little spicy, but the taste was perfection. Definitely one of the best fatayer I have eaten in a long time. The foule however was very underwhelming and I would not order it the next time. The baklava is definitely up there amongst the best one's but it's a little pricey. They even ship their baklava's, so it is a great option if you do not live close by, but if you are in the area I definitely recommend trying this restaurant.

Xiao Z.

Yelp

This is a really fun date spot with fantastic ambiance, wonderful flavoring, and expedited service. Just be prepared for a long wait if you come during rush hours. Must get: baba ghanoush, hummus, stuffed grape leaves (def), lamb fataye, kibbeh, Meh: kefta kabob, chicken shawarma Missed out: the sweets As far as food goes, this place did hit the spot, although my favorites were definitely the grape leaves, kibbeh, and the mezze. I have never been a big fan of grape leaves, but when it was served warm, fresh, and doused with an aromatic glaze that soured my tongue and warmed my soul, you know it was good. The fataye were a culinary experience that is common place around the world (i.e. meat on bread), but it was worth trying. The shawarma was a bit of a disappointed, as it tasted more like a chicken panini. Overall, the quantity of food was certainly above average, and the experience was pleasant and engaging. I would recommend checking it out on your next outing. Food: 4 stars Price: 4 stars Ambiance: 4 stars Service: 3 stars

Iad A.

Yelp

The workers are the sweetest, next to their amazing sweets. Also their fatayer and lamb kebab were spiced and cooked to perfection. The inside of the shop had a great decoration and vibe. Felt like I was in Aleppo تحيا سوريا

Jam J.

Yelp

As always I love their baklava here! Food is good as well. I think I ordered chicken kabob. I would definitely come back!

Greg F.

Yelp

Fabulous eatery with Syrian delicacies. Try the Mezze plate with babaganoush and humus.

Leah S.

Yelp

While in Providence, we were feeling starved, and we ducked into Aleppo Sweets on a whim after I had it bookmarked for quite some time. I pretty much could eat hummus every day and be happy, and in fact I eat garbanzo beans literally almost every day. Delicious! We parked on the street just outside the restaurant, which was super convenient. Inside we tried to figure out if we sat first or if we ordered at the bar, so we sat and watched some people first so we didn't make a noob mistake. We looked over the menu and wanted one of just about everything which told me we were both very hungry, and in the right place. To start, we ordered an Arabic coffee and a black mint tea, as well as a regular and chocolate baklava. The coffee was super strong and delicious, as was the tea. The baklava was subtle, not too sweet, and perfectly crunchy. Great way to start! For the entrée we just decided to order the mezze, with flatbread, pepper bread, lebnah, hummus, baba ghanoush dip and fresh veggies. The Aleppo pepper bread was super spicy and wonderful, a perfect pairing for the tart and creamy cheese/yogurt dip. The hummus was smooth and flavorful, and the eggplant dip was smoky and chunky, and a great companion for the veggie spears. Service was fast and friendly, and the prices were really good for the serving sizes and obvious quality of the dishes. The interior was decorated in a way that was authentic, friendly and inviting, with beautiful plants and Syrian art. I would absolutely return here and try many of the other dishes, given how good the items were that we did try. Only downside was the seating area was very uncomfortable, and my legs fell asleep repeatedly during the meal due to how hard the chairs were. Otherwise, a really great experience overall.

Nat R.

Yelp

Fantastic lunch! Don't be fooled by the name jnto thinking this is just dessert -- the savory menu is extensive, and everything we had was prepared with a delicate, balanced touch. Fluffiest falafel I've ever had. Will definitely be back.

Marie M.

Yelp

Aleppo Sweets is nothing short of AMAZING! The decor is visually captivating and refreshing. All of the plants and middle eastern crafts and furniture made this little gem quite enchanting. Food: One can immediately notice the high quality and freshness of the food. I ordered the well-cooked chicken kabobs (3 chicken skewers), which was lightly seasoned, served with pita bread, mildly pickled red cabbage, and sliced pickles for added flavor. Toum (garlic sauce) is not usually served with kabobs in Syria. No rice option here, either. The falafels are delicious, lentil soup is decent, lamb and zaatar fatayr was great, and the baba ghanoush (mashed roasted eggplant dip) was excellent. Drinks: The black tea with mint is great, but I really enjoyed savoring the ginger, cardamom, and mint tea. A medium sized pot of tea is enough for 2 and the large pot serves 4 or more. Dessert: Their bakhlawa is probably the best I've had, even better than the ones I've had when I visited the Middle East. I recommend trying each variety!! Free street parking. Self seating. Menus are at the front desk where you order and pay first; then a number is given and they bring you the food when ready.

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"Youssef Akhtarini learned to bake as a teenager growing up in Aleppo, Syria. After fleeing the war-torn city and moving to Providence, Akhtarini opened Aleppo Sweets in 2019 with help from his wife, Reem. At this bakery-cafe you’ll find nearly a dozen different varieties of light and crunchy Syrian-style baklava, from a version with whole pistachios wrapped in purses of phyllo dough to one that is rolled ladyfinger-style with crushed nuts. Don’t overlook the savory side of the menu, which includes meze like smoky baba ghanoush and za’atar-dusted labneh, chicken and lamb kebabs, and red lentil soup. The cafe employs several other Syrian refugees who have made new homes in Providence." - Jenna Pelletier

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