Baladi Restaurant & Bakery

I was really impressed with this place. The food is really good and reasonably priced. I liked everything I ordered. They have a nice atmosphere, and the cooking area/grill is in full view which I like. Will for sure be back, and would love to try the Friday lunch buffet some time. Edit: I was told they no longer do the Friday lunch buffet. A shame I never went to try it, but I'll still be back for the regular menu.

Syrian food selection was impressive and vast. Good food served up by a friendly waitstaff. My surprised treat is the lemonade mint drink.

I got the fried veggie flatbread wrap and the mint lemonade. Both exceeded my expectations. I wish the flatbread wrap had more flavor but overall it was very good. The menu was clearly marked for vegetarian and vegan dishes. Service was minimal.

Today, my family and I visited Baladi Restaurant for lunch. It's a Middle Eastern-style place. We ordered the Baladi Sampler and the Baladi Grill. The prices were a bit on the higher side, but the food was absolutely delicious.

Warm and vibrant atmosphere. Service was amazing and the food is phenomenal. Everything was so fresh and delicious! The meats are seasoned and grilled to perfection! This place is a real hidden gem, if you want middle eastern cuisine in Cincinnati there is hands down no better place!

An absolute gem offering delicious Syrian cuisine. We loved the baba ghanouj, and the grill mix was well seasoned and tender. While the cheese boat didn't quite meet our expectations—feeling a bit less rich than expected—the other dishes more than compensated. Overall, a highly enjoyable meal.

The food here is okay, can’t beat Al-madina though!! However, the service left a lot to be desired. When I visited, the place was empty, but the young man working there insisted on carryout only—no dine-in. While I waited, a couple showed up; suddenly, the kid told us that dine-in was fine, and they went inside, only to sit down briefly and then leave. On top of that, I bought two cans of Sprite and paid with a $5 bill. The kid gave me only one cent in change, which seemed off. Overall, disappointing experience.

awesome and amazing food. This is one of the cleanest and awesome arabic resturants in the area. very nice service and The manager Ghaith always offers us discounts. Can not find any better than that. will for sure go there later this week again.

Great restaurant and bakery! Everything is great, but their cheese boats are what set them apart!

The food here was pretty good. My favorites were the falafels and hummus. Water was offered in plastic bottles which was a little odd to me. Our waiter was super nice and helpful. After about an hour he left for the day and nobody fulfilled the role now vacant. Instead, we just walked up to the counter to pay out at the end of the dinner.

I keep going back there because it never fails. The lamb kabob, kebbe, cheese fatayer, salads, grilled chicken- all of it. SOOOO GOOD. definitely recommend. It's family owned, and such a pleasant spot near the medical center and Cincinnati children's. Step in if you're in the area!

I got take-out from here tonight, and was pretty impressed. I love the restaurant itself -- it's intimate and comfortable. The staff was friendly and quick to bring out my selection. The food was definitely authentic. I ordered the Syrian Beef Shawarma. You could tell the flat bread wrapping was freshly-made in-house, and the beef was delicious -- well-seasoned. The meat inside was a little chewy, but the taste itself was amazing!! My favorite was the falafel bites appetizer. These were an unusual shape that looked made in a mold -- looking like mini-doughnuts with almost-closed holes. But the taste was excellent -- they seemed fluffier than any falafel I've had before, which allowed all the spices to come through. Definitely recommend for authentic house-made cuisine!!

VEGAN REVIEW came here for our first meal in Cincy! Very casual family owned Mediterranean. Menu has clearly marked vegan items-- and there are TONS!!!! I wish we were with a big group so I could have tried more. Shared the veggie combo as an app & then had foul. Everything was tasty. Get the mint lemonade-- AMAZING!!! Friendly service. Will return for sure.

The food is sooo amazing!!! Ordered the sharamas and fries. They were freshly made. There is only one sever so little slow, but he was super nice. I was too hungry so decided to just do take outs, and the food was ready super soon. It's definitely one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in town, and very affordable as well. Will be back again!

Incredible! The baba ghanoush blew us away. We loved our experience. We were able to take the 17 bus pretty much directly to the front of the restaurant. Make a day of it, schedule ample time to be at Baladi, and go slow. This is a fantastic experience with amazing food, great decor, and family style customer service.

Food was good - although we ordered a starter / appetizer and we were served it at the same time as the rest of our food. The salad also had a ton of dressing. The dried vegetarian wrap is good and my husband got the lamb and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our sons got the beef wrap (a bit greasy and he couldn't really eat it, but he didn't want to say anything) and the kafta kabab with fries on the side. The fries were well cooked. Service was good. The ambiance was like a family owned restaurant with a true Mediterranean feel, which was nice.

Amazing food. Fresh, fast, and so right. The meats were juicy and oh so tender. Fantastic pickles and authentic sauces.

The first time I came here they weren't open on time, which I suspect is a product of being a small family-run operation but still doesn't make me confident. But I did come back. The place is not the nicest from the outside, though being walkable from the hospital complex nearby I'm sure it gets plenty of visitors. Inside, it was surprisingly hipster, though the front was cleaner than the back. The kids running around definitely gave the impression it was a family place. The selection is good on the vegetarian side and clearly marked for special dietary needs. My foul (pronounced "fool", for the uninitiated) was not the way I usually make it, as the fava beans were whole and they were drenched in a sauce with probably a lot of olive oil. They were quite tasty though, with some tart flavor and a hefty dose of herbs. My salad was also oddly waterlogged. Mint tea was a good choice; the tea bag had an Arabic label, the mint leaves were fresh, and the resulting taste smooth as you like. I didn't see a ton on offer from a bakery perspective. And while there was clearly some room for improvement, I am all in favor of venturing outside the downtown of a city and trying the sorts of places run by people who know how to cook.

I was seeking Baklava in the city and came across Baladi online. I added a basbousa as well. Both of the sweets were amazing! Super delicious and flavorful with just the right amount of sweet. Will be returning for sure and highly recommend. Fast and friendly service as well.

This was a pleasant surprise!! I was with my BFF and fellow Yelper and we were early to an appointment we had in Cincinnati. We found this restaurant and decided to stop!!! Wow! It was amazing!! The owner/person who waited on us was amazing! He made fantastic recommendations and the food was fresh and delicious!! I had a mint lemonade made with fresh mint and the chicken shawerma and it was the best I've ever had!! We split the baklava for dessert and I secretly wish I didn't have to split it!! All of the food was amazing!! The restaurant was clean and quiet and so relaxing!! I will definitely come back!!

The owner (I assume) was sitting out front smoking a cigarette when I arrived. The menu says they have tea but they didn't, so I got water. It had no ice, which I'm actually fine with, but that was odd. Our waters were never refilled, in line with the service being super slow to non-existent. I got the Baladi salad, expecting good things based on the reviews I saw here. Soooooo disappointing to the point that I wonder if they were running low on tomatoes and cucumbers. I honestly could have made this better at home, including the chicken schwarma I got on top. Bummer.

Baladi may not look like the finest establishment from the outside, but it is a hidden gem. I came in on a Thursday around 7 p.m and there was next to no one else in the restaurant. It is clearly a small, family-owned business, and everyone was very friendly. We ordered the Chicken Kabob Entree, and it was fantastic. It came with a side salad, yellow rice, chicken, and garlic sauce. The rice was extremely flavorful, as was the chicken, and the salad was very fresh and delicious. The croutons were made of pita and they were the best croutons I've ever had. Everything tied together really well. I finished my meal off with a piece of Baklava, and it was probably the best Baklava I have ever had. I was overall really pleased with my experience at Baladi and I highly recommend checking it out.

I hadn't tried this place despite living at a stone throw away distance. I tried this recently because I was craving Mediterranean food, and this option was the closest. (Quarantine has got me lazy, what can I say?) I was going to just get a chicken shawarma but was surprised to see manakeesh listed in the menu. I've been meaning to try it so I ordered that as well. I ordered online and the food was ready in 20 minutes. The pickup was contactless, and I just had to pick it up from the table. The chicken shawarma was in a pita pocket and it was pretty good. I wouldn't say it was the best I've had. I appreciated the abundance of garlic sauce in it though. I would have preferred to have a lil more zest in it. The manakeesh was pretty good. The zaatar spices with thyme and olive oil over flatbread was good.

Baladi is a great restaurant. The food is phenomenal. During my most recent visit I ordered the chicken kabab and two sides of salad instead of the rice and another side. The meal was expertly prepared, fresh, and wonderfully garlicky. If you're looking for some delicious healthier food options, this is the place.

The best in the city. So delicious. Chicken shawarma and beef shawarma are so delicious. The lamb kabob is out of this world. A must visit

Can't say enough about how excellent this place is. The atmosphere is cozy, the people here are kind and hard working and the food just tops it all off. Everything is fairly priced and TASTES AMAZING. You have to get the Chicken Shawarma if you've never been here. Definitely a great thing to try for your first time. I'll be back soon!!

Great find close to the hospitals and Zoo. Friendly staff and amazing flavorful food.

This is hidden gem in Clifton..the gyro and Baladi salad with parsley and cilantro is refreshing and so so satisfying..and the rice pudding is a must..treat yourself by dropping by for lunch, dinner or I see a lot of customers picking up takeout. One of my very favorite places to dine for lunch in Clifton. Friendly and great service from start until you finish your meal.

This hole in the wall place has great authentic Mediterranean food. Service was great also. Everything came out steaming hot and quickly. Decor was nice too. Overall food and service was 5/5. Would definitely recommend!

I can give this place a 5 star. The one worker there was obviously foreign but we got through communications just fine. He was very grateful for the business. I got the moussaka which was pretty good. The tzatziki sauce was AMAZING. I'm not a huge Mediterranean foodie but on the rare occasion I want some I'll be back. You clear the table yourself (there's a sign) but he was fine with no tip. Thanked me again on my way out. I want to try the lentil soup. Food is authentic, service is friendly. I also have a written medical exemption and cannot wear a mask and he gave me no grief over it.

The dirty, littered outside should have warned us away, but we stuck it out. The inside gave the impression of dirty, and the table was sticky. This too should have warned us away. When I asked if they had caffine free diet soda, the kid waiting on us just pointed to the back of the store. This should have warned us away. Ooopps! The food was not impressive. We will listen to our "should haves" from now on.

Never have I seen such cruelty from a Muslim. My son and I came to this brother today during Ramadan to order iftar. Immediately entered the restaurant , one of the brothers started yelling at us close, even though it was during open hours. They had the Quran blasting in the background as we walked in. One would think the recitation of the Holy Quran in the background would touch their heart. As we were looking for food to break our fast. I'm so disappointed, even after explaining that we were new to town and had found this halal restaurant through Google. May Allah have mercy on them. I will not spend another penny at this restaurant. I urge fellow Muslims to stay away from this restaurant.

It's always nice to have another Mediterranean place near campus. I am more used to Mediterranean from many Greek sources, but Baladi seems to specialize in a Syrian take on Mediterranean. Based on what I've tried so far, that can be both a plus and have some drawbacks. First off, the good. French fries here are awesome. They seem to be seasoned to taste like something between Arby's curly fries and Rally's fries, which is A-OK by me! Also, at the top of the list, the Mana'eesh Bi Jibna from the bakery was excellent. I would definitely purchase either of these items again. I also enjoyed their Yalanji, which seem to be the Arabic equivalent of Dolmas, or grape leaves. This version has a more sauce-like interior, using tomatoes as an ingredient that is typically absent from Dolmas. The falafel, though not the best I've had, are good; especially dipped in Baladi's excellent tahini. Salads are on par for what you might expect: seasoned heavily with parsley and lemon. Some items did seem to miss the mark, however. I was particularly disappointed with the Musaka, which seemed to be a limp and lifeless vegetable stew, that I had foolishly paired with a couple of dried out bits of pita bread that left me entirely underwhelmed. All told, I will definitely come here again, as there are so many more items yet to try - I haven't even tried any of their non-vegetarian items!

Excellent creamy hummus, Kafka, gyro, falafel, and sauces. Service was great and very friendly. We will be back.

So happy to have a lovely Mediterranean restaurant nearby my apartment! It's a small place but the interior is clean & decorated in nice calming blue color. The menu is also very extensive and it included dishes I don't usually see at other Middle Eastern places. I had the vegetarian combo which included falafel with salad, pita bread, & baba ganoush. It was very filling for me! It was delicious & I will definitely be returning!

Tried the chicken Shawarma wrap and fries the sandwich was flavorful it tasted decent it was delivered warm in the portion was great. But the last time I had a chicken shawarma wrap it was sliced off of a spindle and slow roast it seemed a little different when it was prepared in this sandwich but the flavors were there and the sandwich was pretty decent. The fries were cold and I didn't particularly care for those but the rest of the order was great I ordered that sandwich again if I had the chance too

This is my #1 goto place for lunch in Clifton. For speed, taste, and cost, it has no competitors. Do yourself a favor and order their gyro. It packs full flavors in delicate balance and textures. and may make you rethink what is a gyro is supposed to be.

I cannot say enough positive things about this restaurant. The Syrian/Mediterranean food of course is fantastic: well seasoned with lots of flavor, fresh and consistently tasty. We frequently order take out but recently ordered for a large dinner part of 20 people. The manager helped me pick mezze and platters that would feed my whole party. We got several Baladi family platters, fried vegetable platters, and vegetable platters. The assortment was phenomenal and all my quests loved the food. I got a little taste of homemade Baklava as a treat... and OH MY it was heaven. Overall, Baladi is one of our favorite Cincinnati restaurants. Its family owned and the food is amazing.

Yum! Great prices, excellent food and very quick. I got a gyro and asked them to make it a wrap. It was very good. Although I would advise ordering extra flatbread - it's that good

I've lived so close to this place for about a year and a half and had never tried this place. Not until recently, when I had a huge craving for a chicken schawarma and decided today was the day. I walked the two blocks and ordered to go. I had the chicken schawarma and the falafel. Two things I thought I couldn't go wrong with. It took a short time for them to prepare the food, since I was the only person there. Once I got my food, I was super excited to eat it. Both orders hit the spot! The schawarma was packed and the chicken was so well cooked. The falafels also were the perfect crunch and chewy balance. Overall, I hope to be getting more of these cravings cause I'd highly recommend it.

try the fresh mint lemonade!!! it will change your life. falafel was also perfect!! hummus was perfect!

I stopped by on Tuesday night. My dad was in the ICU at UC so I was looking for comfort food. Baladi didn't disappoint. I had the mixed grill with some labneh as an appetizer. The toum (garlic sauce) is outstanding. I'm pretty sure it's just garlic like real toum should be. No safflower or canola oil. The chicken and kafta were perfectly grilled, not dry at all. The lamb was a bit dry and tough, but what I did eat was perfect. The rice is a good mix of vermicelli and probably basmati, just a hint of butter in the seasoning or preparation. The labnah was creamy and spiced just as Iole with z'atar a d olive oil. The pita is soft and chewy. I will definitely try the hummus or baba next time. Because this place is now a go to for me.

I was supposed to be in Greece for vacation but since I had to miss it, I really wanted some authentic Baklava. I did a Google search and found Baladi Restaurant and Bakery and was soooo happy I did. I also grabbed some falafel bites witch were super tasty. I'll definitely be visiting again!

I love this place, every time I eat here I am delighted. I have had a few times where my takeout has been not quite right, but everything I've been given instead has always been delicious and it seems from their website that they help newly immigrated refugees get a start, so it may just be a function of a language barrier. The grape leaves are completely different than any other I've had and not to miss, and both the beef and chicken shawarma wraps are amazing, plus they have some of the best falafel in town. Mint lemonade is a favorite!

This place is amazing. The food and ambiance are so authentic. Not only is every bite bursting with flavor, they are also prepared perfectly. The hummus was smooth as silk, the chicken was moist & tender-- falling off the bone, falafel was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the beet & cucumber pickles were crunchy yet still fully pickled. Their toum (garlic sauce) is heavenly and they have a sauce that has small chunks of pickles in it-- KILLER. I have gotten takeout here countless times and have also gotten the amazing lunch buffet Beyond worth it for $12.75. I had Baladi for my birthday dinner and New Years Eve dinner. If 6/5 stars was an option, that's what I would give Baladi. Do yourself a favor and quit reading reviews on the restaurant and just go eat there. You won't regret it!

We do carry out usually because Sevice is often slow, but it's worth it because the food is delish!!! Good things take time!

The food was great! Fast service and friendly staff. Family-owned business. 10/10 recommend.

The lahme (beef) flat bread is absolutely amazing! Being middle eastern, I can be extremely picky about the food..... but wow was it so good! They use a Syrian flatbread (different than the traditional pita you buy at the store) and the meat had the perfect amount of spice to it. SO GOOD!

Food is insanely good! Meat is cooked to absolute perfection. I have been looking for an awesome Greek/Mediterranean restaurant as I am new to the area & this is it!

Came today - new owners - food was absolutely fantastic! Had the Mixed Schwerma with Greek Salad and the MK Appetizer to share. Everything was delicious. Family owners are super nice! We will be back!

So I eat here atleast once a week if not more There sandwiches are filling and reasonably priced not to mention delicious I usually don't care for fries but you have to try them !!! The MkDish and grill mix are huge entrees for more than one person but totally worth ordering and perhaps for seconds later. Great for catering which I have used from him. I need to try the buffet one of these days

Most of the Mediterranean restaurants these days are little more than delis: they don't actually make any of the food, it's all bought from a food distributor and just cooked/prepared at the restaurant. Baladi is different! Here you have authentic in-house recipes made with care and skill. The grilled items are fresh and smoky, the spice profiles are on point, and the baked goods are amazing.

Absolutely awesome. Ordered a chicken shawarma and kunafa to go. Best shawarma I've ever had! It was my first time trying kunafa and I was not disappointed. Very friendly service as soon as I walked in the door. I'll definitely be back!

Went there for a friend's birthday party and the food was pretty good. I ordered the falafel plate - it comes with salad (2 different options to choose from - Baladi or Fatoush - not sure which one I was given) and rice. The rice was flavorful. I also shared a Baladi Grill platter with 2 other gals and between the 3 of us, we just barely managed to finish the plate - good value. Our waitress Jamie was very helpful and the tahini sauce was pretty good.

Fresh, flavorful middle Easter cuisine. Love their lentil soup and lamb. Cost is very reasonable for the quality.

Baladi has good comfort food, but definitely isn't strong in the atmosphere department. It's in an unassuming strip mall near the hospital, so we almost missed it the first time around. We came in for an early-ish dinner (6:30pm) and it was almost empty, which was a little unnerving at first, though a few more parties came in throughout the meal. Don't let that throw you off, though -the food is pretty delicious. They have a lot of vegetarian options, which was great, and healthy portions. I just got the appetizer vegetarian sampler as my meal (I love dips) and it was enough to take home for lunch the next day. The baba was really tasty & the falafel was one of my favorites I've had in Cincinnati - lightly baked/fried with great flavor. The grape leaves were good with a solid marinade (and tasty as leftovers). The pita bread wasn't great - it clearly wasn't homemade, and was cold - but that's the least important part of the meal (to me, anyway). My husband seemed to enjoy his eggplant dish, served with a more-than-healthy portion of rice. Service was fast and prices are more than reasonable. It's a good option for a quick weeknight dinner. I'm not jumping up and down professing my love for Baladi, but I would go back.

We ordered delivery, which probably want the best way to eat this food. It was just ok. Probably would try to eat in, but not order delivery again. It was just ok.