It’s been 40 years since Elias Hishmeh started a deli in Westover, soon serving up dishes from his native Palestine to appreciative diners. Even as his restaurant changed names and moved to High Street and then to the Morgantown Municipal Airport, Hishmeh’s crowd-satisfying mix of Mediterranean and American cuisines and his genuine, hospitable rounds in the dining room have kept customers coming back for generations.
Ali Baba’s kitchen has done a lot over the years to introduce Morgantown to more international flavors. We can also thank its kitchen for bringing us choclava—that fun and decadent twist on the traditional baklava. Even as we’ve enjoyed an explosion of good Middle Eastern restaurants in town, Ali Baba’s gracious dining room and beautifully plated shish kebab meals know no equal. — PK
82 Hart Field Road, 304.777.4120, alibabaexpress.com
Sharon j Stratton says
Congratulations to Elias Hishmeh and the entire Ali Baba team for a well-deserved award! The food is always so good!
Maria S Spencer says
And old friend and I ate at Ali Baba at the airport today. Even though Elias has “retired” it was like old home week at the restaurant today. We met the new owner, Sami (sp?) and it seems he was hand-picked by Elias to run “his” restaurant. The lunch buffet did not disappoint -if anything the gyro meat was even more tender and well-seasoned than before- and the atmosphere was as friendly and accommodating as ever. My friend uses a walker and Sami carried her buffet plate to our table, Elias showed up to greet everyone, and we had a wonderful time and great meal. I first ate at Ali Baba when it was in Westover; I invited my family and guests to the High Street location for my 50th birthday meal (I won’t tell you how many year ago that was); and we have celebrated family ocassions at the airport location many times. We will be back!