The falafel here is absolutely fantastic, though the hummus has a strange wintergreen mint taste to it. Unfortunately one of the men behind the counter always says inappropriate things to girls, over charged me by fifteen dollars then argued about it on one occasion, and has been extremely rude on many other occasions. Maybe hes been putting gum in my food? read more

This is my favorite hookah place in Richmond. Their food is delicious (I recommend the cheese fries) and they have a very wide variety of hookah flavors. The employees are super nice and helpful if you have any questions and the atmosphere is really cool. I love that the ceiling lights are made of hookahs. I completely recommend. read more

This is the most chilled out place with great Mediterranean food and Hookah. The floor cushion seating makes you feel royal when you have the Hookah in your hand! Try the Kebabs and Gyro's which are the best in town. They recently started taking Credit cards too with 5% fee. In Hookah...I prefer the Watermelon mint or the Apple mint. read more

I haven't had a lot of things on the menu, so I'll stick to what I know: Kebab and pizza. The kebab here is absolutely delicious. I could eat it all night and the particular blend of spices they use is unique to their restaurant. The pizza- meh. It's typical pseudo-Italian/Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant fare and nothing too spectacular. They also leave the crust very thin near the center, and we all know what that means- droopy slices. The crust itself is crisp, and the toppings fresh, but it's nothing to brag about. Every now and then they will also give you little free samples of baklava or some other pastry, which is fun. What I can say about Aladdin is that this is a great spot with good atmosphere to stop in with friends and just grab a late night snack. There's usually music playing- though I wish they would set the jukebox to auto-play when someone doesn't have a playlist going- the smoke level isn't too bad and the booths are like little nests so even when it's full you can carry on a conversation without yelling. In all- average food, good location, decent prices, good atmosphere- not amazing but serviceable for what it is. Just don't go in expecting too much. read more

Their food is delicious!! I love their service BUT there I went there with my boyfriend and there was a guy that served us that I did not recognize. He would not stop checking me out. I was wearing sweats and a hoodie(nothing revealing) and he was staring at me as if he was undressing me with his eyes. I refuse to go back because of that But the food is great read more

Aladdin Express - Delicious stuffed grape leaves - Mediterranean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Aladdin's falafel, baba ganoush, hummus, and tabbouleh is consistently delicious. The combination plate without meat is a good way to try many different menu items all in one meal. I cannot comment on the quality of the American food at Aladdin's, but the Mediterranean offerings are spot-on. They had stopped doing delivery for a while, but they're offering it again now, which is good news for those of us who live near VCU or in the Fan. Delivery arrives promptly. The only drawbacks to Aladdin's are that: 1. They only accept cash. 2. The atmosphere inside the restaurant, if you are a non-smoker, can be unpleasant. read more

This hookah bar is not up to par. They use quick lights, they literally only put 1 quick light on the foil. I had to ask for 3 coals. They won't let you keep the tongs to move the coals around. I took 4 hits of their hookahs and I stipes. What a waste of money read more

My fam and I were tourists in Richmond for one day, got hungry and tried to have some halal food. Thought Aladdin would be a good choice. First of all, there was no staff members at the front, and we were waiting when they gonna show up. The guy that assisted us was extremely rude. No "please" ,"thank you" etc etc. Very dissapointed in customer service, and I don't think it's a good place to eat for people who are looking for halal food. Sooo RUDEEEEEE. THE guy DID NOT TELL US THAT THEY CHARGE FOR SITTING INSIDE? I MEAN WHO THE Hell CHARGESSSSS for SITTING INSIDE. Plus when we asked to show us the receipt, he just wrote a receipt and shouted at us. We were gonna call police because we were ripped off. I don't think the food is even halal. GARBAGE PLACE! read more

The staff is always friendly and eager to please. The food is pretty tasty, in particular the combination platter is really great. The atmosphere inside the sit down hookah room is nice and calm and they are always playing some Arabic satellite channel. On the other side of the wall is where they make the food and it looks like a pizzeria where you can stand and order. It's like this because they are open for VCU students late night. In essence the place is a pizzeria and a restaurant rolled into one. Because of the the contrast between both is what prevents me from giving this place a 4 out of 5 stars because when I walk into a place that looks like a it's inexpensive, it doesn't feel right to have to pay restaurant prices and be expected to pay a gratuity. Despite that I like the place and go there often and bring new people as well. I would recommend it you want to eat some Arabic food and smoke a hookah. read more

Came here for hookah and I was disappointed with the hookah they offered very poor quality I won't be going back!

Surprised I have not reviewed this place since I always go here. They are great mainly because they're open so darn late! So if you're craving chicken wings, pizza and heavier dishes pretty late, you'd be pretty pleased here. They are a middele eastern resto in front of Broad st. We usually get their shawarma platters with beef, lamb and rice! Every single time we order, it is always plated neatly and they are so generous with their portions. The cucumber slices are still cold and fresh, hey I appreciate the little things! Don't be intimidated by signs, they just don't like dealing with rude college kids late in the evening so my advice: pretend they aren't there and be respectful. I have never smoked hookah here but all i know is that they have strict rules upon entering. Make sure you read their rules because they'll charge you just for sitting there w/o ordering anything over $5. read more

I've been coming here for years. YEARS. I have trouble committing to plans tomorrow or a relationship, but this place is amazing. I took a date here years ago for hookah, and this was and still is my go-to for my FAVORITE lamb burger EVER. Reasonably priced and the dessert is always on point (provided you like middle eastern confections. I'm just glad the owner is still here and their food is still as amazing as it is years later. read more

yummy food, the kebab plate is so delicious with some extra taziki sauce. i love getting the Aladdin special pizza its full of flavor i highly recommend it. The fatoush is to die for.I have had almost all the middle eastern food on the menu and so far their all good. The hooka is really good but i am not a big smoker three puffs and i am on the floor! read more

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We ate here two days in a row! The food is to die for! I had the chicken shwarma over rice & chicken kabob over a salad. Both meals were fantastic! The staff is nice and it's a relaxed, laid back environment. read more

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umm only went here because the arglyeny place down the street was closed. lets just say i am not sure they have a high health code and the decor leaves much to be desired. didnt do anything but the hookah and the baklava. i probably wont be back cause it just wasnt the kind of hookah place i was looking for. read more

Aladin's is a great place to bring your friends especially at night. Their food is actually a lot better then a lot of restaurants around in the area. Their pizza is way better than anything since it's made when you order it and their gyros are do kill for. Eating while smoking hookah is the way to go. read more

Excellent pizza fresh and crispy yummy thin crust!love that they don't serve pork. Great service as well.

This is one of my favorite late night spots. The selection is awesome. The customer service is not the best but they always make my food just like I ask. This is always my "go to" place when I need a quick option. If you are looking for a fancy dinner, this is not your place. Even if you are not into Mediterranean food, this is still a good spot for a quick fix. Oh, and my favorite option is the chicken gyro on pita with a side of fries. read more

I am just shocked it's 2020 yet racism still exist when I came in by myself (I'm Arabic) and asked the gentleman if they are open and serve hookah and he replied with yes but people that smoke you have to be 21. I told him no problem however I have my son, my wife and my son who's 12 he stated yes no problem. We then parked our vehicle and as soon as me and my family came in another gentlemen is going to shout out "WHAT ARE YOU DOING, OVER HERE". I was shocked how all of sudden their unwelcoming to my (AFRICAN AMERICAN) wife and son But long story short they stated no one under 21 can be served food or anything. I explained that only me and wife will be smoking hookah and my son I just going to eat with us. Then he had the oddesity to say to his coworker in Arabic "are they black". I'm just SHOCKED AND DISGUSTED. For a place that's completely empty when I arrived, you would think that they would make money from food and hookah. But that's ok I understand you have rules and regulation but don't act completely different with me and change your demeanor when you see African Americans. I'm truly disappointed at this place and embarrassed. But we took our money elsewhere. read more

The food was not great. The quality is so poor. The quantity is so less for the price. The short fat guy at cashier had a very rude attitude. The hookah which we picked was 10.99 and he changed the price to 11.99 by himself and charged on my credit card. After charging he tells that there is 5%extra fee for credit or debit transactions. And he didn't offer explanation for changing the price. Just because it is close to vcu and a lot of students come here doesn't give people to miss treat the customers. I suggest people to double check their receipts at these kind of restaurants. read more

Once again these people have fraudulently charged my credit card for $46. I called to speak to someone about it, and the man was the rudest human being on the planet. I gave him my name and phone number and asked to have the woman I had spoken to previously call me. When I asked what her name was, he said I don't have to tell you her name. When I asked him what his name was he became even ruder and told me he didn't have to tell me his name either. What kind of morons run this business? I would steer far away from this place. read more

Sandwich was pretty good but the list of things I didn't like was much longer: Guy that took my order wasn't really friendly and started smoking a cigarette inside the place. I get that it's a hookah place but I hate the smell of cigarettes and he started smoking 10 feet from where I was eating. Yuck. They charge a 5% fee for using a credit card. Bogus. Credit card processing rates are about 3% so they are just pocketing the additional 2%. I wouldn't go back here. read more

What a treasure to find! The service was good but the quality of the food is the real gem here!! I had a combo plate with lamb Shawarma (which means meat cut off a spindle, not the name of a dish- learned this at Aladdin). The food came promptly and was beautifully prepared and was absolutely delicious! Serving size was generous. The "big boss" as we liked to call him was so very kind and brought us basbousa to try which was delightful. Cannot wait to visit Richmond again to be able to come here! read more

I've had Aladdin's many times and it's always delicious but tonight I decided to order the chicken tenders and fries which are Halal. All I can say is wow... best chicken tenders I've ever had and you can really tell that it's fresh chicken and their own batter. Other things I'd recommend are their plates and also the falafel wrap (which is what I order most of the time). But those chicken tenders just changed my life. I'd post a pic but I already devoured them. read more

Hostess had a real bitchy attitude. Not giving money to any establishment that doesn't need my business. I'll give a better review next time if the service improves. read more

I've been a fan since they originally opened in the mid-1990s. I spoke to the owner and discovered this place is related to Mamoun's in New York City. I checked out Mamoun's falafel on a recent trip and I must say I can definitely see the similarities, but Aladdin Express' falafel is superior in my opinion. read more

Been here twice in two weeks, good hookahs starting from $10. The owner really knows her way around a hookah. The food is great (above average). They are receptive of feedback on the hookah and you can get it made anyway you want. They use magic coals. read more

I love that the hookah is so affordable here. I always get the $12 hookah, double apple flavor and am never disappointed. I like to sit at the on the pillows near the front windows, it gives us a nice experience. The service is great, and the pizza is delicious. read more

I have traveled continuously for over 27 years of my life. I can recount just a handful of restaurants that have truly been a gem hidden. This is one. The interior is simplicity. Yet ...the food...magic. The freshness from the pizza crust to the falafel to the salad to the tea. The food burst like a symphony in your mouth. Definitely one place you must check out when downtown . Wonderful owners and fantastic food. Truly a culinary adventure. read more

My dining experience was quite pleasant. It was quiet place with friendly and prompt service. I ordered the steak sub with fries and a drink, and it was a delightful sub. The steak was cooked just right on perfectly toasted bread. I was blown away by how fast my meal came out. Anyway, I will definitely be swinging by here again. read more

The workers are super nice guys and the food is scrumptious, but always ask for the brochure menu and ignore the menu on top because apparently that's from 1993 and they never bothered to change it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ read more

Aladdin's has definitely had its ups and downs through the five years that I have lived in Richmond. Its a corner restaurant and hookah lounge that sits in the heart of VCU. The food has always been at par, nothing great but nothing bad. I usually stick to the pizza, gyro, or the beef with cheese empanada, my favorite being the empanada. Smoking hookah is usually the main attrachin to the place, or the fact that its open till 3am. One big flaw that actually knocked Aladdin's down a half a star was that they charge you a sit in fee if you decided to eat there. I know few years ago they never charged people to eat there but maybe due to being on a collage campus and no one tipping or people just camping out there they decided to start charging. Another flaw, though i'm pritty used to this idea with mom and pops places, is that they only take cash and have been only taking cash for as long as i have been coming to this place. It wouldn't be that big of a deal because they have an ATM inside, but that ATM charges you a toe and a finger for its withdrawel fee. Overall it an ok place wont be missing much if you never eat there. It use to be the only place you could smoke hookah or get food late at night but now theres at least three places I could think of that have hookah and tons of places to eat late. Richmond is blowing up. PROS:Smoke Hookah and eat, empanadas are good, Cheap, open late, CONS: Charge you to sit-in, only take cash read more

Went in last night on the recommendation of a friend. This was the best falafel I've had in Richmond - delicious! Unfortunately, the cons knock this down to a 2-star experience for me: water is served in styrofoam cups, they only accept cash (but have an ATM which will undoubtedly charge you several dollars in service fees), the "service" is essentially taking your order, bringing plates to the table with drinks and depositing the bill. They won't take your cash at the table, you have to stand at the register to pay (the same person is the server and cashier). I'd give this place 4 or 5 stars if they seemed to care at all about the customer's experience and convenience. If I do go back it'll be take out. read more

Being a lover of mediterranean food, me and my husband stopped by Aladdin for a take out. The worst mediterranean we have ever tasted! I ordered the baba ganoush, hummus, kebab, falafel balls platter. The hummus didnt quite taste like hummus at all, the kebab had no taste or flavour and the felafel balls were too oily and almost tasted bitter yuck! My husband had to literally force his shawarma down as that too tasted below average. This place was supposed to be cheap, but for the food they serve, they are definitely pricey. I realize that the reason people come in here is for the hookah and not for the food. The ambience looks pretty cheap too. They only accept cash to top it all. Never again! read more

Food was okay ... Hookah sucked the owner seemed to be a bit stingy I should say and there was something flooring in the water. He only gave us bout 3 coals total the whole time I was there and he was just rude . I though it also it was a bit pricy read more

Terrible place, horrible service. The cashier/cook didn't take my order until after 10 minutes that I was there (we were alone). He also didn't let me dine in after I paid for a meal there?? Now I know why it was so empty. Do yourself a favor and go to Coliseum Deli & Market. It's not too far and the food is better. Or literally anywhere besides this place. read more

I used to be regular here when I was attending VCU. I tried many of the menu items, appetizers and entree. The falafel sandwitch, aladdin steak n cheese, cheesy fries are all among my favorites. This guy bring fresh meat at the back and ground it himself, I've seen him doing that once. The quality of his food is great but some meaty dishes like the kabobs taste too beefy rather than flavory spiced up. The aladdin steak n cheese come with shrimp inside it and you can request him to add mushrooms and green peppers and onions, it become heavenly irresistible. This place takes CASH ONLY and the in-store ATM machine charges $2 or so per withdraw. The prices are above average compared to the surrounding restaurants but the food is fresher here and not has been shipped. At least support the locals not the companies. The environment is cozy and good for groups or individuals. Groups as menu says in small headlines are charged certain % and gratuity could be added. Somehow I never manage to have the same order with the same exact cost lol. Friendly staff and experienced cooks. read more

After having eaten at multiple resturants that claim to have the "best gyro in Richmond" this place actually has the best gyro in Richmond. The owner was awesome and talked to me while I sat and ate the actual best freaking gyro in Richmond. He gave me a free slice of some delicious honey almond desert thing, I cant remember waht it was called. Every time I've passed the place it always looks pretty dead, but it would probably make a great location to hold secret society meetings. Seriously though, that gyro is freaking awesome. read more

Delivery while staying in Richmond. I will be here for a few months. Ordered Lamb Plate with salad. Liked it. Will order when I am here again. read more

This is one of my go to spots when I'm up late and want to chill and have good food. Mozzarella sticks are great to snack on while using a hookah in the lounge. The staff is quaint, not always the nicest but they make you feel like you belong there. Great price and better atmosphere. read more