Authentic to the owners’ familial recipes back home in Syria, this small neighborhood hangout resonates with warmth and rich, exotic flavors. Simple dishes such as rice and vermicelli sautéed in olive oil and dashed with saffron, and possibly the best tabbouleh in Texas, are among the devoted clientele’s favorites.

Ali-Baba Information:

• Middle Eastern menu. Lunch, dinner. Closed Sun-Mon.