Ali Baba has been serving visitors to Aqaba for so long it wouldn’t be surprising to hear that Lawrence of Arabia once hitched his camel outside to take his lunch. It’s definitely an institution, and one that spills out from its air-conditioned salons to the sidewalks of old Aqaba. There are two ways to go with the menu here. Choose the traditional Jordanian option and enjoy an endless stream of delicious mezes, or take advantage of the fact that you’re on the water and order the catch of the day, most likely unloaded from the port just a few hours earlier. Aqaba’s relaxed atmosphere means that, unlike most other places in Jordan, you can indulge in an alcoholic drink while dining at Ali Baba in full public view.
