Keeping an Arabic restaurant thriving in Dearborn is especially hard, considering the number that neighbor each other in parts of the city.

From left: Al-Ajami co-owner Ali Ajami, head waiter Naji Alassri, and restaurant employee Asam Alnakula.

While Dearborn is nationally known for its large concentration of Arab Americans, its Arabic cuisine has also sparked conversations around the country.

Al-Ajami restaurant is ranked among the best places in Dearborn to go for authentic Arabic food. It has attracted people from as far as Chicago and Ohio. Americans learned more about Al-Ajami after it was featured on the Travel Channel’s ‘Bizarre Foods America’ with Andrew Zimmern recently.

The network reached out to Al-Ajami after learning about its popular lamb brain dish, which was eaten by Zimmern on the show.  By day Al-Ajami is a hot spot for businessmen; by night it transforms into a more family oriented environment. Despite tough economic times and high competition, business hasn’t slipped away.

When Al-Ajami opened in 2002 its owners set high standards for excellence in food and service that are still upheld today. “We’re always consistent with providing the best food and service. That’s our number one goal. Honestly, I can’t stress the importance of consistency enough; that’s the main thing. If a customer has a bad experience, they’re done with you, and not coming back,” co-owner Ali Ajami, 26, said.

The dining room of Al-Ajami is shown here. The popular Middle Eastern restaurant in Dearborn was recently featured on the Travel Channel’s ‘Bizarre Foods America’ with host Andrew Zimmern.

Ali is business partners with his father Youssef Ajami, who initially opened the restaurant with his brother. Before then they owned the Prestige Club. It was a well known hub for Arab Americans in Southeast Michigan that also served Mediterranean food.

Al-Ajami’s recipes are infused with traditional tastes, ingredients and recipes from Lebanon, ranging from Arabic favorites such as shish tawook, kafta, kabobs, tabbouli, fattoush salads and other dishes.

More traditional American fare and even a wide array of seafood options are offered too. A full juice bar is available adding to the healthy appeal of the business, something that’s not often found at other elegant restaurants. All food is prepared fresh and cooked by trained professional chefs.

Running a successful restaurant isn’t easy according to Ali. “It’s a lot of work. You have to make sure it’s your number one priority. You can’t just open up a restaurant, and expect it to run itself,” he said.

When Ali isn’t there, his two brothers arekeeping a close eye on the food and service at the family’s business.  The elegant restaurant can fit up to 200 people, and caters.

It’s hosted special events ranging from large, high-quality Ramadan iftar buffet-style dinners to communions, baptisms, weddings and more. Al-Ajami is located at 14633 W. Warren, Dearborn, MI 48126. To contact Al-Ajami call 313.846.9330. It’s also on Facebook.