Typical Mediterranean salads & kebabs at this casual joint with a menu rounded out by beer & wine.
Wannis Arzromalian
“I stopped by Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine in Pasadena for lunch and ordered the chicken kabob plate with rice, hummus, and tabbouleh.
The service was outstanding—the lady at the cash register was super friendly and welcoming, and the server was awesome, quick, and made the whole experience feel great. Shoutout to the staff; they really brightened up the visit!
Food-wise: The rice was decent and fluffy, and the hummus was solid—nothing mind-blowing but perfectly okay and satisfying. The tabbouleh needed some work though; it felt a bit bland or under-seasoned compared to what I’m used to, and could use more lemon, herbs, or balance to make it pop.
The chicken kabob was edible but something felt off—maybe the seasoning, marinade, or just an off day with the grill. It wasn’t bad enough to complain, but it didn’t hit the spot like I hoped, especially since I’ve heard great things about their kabobs.
Overall, the friendly service saved the meal, and I’d probably give it another try on a different day or with a different protein (like beef or lamb, which seem to get more love). Solid spot for quick Middle Eastern food in Pasadena, especially if you’re craving something hearty with great people working there.”
… moreregis kwong
This evening( 5/16/2024), our church community gathered at Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine for a group dinner, and the experience was exceptional. As we settled into the cozy ambiance, we started our culinary journey with an array of sides. The hummus, paired with pita breads, was creamy and rich in flavor, setting a high bar for what was to come. The tabbouleh was a refreshing medley of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur, dressed in zesty lemon juice and olive oil—a true testament to the freshness of the ingredients. The cabbage salad was another standout, offering a crisp and tangy complement to the meal.
While the pita bread could have been served hot to elevate the starters even further, this was a minor note in an otherwise flawless symphony of flavors.
The main course was a showcase of the restaurant’s mastery over meat. The beef kabobs were succulent and perfectly seasoned, each bite transporting us to the heart of Mediterranean cuisine. The chicken and lamb kabob platter was equally impressive, with the meats being tender, juicy, and infused with an array of spices that spoke to the experienced palate of the chefs.
Service throughout the evening was prompt and courteous, with the staff ensuring our dining experience was comfortable and enjoyable. Although the parking lot is small but I feel it should be plenty as the restaurant is not that big.
It’s worth noting that the prices are on the higher side, but for the authentic flavors and generous portions, it felt justified. Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine is worthy to be put on your restaurant to try list.
… moreKailee Deppe
Sahara Restaurant in Pasadena is a true gem when it comes to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. The chicken kebab is outstanding — full of flavor and perfectly cooked over mesquite charcoal. The rice is amazing, light and fluffy with just the right seasoning. We’ve been coming here a few times now and it’s become a family favorite. The garlic dip is the best, and we never skip it. If you’re looking for authentic kebabs, great service, and a warm atmosphere in Pasadena, this place delivers every time. Highly recommend!
… moreBay Walker
Enjoyed our filling and tasty meal: Vegetarian Platter & Greek salad with a chicken kebab skewer, lentil soup, pitas and more. Excellent service and warm family vibe!
… moreShawarma Flaneur
I recently made a meticulously researched list of the best shawarma in LA and OC. (You can read the full report, entitled “The Shawarma Report: My Favorite Shawarma in Los Angeles and Orange County” on the subreddit r/FoodLosAngeles.) While the report is is not about kebab, I took the occasion to give Sahara’s chicken kebab the highest praise. It is absolutely phenomenal, and has to be among the best in the city.
… moreKarla Molina
One of the best places to eat Middle Eastern food in Los Angeles is Sahara Restaurant in Pasadena! I’ve been coming here since the 90s. The kebabs, hummus, tabbouleh, and Greek salad are my absolute favorites. Everything I’ve ever tried here is made fresh, yummy, and super delicious. The staff is friendly and attentive to your needs. They have an open-concept kitchen, so you can see them cooking all the food when you order at the counter. ️ My family and I usually like coming here to have lunch on Saturdays before 3:00 PM (they close from 3:00-5:00 PM Mon-Sat, then reopen from 5:00 – 8:00 PM for the dinner crowd, closed on Sundays). They have parking in the back and two spaces for parking on the side of the restaurant. It’s a fantastic place to relax and enjoy delicious food with family and friends. I highly recommend it!
… moreSteph Couvrette
The food was really great and honestly a bargain. We both got the falafel plate and it came with lots of pita, olives, cucumbers, feta and we both picked a salad. The salad was a really tasty minty cabbage salad. The plate came with falafel, hummus, salad with tahini and a very good tabouleh. Both ladies that came to our table were so nice.
We’ve come back a couple times since my first review and everything is still good and everyone is friendly.
… moreKathy A
Split a mixed kabob plate and 4 pcs of the worlds best fluffy light falafal and wonderful tabouli with my adult son for lunch. Great service, great food, reasonably priced. Be mindful they are closed between lunch and dinner.
… moreMeghan Callahan
I don’t live in Colorado any longer, but whenever we are home to visit family we make sure to stop by here. The food is exceptional–especially the hummus and the baklava–and all the people are so friendly. The stain-glass lamps and arched doorways add to the gentle ambiance. We were so happy that it reopened after its terrible fire and look forward to our next time there!
… moreBetty Bet
The food is so good, no excellent!! The service is so great. The restaurant is not fancy, but simple, clean, bright and pleasant. The hummus is so good. The combo skewers is so great. Greek salad is yummy. It’s $12.99, but can feed 3-4 people easily if you’re getting another entree. The ground meat kebab is yummy. The beef is so good! I forgot to take pictures because I was so excited to eat. I took a picture of my leftovers at home.
… more