Sahara Taste of the Middle East — Restaurant in California

A Taste of Middle Eastern Magic: Sahara Restaurant in Rancho San Diego.

Sahara Restaurant in Rancho San Diego is a true culinary gem that takes you on a delightful journey through the flavors of the Middle East. From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by warm hospitality and an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience.

The menu at Sahara Restaurant is a treasure trove of Middle Eastern delights, offering a wide variety of traditional dishes that cater to every palate. Whether you're a fan of aromatic kebabs, flavorful dips like hummus and baba ganoush, or hearty vegetarian options, Sahara Restaurant has something to satisfy every craving.

The highlight of Sahara Restaurant's menu is their kebabs. Each skewer is a work of art, showcasing perfectly marinated and grilled meats that are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. From succulent lamb to perfectly charred chicken, every bite is a testament to the skill and expertise of the chefs.

Beyond the kebabs, Sahara Restaurant offers a delightful array of mezzes and appetizers that are perfect for sharing. The hummus, silky smooth and rich in flavor, pairs perfectly with warm pita bread. The falafel, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, is a must-try for any falafel enthusiast.

The dedication to quality ingredients is evident in every dish at Sahara Restaurant. Freshly sourced produce, aromatic spices, and authentic flavors combine to create an unforgettable dining experience. The friendly staff is knowledgeable and always ready to guide you through the menu, ensuring your meal is tailored to your...

Great Middle Eastern place. My wife had the falafel plate, which she said was delicious. I had the beef Kefta (kefta kebab) plate, which came with onions sprinkled with salt and sumac, mixed with a bit of parsley (classic accompaniment), grilled tomato, pita wedges, excellent saffron rice topped with almonds and golden raisins, excellent pickled turnips, pita wedges and a side dish of your choice (I chose tabouli). All this for less than $11!. We all agreed it was these little authentic touches that set this place apart. That, and the side dishes. Between us we had: hummus, their Mediterranean salad. their Greek salad, and Tabouli (x 2). All were excellent, with the exception of the Tabouli, which was a bit soggy. All in all, very good quality, very generous portions for an excellent price. Clean, bright place. Friendly, attentive staff. We got cheese filled pastries, kuba and chicken boreg for a picnic dinner this evening. Expect those to be excellent as well. Will update this review if not. Chicken boreg was quite good. Cheese pie was excellent. Cracked wheat kuba: filling was fine. Coating was different than what I expected. I have always had (and made) kuba/koubi/koubeh covered with a "dough" made of ground beef mixed with bulgur wheat. This appeared to be a dough of bulgur wheat mixed with flour. Not as crispy as the other method. Leftover falafel from lunch reheated just fine, as did...

Been meaning to write this as I'm older than most Yelpers and don't get around to visiting the site that much lately.

My first visit to this restaurant, ironically, was the last day before indoor dining was closed in Southern California back on March 16, 2020. The place we usually go to on Mondays had shut down that day - so we went hunting for a place still open. This one was - but only for a couple of hours before closing down to follow the rules.

Was astounded. Booths were separated with tape and social distancing in place even before it was required. Then the menu, my goodness. Opted for the combo with chicken and beef on skewers with salad and a lot of basmati rice.

Over-the-moon flavor - JUICY and NOT DRY meat - huge portions. The staff was friendly and accommodating and I reached out to the manager and said, "I've been living here for decades and I've never tried or had anything that tastes as fabulous as this - for this price." He was gracious and welcoming. Just an incredible amount of super delicious food, so much so that we had to take some home.

No doubt, when things get rolling again, we're coming back for the "dine-in" experience. This is a treasure in the heart of Rancho San Diego, south of the Bank of...