Sheeba Restaurant - West Dearborn — Restaurant in Dearborn

TLDR: Must-go Middle Eastern when in Dearborn. Easy trip from the Ford Museum/Greenfield Vlg.

Our experience: On arriving we were possibly the only "outsiders" in the place. We were greeted a bit coolish by the staff. The place was around a third full, but with 10K sq ft and seating for upwards of 200, it was fairly busy. So perhaps they didn't want the trouble of explaining menus, us possibly not liking unfamiliar items, etc. Ordered chicken haneeth with mandi rice, lamb haneeth with roasted vegetables (haneeth being a slow-roasted sauced style) and chicken agdah (chicken and vegetable stew) with mandi rice. One lamb soup, two salads. Salad was excellent, later found out that the dressing (a sumacy/lemony vinaigrette) was a secret family recipe. Lamb soup was tasty but just a broth, no solid pieces.

Things picked up considerably once the manager (owner's son) showed up to ask how we were enjoying things so far. Entrees arrived with an extra order of tannour bread (excellent soft thin flatbread, very done and blistered on the surface but still soft). The mandi rice turned out to be fluffy basmati rice with about 1/4 cooked with an orange coloring (mild dried peppers?) mixed with 3/4 white. Very pretty. My chicken haneeth included a few roasted carrots and celery and a couple big chunks of roasted yellow potatoes. Interesting because each vegetable had a different spicing. The agdah was very good as well, even getting a high endorsement from a kid who doesn't usually like stewed vegetables that much. Lamb was superb, tender, lean, reasonably assertive lamb flavor without being gamy or overly seasoned. I think that sums up why this meal was so good: Everything was seasoned just enough for generous, distinctive flavor without overdoing it, allowing both the basic ingredients and the flavorings to come through.

As we were getting ready to leave, the young man engaged us again, seeming genuinely concerned that we enjoyed our visit. When he found out that 2 of us are from Chicago, he told us the story of their venture. He also explained that, in Dearborn, they are trying to draw in the vast quantity of Ford employees for lunch with more familiar, non-Yemeni dishes like kebabs, then offering complimentary samples of Yemeni food to get them interested in coming back to try something less ordinary. Looking over the customers, I'm not 100% sure this was working on Friday evening. But, they are completely booked tonight in the huge space with Ramadan. Every reservation for 8:00. When he realized we hadn't tried the Yemeni tea, he sent us on our way with to-go cups. Also delicious. Similar to Indian tea, but less tea flavor and far...

Step into Sheeba Halal Yamani Restaurant in Detroit, and prepare to be transported to a world of extraordinary flavors and delightful aromas. My recent dining experience at Sheeba was an absolute delight, leaving me with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.

From the moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted by the friendly staff, whose genuine smiles set the tone for a truly memorable evening. The restaurant's cozy and inviting ambiance added to the overall charm and made me feel right at home.

The menu at Sheeba Halal Yamani is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Yemen, offering a diverse selection of mouthwatering dishes. Each bite was a revelation, bursting with authentic flavors and expertly balanced spices. The succulent lamb mandi and tender chicken kabsa were clear highlights, showcasing the mastery and attention to detail that goes into every dish.

One aspect that truly sets Sheeba apart is their commitment to halal cuisine. As a Muslim, it is always a pleasure to find a restaurant that not only caters to my dietary preferences but does so with such excellence. Knowing that I can indulge in the tantalizing flavors without any concerns makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

The service at Sheeba Halal Yamani deserves special mention. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about their cuisine. They took the time to explain the dishes, making recommendations based on personal preferences, and ensuring that every request was met with a smile. It was evident that they genuinely cared about providing a memorable dining experience.

In addition to the fantastic food and impeccable service, the reasonable prices at Sheeba make it an exceptional value for the quality and portion sizes. It's clear that the restaurant prioritizes customer satisfaction above all else.

To conclude, Sheeba Halal Yamani Restaurant is a true gem in Detroit's culinary scene. It offers a captivating journey through Yemeni cuisine, complemented by exceptional service and warm hospitality. Whether you're a fan of Middle Eastern food or seeking a new gastronomic adventure, Sheeba is the place to be. Treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience—I guarantee you won't be...

IF YOU EVER READ 1 REVIEW... PLEASE READ THIS ONE! If you go in thru the back... which I'm assuming is the main entrance, you are greeted by dim lighting, murals and cultural art, and a very clean and wide runway to the main hall. You already know you are in for a culture rich experience. To the right there is a very clean, large coffee bistro bar.... which at one point i assume was a bar. You can smell the fresh coffee and tea being made... with the steam rolling into the air above as drinks are being made. To the left, just past the bar, you are greeted by a server at the servers station and seated where YOU would like to be seated! Which is a major plus in my book. The seating, decor, and everything in-between was clean, organized and so beautiful to look at. I'm surprised i didn't come to this place sooner!. My husband and i were sat at our table and given menus. We ordered our food... might i add, things I've never tried before as im new to yemeni food. And waited very shortly to be served our appetizers. The hummus was so velvety and smooth... nothing like I've ever had before... ive given alot of reviews... but by far.... this is the one that I'm most excited to write. The bread was fresh made over an actual fire... you can see, smell and taste the difference. The main courses were so lightly seasoned, but so rich in natural flavors. We had to box up and take all the left overs home. As we finished our meals... the server comes back with damp, hot towels for us to freshen up and clean our hands after eating! WHO DOES THAT?! it felt so good to feel taken care of. They honestly make each customer feel like they are the only customer! Other businesses .... you have to start learning because you truelly have competition. Surprisingly, the bill came out to just over 90 dollars for 2 people. We had 2 appetizers and 3 mains, along with tea and fresh pomegranate juice! I think it is very reasonable for the service, food and experience! If you are thinking of trying this place...