Sahara Palace Mediterranean Restaurant — Restaurant in Rockford Township

So my girlfriend and I were returning to Freeport from visiting the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago on Friday, August 11th 2023. We have been eating very heavily and were looking for something GREEN- and that's when my lady found a review for Sahara Palace.

I can't say enough good things about the owner, Rick, and the Palace. Truly fit for a king. I have eaten Mediterranean in Chicago, San Francisco, Reno, Las Vegas, and Sacramento- as well as towns I can't recall in Oregon and Washington, and this was by far the best.

Everything is served at the perfect temperature- hot food hot, and cool foods cool, but nothing frozen or microwaved. Rick is a great host, with friendly banter and humor, and willing to gently push back on a bad choice (he explained the bad idea of combining an appetite suppressant like coffee with my rather substantial dinner).

We ordered the Super Vegetarian Sample Platter to start. The parsley salad was delightfully herbal and tangy. The traditional Mediterranean salad was fresh and tasty, and all was perfectly seasoned and spiced. The tahini was clearly homemade, well spiced, and so creamy and fresh. Falafel was perfectly cooked, pulled from the fryer right as it turned a deep russet brown, without being overcooked but giving that delightful crunch. There was also a Mediterranean mashed bean dish I can't recall the name of, that had a touch of vinegar in it, that was delightful. All served with fresh pita bread.

Following the appetizer platter were the entrees. My girlfriend had the beef kabob pita sandwich, and I had tandoori chicken. I only got one good bite of the beef kabob sandwich, as my girlfriend devoured it and I was too busy digging into the tandoori chicken. The kabob sandwich was, like everything else, fresh, perfect temperature, and perfectly seasoned and spiced.

My tandoori chicken came with golden rice. The golden rice was cooked perfectly tender without being mushy. Spicing was, as always, spot on. The tandoori chicken had that perfect tandoori texture and flavor- cooked low, slow, and tender, while still having variations in texture to tease the palate.

Throughout, Rick checked on us to ensure everything tasted good, and offered friendly conversation and company, something that was sorely needed after a day around the brusque population in Chicago.

We ended the day by taking several boxes of baklava and pistachio-sesame cookies, for ourselves and friends and family. All of which proved to be delicious.

Rick- I apologize for the lack of pictures, my girlfriend only got the one cause we were so hungry and everything so delicious that we forgot. I promise to come back then next time I am in the area and take more pictures and try more...

I LOVE this place. Probably the most delicious, fresh, authentic Mediterranean food I’ve ever come across in all my “hometowns”. I’m a sucker for the Gyro Plate and I always get extra Greek salad! It has a wonderful light and refreshing taste. This plate really gets the tastebuds dancing. Let all the reviews be your guide! If you’re looking for awesome food look no further. I should also mention that the establishment does appear to be well kept and is clean. Service is also very good. Always a decent amount of foot traffic and people eating in but that’s to be expected in a place so good. Enjoy!!

Update: 3/19/24: I have since lived in Georgia, south of Atlanta, and I’m now living about an hour south of Nashville, Tennessee… Still having a hard time finding a place as good as this… Specifically, the cucumber salad or another parts of the country. “Greek salad” the Cucumber, tomato, onion, and herb mixture… So fresh and wonderful from this restaurant… I am forever on the search… I was never able to find a place in Locust Grove, Georgia… And I think I’m close in TN, But still, nothing is good… Enjoy this place… It is delightful and a “Gem” ...

We were passing through Rockford recently and were looking for a dinner spot. I saw Sahara Palace on my Google map and because we love Mediterranean food, we thought we would try it. When I tell you it was the BEST, I'm not exaggerating. The owner, Rick, welcomed us with open arms. His friendly demeanor and engaging stories were only second to the fresh and delicious food that his wife prepares daily. We didn't know what to order, so Rick prepared a dinner for us as is we were guests in his own home. He served us the appetizer sampler and a mixed grill platter. The hummus was the best we have ever had! The faro was amazing! The baba ganoush was smoky and delicious! But the best of the appetizers was the falafel. The absolute best we have ever eaten! Next, we had the mixed grill, which had beef and chicken shawarma, beef and chicken kebab, and tandoori chicken on a bed of rice. My favorite was the chicken shawarma and my husband liked that and the beef/lamb shawarma. And the rice was amazing! We are so glad we stopped and will be back again without a doubt. Thanks, Rick...