Sahaara

Great Mediterranean food, great hookah, great people and great prices.
My selection
Mezze: Hummus and Falafel
Soup & Salad: N/​A
Kebabs: Kefta
Plates: Gamba
Deserts: Knafe
Sides: N/​A
Beverages: Sahaara Tea (ask for extra mint on the side)
Hookah: Lemon-​mint or watermelon mint blend

**This is only a review of their dinner service, not hookah bar**
A group of 5 of us were looking for a great Mediterranean meal near SFO, but were severely disappointed by our visit for several reasons:
— They were supposed to open at 5pm, but doors doors opened almost 10 minutes late
— 10 minutes after ordering our meals, one of the waiters said it would take an extra ~15 minutes to get our meal because the rice was still cooking. He suggested we select an alternate side, but then clarified we’d have to pay the difference even though it was their fault for not having the rice ready on time. We opted to wait for rice, which ended up taking over 30 minutes.
— One of our dishes was supposed to be 2 beef kabobs, but they accidentally gave only 1 kabob… and it was lamb. Upon informing them, they took the plate back, and then brought another — this time it had 2 kabobs, but they were AGAIN lamb. Finally they came back with 2 beef kabobs.
— One of our dishes was a side ordered as an entrée, so we asked for it to come out with the rest of the entrees. The waitress said in a snarky tone that of course it would come with the other entrees because «I know how to do my job». A few minutes later the side was delivered… about 30 minutes before the entrees.
— Of the 3 kabob dishes that our table ordered, all were asked to be cooked medium, and ALL were WELL done, but by that time with the previous issues and spending over 90 minutes trying to get it all right, it wasn’t worth trying to get this one right, so we just paid for our meals and got out as soon as possible.
To their credit, they did apologize several times for the multitude of errors, and they did offer a free appetizer while we waited what seemed like forever for rice, but unless this was an isolated incident and they’re usually a lot better, I don’t think we’ll be back.

This place is ridiculous and the owners are rude and greedy. I used to come in here 2 years ago and get the combo kebab for $ 14 and it used to be able to fill up 3 people, I got it today for $ 18 and they give me something that’s equivalent to the size of an innout burger. I went back to them because I took it to go (which I guess allows them to take advantage of you) and they told me it’s how they sell it now… never coming here again

4 stars
This is a tough review, I love some of the staff here so much they are so kind and accommodating, but the other staff is rude, not friendly, and inattentive. …However, I’m
Updating to mention it’s gotten a lot better as of my most recent visit! …
The food is pretty good, we love the mezza app plate always.
Hookah is good, watermelon mint blend is my favorite.

Their service is really really bad. I have taken take out about 5 times now, while the food is good the service disappoints every single time.
The person at the entrance is really not friendly and doesn’t seem to like customers who come in to dine. They have extremely loud music on the weekends which is not great.

When I walked in, I thought that I would not be happy with the experience. However, the food was just incredible. Cooked to perfection and so succulent and fresh. Our waiter «Aziz» was especially cheerful and full of energy. He totally made our evening ! He chatted with us and entertained us even though he was super busy. A very nice place and awesome service. Definitely recommended for a good middle eastern experience. We also met one of the owners and he is very nice and extremely down to earth.
Just a little note: If you don’t enjoy the smell of hooka, you might want to stay in the indoor section.

Love this place for a late night awesome middle eastern food and hookah

Great delicious Mediterranean food with brand new bar, newly remodeled, singing and dancing every weekend, hookah in a cozy setting backyard, love to go spend time there, the owners are very friendly.

Great food and location. I ordered the combo meat meal and it was delicious, rice too.
Only thing missing is some chill atmosphere, the restaurant needs an AC, it can get a little hot in there. But other than that, everything’s great.

Excellent!
Yummy healthy food
Fair prices
Great location in Burlingame downtown
2 hour parking
Kind folks and good vibes

My friend loves hookah so we’ve gone here twice already! I must say that they have great food!!! Very flavorful and cooked well. I have not come across something bad on their menu.
They have an outdoor patio for dining and hookah. Servers are very friendly. Only thing I don’t like is seeing them getting yelled at by the manager? Possibly owner? Short lady with glasses. Twice I have gone there, she has spoken to them like idiots!

Sahaara is my to go place whenever I need to satisfy my Mediterranean food cravings! This restaurant is always neat.
Staff and service:
The staff members are very friendly and always have a smile on their face! Whenever I visit Sahaara, Muwad (I’m not sure if I spelled his name correctly) is my server. He’s a very polite gentleman with nice dark hazel eyes. All staff members are easy to have a conversation and attentive to their customers. They make sure you (and your guests) are having a nice time and enjoying your food! Also, the owners are very welcoming! If the restaurant isn’t busy, they go around each tables to talk to their customers and hear feedback about their establishment.
Food:
Kebab — My all time favorite dish to order is Shish Tawook (chicken). I usually have it cooked well done. It has a nice grilled smoky flavor taste, moist, and tender. It’s very delicious with rice and salad!
Lamb Shish Kebab — I prefer to have this meat cooked medium. I found this dish to be more juicy and tender than chicken.
The meats of the Kebab are seasoned very well and are huge portions! You are able to share with others.
Falafel– I find it very crispy and full of flavor! And it is served with a basket of bread.
Hummus — Sahaara’s hummus is creamy and extremely rich with flavor! It goes very well with the Kebab dishes.
Hookah
There is an outdoor patio, under an enclosed tent, towards the back of the building for people to smoke Hookah. The flavors I’ve ordered are Blue mist, chocolate, and vanilla. I found Blue Mist to be a little bit stronger than chocolate and vanilla, yet it still has a sweet candy flavor. You are able to mix flavors of Hookah, just ask your server! Also, their hookah selection pairs well with tea.
On weekends they play upbeat live music inside the restaurant! I found it hard to stay in my seat and not shake my hips! A lot of people do get out of their seats and start dancing the night away!
This place does become busy at nights and weekends, so I would recommend to make reservations (even if it is just for a party of two).
I absolutely LOVE this place!

Food was good. Horrible service. It took them 30 min to get our food we only ordered a plate and a sandwich. When we complain they didn’t even say sorry they said «it’ll be ready when it’s ready». The restaurant wasn’t busy. I’ll never go back. Why would I go back when I can go to «taste in mediterranean food» next door with great food !
We only went to Sahara cause «taste in mediterranean food» was packed and we were in a rush.

Highly recommend their food, never had a compliant & has always tasted really good! I’m not a big fan of their hookahs though. After a few puffs it starts to get harsh. However, they do have a very friendly staff!

1– nice staff and service
They forgot to bring one item (Tabouleh); they brought complementary baklava.
2– meal rating:
falafel ⁵⁄₅.
Kebbeh ²⁄₅.
Lamb kabab ⁴⁄₅.
rice ⁴⁄₅.
Cigar-​shaped cinnamon baklava ⁴⁄₅.
I don’t smoke hookah but friends said it was good.

Always clean, super friendly service.
I order takeout about 2 – 3 times a month. I rotate between the different wraps they have.
Make sure to order the Falafel wrap with extra garlic on the side. Its under $ 9! and it comes with fries or salad.
If you do order call about 20 minutes before. They are always making it fresh so it takes a bit of time.
Oh btw they also have a spacious hookah area in the back while you eat as well.
Love this place.

Their falafels are amazing! I love that the batter has sesame seeds in it! The outside is so crunchy without being too hard. I ordered their Falafel Salad because I needed something light after running a half marathon *yay me!* but of course, I couldn’t pass up on their garlic fries so threw that in my order, too. However, the waiter must have not heard me because they never came out, which is okay because the salad was filling enough! The salad itself was a regular salad with lettuce and tomatoes tossed in their tzaziki sauce, I believe. It was okay, not the best tazaziki sauce I’ve had. However, the salad went perfect with the falafels (I can’t eat falafel on its own, don’t ask me why).
I also tried a bit of my friend’s lamb and tomato stew and was surprised at how good it was! Very distinct flavor and tasty. The naan was a bit chewier than I prefer but I think they use the same bread for their pizzas and I imagine it would go perfect for pizza. My other friend ordered a pizza and although I didn’t get to taste, it looked amazing! If I’m ever back in the area, I sure hope I’ll be hungrier because their combo plates looking amazing! The kabobs are full of fresh grill marks and smell amazing!

My second time at Sahaara, we returned after a great experience we had first time we visited. Leaving the restaurant this time we were discussing if this is a 3* or a 4* place. As you can see, my review ended with 2*.
We came in for hookah and dinner, sat outside. Ordered some wine.
First problem: playing around with heaters — we asked to keep the heaters on, it was kind of chilly. When my sister made a reservation, she called and specifically asked to make sure we are seated next to heaters. The table behind us seemed to be «hot» and asked to turn it off. So they did, without asking. We asked to turn back on… they turned off again in a bit… and so it goes…
Second problem: hookah needs attention all the time — there should be new coals all the time. Yep… didn’t happen! Also, can be both good and bad, but the first «take» on the flavor was pretty nasty, but they redid it. So, it’s bad, but fixed. So… good?
Third problem: we never got the check — we just went to the front and paid after sitting around and hunting down our waiter. Also had to catch someone to order dessert.
Fourth problem: music is too freaking loud! Don’t remember it being this way last time!
I rate on overall experience. The FOOD was GOOD, totally 5-​stars! Great salad, chicken kebabs, mezze platter is a must. Knafe was also AWESOME — served warm with melted center. The best Knafe I’ve had, easily.

I can not say enough about the food, level of attention & service that Marat and his staff offer and what a great atmosphere Sahara!
My first meal was spectacular right down to dessert.
Portions are large
Meal was amazing –fresh herbs and samac topped the stew I got
I was in heaven
Will definately be headed back
Thank you!

I think it’s because they have hookah that this place has a 4 star rating. We didn’t hookah and did takeout instead of dining in because some of our group are sensitive to hookah/​tobacoo odors and didn’t want to inhale 2^nd hand smoke each time the back doors would open. Either way, I think Waterfront Pizza is a better hookah experience.
It took about 30 minutes in an empty restaurant to get our food to go.
I ordered the chicken kebab tacos ($ 10) which tasted like something strait from a food truck. Raw tortillas, chopped chicken, and salsa. Decent. (
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The combo kebab ($ 18) with chicken, lamb, and kefta was average with a skimpy portion of rice. It came with a side salad. Was expecting more for $ 18. (
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Yeah, I think I’ll pass on Sahaara with better quality/​value places like Mediterrenean Kebab and Albayk fairly nearby.