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Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine
Category: Restaurants Middle Eastern Middle Eastern [Edit]
2226 E Colorado BlvdPasadena, CA 91107
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 795-6900
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 3 pm
Mon-Thu 5 pm - 8:30 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
84 reviews for Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine
Review Highlights
"The cabbage salad is fantastic and tabbouleh was made fresh."
(in 13 reviews)
"They are not stingy with extra pita bread or dips."
(in 14 reviews)
"Especially love their rice, beef and lula kabob."
(in 5 reviews)
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84 reviews in English
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Review from Chris K.
Altadena, CA
11/17/2011 18 Check-ins Here
My fav restaurant by far. Why people go to zankou is beyond me. Dumb asses should just come here. Better food better service for the same price. Beef kabobs melt in your mouth, cooked just right. Served with flavorful rice pilaf. Not that overcooked meat like zankou has.
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Review from David C.
11/28/2011 2 photos
Simple, great tasting, traditional Mediterranean food. This is one of those joints that seems to be family run. You order at the front of the restaurant and they bring the food out to you table. Food came out extremely fast, and staff was extremely nice. Authentic food, awesome portions, and great value.
PROTIP: Get the combo plate! It has three different types of meat. You won't regret it! -
Review from brandi g.
Los Angeles, CA
9/20/2011
Overpriced for the level of service, quality of food and honestly, ambience. It looks like a repurposed office building, and not a good one. It's ugly and the food is not as good as Zankou chicken, except that 2 dinners will set you back over 40 bucks with no liquor and a one dollar tea. This tea, which was "sold" to me by saying it was just " regular old Lipton tea bags". Why would a middle eastern restaurant not have nice chai or some proper tea? And why sell something like that?
We had tough lamb, tatziki, babaganouj and the worst salad I've had in recent memory. The "Greek" salad was rubbery tomatoes, some feta, brown iceberg lettuce and tons of pieces of white onions.
Ultimately, the food was indifferently prepared and served and paying over $20 per person. Better just go to Zankou for $20 total. -
Review from Nilo M.
Cerritos, CA
9/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh yeah!!!! This place has the best chicken kabobs in the Pasadena area hands down. I have been going here for years, since I work in the area. Serious the chicken at Zankou doesn't taste as good as Sahara. Also with each plate you get tabouleh and hummus. For lunch that's a steal at 9 bucks cuz Zankou makes you buy all tha plus you get a lot of Pita Bread and excellent rice.
I actually like their hummus much more than other places, something about the smoothness and taste is different. Their tabouleh is actually really tangy which is one of my favorite food types.
I always consider this as my go to option if I want kabob. The lula kabob and falafel are also excellent. Its location is idea and a lot of the Pasadena PD comes here to eat. The dinner is not as good because you get more for your money at lunch. -
Review from Laura K.
Sierra Madre, CA
1/30/2012
LOVE THIS FOOD!!
I am a big fan of the shawerma sandwich (with fries). It's a bit salty and fries are not fresh cut but the food is authentic (take it from me)...and delicious.
The service is half-@$$. The decor can use A LOT of updating and work.
These people truly have a gem and they can take it to the next level if they inve$t in some design, decor, etc.
Despite that, the food is good. The meat is succulent, fresh, tasty. You can get it to go so you don't have to endure the mediocre ambiance.
I do agree that this place is better than Zankou. -
Review from Ly Y.
Altadena, CA
12/21/2011
All the options here are outstanding. The Lamb & Beef is tender and nicely seasoned. The chicken here is so good! I am not normally a fan of chicken Kabob. The chicken is nice and moist, & not dry! Come here and try this place out if you like meat!
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Review from Heather H.
Pasadena, CA
1/13/2012
Really good food and fast service. Meat is nice and moist and all the salads are well made.
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Review from Aaron T.
Brentwood, CA
7/31/2011
Had to try this place instead of my regulars. Definately not a dissapointment, just another place to add on the go to list.
Lots of beef on the kabob plate. Very tender and seasoned well. A+
Falafels came out fresh, hot and were good. Not the best tasting i've had but thats a personal opinion. B
Tabouleh (sp) was just okay. Needs improvement. C
Seems just a bit pricey compared to the other several great medi- establishments in the area. I'll have to come back to try other plates. -
Review from Greg W.
Los Angeles, CA
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really liked the chicken kabob. It was very flavorful. I would skip the lentil bean soup, no taste. The Cabbage salad was good not did not taste much like cabbage if you not a fan. The rice was typical pilaf just like the pita was typical pita. The wait staff made sure we had plenty of pita but failed miserable to refill our glasses after they decided we must have had enough.
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Review from Anna T.
Pasadena, CA
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Been to this place a few times now. My boss introduced me to this place. If you were driving on Colorado Blvd, you would miss this place, as it is a small establishment.
There are plentiful of parking, but the restaurants parking is in the rear.
I would recommend the combination plate to those who want a variety and are unsure of what to try. It comes with beef kebab, lula kabob, rice, hummus, tabbouleh, pita bread... its A LOT OF FOOD.
Also there beef sandwich is really yummy and its only for $4.25. Fast and friendly service. -
Review from Rebecca H.
Pasadena, CA
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Having lived in Pasadena for 15 years I am sad to say I finally visited Sahara for the first time last night (it's been there for 20 years). It certainly will not be my last visit either. I was impressed with the service and friendliness of the staff. The food was plentiful - and the child's plate was more than generous. I LOVED the cabbage salad that is served along with the feta, cucumbers and olives that come before your main meal. The lula kebabs were phenomenal - so tender and flavorful and the vegetarian options were also plentiful. Can't wait to go back and try something else.
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Review from J X.
Whittier, CA
12/22/2011
Love this place! By far my favorite place to go for mediterranean food. The service is good and the food is excellent.
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Review from M W.
Montebello, CA
3/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love their beef kabob plate. Roughly $10. Comes with rice, and grilled tomatoes and peppers. Get to pick a side: soup or salad. Pita bread isn't warm, but fresh enough. Had the babaghanoush and tabouleh. Wished the baba had a bit more smokey taste to it. Overall, food is up to par. The price is a bit cheaper than the average medit food joints.
They can definitely work on the ambience. The first time I came here was about 7 years ago, and it looks the SAME today. -
Review from Ami S.
1/6/2011
I'm a pretty tough critic when it comes to Lebanese food (see my other review for some of my fav places). Was beyond disappointed in the flavors of the food. We began with appetizers, grape leaves (probably the most tasteful thing) and babaganoush (tasted like pure tahini, what happened to the smoky taste?). Came with a large group of friends and everyone who ordered the chicken kabob plate agreed "bleh no taste" The lentil soup it came with was ok, just bunch of lentils- could have used more seasoning. The rice tasted like pure butter! I probably had two bites and was done.
I have to say I was super excited to try this place especially because it was a no frills dining experience (the people who worked there seemed nice) and sorta seemed like at home cooking. However, I just didn't care for the food. -
Review from Mark G.
Pasadena, CA
4/15/2011
Just came back from eating lunch here with some friend and Wow this place is good. I ordered and shared an appetizer of Falafels (4 pieces) - $4.25 and for lunch I had the Sahara combination plate - $12.50. This came with a lot of food. Beef kebab, lula kebab, rice, hummus, tabboule, chopped onions, garlic and pita bread.
The beef kebabs were extremely tender. I mean impressively tender. They must use a great cut of meat. The spices and the flavor of the mesquite wood just adds to its great taste.
The lula kebab was equally outstanding. Very juicy. This kebab is a mixture of ground beef and ground lamb. I do not like lamb but ground up and combined with the beef, chopped onions and parsley I do. The flavor of the mesquite is also in the kebab.
The chicken was good but not as good and tender as the two kebabs.
Their hummus, very creamy.
The falafels were also very good but what I will be coming back for would be the kebabs. -
Review from Dorothy R.
Los Angeles, CA
While donating blood a block away, I did some yelping research to figure out where My Love and I would be going after to replenish. Once again, yelp has made our lives better!
First of all, let me just say, I love Lebanese hospitality... These guys make you feel like they're pissed you're in their restaurant, but then bring you the best Middle Eastern food this side of LA! It was pretty dead in the restaurant, so the waiter only had us and a few other people to scowl at...
Back to the food - we never order the same thing so we can try more dishes, and cooperatively decided on the Sahara Combination ($14.95 - beef, chicken, and luleh kabob), and the Kash-Kash plate ($14.95 -ground lamb, beef, & garlic kabobs). The entrees came with cabbage salad (interesting and delicious), and a dish of cucumber, feta cheese, and olives (very palate-pleasing). All of the food was strikingly good. Normally, the entrees come with rice and pita bread, but we substituted for more vegetables instead (low-carb). The grilled tomato and peppers with the onion and spices were straight-up amazing and so satisfying. I wanted to lick the plate. My breath is kicking like Kung Fu, but I don't mind (although, he probably does) because the flavor is just so good!
Overall, I can't wait to come back for more Middle Eastern goodness! The service is tolerable, and the prices are a little steep, but both are easily justifiable because of the quantity and quality of meats served.Listed in: Low-Carb Eats, Kabob Kravings
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Review from Sunshine S.
Pasadena, CA
4/28/2011
Their meats are perfectly seasoned and juicy, everything tastes so fresh. We have eaten here twice and enjoyed beef shawerma, chicken kebabs, falafels, tabouleh, hummus, babaghanouj and greek salad (with a huge chuck of feta). Although their baklava is different in flavor and a bit dry, it is still worth a try at $1.00 a piece.
This is a family owned business, so they go home to their loved ones earlier than other restaurants in the area. Keep checking or stop in before 8:30pm or grab it to go, they are always accommodating and attentive. -
Review from Michelle H.
New York, NY
10/10/2010
Very solid food! We tried the mixed platter that came with three different types of kebabs, the falafel and the babaganoush. The ground lamb and beef kebab was the best. Extremely flavorful. The platter was huge and came with rice, half a grilled bell pepper, a grilled tomato and cabbage salad (very yum!). The babganoush was rich in flavor and texture, but not overpowering. The falafels were small, but tasty.
All in all, I'd recommend this place if you're craving some greek food! -
Review from Sarah K.
South Pasadena, CA
8/14/2011
The grilled beef is outstanding. I loved the cheese appetizer. The staff was a little sleazy - think the 20something year old smart ass kissing your grandma's ass for tips - but otherwise very friendly and patient.
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Review from Andrew K.
9/19/2010
Habit-forming. Proceed with caution.
5 stars is justified for taste and service but if you're into the whole dining experience...still a 5, based on taste and service. Aura is straight-forward marked only by tables, utensils and carpet. Spotless restrooms. Alleyway leading to the parking lot is extremely narrow (think Luke flying into the Death Star to blast the exhaust port). Easy to miss while heading east on Colorado Blvd.
I always get the beef or chicken shawarma plate which includes tabouleh salad, rice pilaf, hummus. Can't think of single complaint. They are not stingy with extra pita bread or dips. Free refills as well.
Staff likes to small talk but are not annoying and never displays a hint of attitude. To be frank, prior to my experiences here, I didn't expect this display of kindness from the Lebanese.
Order can take a while during the lunch rush so I would recommend calling ahead. Just last Saturday, I drove from OC for lunch and it was closed! I had it twice during the week at work but that was NOT enough. -
Review from Sarah Toni M.
Altadena, CA
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great food I enjoyed it all day because i brought home the leftovers.
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Review from Jeff B.
Altadena, CA
8/15/2011
This place is great you won't find any illegal aliens making your food here. Family owned and family made. Great food and really friendly service.
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Review from Sue T.
Los Angeles, CA
1/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really awesome service. Very attentive and always courteous plus the guy who took our orders was funny. Though it was interesting that he kept jumping into our conversation or remarking at our comments. It's a friendly, casual place with huge servings of food.
The food itself was a hit and miss for us. Maybe we had high expectations cuz of all the reviews we read but I wasn't too into the food. We ordered babaganoush as a starter and it felt more like tahini sauce than the smoky eggplant. The lentil soup though was really good. I like it a bit more spicy so I added the special middle eastern red chili powder to it and it was yummy. The falafel felt off with the flavor, it was cooked well with crispy outside but moist inside but I just kept thinking something was off. The amount of food on all of our plates were amazing though. My friends ordered chicken and beef dishes. They liked the beef but some chicken dishes were too well done according to them, ofcourse being vegetarian I can't be the judge of em what so ever :) -
Review from Brittany B.
Los Angeles, CA
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best lamb kebabs! The waiters are very personable and friendly. Their hummus is the best around and the tziki (or however the heck you spell it) is so light and fresh. It goes perfect with their rice! Overall one of the best places to have mediterranean cuisine!
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Review from jim h.
Pasadena, CA
7/30/2010 2 photos
Hooray for my new, favorite Middle Eastern #Lebanese restaurant in Pasadena. I will be back many times in the future.
We ordered based solely on previous Yelp reviews (so don't expect anything new) and got a Lulu kabob, lamb dish, tabbouleh, and cabbage salad. This came out to less than $40 and would serve 3-4. A lot of food. I have received a number of recommendations for this place, one person described the price/food as similar to Zankou, and that could not be more incorrect. The food is of a much higher quality and the price is accordingly a bit higher.
Not expensive, though, by any means (and I am what is commonly known as a "cheapass").
Check out Sahara. I can't wait to go back, and next time I will eat in. Restaurant looks to have a comfortable dining room. -
Review from Samuel C.
Los Angeles, CA
8/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
My friend brought me here and I am so glad she did. I love the food. Yes parking is limited, and the hours are weird. But the food is solid. I've been there a few times since my first time: I've brought friends and they all agree. This place rocks. If you want tasty middle eastern food: this is the place. I have to add though: The food is more "armenian" which in my opinion has a different taste. I've had middle east that's more greek: but in my opinion armenian is better. Maybe my latino taste buds like spices and herbs and all that goodness; so I might be inclined to like this more. Whatever.
The staff is friendly, I love seeing the old school cooks getting down on the grill. You can taste the freshness of the ingredients. And hands down the best chicken or lamb kabobs in Pasadena. I used to drive all the way to Encino for food this good, but I am so glad I found this place because I save time and gas! -
Review from Jay B.
5/22/2009 22 Check-ins Here
We've been eating at this restaurant for 9 years running. I was into Greek, but this was the place that really opened my senses to Middle Eastern (Lebanese) cuisine.
Run by two brother who are always there with their sons, the lula kabob is great. My two favorite sides are the cabbage salad and tabbouleh - both made fresh to order and seasoned to perfection.
This is a very casual and simple restaurant, so just concentrate on the food! This is still one of my favorite local SG valley eats.Listed in: The Beast from the East
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Review from Spyder M.
Glendale, CA
2/18/2011
First visit last night. As others have said... you have to look for it because you could drive right by. Lots of parking in the back. The family that runs this place is very, very nice. Service was quick & friendly. It's very clean inside but needs some ambiance. I didn't visit the bathrooms. I didn't pay though I did notice it's a little pricey for Middle Eastern food. 14.99 for beef or chicken kabobs, but GOSH it was DELICIOUS! The beef was very, very tender. The babaganoush was probably among the best I've had. Very good stuffed grape leaves & the rice were delicious & buttery. They also start the meal with lots of warm pita and soup or salad. We got the salad which was a really great shredded green cabbage with a light olive oil & lemon dressing. It was really, really good. They serve beer as well. I will be back for sure. Give it a try, you won't be sorry
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Review from Beth T.
Pasadena, CA
9/16/2011
I love the food at SAHARA. The shawarma is delicious and the hummus is fabulous. The atmosphere is very simple and casual which is ok with me. I also love the lula kabob with mixture of beef and lamb. Try this place and you will say YUM!
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Review from Forrest D.
South Pasadena, CA
3/8/2009 10 Check-ins Here
I'm not a lover of mediterranean food but most of my friends are, so we eat here a lot and of all the mediterranean restaurants I like this the most. The lamb and the lula kabobs are both great every time, and the prices are really reasonable for what you get especially if you order the lunch plates.
No ambience to speak of but the family run business makes you feel right at home.
Always delightful.
Best Plates: Lamb Kebab, Lula Kebab, Babganoosh, Tabbouleh, Baklava.
Food - A
Ambience - C
Service - B+
Value - A+ -
Review from Brad D.
Pasadena, CA
3/20/2010
So after years of driving by this place I decide, "ok, let's check it out"
I walk in and think, "definitely not a date spot". Sure, there's no music, outdated furniture, not the hottest location, etc., etc.
But the food. Oh, the food. DELICIOUS. Sometimes I don't care if I'm eating off the hood of a car, if the food is good, I'm with it.
Ordered the kebob combination and tabouleh. Fantastic. The Lula kebob is magnificent.
I'll be back here for the food alone. You want a date spot? Go elsewhere. -
Review from Oro O.
Burbank, CA
1/25/2007
I've been here only for lunch and the dining experience is unique. You walk up to the counter, order what you want (either dutch or as a group), sit anywhere you want, the server will bring your table's order's drinks, the server brings you your table's orders (usually all at the same time), and then the server checks up on you to make sure everything's ok. I've been there at least 6 times and the server's never mixed our order with another table's, amazing! (So remember to tip them for a job well done!)
BTW, if you're wondering what the difference is between the lite and the regular lunch plates:
Light includes Rice, salad (or chopped onions), tomato and pita bread.
Regular Includes Rice, hammus, tabboule, chopped onions, rice, and pita bread.
In my opinion, this place is much better than Daphne's, Zankou Chicken, and Heidar Baba for the price (Look for the board of Lunch Specials!), atmosphere, service, taste and presentation. Parking is a bit of a challenge tho if you come in during prime time.
Again, I think they're really good. I've tried and recommend all of the the following (Light) Lunch Plates: Steak Kebab, Chicken Kebab, Shawerma, and Lula Kebab. I've also had their vegetarian dish, the Falafel... Tasty veggie balls! :D -
Review from Johnny L.
Los Angeles, CA
12/21/2008
I was a little wary about bringing all my friends here since I did not try this place out before and I was worried about time constraints but the people working here were very helpful and friendly. The food speaks for itself and the pictures don't lie its all good stuff.
If you want to eat inexpensively then this place can work for you as there the sandwiches are decently priced and can be had with many of the appetizers.
The feta cheese, cucumbers, and olives served with pita bread are a nice touch as free appetizers. I'm not a fan of the olives here but maybe its an acquired taste. The feta (goat) cheese was surprisingly good and gave me a nostalgic taste which I could not identify.
Most of my friends ordered the chicken kebab and they seemed to enjoy it. I ordered the ground lamb and I was very pleased with it including the rice as well. Normally I do not like rice pilaf as its usually dry but here they served it moist and it was great although I would much prefer basmati rice.
My vegetarian friend who ordered a falafel sandwich said it was good even though he was not the biggest fan of falafel so I suppose Sahara was doing something right.
I feel sorry for making them wait to close on us but I'll make it up to them by coming back for more, probably takeout, and bringing more business to them. -
Review from Kokoro I.
San Francisco, CA
12/24/2007
I'm never unsatisfied eating their food! 1 star less for them closing when they feel like it :(
Especially love their rice, beef and lula kabob. Soooooooo flavorful and tasty! Yes the lunch special is a grea deal, and I usually get double hummus instead of taboule and green salad, or do you get only 1 side during lunch???? I forget sorry :( -
Review from Hello M.
Monrovia, CA
8/1/2010
I should have reviewed this place earlier. I am surprised by the high rating on yelp, because i don't remember this place being particularly fantastic. We came here off of a recommendation of our Armenian friend, who seemed to really like it.
The waiter pushed us to try their hummus, which he claimed was the best in the world. Anytime someone makes such a bombastic claim about anything, especially food, I become skeptical. The hummus, as expected, wasn't the best in the world. I wouldn't even say it was something special. The rest of the meal followed suit: a lot of boring dishes. When dishes rely heavily on the mixing of a couple ingredients they need to be fresh and quality, or else they lack flavor. With the prices being on the higher side I expected some quality here, but I just didn't find it.
Maybe I'll return here one day and try some other dishes. Maybe I just caught them on an off day. At least I hope so. -
Review from Jay M.
Santa Monica, CA
4/26/2011
I love middle eastern food and this place is great! Excellent chicken kebabs, tabouli is great, humus perfect. I would eat here everyday if I lived in pasadena!
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Review from Ron B.
San Gabriel, CA
1/31/2010
Was here for dinner!
Apparently must of been a bad night, as the place was virtually empty for the time I spent there!
Well, I am not sure who is reviewing this place, the Armenian Church across the street, cousins, or friends~ but I differ as to value, quality of food, taste, and value!
So to start, parking on Colorado, I entered to a dreary, poor ambiance, with poor-man's taste for decor!
Nothing caught my eye!
Now to the food: Kabobs @ $ 14.75........
So the appetisers were so limited, served in a visually bad drab look, and humus- awful!
Appetisers eatable, mostly so-so, the cabbage salad tasted so bad, I could not eat it!
My comparison is Burger Continental~ good appetisers, ambiance, activity, and a large menu! Included with a meal is the complete salad bar~ with 'good' appetisers and salads, and soup!
So, for the overcooked kabobs at Sahara with good taste..
With little else for $15/ I defer this place and will never eat there again!
Attitudes of employees: -3
Parking- 2
Decor- -1
Value- 1
taste- 2 -
Review from Joey R.
Los Angeles, CA
6/24/2009
When you have a craving for some middle eastern food this is the spot in Pasadena. My friend Nora took me here after a haircut and I ate more food than I ever should and still wanted to eat more and more.
The staff was super friendly and the place has a very homely feel to it. I had a meat combo plate which came with some chicken and beef kabobs. The cabbage salad is fantastic and tabbouleh was made fresh! If you have some hesitations about middle eastern food this is the place to step out of your boundaries and stuff your face. The staff would be glad to assist your taste buds into eating the food for your liking. Parking is pretty easy as they have a nice lot behind the building. -
Review from Rob Y.
Pasadena, CA
10/18/2009 2 photos
I just came back from this place a couple of hours ago. I had a pretty good experience here. Thankfully I got there before they closed at 9pm. I had the Kufte appetizer (see pic!) and that was hot and tasty! The cabbage salad wasn't my thing. I like cole slaw better, but hey perhaps you guys might like it. I had the Lamb kabob and that was very good. My wife had the Koobideh (ground beef and lamb) and that was good too!
Overall, I thought that this place's kabobs were not as greasy as others and perhaps not as heavy. I briefly spoke with the waiter and he said that mostly locals frequent this place. He also indicated that I should try the Shawerma that is served at lunchtime. He says that it goes quick!
I walked out paying about $40 for 2 people and I will definitely be coming back. -
Review from David L.
La Habra, CA
1/12/2010
I decided to come here and give it a try since I'm a fan of Zankou Chicken. My first impression wasn't all that great. I was the first and only person at the register to place my order but the cashier was on the phone. I think he might be one of the 2 brothers that runs the place but he didn't seem to care there's a customer waiting to place an order. He was really engrossed in his conversation as he was laughing and having a great time. After 5 minutes or so, an old man by the Kabob area walked over (probably his dad) and was nice enough to take my order.
Now to the food. We ordered the chicken kabob plate and beef kabob plate. I have to say the food is pretty good. I would give the food 4 stars and the service -1 star.
