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Mon-Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Okay, so I'm not sure if they've switched owners or what, but the menu online is VERY different than the menu you get in the restaurant. I came because online all the main kebab dishes were $11-12 and come with veggie skewers, rice, and two sides. They also featured a chicken tikka masala skewer that sounded really interesting.....so imagine my surprise when we get to the menu and most dishes are in the $15-17 range (with no sides other than rice) and the waiter gives me a blank stare when I ask for the tikka masala.
Instead of making a break for it and running over to Big Joe's across the street (who, by their awning, has the No. 1 hamburger in the West, who woulda thunk?), we decided to stay and give it a shot despite being the restaurant's only customers. I have to say, the food was surprisingly very good. The rice was a bit dry but all the meat (lamb, chicken, beef) was cooked quite well and tasted very flavorful. The pita bread they serve with the dish was lightly toasted, just the way I like it!
If the meal's prices were the same as what is offered on their website, they'd have a better shot at getting five stars. As it stands, the food is good but a bit pricey considering the locale and decor.
I came here with my lady for a late lunch on a weekday.
I encountered what some other reviewers spoke of, the waitress chatting away with people who seemed to be friends or relations. I don't think the service was terrible though, there was good enough attention to refills of water. I tend to easily pound back 3-4 glasses of water at a meal, so her coming by several times to refill was attentive enough.
The ordering was a bit slow though, since we were the only people in the restaurant that was customers before another group came in.
We ordered falafel for an appetizer. My lady had the lamb kebab wrap and I had the mixed BBQ platter. The falafel was standard, and pretty good. I enjoyed it.
My mixed BBQ plate probably could leave a little to be desired. While it was delicious, I definitely know what some other Yelpers said about it not being a 'knock out' delicious meal. Believe me, it was good but I have had some better Middle Eastern food before. This is right around average to my taste. Finding a good Middle Eastern place is tough though so I probably would come back if I get the craving. My lady's wrap was delicious enough, but a bit overpriced.
Altogether, It was probably a three-star experience.
These guys have a booth at our Saturday Farmer's market on Piedmont (and the nicest guy works there). They make these pita chips with lemon that are SO good I could eat the whole $4 bag. I also have gotten, three weeks in a row now, their hummus with harissa and black beans. Even my husband, a notorious hummus-hater, likes this mildly spicy smooth blend.
Last Saturday I got a sample of the calamatas marinated in garlic- I will be back next week for more of that !!
Everything is $4, so it's kinda steep for a farmer's market but I don't mind because it's a great healthy dinner on a hot night with some fresh veggies and a glass of cold wine.
I will have to check the restaurant out, if it's anything like the food I get these past weekends it won't disappoint. Nice work :)
I went here several times and I love their Kibbeh/Kofte, the best I've tasted so far.
I've sampled everything in their menu and I have nothing to complain, everything is delicious!
The workers in the restaurant are all friendly and attentive.
It is only a full star because of the free piece of baklava. Otherwise, if yelp allowed half stars, it would get only a 1/2 star.
We walk in and the hostess was chatting away with a customer; in fact, he is the only customer. After a couple of minutes of awkward standing, she finally looks up and asks us if we're eating in. She ushers us to a table, we sit down with the menus, and she walks away. She continues to socialize with the above customer and even walks out of the restaurant for a bit. We wait five minutes before she finally saunters over to the table. We get our drink ORDER and after a few questions, she realizes that since it is 5:04 PM, she gave us the wrong menu since they stop serving lunch at 5 PM. And btw, they have run out of schwarma. . . wow, dinner service has not even started yet and they run out of a staple protein. She gives us the new menu and leaves and does not return for another 10 minutes. . . all the while, there are still no drinks.
Aside from the annoying number of flies, there were no other customers in the restaurants. Instead, there are 3-4 people who come in and appear to be related to the hostess as she is happily chatting away with them. . . while we are waiting. . .
We finally order and we wait another 20 minutes. But we did get our drinks and dishes. . . but my water came with unknown floaties and my plate had unknown dried food bits on it. Omfg.
So the actual food, the food people rave about. . . totally disappointing and lackluster. The falafels had no flavor -- they looked great but did not have any seasonings or salt. The meat dumpling app was filled with dried meat. Our main dish included the meat kuftas (which were greasy, gamey, and lacked any true flavor), seasoned rice (good flavor, but so greasy!), and limp vegetables that didn't deserve to be a side dish but rather an afterthought.
Between the pathetic service, the dirty environment, and the completely lackluster food, I am in complete awe that people would recommend this joint or make a return visit.
Changing my rating to 3 stars because of owner's email of apology.
He seems like a nice guy who takes the business seriously.
I hope he can turn things around, and because of his email I may be back to give it a 2nd chance.
Friendly service but food was just ok.
What was really weird was that we were there on a prime dinner time and it was just us and 2 other ppl in this place. Based on how good of a rating this place received on yelp I was expected this place to be packed. There were more ppl working there than ppl dinning, not a good sign.
Sajj is some solid eats.
I used to live in the neighborhood where Sajj is located, and watched it under construction until it became fully operational in its current storefront. I dig me some kabobs and such, but for some reason or another, never made it over until my last night in San Bruno before moving...
I rolled up at around 6, and the place was basically empty. Not a great sign, I figured, but what the hell, it was now or never. having packed all day on an empty stomach, I decided to live large and ordered the mixed grill platter. A couple on a date followed shortly, so I quit sweatin' and just figured I was hella early (true).
As I waited for my food, the owner strolled in and exchanged a few words with me, he was an agreeable dude.
The meats were good-- succulent, flavorful, well spiced. There was a bit much rice for my taste (you could have fed an army with it) and it was a little dry, but that's how rice just is, sometime. Not the worst. The roast vegetables were delicious, done with some tangy lemon-based marinade, and I wanted about twice as many as I got. The iced-tea is not to miss (clearly brewed with both panache and high quality ingredients).
The owner, it turns out, runs the market next door, and was back-and-forth during my meal-- when he rang me up to go, he insisted that I take some baklava for free, trying to explain why a white-boy like me should try it. I've had my share of baklava though, and was already full to bursting, so regretfully I passed. We exchanged some pleasantries out front, talking about the neighborhood, business, etc, and he said that most of his customers came from yelp. I said I'd pass the word on.
Regrettably, I waited too long to sample the food here, but I can make a solid recommendation for Sajj-- enjoy this place for me.
My second time returning to this restaurant, this time I came here with two of my friends. My first time was with my two Arabic friends that highly recommended this place. The last time I went back, before this time, they were closed for remodeling. I think they even changed owner because the sign above the door says "Hanjal". Hmmm..
Anyhow, back to the food. Learning from my pass experience, we ordered just enough for us so that we don't have to waste food. We ordered the meat (BBQ chicken tikka, beef kebab, lamb kafta-meatball) combo which comes with basmati rice, the veggie (hummus, baba ganooj, tabbouleh, falafel, and dalmus) combo, and a side of beef kibbeh-football-shape fried bulgur.
Everything was done to perfection. All the grilled and fried items were cooked just perfect, not dry at all. The tabbouleh and dips are very flavorful. We had just the perfect amount of food and were very satisfied.
The lacking star however was the speed of service. We came in just before noon with another table of two. We were basically ignored for at least 5 minutes. The table of two took off, but we stayed because I'm determined to eat their food. I didn't mind it this time since I had great company and we were too engaged with our excitement of catching up.
I'll definitely go back for the food only.
This place was so good I actually went here for lunch 2 days in a row. And I work 15 minutes away from here.
The grilled meat was amazing. Reminds me a little of my trip to Turkey.
The hummus is totally amazing, and they have other veggie stuff as well. SO not for meat -eaters only!
I'm always leery when I walk into a place and it's empty, especially when it's 7PM on a Friday. And I was the *only* one there.
Service was pretty good, if very casual, and the food was only okay. I got the lamb kabob and some of it was pretty tasty, but some of it was really fatty. And not in the delicious sense, in the "What the hell am I chewing?" sense. The real shock came when the bill came. I'm okay with cheap if not especially delicious ethnic food (I survive on it when drunk), but this was fairly expensive for pretty middlin' food.
It was worth coming if you haven't been in the neighborhood before, though. There's a ton of places I want to check out next time I'm down that way.
Went here for "brunch" yesterday. Kudos to the mom who gave up her recipes for all this delicious food! We started with the hummus and ful. The hummus here is amazing. Such a luscious and velvety texture! The ful were so tasty. Tried the mixed grill too. The kebab, lamb and chicken were cooked to perfection, the wood grill makes a big difference in flavor.
This place has a good vibe. The service is great! They take really good care of you here. It was worth every penny and minute spent. I will definitely go back again and again!
I should seriously yell at my cousin for introducing me to this place. Since my first visit I've tried the Lamb Shawerma plate...it was Shawerma, not Sharewa as I had mentioned in my previous review.
The lamb shawerma plate isn't as good as the chicken one. I totally LOVE the chicken shawerma plate and can probably eat it everyday! LoL....
I really like the Hummus B'lahmeh (I think that's what it's called)...the hummus with the lamb on top and pita bread. Yummmmmm!!!!!! The falafel's are really great, too!
I think I'm gonna go there again tonight. haha....my mouth is already salivating at the thought of it. I feel like Pavlov's Dogs now. It's quite sad. Hahaha....
Mmmm......the chicken sharewa plate was yummerific!!!
If you like hummus and lamb, order the hummus…
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We ordered take out one weekend from this place. It seems like they San Bruno Avenue is trying to clean itself up a bit. I've noticed some new paint and new signs. The manager was really nice and almost turned us away because his server didn't show up that day and he had a huge order to deliver. When we told him we were there for take out he was able to accommodate us.
We asked for recommendations and decided on the Kibbeh and the Kebab Platter to share. Everything was really good. The meats were spiced perfectly. I'm usually not a fan of lamb but I thought I'd try it since our dish came with one lamb, one beef and one chicken kebab. It was tasty and not as strong as I thought it would be. I would like to go back and try some of their other dishes like the tikka masala.
I came here for dinner last night with a friend, and we had: kefta kebabs (me), beef kebabs (her), and falafels (both).
All in all, I would say that the prices were a bit steep here, totaling $36 for the two of us, so I'm not sure I'd go back.
the SERVICE
they were nice, but the one guy was very unattentive. it took a while to flag him down for our check, and there were only two tables in there. (plus the other table seemed to have people who worked there too, eating so the guy was just waiting on us)
the FOOD
so here's my dilemma. i'm from the south bay and like places like Falafel Drive In and House of Falafel. i haven't grown up eating this stuff at home, so i dont know what's really authentic...but: i thought the falafels were good. they were crispy, and had a nice little kick to them. the sauce they were served with seemed to taste like ranch to me, so i was less enthused. the pita was good - warm and slightly toasted!
the platters were ok. i usually get kefta kebabs wherever i go (for the lamb and beef mix, mm) and these kebabs felt like they were way overseasoned with parsley...but they were tender and juicy. it could be personal choice though. the beef was also tender and juicy... the rice lacked flavor proportional to its color and greasiness.
Sajj offers truly unparalleled cuisine from beginning to end. It all begins with knowledgeable staff who believe in the value of offering the best possible ingredients available. Following strict Halaal standards, the meat is never frozen. You may think it doesn't affect the taste or texture, but you would be incorrect.
The service was friendly and unrushed (which is fortunate because food like this isn't created fast food style). Enjoy the Arabian tea while waiting for your meal to arrive, and whatever you do, don't pass up the kibbeh. They're moist and flavorful, and make an awesome starter. The chicken kebobs are quite honestly the best I've ever eaten, as is the lamb kafta. It's simple, really. Take the best ingredients, apply the oldest cooking method known to man and there's the magic.
I'm truly a fan.
We came late on a Tuesday after a 9pm dash to Sears. The restaurant had just closed, and all the diners had left, but the host told us to sit down and he'd keep the place open for us. Lovely!
The rest of the service was just as warm, friendly, and attentive. We were given a free dessert (yes, thanks) and when the host had to leave to get back to his family (at around an hour after closing), he suggested that we stay as long as we wanted while other workers cleaned up.
As others have noticed, the food was a little more pricey than I'd have hoped for. But it's delicious, and plentiful. We didn't try anything from the BBQ (which I think disappointed the host a bit), but my lamb schwerma was fantastic - moist and delicious in the grilled pita. My husband ate every last bit of his shakshouka (a vegetarian scramble of tomatoes, eggs, feta, and other assorted tidbits). For a grill, it's totally vegetarian-friendly.
We don't live anywhere near San Bruno, so we probably won't be coming back as soon as I'd like. But the next time there's a Sears run, or a dinner-time SFO pickup -- we're there.
Wowser!
This place is just great!
I had the mixed grilled combo (wood fire grilled kabobs of chicken, lamb, and ground lamb served with grilled veggies and herb rice), the Baba Ganoosh, the hot sweet yogurt drink with chopped nuts and cinnamon on top and the rice pudding for desert.
Unbelievable good!
The kabobs are just as good as Afghan Kabul House in San Carlos, if not better!
I also love the thick homemade pita bread they serve with the food.
Prices are very reasonable for what you get!
The server did an excellent job too!
I can't say enough about his great service!
It can take some time since it's real wood BBQ to cook the meats, but I always say you rush a good thing! Just order a nice drink while you wait!
Try this place and you won't regret it!
P.S. There is no Ganoosh like Baba Ganoosh!
We come here once in a while because their food prices are really expensive. BUT their food taste great.
For appetizer, you get baba ghanoush, hummus, and a bread.
For entree, my best plate is the mixed grill - chicken, kefta, and beef. It comes with rice and grilled veggies.
I noticed that their plate used to be oblong wide plate and now, there plate is oval and smaller. Price was also cheaper by $2. Mixed plate used to be around $19-$22 and now, the most expensive one is #17.
They don't have a wide selection of sodas and their coffee is no longer served near the desserts but inside. That's too bad!
This place used to have a wide selection of desserts too, but I came here yesterday and they don't have that much. Maybe I came in a wrong day?
Anywayz, not only their food tasted great but it is 100% halal. Friendly and superb customer service too!
I would recommend this place.
Just ate there for a "47" lunch and it was AWESOME! I got the grape leaf veggie wraps (I wasn't super hungry) and they were delicious. Kind of like dolmas (or the exact same thing, whatever) and incredible. Warm, which I wasn't used to, and so so yummy. Good for a vegetarian, for sure.
What topped it all off was that our waiter asked if I was finished, which I was, and then brought me a plate of food FOR FREE! It was a little mix of hummus, falafel, and a little pastry of dough filled with spinach. So sweet, and it was so good! I think he might have felt bad for me because I finished my food before everyone else, but whatever it was I was very pleased! Reasonably priced ($50 bill for 5 people) to top it off!
I've been here twice now for lunch with the boyfriend, and I'd give their food a 3.5. We both love Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine, so naturally I started Yelping to find what kind of choices we had in the Peninsula. Sajj popped up in my search results and we decided to venture out into San Bruno to find this place that fellow Yelpers were raving about.
LOCATION: First of all, a little difficult to find because they no longer have a sign. We kept driving up and down the street, until we decided to just park and search on foot. We noticed a place that just had a banner with HALAL written on it, and when we went to inspect the menus taped to the windows, we discovered that this place was the elusive Sajj. Later, while talking to one of the managers of the place, we found out that they are in "stealth mode" (I didn't know restaurants were such covert operations) because they're not sure which direction they want to they with the restaurant.
FOOD: Pretty NOM. I really liked it, but the portions aren't huge and I'm a girl with a healthy appetite. We've tried the following:
-Ful Mudammas, an almost bean soup-like appetizer, that went well with the sliced pita breads
-Falafel Sandwich, which has pickles in it, so if you don't like pickles, let them know when you order. I do love their falafels though, they're perfectly crisped and possibly the greenest falafels I've ever seen.
-Chicken Kebab Platter, which didn't really keep me full. They chicken was very juicy and tender though, not dry at all. I would've liked it to have a little more flavor though, but perhaps that's a result of having eaten the majority of my meals in the past year with my boyfriend, whose collection of spices might challenge the product line of McCormick's.
-Chicken Shawarma Salad, which might be the biggest thing they serve here. Lots of veggies with a light citrus-y vinaigrette.
SERVICE: There's usually just one waiter and one cook, so the food comes out a little slowly even though it's really never crowded. We've had a different waiter each time we've been here, and they've both been very friendly and helpful though in recommending dishes.
So why only 3 stars overall? I'm one of those diners who drink a LOT of water, and I mean A LOT (we're talking like at least 3 or 4 glasses in one sitting), so attentiveness with the water is very important to me (and yes, I realize that this makes me somewhat of a weirdo). I had to steal my boyfriend's water to keep my thirst satisfied because our waiter didn't refill my water glass even once :(. Also, the first time I ate here, I went to the bathroom and there was no toilet paper. I had to pull a MacGyver and fashion something out of toilet seat covers. It was not pleasant.
What a great find, thanks again to yelp! Located on a charming old town several block stretch of San Bruno, Sajj offered delicious food, friendly service and reasonable prices. We shared the hummous, which was slightly spicy, then the fatoush salad which was beautifully dressed in a light balsamic vinegar dressing. The salad had fried pita chips, tasty little morsels I've never had before. The only downside was the shwarma plate, which was very skimpy on the actual shwarma. Could have been that by the end of the day, they were down to the end of the meat, and just piled on some shavings.
Went for the first time last night, party of 4, ages 80+ to 20. This was one of the best meals ever! The falafels, which I usually don't like were so tasty and tender inside, full of flavor and not totally dry and crumbly. The lamb was the most tender meat no fat at all, the chicken was perfectly cooked without a hint of dryness and best of all nothing was over salted. The baklava is handmade and more nutty than sticky sweet. I have eaten it for years, home made too, but this was the best. We were all so impressed with both the food and service that we will be returning for sure! A bit hard to find as stated, the sign is small but it is next to the middle eastern market.
Great food at this place, plenty of parking available, best shawermas around and the Ful Muddammas is to die for.
My only negative comment is that the waitress there is not very attentive. She seems very friendly but tends to talk to her friends/relatives more than focusing on the patrons (on one occassion she dissappeared for about 20 mins and forgot that I had placed a second order.. i had to go to the chef at the back to get it myself).
i also docked one star because their LAmb Shawerma (in my opinion one of the best tasting items on the menu) is NOT offered in the Dinner menu??? Back in the middle east shawermas are a dinner staple, so it baffles me that they only sell it at lunch.
OVerall Sajj is a great place, freindly laid back atmosphere, just need a few minor improvements mentioned above.
We stopped here for a pre-flight dinner and were very pleased. For starters, the decor was beautiful. And the staff was attentive and friendly, from the second we walked in the door. We had the chicken shawarma plate, hummus and house bread/pita and it was all delicious!
Owned by the same person as Besans Market, this restaurant can easily put your Middle Eastern food cravings to rest. Yummy BBQ meats and a CLEAN kitchen and dinning area put your stomach and mind at easy. Beautifully decorated seating area, big portions what else could ya ask for. I will say there is one draw back, and that is you need to be patient. It's REAL BBQ so don't expect lightning speed service, but then again shouldn't real food take a while to cook! I am super picky about the Arabic Food that I eat, it's not easy when you come from a long line of great cooks, so when I say Sajj is good then it is Good!
I hope that the owner keeps the Restaurant running the same exact way it is now and doesn't try to change anything. Maybe though some richer deserts would be nice. Kanafa?
For the Bay Area's best Labneh and Shawarma, go to Sajj. They will invigorate you with the strength of a thousand suns.
Make sure to call ahead for a table. This place can get packed during the week.
On the last day we were in San Francisco after living here 3 years we find this place. The hummus was spot on and the pita might have been home made. The chicken and lamb was great! We had our 1 year old boy with us and we were able to let him run around and it was very family friendly.
I usually use Yelp only to find reviews. This place made me want to start an account just to give it it's well deserved 5 stars.
A couple of coworkers and I came in for lunch. Everything was very fresh and tasty. We started off with some bread and baba ganooj. Then we each had the mixed grill; chicken, beef, and lamb. This is probably the best middle eastern food I've ever had.
Service was great and the atmosphere is nice. I've recommended this place to a couple friends since and they've said the food is extraordinary. Our company now orders from them occasionally!
--- Sajj is only open from 7:30 to 8:30 till October 2. They offer a different buffet each evening. They won't offer a la carte again till after Ramadan --
Spending a lot of time eating on San Mateo Ave, I was very happy to discover this new addition to The Avenue. While the dishes and restaurant feel similar to middle eastern and casual Mediterranean restaurants in the Bay Area, Sajj stood as as better than most.
The Lebanese owner was very friendly and very helpful in recommending dishes, and was kind enough to proudly provide the free falafel and hummus we said we didn't have the hunger to add to our order but that he thought so highly of. My girlfriend ordered the lamb shawarma ($7) and I ordered the laban ($4) yogurt side. The shawarma had a distinctive blend of spices with more mint than I was used to and a flavor reminiscent of nutmeg. It was a well balanced combination of flavors that made it stand out amongst other shawarmas I've had. My laban was a tangy yogurt and also well seasoned with a splash of olive oil accompanied by a great bread. The falafel was also better than most I've had, with a slightly barley -like consistency.
I'm sure I'll be back a bunch more times with more updates.
Man I left town for 2 weeks on vacation and look what popped up while I was gone.
Its a really lovely place and I happened to walk by just before lunch. I was offered Turkish coffee which was delicious....and ordered a chicken shawarma pita. Very Yummy.
They do organic Halal meats and its owners have run the Middle Eastern market next door for some time.
Its a great addition to the Avenue.
Great restaurant! the food was delicious.
we ordered the meat combo plate and the presentation and taste were excellent. someone in the kitchen knows what they are doing and it shows.
can wait to try the other dishes
This review is going to be short... Just take a look at the photos i took of their Combo plate. All that food for only $16! It was very good and i ended up bring some back home. The Lamb was the best I thought. Also the place is Hala (the owner is the same as the Middle East Meat/Food place next door) which is rare in the San Mateo area. But this place is not getting 5 stars for just being Hala, it gets 5 star because of the food. That Combo plate blew me out of the water.
Also the Coffee is great as they have Turkish coffee which is very good.
Just had to review Sajj again. Took a friend for dinner and he was suitably impressed with the flavors of the food. We are just in love with the owner and the staff. They excel with hospitality you rarely see anymore. Had the hummus this time...excellent! They are still working out a few kinks as they are a new establishment, so hang in there...it's worth it! Also discovered the recipes are based on Jordanese cooking with a Lebanese influence (in case any other Mediterranean foodies out there were wondering). ENJOY!
I am thrilled to give this establishment 5 stars...they deserve it. The atmosphere was… Read more »
let me set the mood....
a bunch of hungry guys who just finished playing 3 hours of basketball are on the hunt for some good hearty food...then...someone suggested sajj
there is definitely something very special about this place...its small, homely, and food is amazing!!
so we sat down and starting ordering everything on the menu...grilled chicken, lamb, kufta, chawerma, baba ganoush tabouleh...we had the epitome of a "mezza" and set it up kinda family style with a mixed grill and all the sides.
I'm lucky because i got to try soo many tasty things... what really caught my attention was the lamb chawerma...i even had to ask the waiter what made it soo good. he mentioned that they use fresh, never frozen meat and season it with imported spices. probably the best lamb chawerma i have tasted outside of the middle east. is tasty, very tender, and seasoned to perfection. The tabbouleh was also amazing...fresh, finely chopped parsley, and it Wasn't soggy, which is impressive. it means he mixes it per order and its not sitting in a cooler all day soaking in lemon juice and olive oil. huge difference, you have to try it and you will notice it.
The baba ganoush also had a wonderful smokey flavor, must be from the wood burning grill he uses to roast the eggplant. Not to mention the grilled chicken, lamb and kufta were also very tasty...
he also serves an unusual bread...its a thick hearty pita/foccacia that compliments the food perfectly.
i will definitely go back! and recommend this place to anyone who is looking for great / healthy / FRESH middle eastern food.
Saj Restaurant is one of the cleanest. Being Middle Eastern the food as good as home made food. All products are made fresh and from good quality. I always bring my American friends and they loved it. The Kobos, Kofta, and Shawerma is so tasty. Order the plate comes with Baba Ghanouj and Homous.Falafel is so tasty, sause is fresh and tasty. I have been in other Middle Eastern restaurants which the serve you Tahini Sauce preped a day in advance. Try Knafeh and Baklava so good.
Thanks for the manager and the employes for excellent service and caring.
Phenomenal food! Not normally a fan of middle eastern cuisine... that is until i ate here at Sajj. Food is downright amazing. Apparently they have the only wood burning grill in northern california... which i don't understand because the flavor and tenderness of the meats is extraordinary. Service was great, and i'll be sure to be back - the lamb kebabs will be a staple in my diet going forward.
sajj middle eastern....interiors clean and nothing fancy....although would recommend replacement of drab tables...possible tablecloth cover?....counter or table order....pitcher of water and glasses all around....slow to take order, but sincere nevertheless....kebab platters and sandwiches all around ordered...
falefel starter tasting ($4.95) and seasoned well....although bit overcooked outer "skin"....along with sliced pita bread wedges basket...following stickless kafta kebab platters of enormous porportion and rectangular platter presentation fine....choice of single (menu pricing), double ($15.95) or triple ($18.95) kebab platters....complimentary tasty basmati rice and seasoned vegetables....double choice sides from lebanese salad, fries, hummus or baba ghanough....
one day....single kebab platter hefty enough to fill man...platters fine and dandy, but the bargain meal being kebab sandwiches....big pita filled sandwich...full-size beef kafta kebab stuffing....over a foot long of pure kebab bbq goodness too big for even enormous pita bread breading....refreshing yogurt dressing with plenty veggies fixings....perfect lunch or dinner...filling and tasty for $7.95 to $8.95...worth every penny delicious...
next day..same price...portions less than half the size....sloppy presentation.....just not the same marvelous experience as before.....felt extremely confused by inconsistency in portion and presentation...
Kabobs and kefta (lamb, chicken) goat on Fridays and Saturdays. Hummus and baba ganoush are delicious. Great basmati rice served with the dishes. Vegetarian dishes e.g., falafel. Friendly service, but kebabs take 15 minutes plus to be served.
I liked this restaurant!!! Service was good. The waitress put up with my party of loud obnoxious young adults but still acts like prepubescent teenage boys and even gave us a falafel on the house. We ordered the chicken schwarma but they ran out of that type of chicken so they replaced it with chicken kabobs. It was bbqed to perfection. Very tender. Don't believe whats on the menu because thats not really what your're getting. They changed the meals but they dont really tell you and whatever it seds on the menu is incorrect. I ended up ordering an extra 2 salads because the menu seds u get to pick the 2 sides. but you really don't! they just give u salad and hummus anyways. well that wuz ok. they gave us falafel on the house. i really didn't think they're salad was very good. it was either too oniony or bland. I've definitely had better. However they're hummus, falafel, pita, chicken was great. and also the prices are awesome. We ordered 2 salads, 5 chicken schwarmas, 3 sides of fries + hummus and pita on the house and a falafel on the house for $50. El cheapo!!
I didn't think that they're portions were THATT big but it might just be because i am a big eater and i need to go to group therapy for a compulsive eating disorder.
I am definitely going to come back!!
The food was pretty good at Sajj. It has a really simple/spartan dining room - there are only a handful of tables with a really hard wooden bench along one side of the room.
My biggest complaint is that we went to check out the restaurant in mid-December and it was so unpleasantly cold that we decided to get take out and eat our food in the car before heading to a movie. Service was pretty good, but we had to remind them to include pita bread along with the baba ghanoush so that we could actually eat it.
UPDATE:
I received a message from the owner saying that the restaurant is new, they didn't realize the heater wasn't working, and they are buying electric heaters until the problem is fixed. Changing my rating from 3 to 4 stars (assuming that the heat issue actually gets fixed).
San Bruno, CA
Category: Russian
San Bruno, CA
Category: Grocery
San Bruno, CA
Category: Restaurants
San Bruno, CA
Category: Italian
San Mateo, CA
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