Amazing food; all of the dishes were seasoned perfectly and presented really well. The lamb chops were amazingly tasty as was the hummus (some of the best I've had anywhere) and other sides. The service was attentive and warm. This will be a regular spot for us! read more

Reef Zaman is a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds as well...what great ambience! The owner Bakr is a super nice, kind and generous man who welcomes you with a super warm smile and makes you feel like an honored guest. Service was attentive, the food very delicious, their flame grilled meats are a must try most especially the salmon and the exquisite lamb chops yummmm. We will most definitely be going back with family and friends to enjoy an incredible experience at this very beautiful restaurant. Oh they also have traditional Arabic seating exquisitely designed makes you feel like a pampered Prince. Very highly recommend read more

I visited Reef Zaman in Redwood City with a friend and unfortunately left very disappointed. I came in with high expectations, hoping for something original and a new Mediterranean experience in the area, but it felt like very little effort was made to create something different. The menu is identical to local favorite MAZRA in downtown -- living in Redwood City, I was really hoping this would bring something new since we already have so many Mediterranean restaurants in the area. The service was also disappointing. We waited nearly 25-30 minutes just to receive our appetizers, which made the experience feel even more frustrating. The lamb chops we ordered were undercooked and not prepared the way we expected. Overall, I was hoping for a unique restaurant with its memorable food, but unfortunately the experience did not meet expectations. read more

This evening I finally had the opportunity to visit Reef Zaman in Redwood City, formerly the Sizzler location. Let me start by saying they're only in their second week and are still in a soft opening, so I view this first visit more as an opportunity to highlight both the wins and the areas that can be refined. First, the remodel was done with great taste. The restaurant feels spacious, modern, and very inviting. It will be interesting to see how the acoustics hold up once the dining room is full, but my first impression was very positive. The staff was also attentive, friendly, and eager to make sure we had a good experience. Now, on to the food. The standouts for me were the falafel, hummus, chicken kabab, and beef kabab. Each was flavorful, well-prepared, and definitely worth ordering again. The only dish that missed the mark was the lamb kabab. The texture was a bit powdery and dry, which usually suggests it was simply overcooked. Unfortunately, it lacked the rich flavor I was expecting. Another opportunity is the water service. The water had a noticeable plastic taste, which makes sense since each table had a new plastic carafe that appeared to have been filled in advance. Hopefully, after the carafes have been used and washed a few more times, that taste will disappear. The last observation has to do with the utensils. They certainly look elegant, and I appreciate the modern aesthetic the owners were going for. However, the fork and knife have thick, round cylindrical handles and feel unusually top-heavy. I found myself having to grip them more tightly to keep them from rotating in my hand, making them a little awkward to use. Overall, we genuinely enjoyed our evening and are excited to have Reef Zaman join Redwood City's dining scene. Opening a new restaurant is no small feat, and every new establishment goes through a learning curve. Based on what we experienced tonight, I have every confidence that once they work through these early growing pains, Reef Zaman has all the ingredients to become one of Redwood City's go-to restaurants. Congratulations to the owners and staff, and I look forward to returning in the near future. read more

Soft opening over the weekend. Jordanian middle eastern cuisine. Typical kabobs ,hummus baba ganoosh dishes with saffron rice. Nice remodel from the Sizzler. They comped me for showing up yesterday as they told me Sat that they would be open Sun. Easy parking and spacious setting Haven't seen the full menu yet ,so will review later on after they get things together. read more

I was very impressed with my first visit to Reef Zaman! I ordered the Double Kabob Plate with lamb and chicken, and it was absolute perfection. The meat was incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor. I chose the tabbouleh salad and garlic potatoes as my sides, and both were fresh, delicious, and paired perfectly with the meal. To drink, I had the strawberry lemonade, which was refreshing and the perfect complement to everything. The interior ambiance is classy, elegant, and relaxing, making it a wonderful place to enjoy a meal. The service was outstanding as well. My waitress, Noor, made me feel genuinely welcomed from the moment I arrived and checked on me often to make sure everything was perfect. If you're looking for fresh, authentic, and delicious Mediterranean food in a beautiful setting with exceptional service, I highly recommend Reef Zaman in Redwood City! I can't wait to come back! read more

Reef Zaman - Outside - Arabic Near Me - Redwood City, California

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For a new restaurant. The food is excellent and the prices are reasonable. The ambience is nice and the service is great.

I had an amazing experience here! I booked a table at 6:00 PM, and from the moment we arrived, everything was outstanding. The food was delicious, the service was exceptional, and the overall atmosphere made the evening truly special. Baker was incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful. He and his team went above and beyond by organizing a birthday celebration with music and a wonderful atmosphere for my friend, which made the night unforgettable. Our waitress, Sara, was also fantastic friendly, attentive, and professional throughout the entire dinner. Highly recommended! I'll definitely be coming back read more

My wife and I stopped to check this place after there soft opening, from the minute we walked in we were very welcomed from the staff and tbe place is very clean and they did a nice job remembering it . my wife ordered the lamb and chicken plate with hummus and tabbula as sides that came with it fresh baked pita bread which it was very good and fresh . The lamb and chicken was very delicious and tasty. I ordered the salmon plate with baba khanooj and house olives . The salmon was grilled and cooked just right . We will definitely will come back soon . read more

The staff was super friendly and inviting!! The chicken and beef shawarma bites and basmati rice was very tasty!! Will definitely be back, the next time we visit Kaiser across the street. read more

The restaurant looks amazing - absolutely beautiful inside! The food was great! We were happy with the flavors and platefuls! The food made up for the lack of hospitality from the staff. No one was standing at the front door to greet us when we entered. When the hostess did come over, she didn't smile or say much and sat us at an awkward table. We were looking forward to the raspberry lemonade but it was very thick and too minty. The staff person who prepared and served the drink was not smiling or friendly and didn't seem to speak any English - which is totally okay - but it was awkward even just trying to thank her for serving us. Some extra training for staff will go a long way! We were eager to try this new restaurant and hope it does well! Overall, we recommend to others. We will definitely be back! read more

What a fantastic experience! A surprise encounter at this new restaurant capped my day with a perfect ending. From the outside, Reef Zaman beckons alluringly with promises of an elevated, posh, and comfortable dining experience away from the frustrating traffic and crowds of downtown RWC. Overlooking a creek, surrounded by plentiful parking, and tastefully decorated inside and out, this oasis more than delivered on all its promises! The staff was well trained and seemed familiar with the menu and the space, even though I think it might have been the first day open to the public. Friendly, professional, and competent, everyone seemed to be an expert in their trade/craft, and excited to be there. There were several dining setups to accommodate different preferences: comfortable, low cushioned benches at a low large table (majlis/jalsa/seddari style seating with kilim weave); western-style dining tables with padded chairs; even a beautiful extra long natural wood table for communal seating! The fresh squeeze juices were phenomenal: we had a fresh raspberry juice and a mint lemonade - both stood on their natural fruit flavors, and care had clearly been taken to source and prepare the fruit properly. No over-sweetening: the lemonade was tart and there was a delightful amount of fresh mint leaves incorporated in a smooth, light, refreshing drink. The raspberry was less tart but just as clean and refreshing with its own natural sweetness. We tried their hummus, babaganoush, tabbouleh, and one other fresh chopped salad with a very tangy lemon based dressing (I'm realizing my error in not capturing a pic of the menu). The hummus was the smoothest and most perfectly balanced, gentle-palate, creamy hummus I have ever tried (and I've tried MANY). The babaganoush might have been my number one favorite thing I ate here! The smoke was prevalent as it should be, without overpowering or being acrid; the texture was perfectly balanced mix of creamy and wisps of juicy eggplant peeking through; I don't know how they landed it so well but I am going to order that every chance I get! The tabbouleh was fantastic, a perfect balance of moist bulgur or couscous with fresh chopped vegetables and the perfect lemon olive oil dressing. However, the owner said he's bringing in a Lebanese friend for his recipe which will blow that one out of the water! I'm going to have to try that. The last salad was tasty and tangy, fresh and exciting, but I don't remember the name. Think pico de gallo with radish and cucumber but swap cilantro for parsley! Great to cut the richness of the grilled entrees... We had the chicken shawarma (side), chicken kebab, shrimp kebab, and grilled lamb chops. The entrees came with a gently buttered(?) saffron rice with a hint of sumac - very tasty support/base for the amazing, smoky grilled meats... Their chicken shawarma was quite solid with a satisfying flavor, perfectly cooked. The chicken kebab was SO good, avoiding being dry but having a nice char from the charcoal grill! I loved the seasoning/marinade they used, because it permeated into the chunks of chicken breast, great flavor in every bite! The shrimp were seasoned to excite the palate while letting the perfect texture and clean flavor of the shrimp still shine through. The lamb chops... well. Oh my days, it made me lie back, close my eyes, and sigh to the heavens. It melted in my mouth. They must have sous-vided it or something to make it so incredibly soft! I tried to bat my eyes at the chef to learn his secret ingredient in the seasonings - he says it was love!! I cannot wait to go back with more family and friends to experience these and other delights The Reef Zaman has to offer! read more

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Great ambiance. The manager and his staff are so welcoming and inviting. Probably one of the best Mediterranean and Arabic food I've had even better than Mazra. I plan on coming back with more of my friends and co workers here. read more

Reef Zaman - Arabic Near Me - Redwood City, California

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One of the best Mediterranean meal at Reef Redwood City with beautiful ambience and great service. Owner himself was very professional and respectful.....must eat place!!!! read more

Reef Zaman - Delicious Meal - Arabic Near Me - Redwood City, California

Noticed that they were open yesterday and stopped by to check it out. The entire staff was excellent and comped my togo order. This made my Monday so much better. The kebabs and sharma was delicious including all the sides (salad/hummus/babaganoush/pita bread). To the manager, thank you again for the food. Sizzler used to be at this location but they remodeled the interior and it looks fabulous. I look forward to dining in to try other menu items. read more

Walked by during their soft opening and had salmon plate and did not disappointed. The rice is yummy; well seasoned. The salmon was good too; crispy skin and moist. Hummus has roasted eggplant taste was another great treat. Would definitely come back. read more

I highly recommend Reef Zaman! The staff are incredibly warm and attentive and the food is excellent. I had the raspberry lemonade and chicken shewarma plate and my friend had the mint lemonade and salmon plate and everything was great. The portions are generous. The interiors are really well done - open and bright and beautiful. I can't wait to go back! read more

Fantastic food, wonderful atmosphere and lovely staff. Our server Nur was terrific and all the staff stopped in to make sure we had everything we needed. We sampled what felt like most of the menu and everything was delicious. Will be back! read more

Reef Zaman - Fantastic food - Arabic Near Me - Redwood City, California

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Beautiful dinning area, exceptional service by Sarah And Nur! Food was very delicious and with a vibrant presentation. We will definitely be back for more. read more

A soft opening at a new restaurant in town: Reef Zaman! Generous portions and fabulous food! What a wonderful addition to the city!

New place opened up, decided to try it out. Staff was really friendly. I had the mint lemonade, which was really good, just enough mint flavor. Rice was nice and soft, and the sides were good also. They recommended the baba ganoush which i never had before, but I'm glad I tried it. read more

The food was amazing ! The lamb was tender and wonderfully marinated. The side dishes were so delicious that we couldn't decide which we liked best. My daughter liked the hummus the best. I could not decide between the tabouli or the babaganoosh because they were both so good. The lamb chops were outstanding! The chicken was also good.The restaurant is beautifully furnished and has a special spot for middle eastern seating with a view of the river. We are going back!!! read more

The food was great! Especially the lamb chops, which were very tasty and tender, and the hummus, which may have been the best I've ever had. The service was excellent. The ambience was fresh and clean and we enjoyed our visit very much. read more

Got a coffee and noticed the new Sizzler spot finally got revamped, so I figured I'd give it a shot. Overall, it got the job done, but nothing really stood out. The mint lemonade was a bit too sour for my taste, and the lamb kebab came out on the dry side. The chicken was solid, though. I'll definitely stop by again in a few weeks to see if they're still working through the opening kinks. read more

Amazing! I especially loved the chicken kabob, Arabic salad and yogurt/lime sauce! Everything else I had - lamb, rice, veges, babaganoush, hummus and even the pita bread was very, very good too. Very pleasant environment - with a sense of nature, calm and great service. I'm excited that there's finally an excellent choice for Mediterrean food in the Redwood City area. Looking forward to returning soon! read more