GREAT SERVICE, tasty food, and amazing vibes. Also love the free Palestine stuff

Hands down the best FALAFEL in Orange County! The moment you walk in you are greeted by friendly staff and handed a hot falafel sample. You can taste the fresh ingredients in every bite. I came here just to fulfill my falafel craving and it was worth it. Add a side of garlic sauce to dip. Parking is crowded so I suggest parking in the back and taking the alley walkway to the restaurant. read more

I can't believe I only just tried Sababa because this spot is sooo good!! I'd describe it as a Mediterranean chipotle where you can either build your own bowl or pita. I ordered the chicken bowl and WOW I was blown away by how good it was. All the flavors from the rice, chicken, and different toppings worked so well together. Overall, I'd highly recommend it and can't wait to try more on the menu. The restaurant itself is pretty casual but has a fairly large sitting area. Service is friendly and I was even offered samples! It is located in a strip mall with pretty tight parking, so be prepared for that. read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Chicken bowl - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

The unfortunate thing about success for restaurants is that it makes them mediocre. I've eaten at Dune for years long before the pandemic which was a windfall for them. Since they've become even more popular and more mediocre with less concern for quality and customer service. First the protein portions get smaller and smaller, the prices do not. Condiments like Ambus that use to cost $.50 now cost $2.00. And one thing they must do is improve the security of take out orders by sealing them so they are tamper proof, and ensuring the food stays hot longer, mine is always cold, very cold. Love the place but I may be done for awhile until they improve portion size, improve takeout tamper protection, and find a way to keep the food warmer longer. read more

I began to feel awful for jonesin' some good Falafel. Where in Little Arabia was there to go? Googling Falafel produced Sababa Falafel Shop. (Say that 10 times, eat a cracker and whistle.) The shop was just a hop, skip and jump down the 91. Be advised that parking is a challenge. The Convenience store next door allowed parking for 10 minutes. Not convenient. The Dry Cleaner had spaces for 10 seconds. I can't even open the car door in 10 seconds. The available slots are narrow and best for motorcycles, not cars and trucks. Sababa is a fast casual concept but hold on there, not so fast, Mate, there is always a line out the door so let's make it a slow casual place. No matter, it's all worth the effort. Patience is not optional as the place is a bit of a Mad House. Pickle bits flying and Tomato Cucumber Relish launched while your meal is created before your eyes and yet the place is very clean and appealing. The line will move and you will eventually interact with the phalanx of enthusiastic Servers ready and happy to make your Bowls and Stuff your Pita just the way you want it. Take the free sample Falafel the size of a pregnant Cherry and still warm from the fryer to whet your already needy appetite. Delicious! The Falafel are crisp all around and the center has the consistency of Polenta/Grits inside the crackling crust. The Herbs and Spices tantalize the taste buds and come shining through satisfying the craving that brought you here. Falafel are available in bags of 6 , 12 or you pick a number and the Fry Cooks will make it happen. Soon your Falafel, Prime Rib, Wagyu Beef, or Chicken will be ready to mix into your Bowl or Pita. Sababa takes a page from the Chipotle Model only without the eColi. A dozen containers are set in ice and hold everything you could ask the helpful Condiment Commando for. Three different kinds of thinly sliced Onions (Sumac dusted, Pickled, or a short shower of Lemon Juice) plus Diced Pickles, Two types of Shredded Cabbage, Fresh Chopped Tomatoes and Cucumbers, Chopped Lettuce (hmmm, so far so good), Cucumber Yogurt Sauce (like Raita), Shatta (Hot Sauce), Tahini and a dollop of Hummus. Voila, you're all set to eat a Pita stuffed with stuff exactly the way you've been dreaming about. The Pita is outsourced and better than you'll find in any local market or Bakery in Little Arabia. Half an inch thick, served warm, and the top half sliced in half to allow loading the beast with whatever you've been pointing at behind the glass sneeze shield. The finished product is slipped into a paper bag to minimalize making a mess, (almost). The Pita is the size of a dinner plate but it won't get soggy, disintegrate of suffer from Falafel Fall Apart. The origin of Sababa is to offer the traditional street food that's famous in Palestinian Ramallah. All the Meats are strictly Halal certified by Islamic Authorities and are top quality with no mystery chew. ie; it is authentic. Sure, Trump and Netanyahu can bomb the snot out of every country in the Middle East but wouldn't it be better instead of reloading if Sababa could supply all the warring factions with magnificent fully loaded Pitas. All the nonsense might disappear by desert. Whatever your background, origin, religion, or political philosophy, this is a place of piece. Birkas, Wife Beaters and Crocs, Hajibs, Rib Bibs, all harken the Netherworld Waiting Room in Beetlejuice and all diners are welcome here. Sababa should be the model for how everyone can get along. So get along to Sababa Falafel Shop and make it a regular stop for B, L, & D. read more

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100% the best new restaurant I have been to this year. I have certain criteria that I typically rate a restaurant and Sababa missed one but is still the best place I have been to in a long time. I got a steak bowl and my wife got a chicken bowl and they are both incredible. The food is exactly what I look for in food which is a lot of texture and different elements that all add to a dish and this bowl was incredible. I came here around 5pm on a Saturday and everyone inside was very very nice. Right away they asked if we were new and gave us a sample of their amazing falafels (which was great) and they made sure to walk us through their menu and what typically is ordered. Food came out quick and it looked amazing. The only struggle that I can see is finding parking that is close but we got lucky finding a spot right outside. I recommend anyone coming here and I'm sure you will not be disappointed. read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Menu - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

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Unassuming from the outside, but once you walk in, you realize how much more there is to it. There's ample seating inside, and despite the long lines, they move quickly. The service is warm and friendly. I honestly can't rave about this place enough. The easiest comparison is CAVA, since they have a similar assembly-line ordering style. The ingredients taste fresher and higher quality, there are better vegetable options, the rice is much more flavourful, and overall, it's just a more memorable experience. Don't get me wrong, I love CAVA, and CAVA definitely has Sababa beat when it comes to the sheer number of protein and sauce options. But you can genuinely taste and feel the difference in ingredient quality here. Plus, there's something more satisfying about supporting a local business when the food is this good. And then there's the falafel. I love that they actually let you sample it before ordering, because after trying it, I immediately understood why people rave about this place. It might honestly be the best falafel I've ever had. read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

I live in Rancho Cucamonga, my dad works in Whittier. Every single freaking day, I ask that poor man to drive over to Anaheim and bring me my damn loaded falafel-chicken-fried-eggplant-sandwich. IM ARAB AND NEVER EVEN LIKED FALAFEL. but sababa... you changed me... you showed me, but truth falafel was when all I had ever known was the reheated frozen falafel from my local middle eastern market. I want you to look at the pictures of my review and see the colors. Bro it's literally the entire rainbow in that fresh pita, call me a leprechaun. I literally convinced myself that the entire sandwich (which makes me unbelievably full halfway through) is basically so healthy for me. They also give you samples of the falafel, and that pita bread tastes like it's completely homemade. Not pictured, but I also constantly get the hummus beef bowl, it is quite literally the most delicious of that type of dish I have ever had. They do not skip on the pine nuts it's worth every cent. This of each sandwhich to the brim and it feels like I'm biting into literally every flavor imaginable, but it doesn't feel like mush. It literally tastes like it's made with love and no wonder Sababa is the staple restaurant of Anaheim. I've taken so many friends here introduced him to what I feel is a restaurant that makes everything with love, which lives so much up to the Palestinian culture. I'm so hard to please with Middle Eastern restaurants cause I'm sick of the basic kebab and rice, and here is absolutely one of my favorites. Like my mouth is watering thinking about it right now. read more

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Believe it or not, this was actually my first time having Sababa, and the whole experience was really great! Service style here is very similar to the fast causal, go down the line and order. I love that they were also giving samples of falafels! Tip: the parking is pretty limited here, and some spots are on a time limit. This place is known for their pita sandwiches, but also offered bowls too. I got the falafel sandwich, Sababa-style, which came with a good amount of falafel, tons of veggies, pickles, and hummus. Pita sandwiches are made in front of you, and bowls take a bit more time. For the price of the pitas, it was pretty worth it! I appreciate the balance of protein to veggies, making it feel like an overall, well-rounded meal. The has a medium sized dining room, and would be recommended for groups of 2-5. read more

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I came across Sababa on Yelp and it had a lot of positive reviews so naturally I had to check it out. It's in a random location but luckily parking isn't an issue even when its relatively busy. Be prepared to wait in line. It moves fast though. They give you a LOT of food. They start your order by handing you a fresh falafel to try. Very tasty! Then you pick your meat and toppings. They fill up your bowl with all the toppings, then cook the meat, and put it on top. I ordered the spicy ribeye one. It does come with a lot of cooked onions which I didn't like. Now I know for next time to ask for no onions. Because my toppings already has pickled onions and such. Next time I'd try the chicken too. They have unique sodas and are blasting arabic songs. Its a vibe for sure. read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

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Enjoyed our visit here! It was a nice touch for them to offer some sample falafels while we were waiting in line. It's what swayed me to change my order to the falafel pita! Love all the fresh ingredients they have here. I especially appreciated how they load the pita. They make sure to layer the ingredients in a way that ensures every bite has a little bit of all the ingredients! All the flavors and textures go really well together. By the time I finished the meal, I still wanted more! Overall, a nice healthy spot to grab a bite! Parking lot out front can be a bit tough at peak hours, so be prepared for that. read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

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One of my favorite Mediterranean spots in Garden Grove! The falafel pita is so good if you like vegetarian, the falafel is crispy, the pita is fresh and they really load it up with all the toppings. My favorite was the chicken pita and The chicken bowl delicious, especially with the hummus, fresh salads, pickled veggies and sauces. Everything tastes fresh and flavorful. It's usually the busy, but the line moves fast and it's definitely worth the wait! read more

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I've been wanting to try Sababa for a while, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The menu is set up Chipotle style with a ton of great looking options, so instead of overthinking it I just told the employee to make the Ribeye Bowl the way they thought was best. Great decision. I couldn't even tell you everything that was in it, but every ingredient had a purpose. The tender ribeye, colorful vegetables, pickled toppings, fresh herbs, and creamy sauces created a different combination of flavors and textures in every bite. The Chicken Pita was just as good, packed with juicy, well seasoned chicken, and the extra garlic sauce was so good it ended up on just about everything. The food reflects its Palestinian roots with fresh ingredients and bold, delicious flavors. Service was fast and genuinely friendly, the dining room was clean with a cool modern design, and the whole experience felt polished. It's a little pricey for a casual meal, but the quality made it easy to justify. I'd definitely come back. read more

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Honestly, I don't even remember everything I ordered because I just asked the person serving me for their recommendations and went with whatever they suggested. They did not miss. The falafel pita and bowl were loaded with fresh cucumber and tomato salad, cabbage, onions, creamy sauces, and plenty of pickles. The pickles stood out the most they were so good and complemented everything perfectly. I also got the Strawberry Watermelon refresher, which was really good and went perfectly with the food. Easily one of the best falafel meals I've had and definitely one of my new favorite spots. read more

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Ridiculously deliciously satisfying falafel bowls! The addition of the fried vegetables or hummus are definitely recommended. I also asked for half white and half yellow rice - both were flavorful. The fries take a little longer, but are hot and lightly battered for an extra crispyness. The workers were all very hardworking like a well oiled machine. The restaurant was constantly being cleaned and the staff were well mannered friendly. What a fantastic first experience here so keep up the great work. read more

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Food...I can't even comprehend how unbelievably good the food was. We flew in from the Bay, and were absolutely blown away. Take this as the best compliment someone can give you: it was better than food I've had in Falasteen itself. Service...everyone was very sweet, smiled at us, seemed to be in happy spirits. Ambiance...the perfect balance of modern, organized, dedication to the culture without looking like someone's sedo designed it. Well done! read more

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First time here and happy I came in. I was helped out by Josab and Joy. The food is delicious. Everyone is so friendly. Seating space and AC available. read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - menu - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

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Their hummus is still living rent-free in my head and it's been a few days since I've been here. I did not know hummus could be so good. It's flavorful, wildly creamy, and the olive oil on top is out of this world. The nuts and steak were absolute fire too. I would definitely buy this if they sold it at a grocery store! The cooks were really kind and even gave us a small falafel to snack on. It reminded me of the falafel at Saffy's in LA, but without the LA pricing. I'm personally not a huge fan of falafels but I'd easily down a few from Sababa. Will definitely order this during my next visit. Sad that I live too far to come here regularly. This is seriously the best Mediterranean food I've had to date. Worth a stop if you're in the area. read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Steak hummus - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

We went this afternoon and ordered the spicy ribeye bowl, chicken pita and falafel. Overall very good food. The vegetables, hummus, sauces and falafel were fresh and tasty. The ribeye meat quality is just ok. This would be the only thing I would say was not great. Overall a solid 4/5 for me. read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Chicken pita - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

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I pass by this place all the time and it seems busy every day. Took my chance and decided to try this place out before my train ride at 5:49pm, went in around 5:20ish and got my food less than 10 minutes and still made it to my train. Maybe about 5 people ahead of me, but line went by quick. Ordered the chicken bowl with rice and everything added to it. I was rushing so I didn't wanna pick and choose. Not a fan of onions so I chowed everything down except the onions. The others in line seems to order a lot so their orders seemed to take longer as it's made per order for other items. The place is vibrant and the workers seem friendly and offers a sample falafel before ordering. If I had more time I'd order more sides like fries or falafel but didn't want to wait longer. Great place to try out though it's pricy for a bowl coming close to $20 for a meal. read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Chicken bowl - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

There are parking in the front and back. They have plenty of seating inside, but can get really packed and hard to find a spot. I got the Falafel bowl and it was really good! You can select what you want on the bowl and chose your base of white rice, salad, or seasoned rice. The falafel was not dry and super good with all the mixed sauces. Recommendation(s): - Falafel Bowl Service: 5/5 Tip(s): - Parking in front and back - Accept Apple Pay - You can sample a falafel read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Falafel Bowl - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

I wish I can give you zeroooo very rude employee the girl at the cash register I asked her for some napkin rudely she threw it in my tray ,the guy who making my husband's sandwich had insane nasty attitude. When we ask for extra sauce he say you must pay $3 extra and we always tip everybody when we go there but never again. we used to go every week and sometime twice a week but never again. read more

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I have heard so many great things about Sababa Falafel Shop, and I finally got the chance to try it today! It was so good that I needed to make a review! :-) Long story short, Sababa lives up to its reputation and now it's going to be one of my go-to places whenever I'm craving any sort of pita. Upon entering, everyone was super kind and welcoming. The interior was very clean and there was a lot of seating. However, what stood out to me the most was the kindness from the workers. When I was in line, I was immediately greeted with a sample of a falafel (which tasted great). I knew that I wanted to try the chicken pita, and the worker was kind enough to explain everything that would go in it, and I trusted his judgment. He put a little bit of everything in it, and it tasted AMAZING! The flavors all combined so well, and the presentation was just absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to come back here again :-) read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Chicken Pita with a little bit of everything - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

Came by for lunch on a Tuesday and it was busy. The line moved pretty quickly but as soon as you tasted your food, you could tell why it was so packed. First of all, when you walk in everyone is so friendly and welcoming. We got a sample of the falafel which was delicious so we ordered a side. The pita was loaded with flavor and steak. The bowl was also loaded with toppings and chicken. I highly recommend getting your pita with everything, the combination of flavors is perfection. The staff are all very nice and their ingredients are so fresh and tasty. Cant wait to come back here again. read more

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Hands down better than CAVA. The ingredients taste so much fresher and the flavors are so much more present. The service was amazing as well and you can tell they make an effort to make each customer feel welcome. We dined in and noticed how clean and tidy the place was. I also love the ambiance of the place. It felt so authentic to the culture. 10/10 will come again and perhaps become a regular. read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Chicken Bowl - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

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First thing I noticed walking up was how nice the interior is. The menu can be a bit overwhelming at first with all the topping options, especially if you're picky, but the staff was super helpful and walked me through everything. They even let you try some items, which made it way easier to decide. I skipped a few toppings based on my taste, so your experience might vary, but I went with the chicken bowl and it was super solid. The pita bread it came with was a highlight. Overall, a great spot and definitely worth trying if you're in the area and want something a little different. read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

It was my first time here! I didn't realize how flavorful and fresh Palestinian food could be. The service was prompt and friendly. I appreciated the photos on the wall, and I felt a little sad when I heard the bathroom code. Cheers to the resilience of Palestinian people and the delicious food at Sababa falafel shop! read more

Came back again. I have cancer so good food does not taste good. This was good because of great memories. So, it tasted so good. The falafels are better than the old falafel palace in west Los Angeles. And the staff is best I have ever seen. Great staff can only be done with great ownership relationships. The staff is the very best. Great service. Fresh food. Listens to how you want it. I gave them a good tip. Not because I'm nice or rich. Because great service deserves it. So, my suggestion is leave a tip. They deserve it. read more

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Suuuuper yummy! Parking lot, big portions, variety of drinks to choose from, and a good amount of seat options. What's not to like? They also have us a falafel to sample... so good :) I ordered a chicken pita, and we loaded that bad boy up with everything. You can pick however and whichever toppings you want, but when it's unlimited, why not go all? Plus it's easier to say. The service is kind and they fill that ish up. The garlic whip and the hummus spreads... wish I could just buy it. Ambiance is a little loud but homey still. Modern esque seating but I enjoyed it. We got to catch up with family there so we really enjoyed the spot. My partner and I could not finish what we got so we were able to save the leftovers for dinner (and it was so yummmy and SO filling). read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - chicken bowl - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

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First time I was able to dine in and it was a great experience. The prices have risen of course but it is as good as it gets for Mediterranean food. The dining area and bathrooms were very clean. I am surprised how nice the bathroom is, it's as good if not better than most fine dining places I've been to. read more

dare i say the best falafel in oc? my friends and i come here almost every month and we always order the family pack with the ribeye hummus. everything is so delicious!! creamy hummus, yummy veggies, and fresh falafel and pita! the workers are just as amazing as the food--if not more. they are always so friendly and welcoming, making you want to keep coming back. you can really taste the love they put into the food! read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Sababa Family Pack and Hummus With Rib Eye - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

This place is so good. I waited in line for about 10 to 15 minutes, but it was worth the wait. I got the firehouse sub melt sandwich that resembles a Philly cheesesteak but is a lot more flavorful. It's on one of the best Philly cheesesteaks I ever had and then I had to take out order of the chicken bowl, which I'm excited to try And the falafel they let you sample one piece of what on your visit and it's really hot and fresh and I went ahead and ordered 12 more. The slice is really good and I highly recommend going here. Hopefully the lines never got too long. read more

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I've seen Sababa on Yelp's Top 100 and Top 10 restaurant lists over the last few years and decided to finally to try it. It definitely lived up to the expectations that I've read online. There were around 10 parties in front of us on a Saturday around noon. The line moved fast though. I appreciate that even though it had a Chipotle style layout for ordering and adding toppings, each party had a dedicated employee to ask questions, sample items, and select toppings for bowls/sandwiches. We got the Falafel Pita, Falafel Bowl, and Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade. The falafel was not dry at all; this was something I've frequently encountered at other Mediterranean shops. All the toppings blended really well together and each bite packed variety and flavor. Our drink was also really refreshing on a hot day. There was plenty of indoor seating. Also, really liked the modern decor. I highly recommend giving this place a try. read more

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The parking is horrible but the food never disappoints. I have been coming here since before their expansion. I am really glad that they are able to have sit in dining now. I have tried every food item and I have been thoroughly satisfied with every single thing I've ever ordered. They happily give you free samples of the delicious falafel while you are waiting in line as well. Their birthday/rewards program is super generous. Besides the parking, the only other downside is that there is a fly problem every time I go. I don't know why there is always a fly following me around when I eat here. read more

Wow!! Second time here, crazy busy on a Wednesday afternoon at 2. Park behind the restaurant, it's a very small parking lot in front. Greeted immediately with a hot freshly cooked falafel. I ordered the chicken bowl with all the fixings this time. Every topping has a burst of flavor, such a great blend of flavors. My husband had the falafel bowl , same opinion 10/5. They had some interesting sesame bread sandwiches not on the menu but I assume is a sub for pita bread. Definitely will be back, highly recommend you try it too! read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Falafel Bowl with all the fixings - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

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This place was recommended by my best friend for one of our dinner outings and I'm glad I got to try it. Their falafels are SO GOOD. I would have to say the best I've ever had. Crispy, flavorful, overall deliciousness. Upon entering, they give you a free sample of their falafels and that's where they get you. The restaurant itself is located in a very small parking lot with small spots so it's quite hard to find parking. But the place itself is quite big to hold a lot of people. We both got their Falafel Pita and it worked so well with all the fixings. I would definitely go back to just eating their falafels plain because they were that delicious. Next time I want to try their bowls or other proteins. I am for sure a fan and will be back! :) read more

I absolutely understand all the five star reviews for Sababa! Their falafel is crispy, flavorful, and addicting! We stopped by for a weekend dinner, and it was packed. Their parking lot is pretty tight, but customers leave quickly after picking up their takeout. The line moved fast since there were a lot of employees working. Plus, the complimentary falafel samples made the wait worth it. We ordered a ribeye pita and a half falafel / half ribeye bowl. The ribeye was sooo juicy and tender. I could eat that on its own. I personally loved all the pickled veggies that came with the bowl. My husband's pita bread was also incredibly soft and fluffy. It soaked up all the sauces from the ribeye. Prices are a little high, but the food quality and taste are definitely worth it. read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

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I drive by this place so many times and always tell myself I'm gonna try this someday. I don't know why I waited so long for this delicious flavor blast. I was not prepared. Parking could be a bit crunchy but I was able to snag one during the week. The place sure does have curbside appeal. They had all their windows up. It was a really chill vibe. It was pretty dead when I showed up. They were staying busy prepping food and cleaning the space. Everyone greeted me when I entered and I was offered a sample of their falafels. One of the guys that greeted me took my order was beyond friendly and helped me out with some recommendations. He recommended the Chicken Pita. Wow!!!! So much flavor packed inside that handy pita. Even though I could eat more I was content! This place is one of my favorites!! read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Chicken pita - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

Always a delight to stop by and get my favorite. Best customer service and of course, the ambiance is up beat with high positive energy. Stop by for some authentic taste. Great oils, pickles and merch to choose from as well! read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Ribeye Hummus - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

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Located on the outside of a large shopping center bordering Anaheim. Parking in the lot can be difficult so I parked in the back by the grocery store. It's clean and bright when you walk in. Service is excellent. Got the chicken bowl and all the fixings. Would requests for all the sauces on the side next time. As it could be overwhelming of flavors. Their falafel looked soooo good! I may have to try a pita next time. Super crowded steady stream of customers. Clean and good food. read more

Sababa Falafel Shop - Chicken bowl - Falafel Near Me - Garden Grove, California

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