After several years of meaning to go, a recent doctor appointment finally had me in the area during lunch time. Let me tell you, it's a recurrent (every 2 weeks) appointment, and I'm about to make my 3rd trip to Sahara this week. Wonderful price for the amount of food you get. The first time I went I was only able to eat about half of my portion. So much chicken! I got the chicken shawarma, and my hubby got the chicken leg lunch special. Wonderful seasoning, well cooked, great hummus, great Greek salad... the pita bread was meh, but I'll forgive it because everything else was great. The inside isn't a 5 star restaurant, but it's serviceable! Good amount of seating. The staff are friendly, open to questions, and very nice overall. They like to keep the line moving, so don't dilly dally. Ha! Overall, I can see why this was one of my friends favorite restaurants, and it's definitely added into my Lexington rotation. read more

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine - Half eaten 31. Chicken Shawarma Over Rice Plate Lunch Plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Sahara lunch is the place to be. They get you served on the fly. I personally love the chicken shawarma and add an extra level of spice. It is amazing, the staff is always so helpful. There is seating to sit but just keep in mind lunch rush is real and you may have to share a table with someone. Currently they close for the summer which I did not know. Already waiting for them to reopen. read more

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10/14/25 Sahara Mediterranean is one of my go-to lunch spots, and I always make it a point to stop by whenever I can. Their lunch special is hands down the best deal around. I always double up on the garlic dip because it's seriously addictive, once you try it, you'll understand why! The food is always fresh and flavorful, and if you enjoy a bit of heat, definitely ask them to make it on a higher spice level. I usually get the lamb and beef shawarma at level 7, and it's absolutely perfect for me. The staff here are always so friendly and welcoming, and the whole place has a cozy, homey vibe that makes you feel comfortable right away. I also love the little store next door; they have some really unique items. If you're craving something sweet but want to avoid processed sugars, grab a pack of their dates. They're imported from Middle Eastern countries where they grow the best ones, and they taste so much better than anything you'd find at a regular grocery store. Sahara Mediterranean never disappoints. I'll definitely keep coming back, probably monthly, if not weekly! read more

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Everything we tried was delicious, and the portions were satisfying without feeling too heavy.

By far the best middle eastern food in Lexington. Their hummus is my favorite hummus period! It is out of this world good because it's so creamy and delicious and worth driving across the city just for this. I ordered to go (I almost always get to go) and got the steak and chicken kebab with rice but usually I add the lamb kufta as well. The steak is filet mignon and great quality and their lamb kufta is full of flavor(if wanting alot of flavor the lamb kufta has the most). All of this is tied in very nicely with the garlic sauce (only use a small amount to not overpower the food). Also got their lentil soup while waiting for food to be cooked which was simple but tasted great. Highly highly recommend and prices are very reasonable and Everyone who works there is very kind also. read more

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine - 8. Lentil Soup - Mediterranean Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Had a day to kill in Lexington on a Saturday before my flight out and I stopped by for a quick lunch. Got the lunch special with Sahara chicken ($12) with rice, bread, salad, hummus, leg of chicken. Loved the food. Chicken so flavorful, juicy and tender. Hummus was great. The line was pretty long for lunch around noon but moved quickly. Seems like locals love this spot! read more

It's been far too long since I've been here, but not working in Lexington anymore makes it difficult. This is the most delicious food and I would eat here every day if it was up to me. Today I ordered the Sahara chicken lunch plate and I don't know what they do to their chicken, but it is so juicy and tender and has the best flavor. Something that I think is not appreciated enough is their lentil soup. It is so good. They said they will be closing June 13 for their annual trip back to Greece, make sure you check them out before then they will reopen again in the fall read more

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Very friendly owner and a super nice staffs . Food is delicious clean and fresh , portions are very generous and prices are ultra reasonable . Always a great meal , never a disappointment . Arguably the best Medetrenean place in the Midwest . read more

Sometimes the best restaurants are the ones you almost walk right past. Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine is the definition of a hole-in-the-wall gem - the kind of unassuming place that completely blows your mind once you step inside and take that first bite. Let's talk about their lunch deal, because honestly, it feels like highway robbery in the best possible way. Greek salad, flavorful dipping sauce, warm pita bread, perfectly seasoned rice, and a genuinely healthy portion of your chosen protein. It's not just a meal - it's a experience that leaves you satisfied, nourished, and wondering how they possibly make money on such generous portions. The cruel irony? You'll find yourself craving Sahara most intensely during the summer months when they're closed. It never fails: just when you're desperately wanting that specific combination of tastes and textures, you remember they're taking their well-deserved break. This is the kind of restaurant that reminds you why local, family-owned establishments matter. They're not trying to be trendy or Instagram-famous - they're focused on delivering an authentic, wonderfully affordable experience that keeps customers coming back again and again. Sorry no pictures, I forget every time, too good to let my phone eat first. read more

My heart leaps for joy as I open my chicken shwarma sandwich. I've missed this place. And, I mean, you can't come to an authentic Mediterranean spot and NOT get falafels. They're definitely generous with the portions around here... I have to stop by here everytime I'm nearby. The service is really fast, which of course is a plus. A woman in line in front of me had a large order and they still had it ready within 3-5 minutes. You will not be disappointed by Sahara. If you like Mediterranean cuisine, get here asap. read more

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine - 20. Chicken Shwarma Sandwich 2. Falafel (3)Shata Dipping Sauce - Mediterranean Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

THE BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD IN LEXINGTON. highly highly highly recommend. If you don't know what you want. Talk to the staff. The swahrama is so tasty as a sandwich with extra garlic sauce to pour on each bite. The rice is fluffier than any nearby Asian restaurant read more

Sahara's back (from vacay), and I'm there. I ordered the lamb lunch special ($12.99) since I haven't had it for some time.(Eating my way though the menu.) They gave me the combo lamb and chicken plate by mistake. I let it go. I've never had the chicken so it was a chance to taste it. I'll have it tomorrow. Two things I always complain about --- The salad had a few tiny crumbs of feta. In Greece they give you big chunks or a slab of it. Wish they were more generous with the garlic sauce. Com'on now. Barely enough. Still, I love Sahara and will continue to go. 87 read more

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine - Falafel veg plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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The Food and Service is a 5Star - absolutely one of the best tasting foods that I could choose. Amazingly good. Had an all meat type platter with hummus and garlic type sauce. Amazingly delicious and healthy for those eating clean read more

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine - Store Front - Mediterranean Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

First tip off that this was going to be some great food was the line out the door, and not a single person complaining about it. Been hearing about this place since I moved here, and it did not disappoint. The food was packed with fresh flavors balanced well, and the proteins were cooked perfectly. The interior was clean had plenty of space to sit, groups large or small, but was also packed. Great casual spot. If you choose to get takeout, it was packaged well too. The service was extremely friendly, and very prompt, especially when considering the rush. Pricing was very fair, especially when you get the lunch special, and portions were generous. Would definitely recommend and will be returning read more

great place to have a meal, it gets packed at lunch and could be a little harder to find a table. but if you are willing to wait a few minutes you will be able to sit. read more

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine - Mediterranean Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Food is always good to serve. It is always good. Ambience is always good. Service was good.

Excellent Mediterranean food all around. Service is fast. Ambiance isn't great restaurant is old and needs updating. Need more sitting areas!! Menu is great. Lamb and Chick Shawarma mixed is to die! The Lamb Kababs are amazing! read more

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Omg!! This place is awesome. So glad we found it on Yelp while traveling and hungry. Absolutely delicious! We had the vegetarian plate, chicken shwarma pita & chicken kabob pita it was delicious, flavorful, and absolutely perfect. Wish we lived in KY just to come back here often! read more

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine - Hummus - Mediterranean Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I first went to Sahara five years ago. Fast forward to April of 2025 and this establishment still holds the esteemed title of best Middle Eastern restaurant in the state. I want to up this rating to say, Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine is the best restaurant in Lexington. I'll be there today. read more

One of those places that everyone around Lexington seems to know, this little restaurant was closed temporarily when I moved here but is open now and was packed even mid-afternoon on a Saturday. Nonetheless, after I waited behind a bunch of people who couldn't figure out what to order, my food came out momentarily. I was thinking about fava beans, but they were out of those, and I thought about adding tea to the falafel I did order, but they were out of that too. Given they had a checklist of things sold out at the register, I'm guessing that's their typical business model and I wouldn't go there banking on them having any one menu item. The falafel lunch special was quite tricked out, with two different kinds of rice and a variety of fixins. I'm not really into the pickles and olives much and would have preferred more hummus, but certainly, the quality was there. The falafel were encrusted with seeds or spices of some sort, and mixing them in with my rice, hummus and salad made for a dynamic flavor experience even before adding in the garlic sauce, which was strong and left an aftertaste. There were a few tables to eat there, but I felt good about eating out elsewhere on a nice day. It was certainly good enough that I'd go back for the fava beans. read more

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine - Falafel Lunch Plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Tried this place because it was a recommendation from a coworker. And honestly it was just okay. Nothing spectacular but it wasn't bad. I got the beef and lamb Shawarma Over Rice Plate. I will say they do give you a lot of food for what you pay for. I honestly couldn't taste the difference of the beef and lamb. The hummus was just ok. The service was amazing though. Very welcoming and kind. Even though it was during lunch time I feel like I got my food fast (under 10mins) even with the others before me waiting. I will say that I would go back again to try something different. read more

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine - Lamb and Beef Shawarma Over Rice Plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I love the food here. Delicious selection of Eastern Mediterranean food and the clientele is an eclectic mix

This is one of our favorite restaurants in Lexington. Every time we come in town we have to stop by and get the #45 which is a combo plate with extra beef kebab and Greek salad. Of course extra pita and extra garlic sauce. Food is always freshly made. Service is always nice too. read more

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine - #45. Three Kebabs - Chicken, Beef and Kufta-Lamb Kebab Over Rice Plate with extra beef kabab and Greek salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Food was flavorful and portion sizes were large especially for lunch. We added grape leaves and two other salads since we wanted to try a couple other dishes. I look forward to returning in the fall. They will be closed from June 10-September 2, 2024. read more

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine - 31. Chicken Shawarma Over Rice Plate 36. Sahara Chicken Over Rice Plate 18. Stuffed Grape Leaves 11. Side of Tabooli 13. Cucumber Salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Glad that I found this place. Very humble ambiance but the food was tasty. Parking in front of the restaurant. Average noise. The salad was refreshing. Bread was COLD. I was expecting fine grain aromatic rice. The shawarma was perfect. Overall the dining experience was satisfactory. read more

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine - 30. Lamb and Beef Shawarma Over Rice Plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

By far the best restaurant in Lexington! Hands down! When it comes to quality, consistency, flavor, service , they hit every nail on the head, every time. The food is SO SO SO flavorful and you can taste their culture/love in every slice of shawarma! Down to the last detail of sumac up top their hummus or baba ganoush! Lunch is killer, only 11.99 for a massive serving of lunch choice protein, rice, Mediterranean salad and hummus. Me and the hubby always get the massive platter to share at dinner and we have leftovers for days! I love this restaurant. The staff is always nice and welcoming and you can tell they all get along and genuinely love each other. It makes it a happy experience to go eat there each time. Thank you for sharing your culture with Lexington! read more

Lunch special Chicken Kabobs are great. Comes with delicious hummus, salad, and rice. This place has a line out the door for a reason. It's so good and worth the wait. read more

Best Mediterranean food! Especially the spicy chicken & salads! I would highly recommend this cuisine. It is worth spending. read more

Delicious, fast, reasonable, and the a lot of food !!! There's always a line, but no one minds waiting for their delicious food

I highly recommend this place, you order food and they make it ok the spot so it's always fresh. The customer service is outstanding, something you won't find anywhere anymore. There is slot of seating area, although it does get busy around lunchtime, but that doesn't stop me from coming here. read more

My favorite Mediterranean restaurant! Always excellent food, service is amazing and very well priced! Waiting for a takeout order yesterday, was delivered a bowl of delicious mushroom soup, while I was waiting ! So nice and unexpected! Their family platters are amazing for a large group !Just an Awesome place ! read more

This is an unassuming small storefront in a bland shopping plaza, but don't let that fool you! The Mediterranean food is dynamite! They have an extensive menu that includes shawarma (chicken, beef, lamb), kebabs, rice, hummus, and refreshing Greek salads. They also have falafel. They have a multitude of serving options, from family style platters to lunch specials. I had the chicken kebab, heat level 10 (their scale is 1-10). It was very spicy and flavorful, and not too hot, though I would probably order a level 8 next time, as some of the more subtle flavors were overtaken by the heat. It came with very tasty basmati rice and a salad, as well as hummus and pita bread. It was a generous and filling portion for around 11-12 dollars. And everyone is so nice and efficient! They have outdoor dining only right now, and the line gets fairly long after they open at 11, so I would either order ahead or plan to eat off-site (there are tons of parks around the area). This is a great place with kind employees and fresh food (you can see the shawarma rotating on the spit in the kitchen). They also have a small counter for take home items, and a small bodega next door. read more

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine - Chicken kebab - Mediterranean Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Best Mediterranean food in Lexington. Me and my family have always been huge fans of coming here to eat.

Great food, great lunch special! You can easily get 2 meals out of one. I had the lamb/beef shawarma. It was delicious. Also got falafel's which are the best thing I've had in a long time, 3 for $2.97 The place was packed which says it all. Highly recommend! read more

Close to our hotel but the first trip was too long of a wait. Found out later from locals that this is an amazing place so we got takeout a day or two later. Was not disappointed! We travel to Lexington multiple times a year so will definitely be back! read more

Food is amazing. Customer service is always welcome and friendly. Some of the best swarma I've ever eaten.

Get here early as they almost always sell out by the end of the day - it's just that good! You really can not go wrong with any dish at Sahara. The kebabs are my favorite. They make their own humus from scratch and it's so good you're going to want to eat it by itself as well as on everything else. I suggest getting extra garlic sauce - you'll regret it if you don't - although be prepared to taste it for the next 12 hours. I promise it's worth it. The owners typically take a trip back to the Mediterranean each year so make sure to check they are open! They will be gone Mid-June through September 2022 and the restaurant will be closed. read more

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I can't say enough good things about this place! It's locally family owned and a huge hit! The service is always fast no matter the long line! Food is always fresh and amazing! Huge portions!!! read more

Always incredible. Get extra garlic sauce! This place is full of delights and wonderful people. We will always come here when we can!

Great food, generous portions except for the glorious garlic sauce (you can purchase this in larger containers if you want to take some home) , staff friendly. I have gone here for years and have never been disappointed at all (except for the tiny portion of the garlic sauce (!). read more