Love how fresh the food is! Meat is so flavorful and juicy. Would recommend the arayis, the Lula and beef kebab plate. Service is wonderful and everyone's so friendly. Shout out to Anna @ the cashier lovely lady. I also enjoy their layout -seeing the cooks in the kitchen. -Bianca & Nilo read more

The food was delicious! So fresh. The service was amazing. They work hard and want you to have a great experience. They were friendly and genuinely kind. Anytime we asked for anything they said "of course" and brought it in a timely manner. You can tell they are great to their customers. Ambiance is just a bit old school but over all clean. Nothing too fancy. read more

Authentic Armenian food with flavor. The chicken kabob plate is my favorite every time. Dine in option and take out available. They do close at 3:00 pm and re-open at 5:00 for dinner. If going with multiple people have the appetizers. Nice pleasant staff who answer your questions. read more

Food was amazing, fresh ingredients and more than enough food. Don't be shy about asking for recommendations because I was over ordering and instead of letting me over order they helped me get the correct amount of food. Will be going back again soon! read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine - Beef Kebab Lunch Plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Pasadena, California

Everything I ordered has been excellent. My favorite dish is the falafel plate and the cabbage salad.

This is my go-to Mediterranean spot. The food is always delicious, the beef is always juicy. I have tried many Mediterranean spots and this is def one of my favorite places. Their lunch is fairly priced, I can't complain! read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine - Half chicken half beef plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Pasadena, California

I had an appt in the area of the Pasadena and decided to give them a try for my lunch break in 05/01. The employees are soooo very kind, friendly and lots of endearing words. I initially was gonna order the shawerma as my meat option but the employee being honest pointed out how dry it was and recommended the combo of chicken and beef plate. All of it was cooked beyond perfection if it's even possible. Rice was properly moist, chicken nice and slightly crisp on outside and tender inside, beef melt in my mouth tender. I liked the tabboule and no complaint on the hummus. I really liked how the pita was two full sized bread. I also enjoyed the baklava just could use a bit more syrup on the bottom but other than that it was surprisingly flavorful compared to one I had elsewhere. There's only street parking. I would recommend definitely! read more

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THE best chicken and steak kabobs! Nearly 15 years ago I used to work nearby and loved this place. I still drive from Covina just for them! Service is outstanding and everyone is so kind. You can taste the mesquite smoke on the chicken and steak. The hummus and tabouli is consistently amazingly fresh and delicious. I could not recommend this restaurant more. read more

Its pretty good quality food and portion is good as well. They close pretty early though and I'm always late for them. So better for lunch hour. One plate is good for 2. I dont like the sitting area and I prefer to go read more

Love love love coming here! One of my favorite places in Pasadena. The ladies are awesome! My friend introduced me to this place and go figure his last name is Sahara too! I have been coming here since. Beside the food always being amazing, the people are even better! Plus they are super animal friendly and love when I bring my three "kids" in for a visit. Their food is always fresh and delicious. Highly recommend this place to friends and family. read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine - Lamb Kabob plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Pasadena, California

Social distancing is enforced at this establishment. All of the staff wears a mask. All customers are expected to wear a mask too. They also wear gloves. There are some hand sanitizers available for customers to use. This restaurant is available for take outs. They are also sanitizing in between customers. While I was grabbing my food from this restaurant last month, I asked if they had any special offers and they weren't offering any at the moment. They currently don't have happy hour. They also do not allow pets in their restaurant. I always get the Sahara Combo. It's so good and decently priced. Their restaurant is super clean and neat. Don't go during peak restaurant hours because you'll have to wait a bit to pick up your order. But the wait it so worth it. Yummy yummy food. read more

If you like middle eastern cuisine you should definitely try this place. On our family trip to Universal studios we stayed in Pasadena town and I had to visit middle eastern restaurant. This restaurant by far was one of the best one. The hummus was just like home made one, fresh and tasty. The kebab was great, portions were big, and everything fresh. The only problem I had with food was the pitas that were definitely bought from store and were not as fresh. The service was good, we didn't have to wait as the restaurant had few tables available. The waitress offered us to sit where we felt like it and didn't make us wait. The atmosphere of the place was quiet, and perfect for a family dinner. Again, if you do want good Middle Eastern food this is your place. read more

I had a delicious meal this evening at Sahara. We followed our waitress's advice and ordered both combination players so we could try a variety of menu items. The portions were very generous and the food was fantastic! I think it was an excellent value for our money. We loved the charming, family friendly atmosphere and the outstanding service. We hope to be back sometime soon. read more

Love love love Sahara!!! This review is overdue, I've been coming here for years now and not just because everything on the menu is absolutely delicious and so authentic but also because everyone here, the cooks, the ladies at the front, and even the familiar families who dine in are all so kind and thoughtful. The ladies are such professionals who love what they do and you can definitely feel the dedication and love they have for their business. The cooks are always so kind and their food displays just that. My children are picky eaters and Sahara has helped me solve this problem lol, we order chicken kabobs on the daily and my toddler loves the pilaf rice with hummus so much. I can eat tubs of the tzatziki sauce! An absolute gem in the City of Pasadena. Thank you Sahara, we love you! read more

I really liked this place. The menu was not super expansive, but had all the dishes that one would expect to see. The seating layout was spread enough that we felt comfortable and the walker was able to be stored next to the table. A lot of takeout orders were processed while we were seated, so that is a popular option The staff was welcoming, friendly and helpful. Our wait person was attentive and responsive. We ordered the veggie combo, Greek salad, ikra, and kash-kash plate. Everything was delicious. The only issue I had was that the bread served with the kash-kash was a tad spicy for most, super spicy for a spice wimp like me. Just a note about the rice. It was not the light dry style rice. It was moist, almost soupy in texture, but flavorful. read more

This place is really yummy yum yum. It is more like 4.5 stars. It is hit and miss for the chicken plate. Sometimes it is so tender the last time it was dry. The lula plate is something you can't go wrong with it is always tasty and a burst of flavor. Beef is iffy too but I like the beef just trying to cut out red meats. The falafel is crunchy not soft it is fried to be crispy. I love the rice pilaf it reminds of a box mix I buy at the marker. The food is delicious the cabbage salad, taziki and hummus is delicious. I just could not give it 5 stars it hasn't been consistent but the service is excellent they are super nice here. read more

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The food here is very delicious. I ordered chicken kebab with salad. It came with hummus a little bit of garlic sauce tabuli and bread. The counter lady & servers are very nice by the way. read more

1st Time Try. Order Delivery Chicken Kebab Lunch Plate + Extra Beef Kebab Skewer. Good Taste. Enjoyable. read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine - Chicken Kebab Lunch Plate + Extra Beef Kebab Skewer - Middle Eastern Near Me - Pasadena, California

My favorite to go to in Pasadena! This restaurant has great food and service. My favorite is their chicken plate which is served with rice, grilled veggies, olives, feta cheese, along with a salad, hummus and pitta bread. Oh and love the sarmas! The food is always fresh and tasty. Additionally, the owner is always welcoming and attentive along with the entire team. read more

I hadn't been to Pasadena for years and was looking for a quick place to have lunch. Being a fan of Middle Eastern food, I decided to stop at Sahara. I was greeted by friendly staff and placed my order at the counter. The sandwich came out quickly and it was delicious! I ate every bite of the beef/lamb kebab wrapped in a thin pita. I will definitely go back next time I'm up there. read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine - Middle Eastern Near Me - Pasadena, California

Yelp brought me here despite driving past this place too many times unknowingly. It was amazing and I can't wait to become a regular here. Unfortunately, the meal looked way too appetizing to have the camera eat first so that single piece of chicken kebab was all I could capture. As my husband put it - "crispy on the outside, perfectly juicy on the inside, and well seasoned." They also have a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (pictured below is forreal a bottle of snapple AND an Armenian coffee - porque no los dos?). After being in Italy for a week eating mostly pasta, all I can say is God Bless the Melting Pot that is California. So excited to add Sahara to our around the world dinner rotation. read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine - Snapple Armenian Coffee - Middle Eastern Near Me - Pasadena, California

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The food is good, but the service is really what has won me over! Thanks ladies for being so attentive, even for a quick lunch I felt very cared for. Will come back read more

We ordered the chicken kabab dinner entree, sahara combo entree, hummus on the side, and falafels. Total cane out to be $63 for a really good portion. The meal will last me another day and I'm so glad because the food is amazing. Hummus tasted so fresh and delicious, meats were juicy and insanely flavorful. The service was 10/10 so incredibly friendly and helpful. We also got the chance to try their baklava which is so tasty!! Highly recommend. I plan on coming back again read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine - Chicken Kebab Dinner Entree - Middle Eastern Near Me - Pasadena, California

We use them for all our big parties. The food is always fresh and delicious. The service is over the top. We are always greeted with smiles and well taken care of. I highly recommend the Sahara Combo and a side of kufte (little footballs stuffed with meat). Soooooo gooood!!!!!! Mmmmmmmmm read more

Exceptional food. Had their combo platter - all the cuts were beyond delicious. Serving isn't as big as I wanted for the price point. But cost of food is rising - I get it! Overall would def order again! read more

My 1st here. The services is excellent and friendly. We had the Sahara Combination plate and it was delicious and enough for two people. Will go back again. read more

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Super friendly service. Delicious food served consistently fantastic! We love Sahara and the wonderful staff. They make their customers feel welcome and the food is absolutely delicious! The owners are so caring and nice! read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine - Chicken plate with tabouli, salad, and hummus. So delicious! Wonderful service, family owned. We love them! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Pasadena, California

One of our family's favorite places to eat. Dine in, take out, hang out, eat in. It's all good here at Sahara. The combo plate has a Lula Kabob that is super tasty. Don't even get me started on the garlic sauce. It's one of the best in Pasadena. Service is great, they know us by name, and it's like the Cheers of Middle Eastern cuisine. Keep doing what you're doing, and we will keep eating what you are cooking! read more

My first time trying, but not my husband's, so he knew it was good! The smell alone..radiated out from the door. I knew it was going to be FULL of flavor. We got our dinner to go and can't wait for round 2! Not sure which was better but both steak and chicken were delicious and tender. Cabbage salad was so good, I love a good vinegary dressing. loved the soup as well! Prices were competitive with similar around this area but the flavor of the meat is #1. Definitely will be back! read more

Love this place. Especially the chicken kebab plate with rice pilaf. Always great and friendly customer service.

Let me just start by saying, this rating doesn't have anything to do with the quality or taste. I love Sahara. I've been coming here since I was a kid. About 20yrs now. The reason for my 1 star rating is because of price gouging/ too much fluctuating in their prices. Obviously in the 20yrs coming here the price has gone up. But for the past 2 years it's like they charge more when ever they want to. I usually pay $12 and change for the ONLY thing I order...a chicken Kebab plate, lunch portion with double hummus no tabouleh. Yesterday Friday 01/28/22 was the most I have ever been price gouged. I had to pay $18.60something for the same plate I always get. Same great quality and taste, but I can't justify paying this much for that plate. The ORIGINAL OWNERS fluctuated their prices a little bit, but I never had to pay more than $14 for that plate. This is sadly a goodbye to my favorite Middle Eastern Restaurant I've ever been too. read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine - Chicken Kabob Lunch Plate With double hummus - Middle Eastern Near Me - Pasadena, California

The BEST kabobs in town! I highly recommend the Lula Kabob but you really can't go wrong with any of their dishes! Such amazing service from the (who I can only assume) owners daughter. She was so polite, attentive and such a great addition to the experience eating there. It really feels like you are family from the time you sit down to the time you leave! Definitely coming back more often! read more

Absolutely in love with this place! 3x I was there I received the friendliest greeting and service!! With an open kitchen and I love open kitchens, u can see everything they are doing! U walk in, get in line to place order, get a #.... sit down. I took mine to-go. I found out Sahara is run by 3 sisters and I didn't realize I met all 3 of them. They're alllllll nice!! Honestly, I've never been to any other Mediterranean restaurant this friendly.... and the food is fantastic too! My friends and family love their beef, chicken and lamb.... I opted for their vegetarian falafel meal... they all come with hummus (creamy & nutty) and tabouleh (just enough lemoniness!).... I love both! Meats come with a bed of rice pilaf... I ordered mine on the side... so light, fluffy and flavorful... I couldn't wait to write this review.... I need to go back to pigging out!! read more

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Excellent Middle Eastern Food at a reasonable price. The service is super-friendly. The staff welcomes everyone that walks in. Regular customers are made to feel very loved and cared for. Each dish is prepared in your sight and you will not be disappointed. Spectacular seasoning and taste, wide selection, and generous portions. I know many people who regularly eat at Sahara. Whether you love beef, lamb, chicken, or vegetarian dishes, you will find a dish that will please your palate and have you coming back over and over again. Seating is plentiful. Free parking is available on the side or in the back. Free street parking in Colorado Boulevard is also plentiful. I eat at Sahara whenever I am in the area. You will too! read more

Spent the night in Pasadena after going to a concert Friday night. Was craving lahm bel ajin and kabab. So, my husband found this little place. Had the most amazing arayis toasted up on charcoal. Ordered chicken kebab plate and a skewer of their lamb lule, and french fries. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious. The hummus was creamy and just perfect. The highlight of our lunch was our server. She was the sweetest, kindest lady. She made me feel like I was visiting her in her home. She even brought us some baklava with my husband's coffee. She and her sister run this restaurant and they are the most welcoming ladies. I will drive back from Bakersfield every time I crave Mediterranean food and especially those arayis. read more

Still the top kabob house around. The Lula is superb. Friendly owners working the counter. You can keep all the places in Glendale, nobody does kabobs better than this ARMENIAN spot. read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine - Lula kabob (lunch style) - Middle Eastern Near Me - Pasadena, California

Amazing fresh food Fast service Sooo yummy!!!! We will be back soon added to favorite spots read more

We have been coming to Sahara almost since we moved to CA in the 1990's and are never disappointed. The food and service have always been excellent. The original family owners sold the place a few years ago to another family. The new owners made no changes in the menu or the friendly, efficient service. Truly a matter of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." I usually order the veggie combo or falafel dinner. My wife usually orders the lula kebab. Regardless of our choice, everything is perfect--fresh and tasty. The hummous and tabule are wonderful. Even the cabbage salad is great. The servings are large enough that we are able to take leftovers home for a meal the next day. We were concerned during the peak of the pandemic that the Sahara wouldn't survive but, fortunately, they did and continue to do an excellent carry out business. It's now open for indoor dining and we're looking forward to going there tonight. I can't recommend the Sahara more highly. read more

Super cute hole in the wall Mediterranean place that serves really good kebabs. The ladies working there are also very nice and customer service is fantastic. They have mini plates which are enough for those with smaller appetites. We were impressed enough to put in a catering order for a work event, where their beef and chicken managed to be juicy even after 5 hours. I'm a fan! read more

New owners so much better. I stopped coming here because of old owners. Service and food 100percent better. I knew something was different till I asked.. I met the new owners and they were extremely friendly and grateful to have us back as a customer definitely would recommend to all family and friends . read more