Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine
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Hours
Mon
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tue
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wed
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thu
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sat
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Quick Bites, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Halal
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
CUISINES
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Halal
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service
Contribute
4.5
211 reviews
Excellent
154
Very good
33
Average
13
Poor
2
Terrible
9
Lee G
Philadelphia276 contributions
Sep 2024 • family
Come early or be prepared to stand in line. This is a popular spot and the indoor eating area isn't huge.
Two thumbs up for the falafel on hummus. The falafel was deliciously crisp and hot and the hummus was cool and creamy. The order came with a side dish and the cucumber salad was the perfect fresh foil. It was a large portion that was shared. The vegetarian platter had a little bit of everything, once again in large portions.
The $11.99 lunch specials are great value for meat-eaters. We used two takeout boxes for the leftovers from three people that would be at least another entire meal. The crowning jewel was the baklava. The pastry didn't flake apart and scatter all over, and it was the best I've ever tasted. I think I should see if they ship it . . .
Note: When they run out of food items--they're out! So come early in the day for the best selection.
Written September 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alyona
Lexington1505 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
10/21/24 & 11/4/24
My husband and I got to go orders of the same dishes both times. Sahara is hands-down the best Mediterranean spot around! I ordered the lamb and beef shawarma, while my husband went with the chicken shawarma. Portions are super generous—enough for leftovers! The food is consistently fresh and flavorful, with a lively, bustling atmosphere that adds to the experience. I could honestly eat here every day. Don’t miss out on their incredible garlic sauce—it’s a must-try! It’s the best garlic sauce out there.
Written November 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara
11 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
I'll start this review by saying WOW! I live in the area and had tried another popular local Mediterranean food restaurant (Athenian Grill). I thought Athenian Grill was decent and would eat there every few months but when I ate at Sahara today... it changed my view on Mediterranean cuisine. I ordered the lunch special ($11.99) and there was so much food. I ordered the chicken shawarma that came with greek salad, rice, at least a half pound of chicken , hummus, and garlic Tahiti. It was OUTSTANDING. I will visit here more often then not and am no longer interested in Athenian Grill. This food is incredible. I arrived at 11:47am and the line was out the door but only took 5 mins to place my order, took an additional 10 mins to receive the food. The only negative thought I had while eating the food was that the chicken shawarma seemed dry, which I do not typically order white meat chicken so I may not be the best to comment on this. It still had a great flavor, but in my opinion was dry. With that being said, I would go there just for the hummus and I am not typically a fan of hummus, it was amazing.
Written March 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald B
Arlington3815 contributions
Apr 2023 • friends
I went to Sahara for lunch with friends. I had to follow a coworker up I-75 from Richmond to get there. We had their lunch special. I can’t tell you what we had, but it was good. I think I ordered a mix of lamb and beef. There were a number of people that came and used their take-out service.
Written August 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hrobinson1114
Nashville5770 contributions
Nov 2020 • family
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.
Written November 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alyona
Lexington1505 contributions
Mar 2020 • business
3/25/20 & 3/27/20
I can’t believe I haven’t wrote a review again since 2016. I absolutely love this place, it is my favorite Mediterranean restaurant in the entire WORLD!
I’ve legit been to all types of restaurants in USA, and I’ve not found anywhere that has better flavors or presentation of the food that has always been consistent in size, flavor and style. No one has better Mediterranean food than Sahara’s! I tell anyone that comes to Lexington to come here because they’re phenomenal and deserve all the praise. Sure maybe some don’t speak to you when you come get food, but that’s a cultural difference and people need to respect that. Regardless, I will most definitely be coming through here more often, but especially when I’m not counting calories. Order anything, their menu is delicious all around. My preference is lamb but also since their meat is halal, you should try it all. It’s nothing in comparison of the meat you’ll have using Kroger/Walmart meats. Matter of fact, go next door and buy their meats and support local businesses rather than you big box supermarkets. Corona season or not.
2016 The best Mediterranean place in town, hands down! Come here and enjoy their food. Everything is so fresh and prepared in front of you. The staff is super friendly and the restaurant gets very busy very quickly. Come early if you want to get some lunch otherwise you will be waiting in a long awaited line.
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReDiB
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • none
We used to get carryout from here all the time but hadn't in a while, so I was really looking forward to it tonight. Instead we got grape leaves that tasted like they'd been sitting for days; cucumber and tomato salad with nothing on it -- no mint no vinegar; and cold food. It was a huge disappointment. We won't be coming back.
Written March 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emfili2
Louisville2 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
I have been going to this location for years since the opened when I was in college and it's just amazing. I live in Louisville so don't get to go as often as like but always there when visit my family. Prices are fantastic! I'm a foodie and this is top of my list for restaurants. If you are in Lexington it's a must. Just make sure if going in July call ahead to be sure opened since they visit family for 3 months ever year. I crave it even more when closed of course.
Written June 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomad-Tastic!
Los Angeles127 contributions
Sep 2021 • none
Lunch special prices have gone up (now $9.99) and so has the staffs attitude. Looking for a new spot in Lex. Recommendations welcome.
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alyona
Lexington1505 contributions
May 2021 • solo
5/7/21 I came here for dinner and ordered their lunch special but for dinner. It's basically three times the size from the lunch menu. As always it's so soooooo delicious! THIS IS THE BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT YOU HAVE RHE PRIVILEGE TO EXPERIENCE IN LEXINGTON!!!
I can't express it enough how amazing this place is. I've come here for so many years and every single time it's still as good as the first time. The staff is friendly, and the food is fresh. I've been to a ton of various Mediterranean restaurants, and all fall short in comparison to this majestic spot. They do shut down for an entire month when they visit their country in Jordan. So get your fix before you'll be S.O.L.
The food I ordered with the lamb and beef shawarma which is slices of beef, alongside a huge heaping portion of rice, and separate containers of hummus, and fresh Greek salad. Two pieces of pits bread and vampire proof garlic sauce. Which is the best part! I can't rave enough of this place, you'll just have to check them out.
Written May 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiley J
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • friends
This is some of the best food I’ve had in Lexington! Great lunch special, comes with enough for lunch + a snack for later.
Written July 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sa John
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • none
guys it doesn't mean you have a lot of customers and go and serve a raw chicken showarma. who eats raw chicken??? overall you are by far the best Mediterranean food in Lexington but all the times I request my showarma well done and it's always raw and end up throwing it away.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Markproot
Lexington6 contributions
Dec 2019 • friends
Sahara has long since been a wonderful place to go and enjoy amazing food. When you are in the mood for something other than a hamburger and fries or fried chicken.......go there! You won’t be sorry.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron D
Lexington198 contributions
Nov 2019 • solo
Yes, it is busy because the food is so delicious at affordable prices. The line was 12 deep outside with six persons placing orders inside but the line moves fast.
I took advantage of the $7.95 lunch special which is very filling. My spicy Sahara chicken was excellent. My best Mediterranean meal in Lexington
Written November 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paige
1 contribution
Oct 2019 • none
Food is AMAZING! It's all so fresh, and always perfectly consistent. Any place that has a line out the door almost every day is going to be wonderful. Get there early to avoid a long line, and so they don't sell out!
Written October 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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