Sahara Middle Eastern Eatery

Truly some of the very best Albuquerque has to offer. Having lived in Lebanon 2 years and traveled all over the middle east, I can honestly say, this is some of the finest food available. Restaurant is spotlessly clean. Service is quick and professional. Food is truly fantastic. You can taste the love in every mouth full. You can't get this kind of love in a chain restaurant.This is a locally owned, family operation. Your money spent here, stays here. Support this amazing restaurant.

Sahara is a casual counter-serve Middle Eastern restaurant on Central. They have both booth and regular seating options available, which are all indoors. There are no steps into or inside the venue, so patrons with mobility issues will not have any issues. I had the chicken tika kebab wrap (located under the "Sandwiches" section on the menu and spelled with one "K"), which is described as, "Marinated tender chicken breast skewers charbroiled and topped with garlic sauce, parsley, and pickles." I additionally added tzatziki sauce in the wrap, then added a side of French fries for $3. The char flavor on the chicken was quite strong, and I missed the tika flavoring in it. I would have enjoyed something else to be in the wrap other than the only solid items to be medium pieces of chicken and thin-sliced pickles, because it felt like it was missing something overall. I did enjoy the pickles in the wrap. The side of fries were cooked fresh and were salty. I enjoy pretty salty fries, but if patrons don't like lots of salt they would likely want to ask for light salt on those. After the meal the table is bused, so patrons do not need to clear their plates themselves. Overall the restaurant was fine. My dining companion agreed the chicken tasted too charred and was similarly unimpressed with the experience overall.

Friendly busy staff which patiently explained my questions. Ordered the Sahara entree lamb kabob $14.99, small dark pistachio chocolate bar $8.50, two baklava to go $2.99 each and a kunafa (Turkish cheesecake) $4.99 for here. Also a Turkish latte w/ cardamom for $4.99. Great casual atmosphere . The kebab is seasoned well, lots of flavor. The saffron rice is perfect. Salad came with delicious croutons. Falafel is not greasy and has the perfect texture, not dry. The kunafa tastes like warm mozzarella with sugar and salt. The gritty Turkish latte is smooth and tastes as if it was a single shot. I was hoping the chocolate bar had less ingredients. It's not made in house. The pistachio filling has a list of ingredients which is disappointing. Was hoping it was just pistachio. Overall, I'd certainly return for more lamb and baklava.

IIwent for lunch today right at opening and it was not busy. We got a variety of food to share. I love their baba ghanoush, their French fries with cheese, their yellow saffron rice, and always the assorted pickle plate. The chicken schwarma is always a hit with the hummus, salad, grape leaves and more. I like their black tea iced tea too. When down by UNM on Central, we try to go here.

The best Mediterranean restaurant in Albuquerque hands down! From the outside, it looks like a hole in the wall, but when you walk in they have beautiful murals that reminded me of Dubai. The husband and wife that run it, are always very friendly. My favorite thing on the menu are the chicken kabobs, Greek salad, hummus, and taziki. They even have Dubai chocolate... Yummy!!!

Service is absolutely amazing! The people there are so nice. Any questions I had they were more than willing to answer. The food is amazing and filling one plate had me stuffed. It is fairly affordable for a poor college student. Overall, amazing place, definitely going to be a frequent place for me.

I travel to Albuquerque 2-3 times a year and I always try to work in a trip to Sahara. I like kebabs and falafel as much as the next guy, but what sets this place apart is they usually have a daily special that is more like Middle Eastern home cooking. Food's always been good, service is just fine, the place is clean and not usually too busy (although they seem to do a good takeout business).

A unique experience, this place is something else. Good food. Good people. Good service. A bit spendy, but everything is handmade and not overloaded with onions.

The Dubai Chocolate with pistachio filling was amazing and they make them fresh daily. So authentic and the employees are welcoming and friendly. Thank you ! I'll be back.

Some of the best, kindest people working here. The food is always flavorful and plenty. The dining space is welcoming. I also appreciate the free parking next to the building!