This was the best Middle Eastern food I've had in my life - and I'm from New York City where we have a ton of options. I had the Chicken Shawarma platter, which comes with all of the staple appetizers including pita, falafel and dolma! The chicken seasoning was delicious, it had a subtle hint of (I think nutmeg or cinnamon) that complemented the whole dish. The owners are also very sweet and also from New York City, they have brought their cuisine and talent to serve the ABQ! You must come here if you want some authentic Middle Eastern food from the Levant (one of my favorite styles too!) I also got 2 desserts from here (knafeh and baklava) which I have yet to eat - but can't wait to dig into. read more

Wow just ordered from Sahara last night and the food I was able to taste was incredible ( the rest of the food was thrown away by Homewood Hilton downtown hotel housekeeper "by mistake " ) the kibbe was cooked perfectly , was so crunchy and full of meat and the flavors !!!!! Wow almost as good as my mama's and sitto's!! The labneh you can tell is homemade !!! AMAZING!!!! The one falafel I had tasted delicious and was cooked perfect !!! The babaganoush and hummus were very good !!! Hopefully today I'll go by and order some more !!!! Totally recommending Sahara !!! Trust me is legit !!!! And I'm 100% Levantine so I KNOW LOL read more

I enjoyed grabbing a platter from here. Their platter provided a little of everything (hummus, pita, salad, rice, dolma, falafel-choice of meat). I preferred the tika chicken over the shawarma. Great find! read more

Greek Plate is amazing. Thank you for having Vimeo (red can) also amazing. High quality food!

Food and service is amazing and the portions are perfect. Many tables so no need to wait for one. Very friendly decor and quite clean. Only downside is that there's not enough parking! read more

This place is legit. I was wanting something different while traveling and was thinking chicken shawarma. When I walked in the owner suggested exactly what i was thinking. This rice was great chicken was really good. Never had falafel but this one was crispy a little spicy and really good. I dipped it in the hummus which was define. I wish i would have bought extra pita and taziki since that is my fav but i did an entree plate to try everything. Next time i come ill try a gyro. Price point was perfect. The desserts looked great. I got a lady finger with walnuts for $1.50. Well worth the price to end the meal. Meal was made to order as well so it was hot and fast. Please give them a try u can tell they work hard and their customer service is exceptional. read more

For delicious Middle Eastern food, give this place a try. The hummus was delicious. Shawarma was great. Baklava was yummy. There's traditional and custard baklava. There are Lebanese specialties--yum. They also have Turkish coffee. The employees were very sweet and accommodating. They took their time when assisting me and answering questions. Prices were reasonable. The atmosphere is casual. There's lots of seating. Lot parking is somewhat limited. read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Eatery - Hummus and Shwarma--so good! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Falafel sandwiches here are awesome. They remind me of a place in Vancouver that used to be good back in my College days. I had spoken so highly of this place to my boyfriend and when we went back a couple years ago, and the family from Fiji that ran it was gone. The sandwich delivered was falafel blasphemy, soggy sad flavorless. Deserts falafel is no longer the glory that it was, but now I can get the memories anytime I want with a delicious walk able falafel wrap from Sahara. The tubular form is a classic representation of the this sandwich, and makes it easy to multitask walking and eating. Sometime yes I just want to literally enjoy food on the go. The New Yorker working the counter is a treat, he has been working both times we have visited. He gives the joint a big city feel. The sandwich itself thin pita- not the yeast puffy kind. Falafel is fried fresh and has lots of flavor and spice, texture is crunchy and moist in the middle. Tahini sauce is what all tahini sauces should aim to taste like, Sandwich has lettuce and pickles on it too. The last time we had shared a lamb shaswarma plate that had potatoes, house made pickles, hummus, dolmades, and also had a falafel wrap. All the food had been good here. It is quite filling as well.. We has the arabic fruit punch soda last time and it is worth a try, though it does remind me of Hawaiian Punch with a bit of sparkle. read more

See all

My wife and I ate here on a Friday night, 7/22/16. The owners of this Lebanese restaurant are from NYC and they have been in business for nine years. The parking is off the street (Central) and rather tight. We noticed they had outdoor seating, but someone was smoking, so we sat inside. The prices were a little high, but they had a good selection of Lebanese, Greek, and Arabic food. She ordered the daily special called mafuu (lamb meat surrounded by cabbage leaves) and I ordered the Sahara entrée plate for $12.49. The mafuu plate had almost no lamb meat, it was mostly rice and cabbage leaves. The Sahara plate came with falafel, hummous, basmati rice, pita, dolmas, fattoush salad, and beef and lamb shawarmah. We also ordered Barefoot wine miniatures (Merlot and Cabernet), but unfortunately they were warm. The waiter put some ice in there, but it got pretty watered down. The literally watered down drinks paired with the bland food didn't justify the high prices they charged. The best part of the Sahara plate was the rice since the meat was a little dry and unflavored. My wife and I have enjoyed much better Middle Eastern food on our visits to Brazil. On top of the tight parking lot, bland food and watered down drinks the wife and I got sick from the food. The entire next day we endured multiple bathroom trips and upset stomachs. We won't be revisiting. read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Eatery - Sahara entrée plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Nothing beats sahara restaurant in Albuquerque. The friendliest service and best tasting food in town. I recommend 10/10. I really enjoyed the people, atmosphere, and their amazing good. This restaurant has left the best impressions! Hospitable hosts, delicious dishes, beautiful presentation, wide wine list and wonderful dessert. I recommend to everyone! I would like to come back here again and again. First time in and YOU have to go! It's the cutest little spot with amazing food. The hummus and shawarma is to die for. The service we received was so amazing and we will definitely be back again. They made us feel welcomed and gave us an amazing experience. read more

One of the few places i have ordered from through Yelp. Although it always says the food will take 30+ minutes they have been ready early with my meal every time. It's my go to place for comfort fries and quick meal. They are really nice and everyone i have gone in they are wearing masks which i appreciate. read more

We were sad to see the Uptown location closed last year. Since we live in Tijeras it was nice to have one closer for a year. That said, we still make our way out to the University location. We went for a date this weekend and after having gone to either location well over a dozen times in the past few years, we realized the best thing about Sahara is it's consistency!! They never have off days, the food is always exactly as delicious as it is. This last visit we had the chicken shawarma and the malfouf which was a special. A+ read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Eatery - Chicken shawarma and malfouf special. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

This place never disappoints. I always get a Fattoush salad with falafel on the side. The Fattoush salad is ridiculously good, I have no idea what's in it and how such simple ingredients can taste so delicious but every time I have it, I cannot get enough of it! Tonight I ordered delivery and I accidentally clicked the tabouli salad instead of the Fattoush, and I wasn't even disappointed. Everything from this place is so good. I also always get the Sahara entrée plate, I used to get it with chicken Shawarma and whatever sauce they put on top is to die for. The jallab is also incredible. It's such a little dive spot, but I love the food here. It always seems really fresh and really flavorful. read more

I love this place ! It's simple, variety of options to choose from and super filling. Ive tried all their items and enjoyed them equally. Must stop by read more

Pretty good food and reasonably priced. No atmosphere, very bare. You get your own food. Lots of back and forth to and from your table

I just ordered for delivery. I ordered the Greek plate. There are lots of gluten-free options. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious. The hummus was perfect. 10/10, will order again read more

Very good place for Mediterranean food. The bread and meat were fresh and delicious. Large dining area and friendly staff. The service was good. read more

Wow so good! I ordered delivery and it arrived early, which was fine by me. The lentil soup is good on its own. Savory. Perfectly seasoned, which is always a crap shot with soup. I'd get it again. And it paired oh so well with the Lebanese plate. Rice and all were great. One piece of chicken-and only one-was a lil overdone. No problem as my dog gladly ate that bite. I've been skeptical of delivery services but am no longer skeptical at this eatery. Their open-during-COVID game is strong read more

Sahara is consistent - the dish I like the most is the vegetarian plate but pretty much everything on the menu is reliable and delicious my only complaint is their pita bread is the old style flat kind of tasteless tough pita- read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE, highly reccomend for a meal for two, 2 gyros, Greek fries, side of 4 falafels, and 2 baklava!!!!! Cant get over how good it is and can't wait to come back! read more

So I don't eat out very much. Bit this is my fav place to eat at when I do. But I grew up with Greek food being my favorite. So this place never disappoints. First of of all the owner is the nicest person you will ever meet out here. And she owed me something from a wrong order and it was the best thing o have ever ate! She told me she give me a sweet treat and I am really not a sweets person but I was like I want what she makes sweet. I ate the whole thing before My real food and I thought I died and went to heaven. I freaking love her and everything she gives me ! For me the food is to die for. read more

First time here, service was great! The owner was really friendly and welcoming. Across from UNM so it's definitely student friendly. Service was quick, food was good, flavorful. The hummous was delicious, and the rice was too! We got the Sahara entree with chicken, and beef and lamb. Overall our meal was pleasant and would recommend if you're in the neighborhood! read more

Fresh, authentic, and delicious! Customer service nice and welcoming. Great price for the amount of food you get. Definitely coming back read more

Food is amazing...the hummus, the gyro meat, the doma, salad, and dessert was delicious read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Eatery - The food was amazing.....! Must come eat here! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Just got my food and it seemed pretty good, only thing that disappointed me was that they left out my chicken from my beef and chicken platter. The food taste decent but that just feels like something you aren't supposed to miss ya know. read more

I came here for the hummus (which was great, I had it with chicken schwarma), but the fries blew me away. They were hot - I can't even remember the last time anyone served me hot fries - so fresh, crispy and not greasy, creamy on the inside too! The schwarma was delicious but the fries are a must have. Nice and friendly customer service. read more

This restaurant is AMAZING! Wonderful food, outstanding hospitality, great environment. Excellent value for the money spent. read more

This is my favorite restaurant in town. My boyfriend and I come here at least once or twice a week (sometimes more) because we just can't stop eating there. The food is authentic, homey and incredible. Portions are huge and all the shawarmah is grilled fresh to order. The desserts are all incredible, especially the Knaffe! My favorite plate is the Chicken Shawarmah plate which I order every time. Helen, one of the owners is so kind and has a very motherly vibe about her. We love this place, and they have punch cards! Meals are just amazing. Saffron rice is to die for, hummus is creamy and flavorful, pita bread is soft and hot, drink sizes are huge, everything is awesome. read more

Everything is delicious! The chicken shawarma, gyros, and lamb are some of my favorites. Don't forget to try their deserts covered in sweet honey! read more

Outstanding Middle Eastern food. Shawarma's are as good as anything you're find in the Middle East. Turkish coffee is sublime. Baclava is incredible. And the falafel....perfection. I know, I've lived 10 years in the Middle East, and I've had my share of excellent Middle Eastern cuisine.. The owners are great people, friendly and a joy to chat with. read more

See all

Stopped here last night. Wow, had a great meal. The food was delicious. I had a chicken kabob entry. We also had baklava. It was the best I ever had. It was fresh too. We are going to return for sure. read more

Went here tonight for my birthday, I loved in Jordan so I miss authentic middle eastern food until now!!!! read more

See all

"Get a load of this guy right here. "I mean c'mon, what's with the Giants cap, tough guy? I bet the next thing yer gonna tell me is you're some kinda New Yorker, am I right? Sure, sure. Like I believe that. C'mon. Gimme a break. Fine, ya know what? Just give me some of whatever it is yer cookin' and let me eat already, ah? Get outta here. "Wait a minute... this stuff is... this is pretty good. This tastes a lot like another Middle East joint I hit the last time I was back east. This... this is really good. In fact... Okay. Now I'm reconsidering. Maybe you weren't messin' with me. Maybe you're the real thing. Okay, I'll buy that you're from New York, okay, sure. But I gotta ask you: what are ya doin' in Albuquerque?" Okay, enough with that. This shop is legit. The owners are legit: they have roots in NY and the middle east, and the food reflects it. Excellent dolmas, pretty decent falafel and if you're into it, some of the best Baba Ghanouj I've ever tasted, in fact the vegetarian options are extensive. From a meat angle, my suggestion is to do what we did: the family platter. What's included: Rice, Falafel (4), Hommous, pickle mix, Fattoush salad, Dolmas, fresh pita bread, Kobbee (4), Beef and Lamb, Shawarma, Chicken Shawarma, Specialty Spiced Chicken Tiki skewers (4), Kafta Kabob skewers (4) What this fed: dinner for seven people, four leftover lunches, and a snack for one cat. She loved the chicken shawarma as much as I did. read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Eatery - That's a lotta New York Jordanian love on these shelves, tough guy. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet! This food is AWESOME!!! The first time we went into this place, I really wasn't sure what to expect, but the Yelp reviews said it was good, so we forged ahead. It looks a little fast food-y, but it SO is not! The combo plates kick ass - there is really no other way to say it, they just K I C K A S S. The combination of all the stuff they put on there is like magic. The chicken tikka is my favorite, but frankly they are all pretty darn good. The hummus and falafel that come with it are truly tasty, and even the frickin' salad and rice are just delightfully delectable. Oh my gosh - we might have to go there for dinner tonight, my mouth is watering just thinking about it... Anyway - the guy who owns this place is so cool. He is from Brooklyn and a really nice guy. Sometimes when I go for takeout we chat about life, food, travel - all kinds of stuff. He is really funny and fun to talk to. He gave me great advice about where to get good Chinese here in ABQ - not an easy thing to come by, especially when you are used to San Francisco Chinese, you know? OH!!! The dolmas!!! Heaven! Sorry - just thought of that. Yum... Yeah, I need to go there on the way home. The prices are a little higher than I would like, but it never even makes me pause when I want to go there - it was more of a blip on the screen the first time we went. The food is so good, you kinda forget about it once you have food in your mouth. Truly - if you like Mediterranean food in any way, shape or form, you will LOVE LOVE LOVE Sahara. LOVE IT!!!!! Go there and be happy that you did!!! read more

I'm visiting Albuquerque and I stopped by Sahara Middle Eastern Eatery today for a late lunch. I had chicken shawarma, dolmas, and baklava. The entrée and side were delicious. The dessert was good, but not great. The dining room was basic, but serviceable. read more

This place has a big parking lot and it's very clean! It smells great when you walk in and the owners are... FANTASTIC. Omar made me feel right at home! I ordered a shawarma plate. Beef and lamb.. it was wrapped in beautiful hummus. I think maybe... it's Albuquerque or something because the food was lacking in spice. I was really surprised because the set up was beautiful.. My constructive criticism would be to add more color to your plates. Lettuce... onions.. tomatoes.. cucumbers. Something. Will upload pic asap. I definitely want to go back and try something else. I love you Omar! I hope the world takes you some place better than ABQ!!! read more

Sahara Middle Eastern Eatery - Middle Eastern Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

See all

I have traveled the world. I have been all over the Mediterranean, Who would have thought I would find the BEST middle eastern food in Albuquerque New Mexico! Sahara is family owned. The food is made from scratch and delicious! Don't miss the opportunity to have a meal here! read more

We were traveling and had to spend a night in Albuquerque. Since we knew nothing about the area, I turned to yelp for some dinner guidance. Sahara had great reviews and was fairly close to our hotel so we decided to give them a go. So glad we did. We each had a gyro and I must say it was probably the best gyro I have ever had the pleasure of eating. The meat was perfectly seasoned and plentiful and the sauce was so good, I was practically licking the wrapper! We also enjoyed a piece of baklava for dessert and it was also quite delicious. Wish we could have tried their other menu items too. I suspect they would be equally as good. If I lived in the area, Sahara would be a frequent lunch or dinner choice! read more

I have a job that requires me to travel constantly and eat out for all of my meals, and I can sincerely say that this is one of the best meals I have had in a long time. The food was incredible and the owners were so kind and friendly. This restaurant is a must if you are in Albuquerque, make sure to add it to your list! read more

Delicious! Food is hot and fresh, flavor and spices are on point and the desserts are the best. Aside from parking, this place checks all the right boxes. read more