Shared the Cornish Hen with my Persian wife and it was great by both our standards! It is not commonly found on Mediterranean menus. Service was attentive and cordial. My wife really appreciated the Persian calligraphic poems on the wall and the cultural artwork, and loved the eggplant appetizer - "not too oily." The Tabouli is done very green here and Salad Shirazi is finely chopped. Live out of town, but will definitely return when in the Dallas area again. read more

Sahara Restaurant - Kashk Bademjan - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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This place is fantastic and authentic, with huge portions, and friendly service in a pleasant "little shop" type setting. I have the gyro, the BEST I've ever had, and grilled vegetables. Stock up on some middle-eastern supplies from their store for home if you want, but I'm going to let them do the cooking! read more

I've had a lot of Persian Mediterranean food but WOW.. this place is literally my #1 go-to spot now. I can't believe I didn't know about this sooner, it's right down the street from the Galleria Mall so I'm excited it's so close to me. The meat was so tender and moist, especially the chicken. I was blown away. The grilled veggies were paired perfectly with the meats also. My friend who's a hummus queen was very impressed with this hummus and cleared the bowl. Everything was perfect and I'm already craving this again while I write this review It was fairly busy at 12 pm also for their lunch crowd. They also have a small little shop where you can buy middle eastern canned goods, spices, sauces, etc read more

Sahara Restaurant - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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Hen kabob was so so good. Staff was nice. Cozy place. Really happy. Oh no really, happy happy.

Service was good. Cute place but horrible music and unfortunately they use some sort of strong cleaner that overwhelms the senses. Food - meh. Both of us had the lunch special. Kebab, rice, grilled tomatoes and 2 sides. Let me preface the description by saying that I was raised in North Africa, I cook amazing Lebanese cuisine, and I've had some of the best Persian food in the world when I was in Dubai. So, I was not impressed here. The Kubideh kebab was not seasoned enough, the rice was bland and needed a lot of salt, the hummus was good. And the yogurt with cucumber was good. The tabouli was an epic fail with absolutely no flavor, except the taste of freshly washed and cut parsley. None of the other ingredients in it came through, and there was a huge lack of dressing in it. Mom's chicken may have been a little undercooked, and I can't place the seasoning. The portions though were huge. So if you want to just fill your stomach with bland food, come here. I don't really like leaving bad reviews, so I'm gonna give this three stars. On the plus side, they have a few groceries on the shelf, and lots of spice packets by one of my favorite brands, Sadaf. read more

The owner of this store keeps harassing me. It is very worrisome. He is stalking my social media accounts and making up lies. I ordered take out over the phone 8 months ago from his establishment. I never met this guy and had little interaction with his employees. Just went and picked up the food and left. I originally left 3 stars but the owner made up a complete lie in his response to my review. He stated that I was trying to get free food. I am including a photo of his first lie. 8 months later he has changed his story so many times. I am including in the photos two different lies he has spun about me. I will be contacting Yelp to discuss this inappropriate situation. read more

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I still miss their Persian lunch buffet. It was so great to be able to sample the different dishes and the many side condiments. Ordering à la carte is just not the same thing. I wouldn't even know what that thing I liked was. I wish they would bring back the lunch buffet -- if they need to charge more, charge more. A pity. read more

Great little authentic Mediterranean restaurant. Service was excellent. Took the whole family for lunch and everyone was raving about how delicious their food was. read more

Sahara is the epitome of never judge a book by its cover, because based on the area it's located in it's easy to feel reluctant to want to dine in. Once inside though all of your worries wash away & are met with inviting staff and comforting decor. What's cool about Sahara is that it's both a restaurant and a market, so you can shop authentic Persian/Iranian produce while you dine in or wait for your to go order. Today I tried their $15 lunch special, which comes with your choice of protein - rice or salad & two sides. Everything was made to order and fresh, was well seasoned and well proportioned. I have no complaints. I was also finally able to try some potato tahdig, which was a highlight for me because a lot of middle eastern places in the DFW metroplex don't serve it to guests. If you're in the area, give Sahara a go. read more

Sahara Restaurant - Wall decor - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Im so happy I found an authentic Mediterranean restaurant in Dallas (tried many) and this one is so good! Friendly service. I didnt dine in but I ordered for a pick up. I like their grilled chicken the most! Beef koobideh was not as juicy as how I wanted. Their Jewel Rice was yum too! Will come back! read more

Sahara Restaurant - Hen Chicken - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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If you live in Dallas, Colin County in Plano, or anywhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, you need to get yourself down to Sahara Mediterranean restaurant immediately. This place is worthy of a Michelin star. The staff are very welcoming and friendly. The food is very fresh, and everything is extremely clean. Unbelievable spot. I can't recommended enough. read more

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I can't say enough about this restaurant. 1st, this is the best mediterranean, Persian food in town, compared to a dozens more restaurants around. I challenge you to eat there once, then you can tell the difference between Sahara, and half a dozen other Mediterranean restaurants in town. 2nd, you are dealing with a third generation chef. Enough said. 3rd, you will not leave dissatisfied. The hot tea, and sweets, at end of your meal, will bring you back over, and over. 4th, they've been around for over 20 years, compared to a lot of other restaurants that may have opened up, as resent as 10 years ago, 5th, you will have the opportunity to meet the owner, and perhaps, if you are lucky, you will see me, having hot tea, at table one, because Sahara, is my "CHEERS". Remember Norm, at the end of the bar with his glass of beer???????? Well, "I am Norm, at table one, with my hot tea. read more

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genuinely to die for, hummus should win an award. i get the isfahan chicken and it's always cooked to perfection. weekly lunch spot confirmed read more

First of all- food looks great but it's an up charge if you are sharing it with someone else. It lacked flavor and didn't have a good after taste. Good atmosphere. read more

Sahara Restaurant - Chicken and koobedeh plate. - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

This is such a cute and homey place! There's even a little market inside the restaurant with some specialty items. The food was so good!! I went with my Iranian friend for her birthday and she said it's some of the best Persian food she's had in Dallas. Everything was reasonable priced and the portions were huge. The chicken kebab was especially impressive, it was really juicy and not dry at all like other chicken kebabs I have had. I wish this place was closer, I'd go every week. read more

Sahara Restaurant - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Not the same as the wonderful Buffett I was eating at 20 years before COVID. Different owners and feel. Kebab was not as tender. Portions of Tabouli and Turkish salad small. read more

FOOD IG: @northtx.gemz **** WHAT THEY'RE KNOWN FOR: I found them through Foodie Friend Amanda on Tik Tok! I've been wanting to try authentic Persian food and she recommended this place. THE VIBE: humid inside??? Very quiet. They have a mini grocery store section of Persian snacks PRICE: ~$55 + $12 tip WOULD I COME BACK? No. **** Overall Rating: 7.5/10 - This business has been open for over 20 years and apparently is a staple around here! It is near the galleria mall/addison dining area. - I will say the food comes out very hot and fresh! I really enjoyed the beef koobideh it was excellent! The chicken koobideh was extremely salty and lacked any other flavor. The rice was great. - The chicken anari was something I've never had before it's cooked in a pomegranate sauce and it was actually pretty good too but my bf didn't like it after a couple of bites. I would say it's like sweet but more tangy but I thought the Cornish hen was cooked perfectly. - I think my bf and I thought this place was okay! It was good and fresh but we both agreed it was missing something! Like something spicy? But that's just us. If you like mild to no heat food you will like this place. - The Persian pickles being $7 was criminal tho. I know a jar of pickles is only $3 and we weren't given a large portion lol. read more

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I called to pickup 3 order one of rhem was kobide 2 times ask for well done, its totally raw, and taste not good either, she told me will be ready to pickup in 20 min i get there 27 min i waited 1 hour and 21 min and after that they gove me raw meat, not suggesting to anyone. read more

Sahara Restaurant - Kobide 2 times ask to be well done. And see what i get . - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

I'll get straight to the point, food is super yummy and flavorful. None of the proteins were overcooked or dry. Loved the smokiness you get from their grill. Basmati rice was cooked really well too, it had that yummy butter flavor. Everything pictured plus a plate of rice was shared between 3 people and we were pretty full after. Service was friendly and attentive. I would consider this a hole in the wall place and maybe family run. They close at 7pm unfortunately so if you can't make it, you're definitely missing out on good food. Good Mediterranean food place in the Dallas area. Would definitely come back here! read more

Sahara Restaurant - Salmon and more lamb - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Amazing food, staff, and experience. Definitely worth trying out their lunch special for only $15.99

This place is a must try! Very authentic and delicious Persian food! I was actually wowed by how good everything was- all the meat was so tender and moist, and flavors of everything was perfect. Service was great, food was great, can't wait to come back here soon! read more

By far the best Persian food in Dallas! I haven't seen any other Persian restaurant in Dallas that would top the quality over at Sahara. I have tried 4 other places, not to name here, but Sahara has the best quality!! I moved to Dallas in 2019 from the Bah Area. I have ate at many Bay Area Persian restaurants and I can say this with confidence that Sahara is better than most of them! I use to only enjoy Persian dishes going back to the Bay, but I don't have to do that anymore. Just come over to Sahara. read more

Sahara Restaurant - Kabab Koobide with Tahdig!! - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

I really like this place and it has become my favorite place to eat in the area while I visit while working. The greek salad is excellent as is the hummus, gyro meat and lamb skewers. Owner is very friendly and attentive. I will continue to go back often. Wish they were open a little later in the evening otherwise it is only a lunch option for me. read more

Pros: can make 2-3 meals out of the 1 entree, chicken thigh taste is good Cons: pool of oil in the food, rice has hard bits, food is expensive, place is super dark because only 1 lightbulb out of every 3 work, the ground beef just tastes okay, service is mediocre, the seat cushion in the booth is loose so you slide off the chair Never coming back Go to Chop House Gyro down the street.. tastes better, they give lots of food, price is better too read more

Sahara Restaurant - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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The 4 stars is for the Kabob only, definitely not the service we received. This used to be our favorite Persian restaurant for over 20 years. We hadn't ordered from here in a long time and have been going to another Persian restaurant closer to our house. I suggested that we order from here since I had a work event close by and because I always loved the Persian food. We walked in, stood for a few minutes and were completely ignored by the older, taller lady that seemed completely overwhelmed. We patiently waited by the entrance for a few more minutes and she still continued to ignored us. I finally walked up to the counter and stood there till she looked at me and coldly said "I'll be with you in one minute. Minutes later and she still continued to ignore me. I stood there patiently then finally had to get the attention of another lady that walked past me. I asked if I could please order to go. We ordered 6 skewers of kabob and grilled tomatoes. We waited so long for the order, which I'm sure was due to them being busy with other to go orders. My husband who is extremely patient and calm, finally told me to ask if it's going to be much longer or to cancel the order. After finally receiving our to go order, my husband realized they charged us for 7 skewers and made 7 instead of 6. I'm sure she wrote the order wrong even though she repeated it to us. The service is nothing like I remember although the kabob was juicy and flavorful. I didn't want to give it 1 star because as business owners, I know it's not fair to give 1 star reviews unless it's completely warranted. Honestly, the service we received was 1 star. Not sure if we will return due to the service. read more

Pita bread had mold, potato salad was very bland and dry, waitress was obviously busy with something? Three other individual customers? Will not go back or recommend. read more

Hello, again to all the ppl, with good taste& pallet for great food. I am at Sahara restaurant again enjoying their great food& service. Today, I couldn't make it for their great specials, but I had their salmon& dill rice dinner, with salad Shirazie& sabzi, with bread. Unfortunately, I was so hungry, that I forgot to take a pic, but I do have a picture of smaller portion, that I couldn't finish. After all, I still have to look good for the camera, too. read more

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We drove past this restaurant for years didn't know it exist til I found it on yelp. I called no one picked up the phone (Friday night 6pm) so I just drove there. To my surprise not a soul in the restaurant. ( They close at 7pm so it's not a night spot.) Other than the watery/salty hummus all other dishes were on point. The chicken thighs and filet cubes were delicious. Yogurt, rice, veggies were all great. Price wise it's more reasonable than their competition. It's good value but as far as filet mignon, Shiraz has better quality of meat (priced higher). read more

Sahara Restaurant - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

I think this is by far one of the best Persian restaurants in Dallas . There food is really amazing . I love how juicy there koonideh beef kabobs are , and there basmati Persian rice is cooked well and the saffron is just the right touch. I usually get a tray of kabobs when I come here once a month . The owners son is nice on the phone , they are very professional end kind . I really enjoy the hospitality. read more

Sahara Restaurant - Beef koobideh kabob with basmati Persian rice and grilled tomatoe . - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

$15 lunch special comes with a skewer of meat, rice or salad, and two sides (hummus, tabouli, potato salad). The sides were good. I prefer my pita fluffy, not flat (dry). The chicken was seasoned good and juicy but the beef skewer lacked flavor. I like to taste the smoke from the fire and the kabobs didn't have that. They give you ALOT of rice and garnish the plate with some rice that I assume was stuck to the bottom of the pan. The only issue with that is you get a few hard pieces of rice while eating. read more

Sahara Restaurant - Tabouli, potato salad, beef kabob - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Being from out of town, I was confused what Persian restaurant to try, as Dallas has a huge variety of very good restaurants. I am really glad I chose this Persian restaurant! I ended up trying out the ground chicken kabob platter (lunch special) and it was great! The ground chicken was very tender, moist, and flavorful. The rice that came with the chicken was great. The hummus and yogurt (the sides that I got with the platter) were both delicious and went well with the chicken. The employees in this restaurant were also very nice. They ended up giving me and my family complimentary rice puddings for dessert, which was great. Overall, I had a great experience with this restaurant and definitely plan on coming back when I am in the Dallas area again. read more

Sahara Restaurant - Rice pudding - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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This is the place to go if you dont like to cook and want to order kabobs in bulk. I have tried all of the kebabs on the menu and they're all good. The Isfahan Special is the best chicken kabob in the Dallas area IMO. The best thing about this place is you can order skewers only instead of having to pay for an entire entree. Whip up some rice or potatoes and you've got an easy high protein meal. I honestly need to eat here more and I'd be in better shape. I've been meaning to try the buffet but never got around to it. Doesn't matter anyway with Covid19 going around. read more

Sahara Restaurant - Isfanhan in the middle - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Well I have to say we read the other Yelp reviews and we loved the responses from the owner , we knew we had to go and it did not disappoint, we sat immediately, server was prompt, even said kitchen might take a little longer so we knew what to expect time wise, what we ordered will be in a photo, food was great , fresh,moist, flavorful. Honestly really enjoyed definitely will go back , read more

Sahara Restaurant - Great food - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

A Mediterranean heaven of a place. Food is Five Stars Service is Five Stars Clean is Five Stars To me health and frishness is very important in food and what you put in your body. This is the place for that. I got the filet and chicken kabob with rice and sides of tabouli and potatoes salad. I lived everybitee. The stafff is fast and great to me when ever I come. This is now my third time and I will keep coming. read more

Sahara Restaurant - Kabobs - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Great hospitality and service! Of course the food was amazing too. Order the housemade doough (yogurt and cucumber drink) if you're looking to try something new when it comes to a Persian foodie experience. For a traditional meal, ask for the chicken and ground beef kabobs (or combo!). I promise you'll enjoy the basmati rice and saffron too. $15 weekday lunch specials include a 3-course meal - take advantage of this great price while it lasts! read more

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Been coming here for years. The staples are solid: barg, koobideh, stews, etc. The restaurant and service are low key, which I appreciate; the focus seems to be on takeout. Apparently there was a buffet pre-Covid that I never tried. Wish they were open on Sundays. read more

This isn't in the best neighborhood but very close to the Galleria for a bite before or after a good day of shopping! They do not have buffets anymore but have daily specials even on weekends. I got rice with the special chicken and I was very full. They also give you unlimited refills of warm pita- it's good! Not fancy inside and seating is not the most comfortable but staff was very friendly and gave great service! read more

Sahara Restaurant - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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The food was good, and we ordered three dishes. Some of us weren't very hungry. However, they charged us extra because we didn't order individual meals, and they added a 30% tip without informing us. This wasn't right, and we were really annoyed. I won't be going back. read more

Finally, a small place in DFW with some unique personality! The service was great and the food was even better.

I am Persian and last year I moved from California to Fort Worth. I have family here and they recommended three Persian restaurants to me, which I have visited: Shiraz, Sahara and Shahrzad. Sahara is the best of them. Shiraz's food was okay but the prices were outrageous and completely unjustified. Shahrzad is cheap... that and their location is the draw (right next to their Persian grocery). But their food doesn't compare favorably with the other two. That said, in terms of food, value and service: Sahara beats both of them easily. I have tried their barg, koobideh, cornish game hen kabob, and their chicken thigh kabob (Isfahan Special). All of them are excellent. Their koobideh and the chicken thigh kabob are my favorites. At all of these restaurants if you order koobideh you HAVE to specify that you want them juicy and not well done. I even say medium rare (it's not medium rare when they give it to you, it's just not burned) because for some reason these Texas restaurants seem to think koobideh should have a significant char: it shouldn't. But if you tell Sahara that you want it juicy and medium and not burned they serve it perfectly. Their doogh, Shirazi salad, and maust o mooseer are all wonderful as well. The service has been excellent every time I am there. The store is clean and so are the bathrooms. Overall, it's an great place that I am happy to visit again and again. read more