I’m a huge fan of this authentic restaurant! As soon as I walked in, the aroma had me. The decor is tasteful and brings you to the origin. The food was incredible, starting with the best bread pockets. Everything was dynamite! We will go back regularly! Top notch place on all levels!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Krista M
The food here is delicious and they serve huge portions! The meat is seasoned really well. We got the beef shawarma and lamb chops. They give you warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven bread for appetizers. My favorite thing was the lentil soup - it was perfect for a chilly night. The ambience was quiet because I went on a weeknight. I’d definitely go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Spicy Red Lentil Soup
Binu Vaniapillil
Good food, nice place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Nestor Timog
Very well prepared and tastefully made meat platter. On premise made flat bread goes well with baba ganoush and hummus. Lots more dish selection and dessert. I've had better Turkish Coffee though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sahara Mixed Grill, House Hummus with Fresh Pita, Spicy Red Lentil Soup, Baklava
Loc’d Vee
I posted a review on yelp related to my experience but was here recently with family visiting from out of town. We got to the restaurant around 830. Restaurant closes at 10, yet we were told kitchen was closing at 9 and they hoped to leave early( i actually asked if they were planning to close early although website states they close at 10.) Restaurant was empty and the attitudes of the workers were on full display!!! We decided to stay but they made sure to make us feel as uncomfortable as possible. Food wasnt bad but unfortunately the service didnt match and I sat there wondering who was preparing my food since the chef left. I was almost afraid to eat what I ordered as it was prepared differently previous times I was there. Thank God none of us got sick from the food! I had planned to go back and speak to a manager in person but probably would have become more irritated. I will NEVER return and will not refer others. I even patronized this restaurant during COVID. Perhaps under new management and sadly for me, my family is still talking about the awful experience. UPDATE TO REVIEW: I didn't want to respond to owners reply, but is the reason that I didn't bother reaching out directly (I knew this is the attitude i'd receive). The 'inconsiderate and ignorant' comment is dismissive (and ignorant in and of itself, quite frankly) and misses the entire point. What was inconsiderate is how the workers treated us and the owners reply speaks for itself (and of course explains why the workers acted as they did.) I stand on what I said. And my thoughts around getting sick had nothing to do with their kitchen cleanliness or preparation, but again, the owner totally missed the point. He/she decided to come at me, not in an apologetic manner, rather than address the real issue. Very sad since i've always appreciated this restaurant, the food, have bought many people here or gave recommendations and supported them during the pandemic (no more!) Again, I stand on what I said. I have nothing else to say at this point other than I wish them well.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Bernadette Flores
We had my sister’s surprise bridal shower here and the staff were so accommodating with letting us come the night before to set up decorations! The space was so beautiful and perfect for this special celebration. The food was amazing and everyone really enjoyed it! They were even able to bring leftovers! Overall, we really enjoyed our time there and are so grateful to all the staff for helping make this day special!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carl Koyi
Hands down this was.... THE BEST BEEF SHWARMA I HAVE EVER HAD! What you get for your money here is more then generous portions but real authentic Mediterranean cuisine. I hate to say it like this but if have to choose between your average shwarma shop or this pay the extras money you will have lunch the for the next day or a midnight snack... I noticed they do cut a deal for the shawarma before 5 so next time i will be going before 5 to see if the portions are the same for a lower price.... But ill also bring up the atmosphere this was a friday night not busy wont say quite but music is playing it was a great atmosphere you can tell anyone who did come in knew what they was in for delectable food.... Now the service great its a Byob like yea almost most restaurants with out a bar is but its a great +......... If i could i would give this place 10 stars, im definitely going to try other things on the menu im usually a shwarma fanatic but they had a huge menu that i dont think i want to pass up the experience and thats exactly what this place is a experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gary Van Emburgh
Just set $70 on fire for dinner. Family could not enjoy the meal as the lamb kebab and beef shwarma were severly overcooked. Wife and kid walked away from the dinner table. I choked it down out of sheer will to justify my dining choice and expense. Inexcusable to be served food with such carelessness and incompetence.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Dr. Rasheed Jaradat
One of the best places to enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in Manville and New Jersey in general. Wishing Sahara Restaurant continued success and all the best for the future.
Amazingly delicious food, nice ambiance, beautiful place and the service was friendly, helpful and professional.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alicia Ashley
Very nice place!!! Service a little unorganized but nothing serious!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Stevie K
This was our second time dining here. If you enjoy lamb chops, look no further. Ordered mine medium rare, and they were some of the best I’ve tasted. If you want Mediterranean, this is a wonderful spot. The pita was amazing and the multi-pita dips were also amazing. I would suggest going here during the week early in the day for the best experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
anas Ghunimat
Sahara Restaurant is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The menu offers a rich selection of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, each one bursting with authentic flavor. The hummus is creamy and perfectly seasoned, the grilled meats are tender and juicy, and the freshly baked pita is next-level good.
What really sets Sahara apart is the attention to detail—not just in the food, but in the service as well. The staff is friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about what they do. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, Sahara delivers a dining experience that feels both personal and memorable. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sahara Mixed Grill, House Hummus with Fresh Pita
Yajur Monga
Ordered falafel sandwich. It wasn’t really good. Very dry inside and the sauce was terrible. Pretty small and the prices are now higher. Paid 14$. Not worth it
Amazing food, atmosphere, and great service!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’m a huge fan of this authentic restaurant! As soon as I walked in, the aroma had me. The decor is tasteful and brings you to the origin. The food was incredible, starting with the best bread pockets. Everything was dynamite! We will go back regularly! Top notch place on all levels!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food here is delicious and they serve huge portions! The meat is seasoned really well. We got the beef shawarma and lamb chops. They give you warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven bread for appetizers. My favorite thing was the lentil soup - it was perfect for a chilly night.
The ambience was quiet because I went on a weeknight. I’d definitely go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Spicy Red Lentil Soup
Good food, nice place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Very well prepared and tastefully made meat platter. On premise made flat bread goes well with baba ganoush and hummus. Lots more dish selection and dessert. I've had better Turkish Coffee though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sahara Mixed Grill, House Hummus with Fresh Pita, Spicy Red Lentil Soup, Baklava
I posted a review on yelp related to my experience but was here recently with family visiting from out of town. We got to the restaurant around 830. Restaurant closes at 10, yet we were told kitchen was closing at 9 and they hoped to leave early( i actually asked if they were planning to close early although website states they close at 10.) Restaurant was empty and the attitudes of the workers were on full display!!! We decided to stay but they made sure to make us feel as uncomfortable as possible. Food wasnt bad but unfortunately the service didnt match and I sat there wondering who was preparing my food since the chef left. I was almost afraid to eat what I ordered as it was prepared differently previous times I was there. Thank God none of us got sick from the food! I had planned to go back and speak to a manager in person but probably would have become more irritated. I will NEVER return and will not refer others. I even patronized this restaurant during COVID. Perhaps under new management and sadly for me, my family is still talking about the awful experience. UPDATE TO REVIEW: I didn't want to respond to owners reply, but is the reason that I didn't bother reaching out directly (I knew this is the attitude i'd receive). The 'inconsiderate and ignorant' comment is dismissive (and ignorant in and of itself, quite frankly) and misses the entire point. What was inconsiderate is how the workers treated us and the owners reply speaks for itself (and of course explains why the workers acted as they did.) I stand on what I said. And my thoughts around getting sick had nothing to do with their kitchen cleanliness or preparation, but again, the owner totally missed the point. He/she decided to come at me, not in an apologetic manner, rather than address the real issue. Very sad since i've always appreciated this restaurant, the food, have bought many people here or gave recommendations and supported them during the pandemic (no more!) Again, I stand on what I said. I have nothing else to say at this point other than I wish them well.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
We had my sister’s surprise bridal shower here and the staff were so accommodating with letting us come the night before to set up decorations! The space was so beautiful and perfect for this special celebration. The food was amazing and everyone really enjoyed it! They were even able to bring leftovers! Overall, we really enjoyed our time there and are so grateful to all the staff for helping make this day special!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hands down this was.... THE BEST BEEF SHWARMA I HAVE EVER HAD! What you get for your money here is more then generous portions but real authentic Mediterranean cuisine. I hate to say it like this but if have to choose between your average shwarma shop or this pay the extras money you will have lunch the for the next day or a midnight snack... I noticed they do cut a deal for the shawarma before 5 so next time i will be going before 5 to see if the portions are the same for a lower price.... But ill also bring up the atmosphere this was a friday night not busy wont say quite but music is playing it was a great atmosphere you can tell anyone who did come in knew what they was in for delectable food.... Now the service great its a Byob like yea almost most restaurants with out a bar is but its a great +......... If i could i would give this place 10 stars, im definitely going to try other things on the menu im usually a shwarma fanatic but they had a huge menu that i dont think i want to pass up the experience and thats exactly what this place is a experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Just set $70 on fire for dinner. Family could not enjoy the meal as the lamb kebab and beef shwarma were severly overcooked. Wife and kid walked away from the dinner table. I choked it down out of sheer will to justify my dining choice and expense. Inexcusable to be served food with such carelessness and incompetence.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
One of the best places to enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in Manville and New Jersey in general. Wishing Sahara Restaurant continued success and all the best for the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazingly delicious food, nice ambiance, beautiful place and the service was friendly, helpful and professional.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very nice place!!! Service a little unorganized but nothing serious!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
This was our second time dining here. If you enjoy lamb chops, look no further. Ordered mine medium rare, and they were some of the best I’ve tasted. If you want Mediterranean, this is a wonderful spot. The pita was amazing and the multi-pita dips were also amazing. I would suggest going here during the week early in the day for the best experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sahara Restaurant is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The menu offers a rich selection of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, each one bursting with authentic flavor. The hummus is creamy and perfectly seasoned, the grilled meats are tender and juicy, and the freshly baked pita is next-level good.
What really sets Sahara apart is the attention to detail—not just in the food, but in the service as well. The staff is friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about what they do. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, Sahara delivers a dining experience that feels both personal and memorable. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sahara Mixed Grill, House Hummus with Fresh Pita
Ordered falafel sandwich. It wasn’t really good. Very dry inside and the sauce was terrible. Pretty small and the prices are now higher. Paid 14$. Not worth it
Food: 2
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