Seemor
Sahara RestaurantB+Worth Trying
2226 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
· Middle Eastern restaurant, Lebanese restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (719 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Friendly, family-run Lebanese spot with charcoal-grilled kebabs and generous platters; great hospitality, reliable food, counter ordering, and moderate prices.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Sahara Restaurant delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by charcoal-grilled kebabs and exceptional service attentiveness that creates genuine warmth. Mostly reliable execution and generous portions support fair value, though modest ambiance and occasional seasoning inconsistencies prevent grade A territory. A beloved local institution with decades of loyal regulars, it excels at what it does—authentic Lebanese comfort food served with family-run hospitality.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and welcoming, with a steady hum of regulars and the sizzle of kebabs over charcoal from the open kitchen. Staff are praised for genuine hospitality, with one diner saying the team "made us feel like extended family." Counter ordering keeps things moving, then plates arrive quickly to the table. The cooking is classic Lebanese comfort—charcoal-grilled kebabs, smooth hummus, fluffy rice, and crisp salads—favoring tradition over trend. Portions are generous and the combination platters let you sample the hits. A few guests note occasional off-days on seasoning or tabbouleh brightness, but the overall pattern is reliable, satisfying plates at fair prices. Families fit right in. There is a dedicated child menu with kebabs, plenty of familiar sides like rice and pita, and mild flavors that kids usually embrace. Vegetarians are covered with falafel and a veg combo, while picky eaters can keep it simple with chicken kebab and rice.
At a Glance
- Charcoal-grilled kebabs with deep smoky flavor
- Warm, family-run hospitality and quick service
- Generous portions and solid value
- Small parking lot; can be tight at peak times
- Occasional off-days on seasoning or freshness
What Sets It Apart
- mesquite_charcoal_grilling
- multi-decade_local_following
- family_run_hospitality
What People Love
- That mesquite charcoal aroma
- Staff who remember regulars
- Fluffy rice and smooth hummus
- Combination platters for sharing
- Light, crisp falafel
Points of Concern
- Parking is limited in the back lot during busy hours
- A few isolated reports of closing before posted time; check hours between services
- Rare complaints about salad freshness or tabbouleh brightness
- Pricing feels high to a minority, though portions are large
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$30-42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair the Chicken Kebab with garlic dip and a Greek salad for balance
- Share the Sahara Combination and add hummus and a cabbage salad
- Vegetarians: order Falafel Plate plus stuffed grape leaves for variety
Perfect For
- Casual weeknight kebab craving
- Family dinners and small celebrations
- Out-of-towners seeking reliable Lebanese classics
- Quick but satisfying lunch
Location Insights
Area: Auto-row stretch of East Colorado Blvd with small plazas and local businesses; casual, everyday dining vibe.
Safety: Generally safe, well-traveled corridor; typical Pasadena lighting and foot traffic; basic private lot per reviews.
Nearby: Near shops, hotels, and Pasadena attractions; convenient for errands or pre-event meals.
East PasadenaEast Pasadena is a primarily residential area with a mix of local businesses and eateries. The dining scene here is casual and community-oriented, featuring a variety of ethnic cuisines that reflect the area's cultural diversity. It is accessible and family-friendly, with a relaxed atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–15:00, 17:00–20:00
Tuesday11:00–15:00, 17:00–20:00
Wednesday11:00–15:00, 17:00–20:00
Thursday11:00–15:00, 17:00–20:00
Friday11:00–15:00, 17:00–20:00
Saturday11:00–15:00, 17:00–20:00
Sunday
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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