June 16th, 2009 
I first visited Sahara Mediterranean about a year ago. My short review of visit #1 to Sahara is below. Wow,what a difference one year can make. Turns out, prices have gone up, portions have gone down, and only regulars get stellar service.
Visit #2
Although Sahara is a small restaurant, they’ve done well with the space and you almost forget you are in a strip mall with a Dunkin Donuts next door. The three main seating areas are 1) the outdoor patio, 2) the main dining room and 3) the semi-private, beautifully decorated space with about 4 tables. We asked to be seated in the semi-private area but were told it was reserved. While I do believe it was reserved, we never actually saw all tables occupied. I think it was a case of a private party reserving more space than they needed.
If you are often torn with your decisions on adult beverages, don’t worry you won’t have that problem here. There are only 2 draft beers, and 4 by the bottle. And there are about 10 wines by the glass or bottle in all. My friend Kim wanted a glass of Shiraz but our server said they were out. She didn’t offer anything in exchange just said they were out of Shiraz. So, Kim opted for a beer instead.
Not being excited in the least by any of the wine choices, Glen and I ordered bottled beer (Stella and Sierra Nevada). Our beers were delivered rather warm and we weren’t even offered a glass, which I would have expected for $4.50 per beer. We finally did get a nice frosty mug, but only after asking for it.
[caption id="attachment_1715" align="aligncenter" width="336" caption="Sahara Adult Beverages"]
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Remembering that the best thing on the mezza (appetizer sampler) was the Arayess, pita stuffed with a mixture of ground lamb and beef, onions and spices we couldn’t skip that. Now the Arayess was spicy and flavorful, quite adequate for 3 to share as an appetizer. The taste was just as delicious as I remember it being, although I don’t think it cost $8 last year. Too bad it all went downhill from there.
[caption id="attachment_1716" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Sahara Arayess"]
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Instead of ordering the mezza (choice of 5 different appetizers) we chose to only order 1 app and 2 entrees and split between the 3 of us. On my first visit, we ordered the beef skillet which was a huge portion even for 2 people. So, we opted for this again and added the lamb skewer entree as well, believing this would be ample food for 3 people. But we were sorely mistaken.
[caption id="attachment_1717" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Sahara Beef Skillet"]
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[caption id="attachment_1718" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Sahara Lamb Skewer"]
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Shortly after we finished our appetizer, the entrees arrived. We had to ask for a third plate even though we told our server we would be sharing the 2 entrees. I would be surprised if there were even 3 oz of meat on either plate. Kim and I each shared 1 skewer or the lamb kabob and the rice. Glen gave me a taste of his beef as well. Don’t let the picture deceive you, the meal mostly consisted of onions and peppers with little beef, which is really hard to excuse when you are paying $17 per entree.
I was surprised that it wasn’t more crowded at 8 on a Saturday evening, but I overheard another server telling some other customers that late night is when Sahara really picks up, turning into more of a bar with live music and hookah smoking. He said the patio gets completely packed with well over 100 people lounging outside. So, perhaps it is a case of Sahara being more of a bar that happens to serve food rather than a restaurant that turns clubby at night.
The bill was right around $60 without tip. Absolutely NOT worth the cost of the meal. We left, feeling somewhat hungry and miffed at the subpar service. We had noticed the entire evening as regulars were greeted with hugs and much more attentive service than we got the entire evening. I get that they want to treat their regulars to superior service. I would too if I owned a restaurant. But how will they ever convert a one night stand into a relationship by offering zero value and inadequate service?
Visit #1
Baba Ghannouj, Hummus, Stuffed Grape Leaves…..
If all of the above start to make your mouth water, then Sahara Mediterranean Grill is worth a visit.
Attached to a Dunkin’ Donuts in a quiet unassuming strip mall, you wouldn’t think there is anything that special from the outside. But step inside, and you’ll feel you’ve been transported to an exotic locale in the Mediterranean. And the staff is super friendly and is good about making recommendations if you aren’t sure about what to order.
My suggestion? Start with the Mezza, a combination of any 5 appetizers for $20. Don’t miss out on the ARAYESS – Pita bread stuffed with a bee/lamb mixture and a blend of seasonings. If there are only 2 of you, this will be pretty filling, so just split an entree after that. We had the beef skillet which was very tasty, and left us completely stuffed.
550 W Crossville Rd, Suite 102
Roswell GA 30075
(770)594-8463
www.saharamediterraneangrill.com
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