Sahara Restaurant & Grill- Bar The District Detroit

4.2

56 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 9 times today

Sahara Restaurant was founded in 1982, with the first location in Ferndale, Michigan. The establishment has been owned and operated by Saad Attisha and his family since it’s first day opened. In 1987, New Sahara Restaurant moved its location to Oak Park and opened other locations in Sterling Heights, Farmington Hills and Shelby Twp. All of the Mediterranean,m Chaldean and Middle-Eastern dishes are prepared fresh daily by a team of exceptional chef’s. There are various specialty Chaldean dishes on the menu that are created from timeless traditional recipes; that originate from the culture and heritage of the Chaldeans.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am
Phone number
(313) 888-9909
Website
https://newsahara.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Contact saharadetroit@gmail.com for any catering inquires! We will help put together the perfect options for your group!
Private party facilities
We can accommodate up to 140 guests for any private event! We do buffet and individual plate options!

Location
77 W Columbia St, Detroit, MI 48201
Area
Detroit
Cross Street
On Columbia St. Btwn Woodward and Park Next to the Fox Theater and Fillmore
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Q-Line
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Vegan

HummusUS$9.00
housemade iraqi style
Baba GhanougeUS$9.00
baked eggplant + puree of olive oil + lemon juice
- SmallUS$9.00
- LargeUS$14.00
Garlic PlateUS$9.00
housemade iraqi style
- SmallUS$7.00
- LargeUS$13.00
Whipped FetaUS$9.00
calabrian pepper + honey + mint
- SmallUS$9.00
- LargeUS$15.00
Marcona Almonds and OlivesUS$8.00
paprika + garlic + lime
Seared Halloumi
honey + labneh + mint
- SmallUS$13.00
- LargeUS$19.00
MezzaUS$24.00
can't decide? taste them all!

Mezze

Italian MeatballsUS$14.00
tomato sauce + parmesan + basil
Warm Lobster RollsUS$23.00
butter + lemon + brioche roll + cottage potato
Iraqi FalafelUS$15.00
chickpeas + cucumbers + tomatoes + eggplant + cottage potato + amba
Mediterranean ShrimpUS$14.00
paprika + pineapple + cream
Eggplant ArayesUS$17.00
smoked kafe + paprika + eggplant + labneh + pomegranate
Crispy OctopusUS$19.00
rosemary + lemon + parsley
Charcoaled WingsUS$14.00
lemon + hot sauce + za'atar
Vegetarian Grape LeavesUS$14.00
labneh + molasses + pomegranate
My Nana's DolmaUS$24.00
literally a mini pot of my nana’s dolma
Fried KibbeUS$15.00
wheat shell + beef + labneh + pine nuts
Steak BitesUS$16.00
filet + zip sauce + mushrooms
Sahara FriesUS$15.00
fries + beef shawarma + sahara ranch + parsley

Soups

Crushed LentilUS$7.00
Chicken Lemon RiceUS$7.00

Zalata

Tabbouleh
parsley + tomatoes + green onions + dried mint + cracked wheat + lemon juice + oregano
Fattoush
lettuce + cucumbers + tomatoes + carrots + purple cabbage + mint + radish + molasses + crispy pita bowl
Iraqi
cucumbers + lettuce + beets + chickpeas + lemon juice + olive oil
Sahara Caesar
parmesan + lemon + roasted garlic + honey dijon + croutons
Chef Salad
lettuce + grape leaves + cucumbers + tomatoes + olives + house dressing + pita chips
Greek Salad
lettuce + tomatoes + cucumbers + red onion + beets + olives + feta cheese
- Beef ShawarmaUS$7.00
- Chicken ShawarmaUS$7.00
- ShrimpUS$8.00
- SalmonUS$12.00

Pitas & Such

FalafelUS$11.00
falafel + lettuce + cucumber + pickled turnips + amba
Shish KaftaUS$14.00
beef kafta + onion + tomato + parsley + sumac
ShawarmaUS$12.00
beef shawarma + lettuce + tomato + tahini
Chicken Cream ChopUS$13.00
breaded chicken + lettuce + tomato + garlic
Shish TawookUS$14.00
chicken + pickles + garlic
- Grilled TomatoUS$0.00
- Grilled PeppersUS$0.00
Smash BurgerUS$15.00
beef + onions + lettuce + pepper jack cheese + jalapeño aioli
Baguette Steak SandwichUS$22.00
sliced beef + zip sauce + sweet steak + caramelized onions + grilled peppers + arugula

Maoon

Shawarma DinnerUS$16.00
beef shawarma + hummus + sumac vegetables
Shish TikkaUS$20.00
beef filet + grilled tomato + grilled onion + mediterranean pepper + iraqi pita
- Grilled TomatoUS$0.00
- Grilled OnionUS$0.00
- Mediterranean PepperUS$0.00
- Iraqi PitaUS$0.00
Shish KaftaUS$19.00
ground beef + lamb + grilled tomato + sumac onions + mediterranean pepper + iraqi pita
- Spicy PistachioUS$4.00
Chicken KaftaUS$16.00
ground chicken + grilled tomato + sumac onions + mediterranean pepper + iraqi pita
Potato ChopUS$17.00
beef + zip sauce + mushrooms
Vegetarian Potato ChopUS$15.00
Chicken Cream ChopUS$16.00
iraqi style breaded chicken breast
Mixed GrillUS$40.00
beef shish + chicken shish + shish kafta + mediterranean pepper + grilled tomato + grilled onion + iraqi pita
Psura & TomataUS$21.00
steak + diced egg + harissa + pink sauce + olives + oil
- SteakUS$4.00
- EggUS$0.00

Pasta

Cajun Shrimp LinguineUS$29.00
homemade cajun sauce + peppers + shrimp
Spicy RigatoniUS$26.00
tomato spicy vodka sauce
Campanelle ZestyUS$27.00
lemon + creamy + parmesan + za'atar + beef shawarma

Pit-za

Vodka Margherita US$14.00
alo ve vodka sauce + fresh mozzarella + evoo
Bella PusraUS$16.00
tomato base mozzarella + red onions + kalamata olives + banana peppers + trio paprika + sprinkle of za’atar
Creamed SpinachUS$22.00
whipped feta + spinach + calabrian pepper + honey + pear

Khussa

Cured CarrotsUS$13.00
harissa + cilantro + orange blossom honey
Brussel SproutsUS$9.00
Rose PotatoesUS$8.00
garlic + rosemary + thyme + parmesan + lemon + za'atar

Cocktails

Turkish DelightUS$14.00
vanilla absolute + turkish coffee + baileys + simple + angostura bitters
Cucumber BasilUS$13.00
tanqueray gin + cucumber + basil + simple + lime juice
Iraqi SourUS$16.00
peach crown royal + egg white + lemon juice + simple + red wine float
Simon SaysUS$18.00
blv + cinar + crème de cacao + orgeat + lemon juice
Arak IUS$13.00
massaya arak + rose water + pomegranate simple + lemon juice
Mediterranean LadyUS$14.00
ciroc peach + raspberry purée + lemonade + fruits
Za'ataritaUS$17.00
tequila blanco + limoncello + orange juice + lime juice + maple syrup + za'atar
Sea SpritzUS$14.00
st germain elderflower + domaine de canton + prosecco + sparkling water + orange liqueur + mint

Wine - By The Glass

Arte Latino Cava Brut (Spain)US$8.00
- BottleUS$28.00
San' Elisa Prosecco (Italy)US$9.00
- BottleUS$34.00
Cipriani Bellini (Italy)US$15.00
- BottleUS$54.00
Lucio Moscato Dasti Dogg (Italy)US$11.00
- BottleUS$38.00
Franz Carl Pinot Grigio (Italy)US$10.00
- BottleUS$34.00
Fritz Wincsh Riesling Spätlese (Germany)US$12.00
- BottleUS$42.00
Italo Cescon Pinot Grigio (Italy)US$14.00
- BottleUS$50.00
Mr. Tomson Bordeaux Blanc (France)US$10.00
- BottleUS$34.00
Toulouse Chardonnay (California)US$13.00
- BottleUS$46.00
Tsilakis Xynisteri (Cyprus)US$16.00
- BottleUS$52.00
Magnetic Wines Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)US$12.00
- BottleUS$42.00
Campequi 'Traditions' (France)US$10.00
- BottleUS$36.00
Chateau Montaud Provence Rosé (France)US$12.00
- BottleUS$42.00
Le Grand Noir Pinot Noir (France)US$12.00
- BottleUS$42.00
Cune Garnacha (Spain)US$11.00
- BottleUS$38.00
Reserve De La Ronciere Côtes Du Rhône (France)US$11.00
- BottleUS$38.00
Cusumano Syrah (Italy)US$12.00
- BottleUS$42.00
Tomaiolo Chianti Classico Riserva (Italy)US$14.00
- BottleUS$50.00
Terradoro Di Paolo Aglianico (Italy)US$16.00
- BottleUS$52.00
Fragospito Kotsifali (Cabernet/Syrah) (Greece)US$17.00
- BottleUS$54.00
Can Verdura Negra (Spain)US$18.00
- BottleUS$60.00
Tenute Falezza Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore (Italy)US$18.00
- BottleUS$60.00

Beer

ModelUS$7.00
Rotating IPAUS$8.00
Rotating LocalUS$7.00
Samuel AdamsUS$6.00
Blue MoonUS$6.00
MichelobUS$6.00
Coors LiteUS$6.00
GuinnessUS$8.00
PeroniUS$7.00
StellaUS$7.00
Long DrinkUS$6.00
HeinekenUS$7.00
CoronaUS$7.00
0% Laziza RaspberryUS$6.00
Bud LightUS$6.00

0%

Pistachio MatchaUS$14.00
matcha + pistachio syrup + orgeat + honey + grounded pistachio + mint
CheritoUS$10.00
lime juice + house grenadine + mint + soda water + cherry

Raw Juice

GrapeUS$9.00
CarrotUS$9.00
PomegranateUS$9.00
BeetUS$9.00

Smoothies

Strawberry Banana HoneyUS$8.00
Avocado CreamUS$8.00

What 56 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.2Service
4.4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Detroit / Eastern Michigan
Healthy
Detroit / Eastern Michigan
Hot spot
Detroit
Healthy
Detroit
Hot spot

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Sahara Restaurant & Grill-Bar in The District Detroit offers a vibrant atmosphere with standout dishes like the "best chicken cream chop" and "outstanding hummus." While service can be slow, especially on busy nights, the friendly staff strive to provide a pleasant dining experience. Ideal for pre-event meals near Fox Theater.

56 Reviews

M
Max
Detroit
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
The overall experience here was excellent. We went here for Valentine’s Day. There was a band playing smooth jazz in the entryway, but it was not excessively loud. I got the chicken shawarma and crushed lentil soup which were both to die for. My partner ordered the falafel and shrimp linguine which were also both excellent. The wait staff was a little less attentive than one would think for the number of people that were dining, but it was not a significant problem. The ambience was beautiful and romantic, and the prices were not exceptionally high given the quality of food and the atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
A
Alvin
Detroit
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had a fantastic experience at this restaurant for Valentine’s Day with my wife. It was our first time visiting, and we were not disappointed. The food was 7 1/2 out of 10 but The ambiance was perfect, and the overall atmosphere made for a memorable evening. The service was great, and everything exceeded our expectations. Most importantly, my wife was happy, which made the night even better. I would highly recommend this place and will definitely be returning!
Is this helpful?
K
Katerina
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 9 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service was exceptional, very good quality food and great prices.
Is this helpful?
n
nelsons
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good food and very friendly service. Would go back
Is this helpful?
J
Joanne
Detroit
34 reviews
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on 6 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very nice server. Good food. Had rigatoni. Very good but could have been hotter. Nice wine selection. Would definitely go back.
Is this helpful?
B
Ben
Detroit
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 18 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best chicken cream chop you will find! Hummus is outstanding as well (recommend adding it to your cream chop sandwich). Friend had the crushed lentil soup and he loved that too. Place is a hidden gem downtown!
Is this helpful?
R
Richard
Detroit
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 5 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was excellent, great service, great atmosphere. I highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
Orlando
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 29 December 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Service was very slow, even though the restaurant was nearly empty when we arrived. A few tables came in after us, and most of them had their entrées served before we even received our hummus. Our main course arrived long after other tables had already finished, paid, and left. To make matters worse, a side of rice and one of the five entrées we ordered were forgotten. When the missing entrée finally arrived 10 minutes later, it was still frozen inside. While our waitress was friendly, she was rarely available. The menu was also confusing—hard to read, with unnecessarily vague and complicated options for the combo platter. On top of that, there was an unexpected up-charge for a “chef salad,” which we learned was different from the “house salad.” Although the food had decent flavor, much of it seemed as though it had been reheated from frozen. Finally, the deposit required for the reservation was not applied to the bill, which caused additional hassle at the end of the meal. Would not recommend.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
Detroit
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 21 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The food was mediocre. Service was excellent. Bar was not fully stocked. Some items on the menu were no longer available. Menu was worn and needs to be replaced
Is this helpful?
A
Amanda
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 15 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love Sahara! Been going for years and everything is always amazing! Great music and staff as well
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Sahara Restaurant & Grill- Bar The District Detroit offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (313) 888-9909.

Sahara Restaurant & Grill- Bar The District Detroit is rated 4.2 stars by 56 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Sahara Restaurant & Grill- Bar The District Detroit

77 W Columbia St, Detroit, MI 48201

Additional information

Cross Street
On Columbia St. Btwn Woodward and Park Next to the Fox Theater and Fillmore
Area
Detroit
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Q-Line
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Vegan

Website
https://newsahara.com/
Phone number
(313) 888-9909
Catering
Contact saharadetroit@gmail.com for any catering inquires! We will help put together the perfect options for your group!
Private party facilities
We can accommodate up to 140 guests for any private event! We do buffet and individual plate options!

Sahara Restaurant & Grill- Bar The District Detroit

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

To Enjoy with Our Iraqi Pita

HummusUS$9.00

Baba GhanougeUS$9.00

Garlic PlateUS$9.00

Whipped FetaUS$9.00

Marcona Almonds and OlivesUS$8.00

Seared Halloumi

MezzaUS$24.00

Mezze

Italian MeatballsUS$14.00

Warm Lobster RollsUS$23.00

Iraqi FalafelUS$15.00

Mediterranean ShrimpUS$14.00

Eggplant ArayesUS$17.00

Crispy OctopusUS$19.00

Charcoaled WingsUS$14.00

Vegetarian Grape LeavesUS$14.00

My Nana's DolmaUS$24.00

Fried KibbeUS$15.00

Steak BitesUS$16.00

Sahara FriesUS$15.00

Soups

Crushed LentilUS$7.00

Chicken Lemon RiceUS$7.00

Zalata

Tabbouleh

Fattoush

Iraqi

Sahara Caesar

Chef Salad

Greek Salad

Pitas & Such

FalafelUS$11.00

Shish KaftaUS$14.00

ShawarmaUS$12.00

Chicken Cream ChopUS$13.00

Shish TawookUS$14.00

Smash BurgerUS$15.00

Baguette Steak SandwichUS$22.00

Maoon

Shawarma DinnerUS$16.00

Shish TikkaUS$20.00

Shish KaftaUS$19.00

Chicken KaftaUS$16.00

Potato ChopUS$17.00

Vegetarian Potato ChopUS$15.00

Chicken Cream ChopUS$16.00

Mixed GrillUS$40.00

Psura & TomataUS$21.00

Pasta

Cajun Shrimp LinguineUS$29.00

Spicy RigatoniUS$26.00

Campanelle ZestyUS$27.00

Pit-za

Vodka Margherita US$14.00

Bella PusraUS$16.00

Creamed SpinachUS$22.00

Khussa

Cured CarrotsUS$13.00

Brussel SproutsUS$9.00

Rose PotatoesUS$8.00

Cocktails

Turkish DelightUS$14.00

Cucumber BasilUS$13.00

Iraqi SourUS$16.00

Simon SaysUS$18.00

Arak IUS$13.00

Mediterranean LadyUS$14.00

Za'ataritaUS$17.00

Sea SpritzUS$14.00

Wine - By The Glass

Arte Latino Cava Brut (Spain)US$8.00

San' Elisa Prosecco (Italy)US$9.00

Cipriani Bellini (Italy)US$15.00

Lucio Moscato Dasti Dogg (Italy)US$11.00

Franz Carl Pinot Grigio (Italy)US$10.00