Welcome to Sahara On Main
At Sahara On Main, nestled in the heart of Columbia, SC, Mediterranean cuisine flourishes within a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our story is rooted in a passion for authentic flavors and genuine hospitality. We aim to create a family-friendly dining experience where guests savor every bite, from our creamy hummus paired with light, crisp Damascus bread to tender chicken and kufta served over fragrant yellow rice. Our dedicated owner, who lovingly oversees the kitchen, ensures every dish meets the highest standards. With vegan and vegetarian options, happy hour specials, and a welcoming ambiance, Sahara On Main is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Sahara On Main: Reviews & Ratings
My go to place if craving Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food. The service is fast and a good family environment.
Just discovered this place. Initial experience was a good one. Big servings and authentic cuisine. Parking is not great but other than that, thumbs up!
Food is definitely fantastic! The price for the quality of the food is super surprising affordable. The service was very speedy and helpful. The ambiance is authentic even though it's on a USC campus. I recommend this location to all!
This place is awesome! It is a must stop if you are looking for delicious mediterranean food , hospitality and great service. From the moment we stepped inside we were treated like family or close friends of the owner. The owner works in the kitchen but greeted us at the counter and helped answer all of our questions. He is extremely passionate about his food and you can tell he takes great pride in it through every delicious bite. Due to covid , they have limited staff and no servers but their dining room is still open. We thought we would be picking our food up at the counter. Nope, the owner graciously served us and would not accept anything less. The owner apologized for the way covid has impacted how they do business (which he did not need to do) and he was overall just a very genuine and pleasant guy. He even offered us complimentary damascus bread and baklava. Here's what we tried: -Damascus bread and hummus - the damascus bread was light and crisp with sesame seeds sprinkled on top and drizzled with olive oil. It was a perfect pairing with the hummus. The hummus was some of the best I have ever had. Creamy , with a hint of paprika. -Chicken, kufta and veggies special over yellow rice with a Greek salad. Flavorful, tender and delicious!! It was so good. The owner also brought us some tzatziki sauce and a spicy tobasco based sauce. Both sauces complimented the meats well . The owner asked us how we liked the spicy sauce to which we replied how great it was and he then brought us some to take home. It's delicious so definitely order some on the side! -Baklava - this heavenly Baklava combined honey-soaked layers of flaky phyllo pastry with chopped nuts. It was very good. You gotta try this place - you will not regret it. Everything about our dining experience was perfect and I will be back every time I am in Columbia!!
Location
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629 Main St Columbia, SC 29201 Hotline: (803) 851-1118
Welcome to Sahara On Main, a gem nestled in the heart of Columbia, SC, at 629 Main St. This Mediterranean restaurant stands out not just for its savory dishes but also for its warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a true home away from home.
The moment you walk through the doors, you are greeted with a genuine sense of hospitality, a hallmark of the owner who passionately oversees both the kitchen and the dining area. As our esteemed customer, Kelly G., noted, the owner treats every guest like family, ensuring that your dining experience is not just a meal, but a memorable occasion.
At Sahara On Main, the menu is a delightful journey through authentic Mediterranean flavors. From the moment you take a bite of their Damascus bread paired with a creamy hummus, you understand the pride that goes into each dish. This bread is a revelation—light, crisp, and adorned with sesame seeds, drizzled generously with olive oil, it sets the perfect stage for the rich and flavorful hummus sprinkled with paprika.
For those seeking a hearty meal, consider the chicken, kufta, and veggies special served over perfectly seasoned yellow rice. The tender meats coupled with a refreshing Greek salad create a balance that is simply delightful. Guests rave about the accompanying sauces, particularly the spicy Tobasco-based sauce that elevates the dish to new heights.
- Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Sahara On Main doesn’t forget about its plant-based patrons, offering a variety of satisfying vegetarian dishes that don't compromise on flavor.
- Ambiance: The restaurant boasts a quiet and casual atmosphere, making it suitable for family gatherings or a peaceful lunch break.
- Service: Testimonials highlight not only the swift service but the attentive nature of the staff, ensuring that every need is met promptly.
Whether you’re dining in, opting for takeout, or having a meal delivered, Sahara On Main is committed to providing an exceptional experience. With conveniences like outdoor seating, Wi-Fi, and happy hour specials, it’s designed to cater to everyone—from families to solo diners. Their commitment to quality and authenticity at an affordable price is indeed surprising and worth a visit.
The sweet finale at Sahara On Main features their exquisite baklava, a honey-soaked pastry that showcases layers of flaky goodness with crunchy nuts. Each bite is a reminder of why this restaurant is a must-visit.
So, if you find yourself in Columbia and craving a taste of the Mediterranean, Sahara On Main should definitely be on your list. With its delectable dishes and heartfelt service, it promises a dining experience that you’ll want to revisit, time and again.
