Saba Restaurant

This simple, home-style Yemeni restaurant offers a no-frills experience with quick service, though the staff lacks warmth. As a vegetarian, I found the menu limited to just three options: sambusa, lentil soup, and saltah. I tried the saltah, a mixed vegetable stew, which was decent but not extraordinary, and it came with a huge pita bread . My husband enjoyed the chicken kabsah—flavorful but missing the spicy kick that would elevate it. The maraq soup was good. Overall, it’s not ideal for vegetarians, but if you’re dining with meat-eaters, you’ll have something to enjoy.

I had foul and ma’asoub for breakfast and were really good and flavorful! The floor seating area is priceless though! I enjoyed my visit, and maybe will try their lunch next time!

Visited for dinner. As soon as i saw the place, i knew dinner was gonna be good. Just the whole vibe of the place was great. The food was to die for. The hummus with the fresh baked bread was a treat ( one couldn’t do the job, ended up ordering 2 more). The mains didn’t disappoint at all as well. Both the chicken Kabsa and lamb mandi were good. The lamb was juicy and the chicken was succulent. The cherry on top was the chai adani at the end.

This place is superb. The bread and hummus alone make it worth a trip. All of the portions are very large. The teas are all delicious. Fattoush salad is great. The rice and meat dishes are all cooked to perfection and have so much flavor. The vegetarian dishes are large and filling with lots of flavor. The service is superb, they go out of their way to make sure you get what you need. It definitely boosts their rating. Unfortunately it may be difficult to get breakfast items at night, so it would be a good idea to visit in the morning and see what that is like.

Amazing food! The staff was very nice and accommodating. They gave us a more private table and pulled a partition around so a niqabi can eat comfortably. The food was piping hot and full of flavor. The baba ghanouj is perfect and has that authentic smoky taste. The lamb was cooked perfectly and the portion sizes are family sizes, so huge.

Has potential to be good however completly missed an order and, even upon re-confirming twice, still did not get the meal. On the third time, the dish was taken from another table to be brought over, at which time I was full from appetizers and my kids' chicken nuggets/fries. Payment arrangement were made in advance of ordering, and those were done incorrectly. They have work to do. Attached is a picture of the invisible Lamb Mandi that I ordered.

This traditional Yemeni restaurant, inspired by the rich middle eastern way of life, offers an enchanting blend of herbs, spices, meats, and grains that tantalize the taste buds and nourish the soul. From the moment I stepped in, I was enveloped in an atmosphere that speaks volumes of the Middle East spirit - warm, inviting, and richly aromatic. The staff here are the embodiment of hospitality, greeting guests with genuine smiles and ensuring everyone feels valued and taken care of throughout their dining experience. The iftar dinner itself was a splendid affair, showcasing a variety of traditional Yemeni dishes that were both authentic and incredibly flavorful. Each dish was a testament to the skillful use of herbs and spices that define Mediterranean cuisine. Moreover, the meal was affordably priced, making it accessible to everyone looking to explore the depths of Yemeni culinary traditions. Saba Restaurant is a gem in Fairfax for anyone seeking an authentic Mediterranean dining experience.

I alway love the food, and will keep coming for dinner, this review is just to point that my recent order to go was a bust. Both the Kabsa and Fahsa specially the kabsa meat was 75% lamp skin after cleaning all of it I ended up with a small bone chop with little meat. I will only eat in the resturant where I can call the chef and ask him to change it, as this is the second time my order to go was very less than what it is been served at the resturant. Hope you take that in consideration and check the orders before they go out. It is an expensive meal and we expect high quality return.

This simple, home-style Yemeni restaurant offers a no-frills experience with quick service, though the staff lacks warmth. As a vegetarian, I found the menu limited to just three options: sambusa, lentil soup, and saltah. I tried the saltah, a mixed vegetable stew, which was decent but not extraordinary, and it came with a huge pita bread . My husband enjoyed the chicken kabsah--flavorful but missing the spicy kick that would elevate it. The maraq soup was good. Overall, it's not ideal for vegetarians, but if you're dining with meat-eaters, you'll have something to enjoy.

Love Yemeni food! So underrated! So flavorful and delicious! The bubbling fahsah was amazing with the delicious broth and tender meat. The bread perfect for sopping it all up! The haneeth was delicious the meat falls off the bone! A must try! The hummus was really good! I really liked it with the olives. The service was quick and staff were super nice! We were attended to really quickly, but we did go at a relatively quiet time during the day. The restaurant has a small hole in the wall vibes, but the food is big on taste and flavor!

Incredible Yemeni cuisine and thoughtful service! I'm so happy we stumbled upon this wonderful restaurant for lunch. We actually ordered both the meat and veggie sambousa, but they disappeared before I could get a full shot of the dish. It was that delicious! The Lamb Mandi was so tender and the seasoning and salt were very well-balanced. To top lunch off with dessert, we had the Fatah dates with honey and it was perfect~ Not too sweet, and just right. Perfectly paired with a steaming cup of gingery Qishr coffee. There's plenty of seating inside, though if you have a large party, you'll want to call ahead. The staff made us feel very welcome and were kind to suggest the menu items we were unfamiliar with. Absolutely looking forward to coming back next time I visit the area!

This was an amazing place to try out! The restaurant is cozy with very friendly service. I came here with three other people and we came hungry! We order a beef, lamb, and chicken dish along with hummus. Everything was so flavorful, filling, and well cooked. We asked the server for their recommendations and they did not steer us wrong. We also had the baklava and fatah, which were also both amazing and recommended.

So sick of their incompetence! Over charging me every time. Food quality is getting compromised. Sleezy arrogant waiters. If you dont want to work dont work!!! Your not doing anyone a favor by serving mediocre nasty food!

This is a review I owed for this restaurant when I had previously gone to their location near Skyline in Falls Church some 5-6 years ago, which seems to have closed but the food quality in this location is also excellent from a trusted friend who is a bigger foodie than I am. I had eaten Hanith. One of the key qualities of a Yemeni restaurant is their hospitality. On that day, it was very less busy and I was alone so the lady sat with me at the table and I felt like I am a guest at someone's home. Priceless experience, I no longer consume meat but Yemeni food is probably the best in the Middle East and Arab world.

We recently visited Saba and have Tried both thier chicken Mandi & Chicken Kabsah their Chicken Mandi was absolutely incredible! The aroma of the perfectly spiced rice and tender, juicy chicken was mouthwatering from the moment it arrived at the table.

My rating = 61 (food 40/75, ambiance 8/10, service 13/15). Family-owned Yemeni restaurant in a Fairfax strip mall. I really wanted to like this place -- it started promising: the inviting pictures of Yemen on the wall, the friendly staff, some of the best hummus I've ever tried, and a comically large pita bread. But the main dishes we had were surprisingly bland. We had the haneeth and the chicken mandi, and honestly there wasn't much difference between the two, even though one is lamb and one dark-meat chicken. Same rice, same flavor profile - nothing exotic, the same spices (cumin, etc.) you would use to make kabobs. The servings were quite large, but the leftovers went uneaten.

Big serving. Ok food, Good service. Cozy place. We ordered chicken Mandi, and kids items. I would rate it 7 on a scale of 10.

We ordered to-go here and they were super quick and packed up everything very neatly! We tried the lamb kabsah, which was around $27, so a bit on a pricier side, however, the quantity is enough for 4 people or 2 large meals for 2 people. So, it is definitely worth it! Adel was super helpful in giving us recommendations and explanations of what each dish was! We are so happy with his recommendation. The lamb kabsah was very flavorful and the meat was cooked perfectly! They even gave us some green sauce on the side because we asked for some more spice. Great option for a late night meal! We will definitely be back!

Overall a great experience my friend and I got a salad, lentil soup, Chicken Mandi, and Jareesha Beef. We shared every dish they are meant to be shared family style. We started with a salad it was great and nicly seasoned. Tasted fresh and had a nice dressing with a good amount of seasoning adding some spice and pepperyness. The lentil soup was well seasoned and the lime wedge is a must with it adds a good amount of depth. Rich with some good creaminess. Chicken mandi served on a bed of rice. It is super tender. They don't give you a knife and you don't need it chicken is so tender it will separate easily. Balanced well with the rice that is seasoned. The chicken has good flavor and isn't spicy but seasoning is well balanced and savory. Jareesha beef comes out in bowl smoldering hot. Beef is shredded and is braised. Very tender and melts in your mouth. Well seasoned and isn't spicy pairs well with the bread they give you. Overall would return very good.

After a long overdue visit to Saba Restaurant in Fairfax, Virginia, I can confidently say it was well worth the wait. From the moment we walked in, the warm hospitality of the older lady who served us set a pleasant tone for the evening. Her sweetness and kindness added a personal touch to our dining experience. The ambiance also highlighted our experience filled with traditional relics of the rich culture. As for the food, it was undeniably superb. Each dish, freshly made with care, showcased the authentic flavors of Yemeni cuisine. From savory meats to fragrant spices, every bite was a delight. By the end of our meal, we left incredibly full and satisfied, already looking forward to our next visit to Saba Restaurant.

First time trying traditional yameni style food, definitely exceeded my expectation! The food is really delicious, and the staff was nice and attentive, the traditional decorations also make it look very authentic lol will come back again!

The people are friendly and the food is good. The place is chill and they place nice music

BEWARE OF THE 15% SERVICE CHARGE. In the past the place was packed at noon on a Saturday afternoon. Today the place was empty. I realized why the place was empty after I got my bill because they added a 15% service charge to the bill, that's before you give any tips. I'd recommend not to give any tips. The food was overall good. We saw the waiter maybe twice.

First time diners. Great place. We will go back. We loved the lamb. The chicken just fell off the bone. Rice was delicious. The hummus was heavier on the tahini and was really great. Service was fast and friendly. Really enjoyed our dinner out. TIP: So one main entree feeds 2 people very well. The patrons coming in here eat family style. So- if you are a party of 4, order one of the lamb entrees, and then maybe a chicken. Add a couple of appetizers. The desserts are large and meant to be split between 4 people. Eat family style. Hope that helps you order better. We didn't know that, and brought home a lot of leftovers!

I recently dined at Saba, a Yemeni restaurant, and it was a delightful experience. The authenticity of the Yemeni cuisine stood out, offering a unique and flavorful dining adventure. The ambiance was warm and welcoming, adding to the overall enjoyment of the meal. From traditional dishes to the warm hospitality, Saba is a gem for those seeking an authentic taste of Yemeni flavors.

My first time trying Yemeni cuisine and it was delicious! I asked for the most popular item on the menu, which was Haneeth. It's a lamb and rice dish with some fried onions on top. The lamb was really good - very tender and soft, easily coming off the bone. The rice was good and they gave a lot of it. The ambiance of the restaurant was homey and quaint, and the service was quick, friendly, and attentive. However, the water in the pitcher they gave us when we first sat down was very warm and almost hot. I had to ask for ice which they gladly gave me. Other than that, it was a nice dinner!

Have eaten here multiple times although not lately. Every meal has been wonderful! Can't wait to return. Highly recommended!

You can't beat the authentic food here!! We are regulars and we just love the family friendly atmosphere and the hospitality. They make you feel at home. We have literary tried everything on the menu for the past 5 years.

Trying this place after driving by it multiple times. We got the meat sambousas and chicken mandi with some lentil soup. The sambousas were so good. I wish there were some sort of dipping sauce or something but either way- I'd order it again. The chicken mandi was SO tender and the rice was so good. Very different than the rice I'm used to having at home. The portions were great and worth the money. The lentil soup tasted great but I like my lentil soup with a little more texture so this was alright to me. The service was great, the staff was amazingly quick and very nice. I would love to eat inside some day!

Do you still have the whole chickens wrapped in the paper thin bread served with a yogurt sauce ! It was my favorite

Really good food, atmosphere, and customer service. This is high praise especially coming from me because I usually don't like Arab food. Would highly recommend.

Great food! We tried the lamb Mandi, chicken ganeeth, and hummus with qullaba. Flavorful food, large portions, and good service. We will be back!

What a treat to stop by after seeing a movie at Cinema Arts Theatres--Saba Restaurant is right across the street. Even though it was afternoon, I was feeling like breakfast, and the chef was kind enough to make me Shakshukah, which was delicious, especially with the fresh baked bread. I don't know the magic ingredient but oh my, I want to know! The server Jamil was attentive and recommended Basboussa to go with my Bunn Yemeni coffee at the end of the meal. The delicate flavor of rosewater was the perfect contrast to the stronger spices in the drink. I am looking forward to coming back with friends so that we can try more dishes.

Placed an online order for pick up with some friends. The drive was about 30-40 minutes round trip and all of the food managed to stay blazing hot, so much so my wee dainty hands could barely handle the Tupperware. I ordered the Lamb Mandi and Sambousa with Meat. The sambousas were crunchy af and the meat was packed with spices. I'm not much of a dip person, but I do believe the sambousas would've benefited from one to balance some of the dryness from the meat and fried wrapping. The lamb shoulder was fall off the bone tender and had a good fat to meat ratio. It was perfectly spiced and leant it's flavor well to the rice. This dish was topped with delicious crispy caramelizad onions and was HEAVY on the rice, being Asian this is important...there can never be too much! Definitely had one of those close your eyes and do a little happy dance moments when I took my first bite of the mandi. It is a truly comforting dish that I will order again and again. This Yemeni restaurant serves up AH-MAZING food at a very good price. The portions are large and the flavors really pop. Be sure to check it out for yourself!

Absolutely incredible. My friend and I had heard about Yemeni restaurants in the nova area from tiktok but forgot which one we'd seen on the platform, so we chose the first one that popped up on Google, Saba Restaurant. It was a slow Saturday afternoon and there were only two other parties dining with us, so the food came out pretty quickly. We got the chicken mandi, vegetable sambusa, Yemeni salad, and the Fahsa with beef. The food also came with a large flatbread and two sauces that was easily shareable between 3 people. The food itself was so amazing, it was really unlike anything I'd had before. The fahsa was hands down my favorite because the flavor was so deep and savory, but the chicken in the chicken mandi was so tender and fall-off-the-bone soft. The rice that came with the dish was also so good (very buttery hehe)! The service was great as the older woman serving us was so kind and friendly. It's a shame I don't have a car and that this place is so far from DC, but I'd absolutely come back to try more off the menu!

The food is very tasty and the service very quick. Servers are attentive and help you get everything you are looking for. The ambiance is very nice. Only complaint music and a picture of a woman without a Hijab.

Very tasty food here! Love how the meat falls right off the bone. The rice is also very flavorful. Portions are fairly large and enough for leftovers. The beef khasa is tasty but it's a much smaller portion than the other dishes (like the lamb mandi. I've catered here multiple times for 20+ people and the staff are very easy to work with. There's a section for floor seating, but personally haven't sat there before. Parking's never been an issue. The staff are friendly.

Note the restaurant sign reads "Blaqees". This restaurant was recommended to me by my Arabic teacher who would regularly take her students to experience authentic Gulf cuisine. Everything about this place is excellent! The food was absolutely delicious and the service was fast and friendly. The meat sambusas were tasty with a nice spicy green sauce. The chicken kasba is a generous serving with a mix of white and dark meat - enough food for four people. The mint lemonade was very refreshing and sweet. The menu is accessible by QR code, there are pictures next to most dishes. There are 25 pages of the menu PDF, it all sounded delicious, hard to decide! There is an extensive dessert menu that was enticing but we were too full.

Food was good but the service was horrendous. We got wrong order and when we told him nicely, he dismissed us and got super angry with us.

I came here the other night to try the cuisine for the first time and I was pleasantly surprised. I asked for a chicken dish and they served me the chicken mandi. It was huge! It was so flavorful and the texture was so tender, I was blown away. As I sat down to eat a friend of mine was passing through town and wanted to stop by and see me, but he had just grabbed his own carry out food from another restaurant! I thought that maybe I should pack my food and leave Saba real quick to meet with my friend. Wrong! The staff at Saba was so kind to even allow my friend to eat his food with me inside their restaurant. It turns out that his food wasn't as good as mine and he ended up stealing my food. I don't blame him since anyone would devour the delicious chicken mandi. Thanks to all the staff and server Jamil for the delicious food and outstanding hospitality.

Great restaurants with great food. Original Yemeni food with awesome karak tea. I go there for breakfast and lunch , mendi is delicious. Do i recomend it? Yes Will come back? Definitely

What an amazing cozy place! Saba restaurant met all my expectations and it exceeded them. From the customer service, to the ambiance, to the amazing delicious food. Let's start of with the amazing customer service: After sometime of looking for a restaurant, we decided to try Saba. We arrived for dinner and was greeted by friendly servers. Right away we were seated and water was brought to us. Greeted by the server and asked if we needed sometime to order, after asking for a few more minutes. She came back to check if we were ready, we ordered Soup and Entrees. The Food! Soup: Lentil Soup Entrees: Haneeth Kabsah - Chicken Fahsa - Beef Within few moments our soup arrived, hot and tasty. It had all the right flavors and tasted amazing. Also, they brought out fresh bowls of salad for each person - enough to get you started (this was on the house.) As we were close to finishing the soup and salad our main entrees arrived. The sizzling fahsa arrived with fresh naan. Right after both Haneeth and Kabsah arrived. One piece of naan dipped in the fahsa hit the spot. The veggies and the meat in fahsa were enough and it was prepared to perfection. The servings for Haneeth and Kabsah were huge, each plate was enough for 2 people. Got lucky for some amazing left overs for the next day! The meat was cooked perfectly. Chicken was falling of the bone, had amazing flavor. So was the lamb in the Haneeth, it was soft and mouth watering. The rice was fresh and amazing delicious flavor to it. The rice was also cooked to perfection, not mushy like some other places. Everything on our plates were delicious and served hot and fresh. I have not had amazing food like this in the DMV area. They know what they are doing, know how to be friendly and courteous to their customers. Saba team you of WOWED me to the next level, you have set my expectations for other places very high. I look forward to bringing family and friends and visiting you guys more often. Keep up the great work and service!

Food was ok. They add the tip already when they bring your bill to pay. It should NOT be like that. I want to pay tip depending on the service. The server knows that the restaurant already charges the customer the tip, they don't give good service. I won't return back to this place again.

Fantastic! The service and food was outstanding. It was our 1st time to a Yemeni restaurant and it exceeded our expectations!

Fast + Good Ordered pilaf and the order only took 3mins. The rice is seasoned perfectly with onion crust. Will come again

I would give this place 20 stars if I could, the lamb with rice is sooooooo delicious!!! And the people here are incredibly nice and welcoming. I recently called to place a to-go order and they told me they aren't doing any more to-go orders. I hope that changes soon, really love their food!

Amazing brunch. Lamb meals that are outstanding. Larger portions. Shareable. We'll be back

Bad customer service and if you people don't allow customers to dine in after 10 then why it's showing 11 as closing time. We were around 10:15 pm at the store those people are like u need to eat with in 5 to 10 mins or else just goo .... Dude wtf is going on. The two middle eastern guys we're taking rudely and was misbehaving... Extremely disappointed will never ever come to the restaurant again.

This I would consider this a hidden gem. I found this place on Yelp and have it on my wish list, however have not got a chance to go until today. I dragged my family with me for our Sunday brunch. As we entered, everyone was confused if we were at the right place. We went in with very little expectation. I was also told, if the place was not good, I would have to get the check. Lol We looked at the menu for a couple of minutes until our server arrived. He was a very friendly young man. He gave us his genius opinion regarding what drinks we would like. We tried his personal tea with spices and was not disappointed. We were four people and ordered three dishes because my mum and I eat very little. The food was way more then we expected. The lamb Mandi was all our favourite. All rice that came with each plate was different from another. The cruised onion used to garnish the food was sooo delicious. I can be very picky when it comes to desert. I didn't like the dessert so much. However it was wonderful trying the arkeeh. Very flavourful. Go on food lovers! Give it a try.

It's been a few years since I last had Saba. Recently, I held a mini supper club there, and our overall experience was a positive one! We first started off with Sambousa with Vegetables - these came with 4 mini triangular pieces, filled with various veggies; these were fried perfectly and were so crispy and tasty! The side of little salsa that it came with wasn't needed, and I could have eaten these all day long! I just wished that it came with more than 4, as the sambousas were super small! For our main entrees, we ordered: the Haneeth (slow-roasted lamb with Saba's special seasoning, served over seasoned basmati rice; the lamb was tender, but a little bland; I felt it was game-y in taste); Fahsa (shredded beef with cooked vegetables and hilbeh; this was good with the rice and came out boiling piping hot, as it served in a clay bowl that had the contents bubbling!); and, Chicken Mandi (rice with roasted chicken and potatoes). Everyone commented on the super generous portions of the food, and we were super stuffed! Each entree comes with a complimentary plate Yemeni-style salad, which contains fresh lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers, in a housemade Yemeni style dressing (which tastes kind of like a light vinaigrette). The bread came out right out of the oven, and it was soft and fluffy! Service was very welcoming, sweet, and attentive. I recommend in making reservations for larger groups, as the place does get busy during the dinner rush! I'm glad I was able to give Saba another try! +sambousas (veggie) +Yemeni-style salad +friendly staff +reservations recommended for larger groups +free parking in mini plaza lot

Definitely we are coming back again and again highly recommended for anyone looking to try out the Delicious Arabic Food

I came here for dinner one night after work. My co-worker selected the beef and rice dish for use to share since I didn't have a huge appetite. I ordered tea and and appetizer. However when the food arrived, suddenly I was starving!! The beef and rice was absolutely delicious. The beef was tender, flavorful and cut up into small chunks mixed in with the rice. I think it was like a basmati rice. The side salad was small yet satisfying. I ordered the grilled chicken and rice to go and ate it for lunch and dinner The next day. The chicken is well seasoned with smoky, tangy, flavors. I will totally go here again and probably order for take out. Was not disappointed!!

Wonderful restaurant with flavorful food. We had the lamb dish, a salad, and the lentil soup and they are all tasty. Hubby loved the lamb so if you eat lamb, highly recommend!

Both the Chicken and Lamb Mandi were incredibly tender and the rice they served was utterly delightful. The food was enough for two meals. The wait staff was also pleasant and helpful in choosing an entree. They even have one traditional table where one sits on the floor. We went on a cold night and sat farthest from the door but one could feel the drafts. I never get cold and I almost put on a coat.

Saba has excellent food, strong, delicious coffee, friendly service, beautiful pictures of Yemen on the walls, and awesome Yemeni music in the background. I took my family there to celebrate my birthday last year and I still remember it very fondly. The lamb dishes were especially superb, with intricate spicing that delighted the palate and lots of fluffy rice. The bread was also very fresh and fluffy, and they served zhoug (spicy herb pepper paste) on the side. We aren't Muslim, so I only realized later that they were serving us DURING RAMADAN. ...So the whole time they were cooking for us, the staff must have been starving and just counting the minutes till Iftar. Yet they served us everything with a smile and were super nice. My hat goes off to them!

Note: not for vegetarians. I'm torn. We ordered one item (shafout), but we were given fatoush. After the first few bites, I wave over the server and ask, "Where's the yogurt and bread part?" She says, "Oh, we're out of that. We gave you fatoush."...uhh, hmm. That's a choice--to just decide for us what you'll serve us without warning. But, I'm torn because it was delicious. Both our appetizer and entrée were delivered before the drinks. :/ When the lemonade did arrive...fabulous. Best lemonade we've ever ordered from a restaurant. The other item we ordered was the saltah. It was also tasty (like Hardee's curly fry flavored? Delicious.). The bread was the jewel here. It was carby heaven.

What a disaster of a place. Decided to give this place a try as I've had lamb mandi elsewhere and it was really good. I placed my order using their online platform at 6:25. It said it would be ready at 6:58, perfect. I show up at 7 and the lady says my order will be ready in another hour. Hour??? I told her when I placed my order it said it would be ready at 6:58. She just said "no, another hour we are still making it". Then why did your email say it would be ready at 6:58?! The place was empty, only one table with a family of 6 with a few kids. Which brings me to my other issue. All of them weren't masks as they left their table. 3 of them got up to use the bathroom while I was there and they all didn't wear their masks. Then another one got up and went to the register without his mask. Their kids were running around the entire restaurant without masks. There were 4 employees standing around and none of them said anything to them. Why would they, they didn't have their masks on correctly either. Either around their chin not covering their nose. Maybe it was a good thing I didn't get food from this place. I wasn't going to wait another hour to get my food so asked them to refund it. To be honest with this poor covid precautions in the front can only imagine in the back.