Crowd
- Tourists
oChef » Sababa – San Francisco
Sababa - San Francisco
Photo from Sababa
Sababa at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🇮🇱 Israeli Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#1833 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Israeli Restaurant out of 1 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
252
Reviews
67.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great value
- Good staff
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Bad ambiance
The restaurant Sababa invites you to experience authentic Israeli flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square. This casual yet trendy spot offers a delightful escape, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
You’ll find a diverse menu featuring healthy options, alongside excellent vegan and vegetarian choices. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying lunch or a memorable dinner, Sababa promises a fresh and engaging dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Sababa
Sababa seems to hit the mark with its core offerings, delivering delicious and fresh food that many appreciate. The focus on quality ingredients, like freshly baked pita and well-prepared falafel, often stands out.
You’ll find hearty bowls and good healthy options, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal. However, the experience at Sababa can be a bit of a mixed bag.
While some praise the friendly staff, others have noted issues with slow service and occasional order accuracy problems. The atmosphere also receives varied feedback, with some finding it pleasant and others describing it as less inviting.
Good
6.7
out of 10
252
Reviews
67.1%
Satisfaction
69
negative
14
neutral
169
positive
Looking at the numbers, Sababa holds an overall score of 6.7, placing it in the good range, yet customer satisfaction sits at 67.1%, which is more of a mixed bag. This slight divergence suggests that while many find it a decent spot, there’s a noticeable portion of diners who leave feeling less than thrilled.
This feedback comes from a substantial 252 customer opinions, with 169 positive remarks and 69 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Food (7) is clearly a strong point, consistently earning high marks for its quality and freshness.
Value (7) also rates well, indicating customers feel they get a fair deal for what they pay. However, Ambience (6.2) is merely average, and Service (5.4) lags behind, suggesting areas where the experience could be significantly improved for a more consistent visit.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Excellent value
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Unpleasant atmosphere
Sababa presents a compelling case for its food and value, making it a worthwhile stop if those are your top priorities. With a recommendation score of 6.8, it suggests a generally positive experience for many.
If you’re seeking fresh, tasty meals at a reasonable price, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for here. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and atmosphere, which can detract from the overall visit.
While the food often shines, those sensitive to a bustling environment or expecting seamless service might find it a bit disappointing. Consider it for a quick, satisfying meal rather than a leisurely dining experience.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
Verdict: Our expert take on Sababa
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Based on 181 customer comments, the food at this spot generally earns a good reputation, with a solid score of 7 and customer satisfaction sitting at a good 71.3%. Many rave about the amazing, fresh, and delicious meals, often highlighting the quality ingredients and hearty bowls. The generous vegan options also receive high praise, making it a flavorful choice for many.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 42 negative remarks pointing to some concerns. Some customers have found the food not fresh, describing an old oil taste or even bland flavors. A few even reported feeling unwell or experiencing a cleaning supplies taste, which is definitely a dealbreaker for some.
Food
181
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
42
negative
10
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious food
- Quality ingredients
- Great vegan options
What people don't like
- Food not fresh
- Old oil taste
- Bland flavors
Often praised
- foodincredibly delicious and fresh – our entire team loved the food
- falafelThis is a nice place for a falafel or hummus dish. They prepare the pita, hummus, and falafel on-site.
- hummuscauliflower, veggie salad, hummus, falafel and a drizzle of tahini
- pitayou can see them baking the pita fresh
- chicken bowlchicken bowl with rice/lentils as the base w/ Israeli salad and pickled cabbage with tahini sauce. Yum.
- pita breadfalafel bowl + pita bread
- portion sizesmall hummus and they give you so much
- tahinitons of tahini over your bowl to get the best taste
- fresh pitafresh pita that melted in your mouth
- healthy optionsI found the chicken and falafel to be the best proteins available. The bowls are hearty, and there are great healthy options. Overall, it's a good value for the price.
Frequently criticized
- foodI used to love coming here. This time the food was not fresh at all. The cauliflower was slimey & nearly everything besides the cabbage looked like it had been prepared days ago.
- hummusMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found that there are plenty of better hummus and middle eastern food options available nearby. I recommend trying genuine hummus and pita from places that are more authentic.
- Middle Eastern foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing, particularly regarding the food. I felt the establishment has no idea how to cook Middle Eastern food. It seemed like they believed adding expensive olive oil to a random vegetable paste magically transformed it into hummus.
- falafelThe food quality was also very poor. The hummus tasted like it came from a grocery store container, and the falafel was so dry I nearly chipped a tooth. I took one bite and regretted it.
- heartburngot heartburn right after I ate it
- Hummusnever had such BAD Hummus
- Israeli saladI still ate it even though it tasted weird and now I’m not feeling well. I had a salad bowl with Israeli salad, cabbage and quinoa.
- Palestinian falafelwant good Palestinian falafel
- aftertasteI had to throw the food out after a few bites and felt sick afterwards. It also left a horrible aftertaste that wouldn't go away for hours.
- blandit was bland.
If you're seeking fresh, flavorful Mediterranean food with good vegan choices, this place is generally a solid bet. Just be aware that some experiences have been marred by issues with freshness or blandness, so consistency might be a slight concern.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to be a real mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.4 with customer satisfaction at 52.4%. Out of 42 comments, 22 positive remarks highlight extremely helpful and extraordinary service from the staff. Many appreciated the super sweet staff and quick service, especially for grab-and-go options, making some experiences truly stand out.
However, 20 other opinions paint a different picture, pointing to some significant issues. Guests reported very bad and disappointing service, with some encountering rude employees and uninterested servers. Concerns about waiting time and careless handling of orders, particularly for pick-ups, also frequently popped up, including mentions of a rude cashier.
Service
42
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
20
negative
0
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Helpful, friendly staff
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Rude, careless staff
- Long wait times
- Order accuracy issues
Often praised
- serviceNice friendly service.
- staffVery friendly staff
- CashierCashier was nice
- ServiceService:5
- StaffStaff are excellent
- customer serviceHis kindness and flexibility were a lifesaver and made our event run perfectly. I highly recommend Sababa for their fantastic food and truly exceptional customer service. Thank you, Robert!
- definitely recommendI definitely recommend
- deliveryFood was delivered in under 30 minutes
- extraordinary serviceextraordinary service from Robert
- extremely helpfulthey were extremely helpful
Frequently criticized
- serviceOur server looked like they’d rather be anywhere else
- waiting timeBy the time the food actually arrived, I had aged approximately 10 years
- customer careit’s ok to have few customers less
- customer serviceI was very disappointed with the way he treated me
- delivery sectionplease emprove your delivery section
- employeesemployees were very rude
- fake reviewsignorant idiots who think hurting a small business
- online informationOn December 23rd, I drove from Fisherman's Wharf to Kearny St, specifically to one of the three restaurants located there, only to find out it was closed. There were no signs explaining why, and this information wasn't mentioned online either. Smh.
- order accuracyThe service was equally disappointing. Our server seemed uninterested, forgot half our order, and interactions felt less meaningful than with a vending machine. The food took so long to arrive that I felt like I had aged significantly.
- order pickupwhen i ganna picking of my order they can't respond
Service here can be a bit of a gamble. While some find it quick and helpful, others face rudeness and long waits. If youre in a rush for a quick grab-and-go, it might be worth a shot, but dont set your expectations too high for a consistently smooth experience.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, many guests appreciate the overall vibe and cleanliness of the place, with some even enjoying the nice reggae music playing. With 10 positive remarks out of 17 total, theres definitely a good feeling about the atmosphere, contributing to a 6.2 score that leans towards average, and a 58.8% customer satisfaction, indicating a mixed but somewhat positive experience. However, not everyone is thrilled.
Some found the music to be trash, while others were put off by a bad store smell or the feeling of a cramped, loud space. The dim lighting also drew criticism, suggesting theres room for improvement in creating a consistently comfortable environment, as seen in the 5 negative observations.
Ambience
17
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean place
- Nice reggae music
- Great vibe
What people don't like
- Bad store smell
- Cramped, loud space
- Dim lighting
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancean awesome ambiance
- cleanlinessThe place is super clean
- locallocal is clean
- placeGreat place to stop by for lunch.
- reggae musicnice reggae music
- seating availablethey had seating available inside
- vibeoverall a great vibe
Frequently criticized
- ambiancethe ambiance—if you enjoy sitting in a loud, cramped space
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. The place was shabby and vile all around. I would strongly advise anyone to go to any other restaurant nearby.
- lightinglighting so dim you need night vision goggles
- musicI would recommend going to a place that is more authentically Middle Eastern, without the use of cheap olive oil. On a positive note, the cashier was nice, but the music was trash.
- store smellThe store had a really bad smell to it
If you're looking for a clean spot with a decent vibe and some reggae tunes, you might find it pleasant. However, be prepared for potentially loud, cramped conditions and a noticeable smell, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
This spot generally earns a good score of 7 for its value, with many guests appreciating that its often described as value for money and reasonably priced. Out of 12 total comments, 8 are positive, frequently mentioning healthy, delicious, and affordable options, noting the price is very reasonable for the amount of food you get, making it a good deal. However, customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag at 66.7%, and not everyone agrees on the value.
While only 2 negative comments were noted, some felt the bill was way too high for what they perceived as a glorified fast-food experience, suggesting that the price didnt always align with expectations.
Value
12
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Healthy food, affordable
- Great value offered
- Good portions, fair price
What people don't like
- Bill too high
- Feels like fast-food
Often praised
- pricethe price is very reasonable.
- good valueThe bowls are hearty, and there are great healthy options. Overall, it's a good value for the price.
- reasonably pricedreasonably priced for the amount of food
- value for moneySuper rapport qualité prix
Frequently criticized
- billthe bill was way too high for what felt like a glorified fast-food experience
- pricemuch better price
If youre looking for healthy, affordable options and good portions, this place often delivers solid value. However, be mindful that a few guests felt the price didnt quite match the experience, so manage your expectations if you're seeking a more upscale vibe.
How are the prices at Sababa?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 36 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an Israeli Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests are right in that sweet spot, with the vast majority of prices falling within the $11–$20 range. There are a few who spend a bit more, but it’s clear where the main action is.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 36 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an Israeli Restaurant. It offers good value without breaking the bank, especially given the consistent spending patterns we see.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sababa
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Nice spot for falafel and hummus, but with a twist
This is a nice place for a falafel or hummus dish. They prepare the pita, hummus, and falafel on-site. If you decide to eat here, know that it's different from back home.
It's tasty and fun, but the hummus portion is relatively small, and there's almost nothing to dip. The taste of the cabbage didn't feel right, with a strange smell; I'm not sure if it was its natural taste or if it had gone bad. Overall, the experience is nice and fun to eat things we like from home.
- falafel8
- hummus8
- pita9
- hummus portion3
- cabbage taste2
- cabbage smell2
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Long Wait and Poor Service
My experience was quite frustrating. When I went to pick up my order, the staff couldn't respond, and I ended up waiting for 30 minutes without receiving my order. They were very careless.
I hope they improve their delivery section and be kinder.
- order pickup1
- waiting time1
- delivery section1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Solid Fast Middle Eastern Food
My experience at this restaurant was that it's a solid fast middle eastern food option. The food was quick, easy, and tasty. I recommend checking it out if you’re in the area and it’s what you’re feeling.
- middle eastern food8
- food8
- service8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Don't believe the fake reviews!
If you're considering visiting this restaurant but are put off by the numerous 1-star reviews, don't worry. Those reviews are not based on the actual service or taste of the food. Instead, they seem to come from "ignorant idiots" who believe that harming a small business will somehow help others.
Seeing these "fake nasty reviews" actually makes me want to try it even more! Unfortunately, the restaurant is not kosher, so I won't be able to try it during my upcoming San Francisco trip. While I haven't tasted the food myself, it "looks good" and is definitely not what the fake 1-star reviews suggest.
It's sad that some people would try to ruin a small business.
- food7
- fake reviews2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
2
Better Middle Eastern Options Nearby
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found that there are plenty of better hummus and middle eastern food options available nearby. I recommend trying genuine hummus and pita from places that are more authentic.
- genuine hummus8
- pita8
- hummus2
- middle eastern food2
What Sababa offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dietary options can you expect at Sababa?
At Sababa, you’ll find a wide array of choices to suit various dietary preferences. They proudly offer healthy options, ensuring you can enjoy a nutritious meal. Additionally, you’ll discover excellent vegan options and vegetarian options, making it a welcoming spot for plant-based diners in San Francisco.
What kind of dining experience and service options does Sababa provide?
Sababa offers a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for lunch or dinner. You can enjoy your meal with dine-in or outdoor seating. For convenience, they also provide no-contact delivery and standard delivery services, making it easy to savor their Israeli cuisine in San Francisco.
How does Sababa generally rate with customers?
Sababa receives an overall score of 6.7, indicating a good experience for many, though customer satisfaction is a mixed 67.1%. Its Food (7) and Value (7) are highly rated, while Ambience (6.2) and especially Service (5.4) could see improvement.
What are the highlights of Sababa's food offerings?
Customers frequently praise Sababa for its incredibly delicious and fresh food, including freshly baked pita, well-prepared falafel, and hearty chicken bowls. Many appreciate the healthy options available.
What are common concerns regarding Sababa's service and atmosphere?
Some customers have reported issues with inconsistent service, including long waiting times, rude employees, and order accuracy problems. The atmosphere can also be a concern, with descriptions of it being loud, cramped, or having an unpleasant smell.