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oChef » Sababa – San Francisco
Sababa - San Francisco
Photo from Sababa
Sababa at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🫒 Mediterranean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 13 of the guests
#2271 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#40 Mediterranean Restaurant out of 40 in San Francisco
Average
5.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
69
Reviews
47.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Fast service
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Rude staff
The restaurant Sababa, a delightful Mediterranean Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood, invites you to experience a culinary journey. You’ll find a focus on healthy options, making it a perfect spot for a quick, nutritious bite.
Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch or a satisfying dinner, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy.
Overview: Introducting Sababa
Sababa offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating its fresh tasty food and the convenience of fast service . The atmosphere is often described as a peaceful ambiance , making it a pleasant spot for a quick meal.
However, some patrons have encountered issues, particularly concerning value. Reports of being overcharged and dealing with rude staff suggest inconsistencies in the overall customer journey.
Average
5.3
out of 10
69
Reviews
47.8%
Satisfaction
34
negative
2
neutral
33
positive
Sababa achieves an overall Restaurant Score of 5.3, placing it in the average category. Customer Satisfaction stands at 47.8%, which also indicates a mixed reception.
These figures, derived from 69 customer observations, with 33 positive and 34 negative, suggest a balanced yet inconsistent experience. Looking closer, Food leads with a score of (6.1), suggesting it’s a relative strength.
Ambience (5.7) and Service (5.1) are also in the average range. However, Value (2.1) is a clear area for improvement, significantly pulling down the overall perception.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Quick service
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent service
- Portion and ingredient issues
With a Recommendation Score of 5.7, Sababa presents itself as a place that might be worth trying if you prioritize fresh, flavorful food and quick service over strict budget adherence or flawless customer interaction. If you’re seeking a reliable, consistently positive experience across all aspects, you might find Sababa falls short.
It’s a spot that could satisfy a specific craving, but be mindful of potential inconsistencies in pricing and service.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sababa
Food (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to like! Many customers rave about the fresh tasty food, highlighting excellent vegetarian dishes like falafel and the delightful spicy flavor of their green sauce. With a respectable score of 6.1 and a customer satisfaction of 55.8%, it seems many find the offerings quite enjoyable, especially the healthy options.
However, not everyone is completely thrilled. Some experiences, based on 18 negative comments out of 43 total, point to issues with dry rice/lentils, uncooked cauliflower, and pita sandwiches feeling lackluster, sometimes due to watered down hummus. While there are definite highlights, theres also room for improvement in consistency.
Food
43
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
18
negative
1
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, tasty food
- Great vegetarian options
- Spicy green sauce
What people don't like
- Dry, bland rice
- Lackluster sandwiches
- Uncooked cauliflower
Often praised
- foodI particularly enjoyed the eggplant and egg, which was a really nice vegetarian option I hadn't tried before. I was a little sad that the bowl option doesn't include rice, but the food was tasty overall.
- Falafel, quinoa, and hummus dishI love their Falafel, quinoa, and hummus dish
- Israeli saladThe Israeli salad tasted great and was super fresh.
- eggplant and eggMy experience at this restaurant was positive, highlighting its nice quiet location with lots of seating. I particularly enjoyed the eggplant and egg, which was a really nice vegetarian option I hadn't tried before. I was a little sad that the bowl option doesn't include rice, but the food was tasty overall.
- falafelThe falafel was good.
- flavorsThe flavors really went well together
- fresh foodmy new favorite fresh somewhat healthy lunch places
- fresh tasty foodFresh tasty food
- fried eggplantpita sandwich with fried eggplant.
- green sauceS. Don't forget to grab one of those elf-sized pots of green sauce filled with spicy flavor wizardry. I spill that fire generously on my pita every time!
Frequently criticized
- bowl and KambouchaFor a bowl and Kamboucha to pay $35
- bowl optionbowl option doesn’t have rice
- cauliflowerThe cauliflower was not cooked.
- container with carrotsfilled half of my container with carrots
- falafel sandwichesfalafel and sabich sandwiches have gone from joy to meh
- foodThe food gave me heartburn and then diarrhea
- food qualityQuality of the food is poor
- hummuswatered down hummus
- mainget more main for this price point
- minimum meatthey give the minimum meat as possible
If youre seeking fresh, healthy vegetarian options and enjoy bold flavors, this place could be a great pick. However, be aware that some dishes, particularly rice bowls and certain sandwiches, might not always hit the mark. Its a bit of a mixed bag, so go in with an open mind.
Service (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
While the service here presents a bit of a mixed bag with a 5.1 score and 50% customer satisfaction, many diners appreciated the quickness. Several positive comments, making up 5 out of 10 total, highlighted the fast service and the convenience of a nice to-go box. Some even noted there was no wait at all, especially for those seeking a fast option.
On the flip side, the other 5 comments out of 10 painted a less rosy picture. There were serious concerns about rude interactions, with one checkout person being described as very rude. Issues extended to management, as manager Carlos reportedly refused to provide a number, and even the owner was mentioned for an unhelpful reaction.
A lack of English speaking staff also caused frustration for some.
Service
10
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service
- No wait time
- Convenient to-go box
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Manager unhelpful
- No English spoken
Often praised
- fast optionespecially if you're looking for fast option
- fast serviceMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the fresh tasty food, which was served with fast service. The meal was also reasonably priced and had the added benefit of being low GI, meaning it lasted me for a while without weighing me down.
- servicewith fast service
- to-go boxI loved that it came in a nice to-go box
- wait timeNo wait
Frequently criticized
- Checkout personCheckout person was very rude when confronted
- English speaking staffNobody speak English only Spanish
- experienceWorst experience ever!
- manager CarlosCarlos refuse to give me the number
- ownerthe owner just laughed
If youre looking for a quick meal and value speed, you might find the service acceptable. However, be prepared for potentially challenging interactions with staff, as rudeness and communication issues have been reported. Its a bit of a gamble, depending on what you prioritize.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has some definite upsides, with 3 positive remarks out of 6 total pieces of feedback. Guests have raved about the lovely, modern, and peaceful ambiance, appreciating the location for being nice and quiet, and the ample seating options. Overall, the ambience scores an average 5.7, suggesting its a mixed bag for many.
However, its not all sunshine and roses, as 2 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Some found the bar in soma to be pretty low, and one blunt comment even called it Trash. This contributes to a 50% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a mixed experience where the atmosphere might not hit the mark for everyone.
Ambience
6
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lovely ambiance
- Quiet location
- Ample seating
What people don't like
- Low bar quality
- Poor ambiance
Often praised
- ambianceLovely, modern, and peaceful ambiance too
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was positive, highlighting its nice quiet location with lots of seating. I particularly enjoyed the eggplant and egg, which was a really nice vegetarian option I hadn't tried before.
- seatingMy experience at this restaurant was positive, highlighting its nice quiet location with lots of seating. I particularly enjoyed the eggplant and egg, which was a really nice vegetarian option I hadn't tried before.
Frequently criticized
- bar in somathe bar in soma is pretty low
- trashTrash
If youre looking for a quiet spot with modern vibes and good seating, this place could be a pleasant surprise. However, be aware that some aspects of the bar area might not impress, leading to a mixed experience for others. Its worth a try if ambience is a key factor for you, but manage your expectations for the bar.
Value (2.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a glimmer of hope! One diner found the food fresh, tasty, and served quickly, noting it was reasonably priced and kept them full without feeling heavy. This positive feedback, though just 1 out of 10 customer comments, shows potential.
However, the overall picture for value is quite concerning, with a score of just 2.1, which is poor, and customer satisfaction at a very low 10%. A whopping 9 out of 10 customer comments point to serious issues. Many felt overcharged and mentioned being hit with extra charges for un-ordered items or inflated price per person.
There are also concerns about being refused to show receipt' when questioning the bill, suggesting a lack of transparency around pricing.
Value
10
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Hidden extra charges
- Refused to show receipt
- Overpriced food
Often praised
- reasonably pricedI enjoyed the fresh tasty food, which was served with fast service. The meal was also reasonably priced and had the added benefit of being low GI, meaning it lasted me for a while without weighing me down.
Frequently criticized
- Price per personto pay $35 - unacceptable
- charge extrathey charge extra (double price)
- extra drinksneak in an extra $3 drink when you didn't order it
- invisible San Pellegrinothere was the $3.00 invisible San Pellegrino
- overchargedyou will get overcharged
- paper bagsthe paper bags are trash on purpose to save money
- priceOver priced compare to the food they served
- receiptMAKE SURE to ask for receipt and check it
- refused to show receiptthey’ll refuse to show you a receipt
Given the overwhelming concerns about hidden charges and refusal to provide receipts, this spot might leave you feeling short-changed. While one person found it reasonably priced, the high risk of being overcharged means you should proceed with extreme caution, or perhaps look elsewhere.
How are the prices at Sababa?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 13 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mediterranean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests spend right in this $11–$20 range, so that 19 average feels pretty spot on.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 13 reviews.
How does this restaurant compare on value with similar places in San Francisco?
For a Mediterranean restaurant in San Francisco, we feel this pricing is quite fair. It offers a good, mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sababa
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Kofta okay, rest was mid
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The kofta was alright, but the rest of the meal was very mid. I was surprised to find that half of my container was filled with carrots, and I expected more of the main dish for the price.
The rice and lentils needed more spice and moisture, and the meal could have benefited from a sauce component.
- kofta6
- rest of the meal4
- container with carrots3
- main4
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Trash bags and a laughing owner
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the food was good, the paper bags used for packaging were of poor quality, seemingly to save money. To make matters worse, when I dropped my food, the owner just laughed.
This was a truly trash experience.
- food7
- paper bags2
- owner1
- trash1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Amazing Food, Fast Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food is amazing every time I eat here. I highly, highly, highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for a fast option.
The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was great. I had no wait time, and the vegetarian offerings were clearly labeled. It's a great spot for indoor dining.
- food10
- fast option9
- vegetarian dishes8
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible experience, food and service
My experience at this restaurant was the worst ever. The food gave me heartburn and then diarrhea. When I tried to complain and ask to speak to the manager, Carlos refused to give me his number.
It was not sababa at all! 😞
- food1
- manager Carlos1
- experience1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Fantastic Food, Overpriced and Shady Billing
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was absolutely fantastic, truly a highlight. However, the overall experience was marred by being overcharged.
To make matters worse, they refused to show me a receipt, which is a major red flag regarding transparency and fairness. While the food was great, the billing practices left a sour taste.
- food9
- overcharged2
- refused to show receipt1
What Sababa offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does Sababa offer?
Sababa provides a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert. You can enjoy your meal through dine-in, takeout, or convenient delivery services. They also accept reservations for your planning convenience.
Is Sababa a family-friendly and accessible restaurant?
Yes, Sababa is considered good for kids, making it a great choice for families. Additionally, the restaurant is fully accessible, featuring both a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible seating for your comfort.
What is the overall verdict for Sababa?
Sababa holds an overall score of 5.3, indicating an average experience. While Food (6.1) is its strongest point, Service (5.1) and Ambience (5.7) are also average, but Value (2.1) significantly lags.
What do customers appreciate about Sababa's food?
Many customers enjoy the fresh tasty food , highlighting items like the Israeli salad and eggplant and egg as flavorful options. The green sauce also receives positive mentions for its spicy kick.
Are there any common complaints regarding pricing or service at Sababa?
Yes, several customers report feeling overcharged and mention issues with receipts or unexpected extra charges. Some also noted rude interactions with staff, particularly at checkout.