Sababa Falafel Shop – Anaheim, CA

Come with me to explore Sababa Falafel Shop in Anaheim, CA — a Palestinian restaurant serving vibrant Mediterranean cuisine.

Sababa is known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients, fully halal menu, and genuinely exceptional service. Everything is made fresh to order, from the handmade pita to the wide selection of toppings and freshly grilled proteins. With dozens of flavorful add-ons and a team that always greets you with a smile, the experience feels just as special as the food itself.

It’s no surprise that Sababa has earned multiple state and national awards — the praise is well deserved. If you’re in the Orange County area, this is an absolute must-try spot.

AMBIANCE

The moment you step into Sababa Falafel Shop, you’re hit with the smell of fresh bread baking and proteins sizzling on the grill. There’s almost always a line — and that’s a good sign. You move through it by customizing your plate or sandwich from a wide spread of toppings, sauces, and fillings, all made fresh to order. The staff greets you with genuine warmth, which makes the whole experience feel even more welcoming.

Inside, there’s plenty of seating and so many thoughtful details that celebrate Palestinian culture — from the decor and artwork on the walls to the lively Palestinian music playing in the background. If you want to experience the taste (and spirit) of Palestine, this spot is an absolute must-try.

APPETIZERS

FALAFEL:

5/5

If you’re visiting Sababa Falafel Shop, you absolutely have to order the falafel — it’s literally in the name, after all. These are some of the best falafels I’ve ever had: light and airy on the inside, perfectly fried with a crisp golden exterior, and that signature vibrant green, fluffy center. As you place your order, the servers usually hand you a falafel to sample… trust me, that one bite is all it takes to fall in love. That’s the exact moment you realize you need to order the falafel appetizer to enjoy alongside your main, because one is simply not enough.

FRIES:

4/5

The fries here are your classic, no-frills chips — hand-cut and deep-fried, with all those perfectly imperfect shapes that tell you they’re definitely not frozen. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of character. My favorite way to eat them? Dipped straight into the garlic sauce. It’s creamy, punchy, and somehow makes an already great fry even more addictive.

PITA CHIPS PLAIN:

5/5

At Sababa, you can order a variety of pita chips to pair with their dipping bowls. I personally go for the plain ones so the flavors of the dips really shine, but it all comes down to preference. What I love most is that these chips are hand-cut from the fresh pita they make in-house, so every piece has its own personality — some extra crunchy, some a little fluffier, all equally satisfying. If you’re ordering any kind of dip, don’t forget to add a side of pita chips… they’re essential for the full experience.

ENTREES

FALAFEL PITA SANDWICH:

5/5

The pita sandwiches at Sababa Falafel Shop have gone viral for a reason. Each one is packed to the brim with an incredible mix of textures and flavors — from crunchy purple cabbage salad and pickled turnips to spicy sauces, cooked veggies, and fresh greens — all tucked inside a handmade pita that somehow holds everything together while still being gloriously messy and juicy.

My go-to order is the falafel pita, hands down. The added crunch and texture from their falafel takes the sandwich to another level, and honestly, theirs are unmatched. If you want to experience a truly authentic Palestinian-style pita sandwich, this is the one you have to order.

CHICKEN PITA SANDWICH:

4/5

Chicken is one of those universally loved, “safe but satisfying” proteins, which makes this sandwich a great choice if you’re trying Middle Eastern food for the first time. The chicken here is juicy, well-seasoned, and full of flavor without being overwhelming. I personally wished it had a bit more char for that extra smoky depth, but even without it, the sandwich is still really enjoyable. All in all, this is one I’d be very happy eating — comforting, flavorful, and an easy crowd-pleaser.

DIPPING BOWL:

RIBEYE HUMMUS:

5/5

The Ribeye Hummus is one of the newer additions to Sababa’s menu, and I genuinely wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did — but wow. The ribeye is cooked perfectly, with just the right amount of char on the outside while staying tender and juicy at a true medium, so it never turns chewy. Beneath it is the smoothest hummus made from perfectly blended chickpeas and seasoned just right. The bowl is finished with pine nuts, almonds, fresh cilantro, and a generous drizzle of olive oil, adding layers of crunch, freshness, and richness. Every bite gives you a little bit of everything, and I would come back just for this dish alone.

SAUCES:

ZHOUG:

If you love bold, spicy sauces, do not skip the Zhoug on the side. This vibrant green sauce is the kind you’ll want to drizzle over your main dish and use as a dip for every appetizer on the table. Made with fresh cilantro, green chili peppers, garlic, and olive oil, it’s bright, tangy, and packed with flavor. The heat is lively but balanced — just enough to wake up your palate and make every bite more addictive than the last.

TAHINI:

If you order the falafel — and honestly, you must — it comes with a side of tahini that quietly steals the show. This nutty, earthy, ultra-creamy sauce is made from sesame paste and somehow makes every bite of that crispy, crunchy falafel even better. It’s smooth, rich, and ties everything together. Tahini is a Middle Eastern classic sauce for a reason!