Hidden down Swanston Street, up a set of stairs is Sahara, which offers a drink for those looking for one or for those that are hungry some old favourite dishes with a gourmet international twist.

Website

Sahara

Location:

Level 1 &2, 301 Swanston Street (CBD)

Difficulty Finding:

- Located on Swanston Street, the inset doorway is a single entrance between two stores across from QV, near Match. The main restaurant is located up a long narrow set of stairs, with a secondary bar up the next flight of stairs.

Summary:

- Type: Restaurant, Bar
- Food: International
- Music: Lounge music
- Cover: None

Review:

Across from QV on Swanston Street is a small unimposing doorway, out the front is a small chalkboard with the name Sahara and some specials, however this is hardly enough to draw the attention of most people busily going past. This is unfortunate because once inside and up the long set of stairs, the hectic lifestyle outside is all but forgotten. The small, dimly lit, first floor restaurant of Sahara is always warm, calm and inviting. Up the stairs again is a bar area, although not open as much as the restaurant, this area is just as relaxing and inviting. The ’humble retro’ trend of old, mismatching furniture, it also has special vintage touches, like a fully-operational, sit-down space invaders game and an old turntable.

The menu at sahara is made up of simple recognisable dishes, like souvlaki, fish and chips, lamb stew, however they all have an international gourmet twist to them. This twist is what makes Sahara so appealing, the dishes all have had a new life given to them with new flavours to match. While the menu is not huge compared to other places, it always seems to be big enough to suit all tastes and desires and covers starters, mains and deserts. For those looking for a drink, the menu is very simple however like the food menu, it covers most desires. Wine, beer and basic cocktails are on offer with specials regularly changing to mix things up a little. The staff are good and very helpful to suggest something or help out wherever needed, working seamlessly behind the scenes to make the experience there all the better.

A night at Sahara with a meal is not “cheap” in the sense that a main will be between ~$18-21, however it is the sort of place that one doesn’t really mind because the whole experience is well worth it. Drinks though are very reasonable being on average around the ~$10 mark (depending on what is ordered). There are so many places to go in the city with large numbers of people and average meals, in some ways it is a shame that its generally very quiet in Sahara, but really this just gives a more personalised experience.

Final Thoughts:

Sahara offers good food in a relaxing, unimposing environment, be it a quick meal before a show or a long dinner amongst friends it never disappoints.

NOTE: At the time of writing this review we found out that Sahara was changing hands in the coming future. We will update this review if need after it the transition has been made if need be.

Pro’s::
+ Great food
+ Personalised experience
Con’s:
- Closed Mondays
- Can be hard to get into when functions are on.