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  5. Cleveland Park
Sababa, Washington, DC
Sababa, Washington, DC
Sababa, Washington, DC
Sababa, Washington, DC
Sababa, Washington, DC

Sababa

4.4
4.4
168 Reviews
$30 and under
Israeli
Top Tags:
Sababa is located in the historic district of Cleveland Park and within walking distance to the National Zoo, and Uptown Theater. Sababa is a neighborhood favorite serving modern Israeli cuisine.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Israeli, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
  • Hours of operation
    Tuesday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 11:00am - 3:00pm, Sunday & Monday Dinner 5:00pm - 9:30pm
  • Phone number
    (202) 244-6750
  • Website
    http://www.sababauptown.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Ryan Moore
  • Private party facilities
    Sababa features a private dining room with an adjoining rooftop terrace, which can accommodate 60 guests for a cocktail party, and 40 guests for a seated dinner.
  • Private party contact
    Scott Forman: (202) 244-6750
  • Location
    3311 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  • Neighborhood
    Cleveland Park
  • Cross street
    Macomb
  • Parking details
    Limited Valet parking is available on Monday thru Saturday evenings for $10.00 beginning at 6 PM. Due to the location of our parking lot, it can take a few minutes for the valet to bring your car back. Your patience is appreciated. Due to the size of our parking lot valet is taken on a first come first served basis. We also recommend uber or lift as alternates. We ask that you pay for valet parking inside the restaurant with your server as valets cannot take payment.
  • Public transit
    Cleveland Park Metro Stop (Red Line); L1 and L2 bus line
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 168 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4
4.4 based on all time ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

168 Reviews

  1. HarryL

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just came back from Israel and have been to Zahav in Philsdelphia many times. This was better than Zahav and on par with authentic Israeli cuisine. A wonderful experience.

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  2. Katrina

    Washington DC

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food!

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  3. smark

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food and service. Will definitely return.

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  4. Bebop

    Washington DC

    82 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    82 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2018

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    While I was looking forward to a spectacular Israeli type meal, I enjoyed a standard set of dishes which would be considered tasty but unremarkable at most Israeli restaurants. The cauliflower was a standout dish, but this was in no way in the tradition of Zahav in philly or other adventurous middle eastern restaurants. Perhaps it's time to push the boundaries a little from traditional Israeli to something that draws on many culinary traditions.

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  5. Gary

    Washington DC

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Especially liked the eggplant and salmon.

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  6. Sharon

    Washington DC

    76 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    76 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Creative, fresh, delicious food graciously served by friendly, knowledgeable staff.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed the hummus with ful, fried cauliflower, additional pita and za’atar, roasted halumi and mahalabia. All were delicious. The drinks were delicious as well. The staff members were very polite and kind. The room was dark and the candles helped to create a relaxing ambiance. This place is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city.

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  8. Murasaki

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is my fourth visit to the place. I've loved everything I ordered.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere! So nice and inviting! The service was excellent, the good was amazing and the steak kabob was superb! You could cut the meat with a butter knife! Felt like I was in New York City in a great trendy restaurant!

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  10. VADiner

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2018

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great modern Israeli food. Small plates are very tasty and so are the large plates.

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  11. JamesO

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous. Food, Service, Atmosphere, everything was ideal. Our server Kit was extremely attentive and knowledgeable and full of great suggestions on wine and food. Beautiful space and some truly unique dishes. Definitely worth the trip away from the more heavily trafficked DC neighborhoods.

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  12. rebeldc

    Denver

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2018

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We took our daughter here for her birthday. We had an amazing time. We were quickly seated, and our drink orders taken. We shared a number of small plates to start, then finished with 3 main plates which were shared among us. Excellent, fresh, unusual flavors. Delicious. Amazing craft cocktails. Nice wine selection.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2018

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Everything came out super fast and the

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  14. Jesn

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great, atmosphere fun and our server knowledgeable and delightful!

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  15. MichaelM

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience for our first meal in DC. Food was amazing!!!

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2018

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Our second time to the restaurant, could not wait to come back since our first trip went so well. This time, though, everything changed, the food lacked flavor and freshness. We’re wondering if the Chef changed in the few weeks away? We’re not sure if a third trip will be in the offing, sorry.

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  17. Danmo

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2018

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Mediocre food in noisy surroundings

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and very attentive service. The outdoor deck on the second floor was perfect. Would highly recommend one of their signature cocktails and the grilled eggplant! Will definitely be going back.

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  19. Dineoutmom

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious, so many great flavors! Service was excellent

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  20. genes

    Washington DC

    39 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2018

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Food was terrific. Noise level was high. Nevertheless, we will certainly eat there again.

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  21. CARAB

    Montreal

    24 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2018

    overall2food4service1ambience2
    Saw this restaurant in a top ten and decided to try it while visiting Chicago. Took an Uber - 15 minutes from city center. Arrived and our table was not ready. We were told to wait in the front area. A waitress came by but neglected to take a drink order as well as clean crumbs off off the seat next to us. Were seated by friendly hostess. Waitress was sullen and seemed resistant to being the least bit helpful. Special hummus was delicious, salmon moist and tasty, falafel good too. Rice and lentil dish had flavours we didn't care for, Israeli salad was good. Tasty meal, but could have been made much more enjoyable had service been better.

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  22. Sundaynightdining

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was fresh and delicious. Very creative use of tastes and spices. Excellent service and unusually quiet for a DC restaurant.

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  23. dhope

    Washington DC

    69 reviews

    4.0

    69 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Small plates were especially good! Very pleasant staff and service.

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  24. Samantha

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have been to Sababa several times. My dad was in town visiting, so I wanted to take him. We enjoyed some of my favorites including the hummus of the day and the lamb shank. Everything was delicious.

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  25. Luv2EatVA

    Washington DC

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the experience at Sababa — indeed a cool place just like it’s name Sababa! The service was excellent, very friendly and helpful. They have a variety of non-alcoholic drinks and house cocktails. We enjoyed Halva World Away. Starters were great, highly recommend sardines. The fish of the day was fresh and very tasty. Finally, the desert Konafi cake was simply awesome!! Sababa is now one of our favorite restaurants in DC, we will be frequenting it. Highly recommend Sababa!!!

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really great service. Food was excellent. Made the mistake of ordering too much!

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  27. VictorJ

    New York Area

    32 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2018

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    There was a leak above the table and into the food. Some of the dishes were too salty for my taste. Reception was chilly and snide. The server was friendly and the cocktail quite good. I liked the cucumber pickle.

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  28. mcdc

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2018

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    But an Ottolenghi cookbook and cook yourself- you'll be miles ahead in taste and authenticity. (Wanting to give Maydan a try for authenticity but impossible to reserve there!)

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  29. Diby

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2018

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    We sat in the back where the noise level tappers a bit which was ideal. The waiter was attentive and the busers hard working (although a little eager to remove unfinished plates from our table). The food was good...some dishes shined brighter than others (creamy dreamy eggplant). Overall, a solid experience.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing! Food was excellent! Staff made great recommendations! Can’t wait to go back!!

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  31. Desh

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2018

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We enjoyed the food very much. Sababa is a great addition to the neighborhood.

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  32. calypso

    Washington DC

    109 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    109 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2018

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    I really wanted to like Sababa. Reviews were great, so maybe we hit an off night (it was a Monday night). All of our dishes were just OK, hummus needed acidity, eggplant dish was WAY too salty and the lamb shank was dry and lacked flavor. On the plus side, the waiter was very apologetic and the manager did offer to give us a free dessert (which we had to decline since all of the dishes had dairy in them and my friend can't eat dairy!). May try it again, but not what I expected from this restaurant group.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mothers Day

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  34. SuSh

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    This was a difficult experience to rate. The food was outstanding! But one our party’s order was forgotten and since they have a policy of bringing out dishes as they are ready, we shared all the other dishes and 45 min after we ordered we realized that they never planned to bring the dish. The service was average to below average. There was no apology from the server about the kitchen’s mistake and only when we asked the manager did they comp the dish. The concept needs work. Our table was cramped and the dishes were served in a manner very difficult to share. Would not recommend for groups. Very awkward and careless service. Would not come again.

    2 people found this helpful

  35. Eric

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    OMG! The hummus is incredible — soft, smooth, almost velvety, I’m a hummus aficionado; the only other restaurant that serves hummus this good is Abu Said, in Acco, north of Haifa, Israel! The pitas are baked with sesame seeds on top, and are soft, chewy and tasty, perfect to scoop-up a generous portion of the aforementioned hummus. The tiny “salatim” salads are ok, with interesting spice combinations. The fried cauliflower is really good, as was the tuna crudo, the salmon kebab, and the fried Halumi cheese, but portions are tiny. We’ll be back!!

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  36. JennyR

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Took my mom here for Mother's Day. The restaurant was easily able to accommodate a wheelchair, which we greatly appreciated. The food was outstanding - great variety, delicious, and lots of vegetarian options.

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  37. MarinaI

    Washington DC

    27 reviews

    3.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall3food2service1ambience3
    Mediocre at best. Won’t be coming back

    1 person found this helpful

  38. BobbiesBytes

    Washington DC

    74 reviews

    4.0

    74 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Another Ashok Bajaj/Knightsbridge neighborhood gem! Started with the fava bean hummus of the day which exceeded all expectations. It was sheer pleasure with every creamy, flavorful bite; the accompanying pita was warm, fluffy and a wonderful accompaniment - worth the splurge to order a few extra, especially if having kebabs; roasted halumi was interesting; dates added a nice sweetness to the mild cheese; cheese was not a soft, oozing cheese but had a spongy texture that was cut into squares; Israeli Salad ingredients sounded ordinary, but it was fantastic; extremely tasty and refreshing; the juicy chicken kebab was cooked to perfection served with a light rice with roasted chili & tomato; the fish of the day was well-travelled, coming from the Red Sea, but as fresh as could be accompanied by two spicy sauces which gave the very mild but meaty fish real zip! The Phoenician Frappe cocktail was terrific; regular G&T okay; wines we selected for our meal were very nice. No room for dessert. Service was professional; didn't have any problem gaining our waiter's attention for the extra pita. Décor is warm and cozy. Even though a bit of a drive for us, my BF & I agreed we would return.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Mother’s Day celebration

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  40. LynnO

    London

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Nice addition to the area with fresh, tasty food and a fun vibe.

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FAQs

Sababa is rated 4.4 stars by 168 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for Sababa

3311 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Macomb
  • Neighborhood
    Cleveland Park
  • Hours of operation
    Tuesday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 11:00am - 3:00pm, Sunday & Monday Dinner 5:00pm - 9:30pm
  • Cuisines
    Israeli, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Limited Valet parking is available on Monday thru Saturday evenings for $10.00 beginning at 6 PM. Due to the location of our parking lot, it can take a few minutes for the valet to bring your car back. Your patience is appreciated. Due to the size of our parking lot valet is taken on a first come first served basis. We also recommend uber or lift as alternates. We ask that you pay for valet parking inside the restaurant with your server as valets cannot take payment.
  • Public transit
    Cleveland Park Metro Stop (Red Line); L1 and L2 bus line
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ryan Moore
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.sababauptown.com/
  • Phone number
    (202) 244-6750
  • Private party facilities
    Sababa features a private dining room with an adjoining rooftop terrace, which can accommodate 60 guests for a cocktail party, and 40 guests for a seated dinner.
  • Private party contact
    Scott Forman: (202) 244-6750
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