SAJJ Mediterranean

Excellent healthy and tasty options, including vegan falafel, at even more impressive prices. My friends and I got bowls that lasted two meals each here for $30 total.

Iliana (sorry if I got the spelling wrong) was super helpful and super nice. It was our first time going to Sajj and I’m glad to say I will 100% be going again because Iliana did a really great job of helping us out.

What a great menu! We couldn't decide so we ordered the family meal with the chicken shawarma. Tasty falafel and cauliflower. All the dishes were warm and delicious. The hummus, tzatziki and sauces were the perfect compliment. Can't wait to return!

Delicious fresh food that is always consistent. Very friendly staff. Great ambiance for a casual meal.

I stayed in San Mateo less than a week and ate here twice- it was that good. I’m a severe coeliac and all the food I ordered was not only incredibly tasty with generous portions, but also completely safe for my body. Best Shawarma I’ve had in years! My take out order was always fast to be served and still piping hot when I got home to eat it. Also appreciated the outdoor seating as an immune-compromised person, so I could eat with my family in a covid-safe way. Will definitely return next time I visit my family there. Thanks for feeding me so well!

I really love the food here. My favorite is the pomegranate chicken. The cauliflower side dishes also really good. This used to be a Chipotle and the store is still set up the same way. You order while they make it and then sit down. It's nice inside but nothing special. The food's the highlight here. I definitely recommend it when eating in downtown San Mateo.

Yummy food. Counter service. Very casual.

Visited this SAJJ Mediterranean branch in San Mateo 3rd Street area due to a recommendation from a friend and love this Chipotle style easy and flexible process of creating a customized meal in different styles such as in wrap, bowl, flat bread etc options. I chose the the chicken rice bowl for my first time and enjoyed it. Location clean but you have to request keys for the restroom which I sometimes have issues with and may not choose that place over a similar level of meal experience if I didn't have to ask for the keys. That's my only negative in an otherwise fully positive experience.

Phenomenal portion size and flavors, very kind staff (one time they were closing early, so they offered me a free big tub of lentil soup so it wouldn't go to waste!) They pickle stuff perfectly, and I can't get enough of their garlic spread.

Went in to pickup a quick lunch. Got the steak wrap which was solid. All toppings are included so you can choose what you like. Could use more spicy sauce options (they just had spicy tahini). Felt a little brave and tried the chocolate hummus and that was clearly a good call! It's very dense and heavy. But, the cinnamon coated chips it comes with is the perfect combination. Heat place for solid, flavor packed and healthy grub!

This location is the best in the bay. The food is tasty, staff is amazing, and I love that complimentary soup they give. This place is 10/10

They have a few restaurants in San Francisco as well, and every single one is absolutely fantastic. This restaurant is a chipotle-style Mediterranean place where you can choose a base of salad, wrap, pita bread, or rice bowl, and then add many different toppings. The service is good too! Fast and tasty.

Wonderful way to have a quick meal that is nearly all gluten free. All of the items behind the glass have V and/or GF, so I don't have to memorize ahead of time their pdf of allergens. Loved that the toppings were not additional cost, except for two. Only thing I was not a fan of was how it seems like there could be a lot of waste in the way things are served. The bowls are compostable, but the cups and utensils -- unclear what to do with those. Having silverware and cups that are washed would be less wasteful for eat-in customers (or have better signage by the compost/trash what goes where)

This place is great for a quick bite before the movies. I have been there twice and never disappoints. It offers options of pita, salad or rice. The pomegranate Chicken is a must have. Staff is always friendly. Parking is always a challenge.

Delicious and healthy! It's like a Chipotle for Mediterranean food! Choose between rice l or salad bowl, or put it in a pita, then add your meats and veggies. So many sauce options.. it's nice being able to customize your meal.

Excellent mediterranean food in a convenient location at a really reasonable price. The bowls come with cup of lentil soup which is delicious, and they have a beautiful parklet with plants, nice chairs & umbrellas. Would recommend!

Very Allergy Friendly. Our daughter has a couple allergies and their menu was very clear about what ingredients have dairy, soy, etc. Also just as important the food was great.

Falafel Bowl is the bomb. Soup is included. Everyone there had a bowl. One had a falafel off their food truck. It was good so I tried their new download San Mateo restaurant. I will return.

Julie Taeko

They have a few restaurants in San Francisco as well, and every single one is absolutely fantastic. This restaurant is a chipotle-style Mediterranean place where you can choose a base of salad, wrap, pita bread, or rice bowl, and then add many different toppings. The service is good too! Fast and tasty.

Maureen Newman

Wonderful way to have a quick meal that is nearly all gluten free. All of the items behind the glass have V and/or GF, so I don't have to memorize ahead of time their pdf of allergens. Loved that the toppings were not additional cost, except for two. Only thing I was not a fan of was how it seems like there could be a lot of waste in the way things are served. The bowls are compostable, but the cups and utensils -- unclear what to do with those. Having silverware and cups that are washed would be less wasteful for eat-in customers (or have better signage by the compost/trash what goes where)

Alessandra Jimenez

This place is great for a quick bite before the movies. I have been there twice and never disappoints. It offers options of pita, salad or rice. The pomegranate Chicken is a must have. Staff is always friendly. Parking is always a challenge.

Max Mautner

Excellent mediterranean food in a convenient location at a really reasonable price. The bowls come with cup of lentil soup which is delicious, and they have a beautiful parklet with plants, nice chairs & umbrellas. Would recommend!

Kristina Almazan

Delicious and healthy! It's like a Chipotle for Mediterranean food! Choose between rice l or salad bowl, or put it in a pita, then add your meats and veggies. So many sauce options.. it's nice being able to customize your meal.

Randolph Cross

Very Allergy Friendly. Our daughter has a couple allergies and their menu was very clear about what ingredients have dairy, soy, etc. Also just as important the food was great.

Alvin Chin

Falafel Bowl is the bomb. Soup is included. Everyone there had a bowl. One had a falafel off their food truck. It was good so I tried their new download San Mateo restaurant. I will return.

Tanada

Visited this SAJJ Mediterranean branch in San Mateo 3rd Street area due to a recommendation from a friend and love this Chipotle style easy and flexible process of creating a customized meal in different styles such as in wrap, bowl, flat bread etc options. I chose the the chicken rice bowl for my first time and enjoyed it. Location clean but you have to request keys for the restroom which I sometimes have issues with and may not choose that place over a similar level of meal experience if I didn't have to ask for the keys. That's my only negative in an otherwise fully positive experience.

Alex Giang

Phenomenal portion size and flavors, very kind staff (one time they were closing early, so they offered me a free big tub of lentil soup so it wouldn't go to waste!) They pickle stuff perfectly, and I can't get enough of their garlic spread.

Rafikjon Bannaev

This location is the best in the bay. The food is tasty, staff is amazing, and I love that complimentary soup they give. This place is 10/10

Buddhika

Went in to pickup a quick lunch. Got the steak wrap which was solid. All toppings are included so you can choose what you like. Could use more spicy sauce options (they just had spicy tahini). Felt a little brave and tried the chocolate hummus and that was clearly a good call! It's very dense and heavy. But, the cinnamon coated chips it comes with is the perfect combination. Heat place for solid, flavor packed and healthy grub!

It’s like a Chipotle for Mediterranean food! All the veggies are delicious (esp the Cauliflower) — will be coming more often!

It was sit down late lunch, after site-seeing. Thoroughly enjoyed it, everything fresh n generous portions. Satiated stomack as well as soul.

I am so happy I’m not the only one that knows what an absolute gem this place is. The food is amazing (flavors, textures, portions, variety, price, and especially the kind service). I wish we had one on Vacaville! I’d be there everyday!

Hiba Zananiri

I am so happy I’m not the only one that knows what an absolute gem this place is. The food is amazing (flavors, textures, portions, variety, price, and especially the kind service). I wish we had one on Vacaville! I’d be there everyday!

Parveen Bedi

It was sit down late lunch, after site-seeing. Thoroughly enjoyed it, everything fresh n generous portions. Satiated stomack as well as soul.

Purvi Mehta

Delicious fresh food that is always consistent. Very friendly staff. Great ambiance for a casual meal.

Middle-eastern fare such as falafels, pita bread, rice, etc. served by going through the line and the helpful staff will ask you what is wanted and they fill your plate/bowl. Questions asked by staff are things such as would you prefer a lettuce or rice base, followed by asking what else is wanted. I’ve enjoyed the taste and service at this fairly new restaurant. They do have WiFi but you’ll need to ask for the password. Expense is moderate at around $12-$14 per meal.

I like all the flavors and sauce it has to add in the bowl... So much veggies and fillings. It feels quite healthy and delicious. My only complaint is the meat, the beef, is kind of shred meat lacking texture.

The food is a nice change, not your typical Mediterranean fare but a nice twist on it. However the service here has been a hit and miss. The food service model is like Chipotle, but unlike Chipotle, in the 3 times I've gone there (twice for dinner, once for lunch), I've had servers who did not return a smile, looked at me funny when I asked for a little extra tzatziki, or when I asked to get a freshly made falfel etc. Try the Shawafel and some of the condiments. Ask for fresh falafel, because if they just put a falfel which has been sitting for 30+ minutes, it's gonna taste bad.

Love their falafel sandwiches. I custom made it as the Arabic falafel sandwich. They offered me lentils soup which I love! I will definitely go back again

I am a huuuuge fan of BYO-anything, so when I found out the set-up was like that at SAJJ, I couldn't wait! We both went with Steak Shawarma bowls as our base and then customized it with toppings as we made it down the line. There are so many topping options to choose from, our bowls were pretty stacked by the end. Ingredients were very fresh and flavorful, service was super friendly, and I think you can say I'm a new fan who will be back soon! My only "complaint" was that the meats were a bit too salty. * BYO: Steak Shawarma Bowls * Sides: Pita Chips & French Fries * Dessert: Walnut Baklava & Honey Cake * Drinks: Mint Lemonade & Strawberry Lemonade

Food tasted good! Plenty of toppings for salad. Falafel taste better when they are freshly made. Chicken should be served warm. Lentil soup is watery. Only issue was that food 's temperature was not right.Service could be better, when they greet and welcome their customers.

I like how you can custom your salad. Steak salad with Cubed beets, eggplant & topped with tzatziki, hummus and garlic spread was delicious. Service was very friendly. Portion is on the larger side it was super filling. Would have given 5 stars if they toned down the music. It was too loud. We could not have a decent conversation without straining or voices or constantly having to repeat ourselves.

Service at this location is fantastic. The food quality is similar to what you'd expect from Cava or Naya on the east coast. It's good for that Mediterranean fix. The downside is the cost. Around 16 bucks for a bowl is tough to stomach. They do add a nice lentil soup with your meal though and have some interesting sauces / dips. Plenty of seating in there too.

When I want healthy food, I think Mediterranean cuisine. Thank goodness San Mateo has a Sajj Mediterranean restaurant. The options include meat or vegetarian options. Got this kids rice bowl. Just my size :). Comes with pita & juice box! I feel like I was back in school. No worrying about is my meal is balanced. This is healthy! Glad there is outside seating too! Otherwise the restaurant has A/C which you need when it’s hot or need good ventilation. Tasty pomegranate chicken, basmati rice, cucumber & tomato salad & marinated eggplant 🍆. Nom nom...

Joanna T

When I want healthy food, I think Mediterranean cuisine. Thank goodness San Mateo has a Sajj Mediterranean restaurant. The options include meat or vegetarian options. Got this kids rice bowl. Just my size :). Comes with pita & juice box! I feel like I was back in school. No worrying about is my meal is balanced. This is healthy! Glad there is outside seating too! Otherwise the restaurant has A/C which you need when it’s hot or need good ventilation. Tasty pomegranate chicken, basmati rice, cucumber & tomato salad & marinated eggplant 🍆. Nom nom...

Paul

Service at this location is fantastic. The food quality is similar to what you'd expect from Cava or Naya on the east coast. It's good for that Mediterranean fix. The downside is the cost. Around 16 bucks for a bowl is tough to stomach. They do add a nice lentil soup with your meal though and have some interesting sauces / dips. Plenty of seating in there too.

Cfutly

I like how you can custom your salad. Steak salad with Cubed beets, eggplant & topped with tzatziki, hummus and garlic spread was delicious. Service was very friendly. Portion is on the larger side it was super filling. Would have given 5 stars if they toned down the music. It was too loud. We could not have a decent conversation without straining or voices or constantly having to repeat ourselves.

Bowls are good and good choices of veggies, protein and spreads. It used to be our go to for office lunch take out orders prior to pandemic. It was good to try again

Rahul Goud

Bowls are good and good choices of veggies, protein and spreads. It used to be our go to for office lunch take out orders prior to pandemic. It was good to try again

Food was just so so on a take away order. I'd probably not order again. Was mostly flavorless.

Just OK food for me...not the best Mediterranean I've had. Falafels were dry as a desert. Rice could be better seasoned. App could use some refining as it didn't spit out $5 off coupon code so couldn't redeem the discount.

Good salad bowls easy to make your own if you have dietary restrictions. Wasn’t an authentic Mediterranean place for sure, moreover a fusion place with healthy choices but good for a quick bite. This place is in the middle of the San Mateo downtown so parking can be tricky

Nice people, good service at the counter (self service). Clean and neat, open airy space. Food was a disappointment. Sounded good but not much flavor. Veggies overcooked. Large servings but again, not much flavor. Maybe a bad day?

The restaurant is clean and well maintained. Nice atmosphere. The food looked nice but could be better in tasting. They did not had salt, pepper for extra spices. Lot of vegetarian options. Clearly labeled options. Friendly service. Parking is paid so make sure to pay the parking at the installed meters without fail.

Murali

The restaurant is clean and well maintained. Nice atmosphere. The food looked nice but could be better in tasting. They did not had salt, pepper for extra spices. Lot of vegetarian options. Clearly labeled options. Friendly service. Parking is paid so make sure to pay the parking at the installed meters without fail.

I just ordered both a beef and chicken shawarma and neither was very good. Look at the pics I included. The rice was also very bland. We want to support local businesses but I hope they improve their quality of their cooking.

Hoyman Hong

I just ordered both a beef and chicken shawarma and neither was very good. Look at the pics I included. The rice was also very bland. We want to support local businesses but I hope they improve their quality of their cooking.

Ordered on Uber eats and somehow got the smallest portion of falafel in the falafel bowl as well as the protein plate. Literally not enough food for one person for $30 (excluding fees). I understand this was an online order but even if I’m not there, I shouldn’t be ripped off. Learn from my lesson and don’t order takeout here.

I ordered a falafel side two days ago from them and got food poisoning. I was in bed for 2 days having a fever, nausea, headache, and stomachache. I would never order from them again. I would warn you to stay away from this place especially their falafel. My boyfriend ordered a falafel bowl and his also had mild stomachache, although he didn’t get food poisoning as bad as I did.

I got the beef bowl and chicken bow, I threw both in the trash. First of all the girl that was helping me never even gave me a receipt for my purchased items not very friendly either. The beef was not edible, and the chicken was just not tasteful all in all there just wasn’t much flavor I really had high hopes. I wanted this to be my new go to place not a chance