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Restaurant

Sahara Restaurant

465 Macaulay Rd, Kensington VIC 3031, Australia

Recommended by 20 people

Updated

Find Sahara Restaurant

465 Macaulay Rd, Kensington VIC 3031, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9372 5071
HoursMonday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Sahara Restaurant

Sahara serves up slow-cooked Somali comfort on Macaulay Road, dishing out fork-tender lamb and fragrant rice meant for sharing. Regulars come hungry for the slow-roasted lamb mandi—meat falling clean off the bone over mounds of spiced grains—or steaming bowls of Fahfah soup alongside house-made chapati. Between the floral-decked dining room, an alcohol-free menu, and an on-site prayer room, the Kensington room keeps things welcoming and effortless for family groups. Sip a chilled lemon mint drink or finish with a spiced Sahara tea.

  • Feast-Sized Lamb & Rice: Signature lamb mandi and chops arrive tender enough to fall off the bone, plated in feast-ready portions.
  • Fully Halal with Prayer Room: Operating strictly without alcohol or pork, the dining room also includes an on-site prayer room for guests.
  • Somali & East African Classics: Homestyle East African staples like spiced Fahfah soup, Wadani, and Ugali with Suqar anchor the kitchen.
RestaurantRestaurant

What's On at Sahara Restaurant

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Sahara Restaurant

Experience authentic Somali hospitality, generous slow-cooked meats, and family-friendly halal amenities in Kensington.

  • Generous Portions of Tender, Slow-Cooked Lamb

    Tender, slow-cooked lamb mandi and chops are served in feast-sized portions that easily satisfy hungry diners or comfortably feed two.

    Portions are generous and some dishes can easily feed 2 people.

    Hannah Anaraki

  • Authentic Somali & East African Specialties

    Specialized Somali home-style recipes such as Fahfah soup and Ugali with Suqar deliver distinctive, authentic East African culinary staples.

    My husband had the fahfah soup and said it was some of the best soup he’s ever had.

    Trish Dehmel

  • Full Halal Assurance Without Alcohol or Pork

    Muslim families and groups can gather with absolute peace of mind thanks to a verified 100% Halal menu free from alcohol and pork.

    100% Halal no pork or alcohol definitely recommend coming in here

    Hajjar El

  • Convenient On-Site Dedicated Prayer Room

    Patrons can fulfill their daily prayers seamlessly during dining visits thanks to an on-site dedicated prayer room.

    Loved the prayer room as well.

    Wafaa Aden

  • Vibrant Spiced Flavors and House Drinks

    Diners explore rich, bold East African spice profiles complemented by refreshing specialty beverages like Sahara spiced tea and lemon mint.

    And to top it off was the tastiest drink Sahara Tea as a healthy desert tea with all the flavours and spices.

    Isaac Stretton

  • Warm, Floral-Accented Atmosphere

    The dining space is thoughtfully styled with floral accents and a warm aesthetic, creating an inviting backdrop for casual meals and gatherings.

    The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the meal.

    Tali Ane F

Signature Somali and East African slow-cooked meats and traditional specialties

  • Lamb Mandi

    The Lamb Mandi is perfectly cooked, with tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone and rice that is fragrant, well-seasoned, and absolutely mouthwatering.

    Shahbaz malik

  • Fahfah Soup

    My husband had the fahfah soup and said it was some of the best soup he’s ever had.

    Trish Dehmel

  • Ugali with Suqar

    ugali with Suqar. was delicious

    Kloud Bahnas

  • Wadani

    I went with my mother and the Wadani was fantastic and went well with the Lemon mint drink.

    Isaac Stretton

Other favorites

Traditional teas, refreshing drinks, and freshly made breads to complete your meal

  • Sahara Tea

    And to top it off was the tastiest drink Sahara Tea as a healthy desert tea with all the flavours and spices.

    Isaac Stretton

  • Lemon Mint Drink

    Also tried the lemon mint drink, super refreshing.

    Hajjar El

  • Chapati

    We also got chapati (bread) and a mango lassi. Everything was so flavourful and the meat was super tender and perfectly cooked.

    Joanna Williams

  • Mango Lassi

    We also got chapati (bread) and a mango lassi.

    Joanna Williams

Before you head over

Helpful tips for ordering, amenities, and arrival at Sahara Restaurant

  • Share Mains or Pace Your Order

    Portions are substantial—often enough for lighter eaters to share a single main or split across two people. Consider sharing dishes or ordering gradually if you want to sample starters and Fahfah soup.

  • Halal Amenities & Prayer Room

    Sahara operates as a fully halal dining space without pork or alcohol, offering mocktails, Sahara spiced tea, and a dedicated on-site prayer room for guests.

  • Street Parking Accessibility

    Street parking is readily available along the surrounding area, making visits straightforward without navigating paid parking structures.

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