SABIIB Restaurant Review

[A Mean Guy]

So I finally decided to go to the overhyped Somali restaurant in Acton, London and this is my review.

Outside, it does not really look like a restaurant but at least they put effort into the interior.
My recent visit to Sabiib left me with mixed feelings. While the restaurant had its share of positive aspects, I can't help but feel that it fell short of being truly exceptional.

The ambiance was pleasant and comfortable, providing a relaxing setting for a meal with friends or family. The staff was friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere that added to the overall experience.

Now, let's talk about the dishes. The menu offered a decent variety of options, but unfortunately, none of them really stood out as remarkable. They were the usual meals you would find in a typical Somali restaurant but Sabiib does not have many options available.
The flavors were adequate, but lacked that extra spark that would elevate them to the level of a memorable culinary experience. The dishes were prepared competently and the taste was fine. It was definitely better than the other Somali restaurants in London.

In my group of 4, three ordered haniid while the last one chose salmon with rice.
The salmon was tender and cooked to a fine texture. The flavor profile of the salmon was a delightful symphony of tastes. The seasoning was spot-on, enhancing the natural richness of the salmon without overpowering it. I am not that much of a fish enthusiast but I believe this was a solid 8/10 meal.

Haniid -why did they add egg? This threw me off, I didn't particularly mind but at least include it in the menu. The lamb was cooked to perfection, tender and succulent.
9/10 overall meal.

 

[A Mean Guy]

Now for more negatives:
The staff were always in a hurry to bring the food but were a bit late with ours. I didn't have anything planned for that day so I didn't mind but it is something to consider.
They add mint to every drink and I absolutely hate it. Why? Let me know if you are going to do that so I can order tap water instead.

I had to take out those gross leaves out one by one.

If you are on a budget, this is not the right place for you. I paid an £94 ($120) for just 4 meals and drinks.
However, the staff seemed to take criticism nicely and even encouraged it as they said they want to keep improving the experience further.

In summary, this place is a decent place to grab a meal if you're in the area and looking for a convenient dining option. It's not likely to become your new favorite restaurant, but it's also not a disappointment. If you're looking for a reliable spot with okay dishes and a comfortable atmosphere, this could be a suitable choice.

Tips for the owners

1. Add more options in the menu
2. Price is too high (maybe you have no choice since real estate on a high-street is expensive).
3. For the love of God, stop including mint in every drink, All 4 of our drinks had mint in them.
4. Hire more staff because service is a bit slow.

Overall I would rate Sabiib a 7/10.

 

[Ozymandias]

Thank you for the very detailed review and rightful criticisms, I'll give this place a shot. Also, do you seriously dislike mint? Mint in a mojito is just

 

[𐒋𐒖𐒆𐒔𐒖𐒕𐒈]

Now for more negatives:
The staff were always in a hurry to bring the food but were a bit late with ours. I didn't have anything planned for that day so I didn't mind but it is something to consider.
They add mint to every drink and I absolutely hate it. Why? Let me know if you are going to do that so I can order tap water instead.

View attachment 287491 View attachment 287492
I had to take out those gross leaves out one by one.

If you are on a budget, this is not the right place for you. I paid an £94 ($120) for just 4 meals and drinks.
However, the staff seemed to take criticism nicely and even encouraged it as they said they want to keep improving the experience further.

In summary, this place is a decent place to grab a meal if you're in the area and looking for a convenient dining option. It's not likely to become your new favorite restaurant, but it's also not a disappointment. If you're looking for a reliable spot with okay dishes and a comfortable atmosphere, this could be a suitable choice.

Tips for the owners

1. Add more options in the menu
2. Price is too high (maybe you have no choice since real estate on a high-street is expensive).
3. For the love of God, stop including mint in every drink, All 4 of our drinks had mint in them.
4. Hire more staff because service is a bit slow.

Overall I would rate Sabiib a 7/10.

A good review, make sure you share it with the owners, esp. on slow service. Are you on the dole, mate? Or on a student budget? A decent meal of the Hanid and Salmon types are generally pricey, and 120$ for four is quite reasonable, if on the low side. Let me ask: how much did you tip?

 

[Ozymandias]

A good review, make sure you share it with the owners, esp. on slow service. Are you on the dole, mate? Or on a student budget? A decent meal of the Hanid and Salmon types are generally pricey, and 120$ for four is quite reasonable, if on the low side. Let me ask: how much did you tip?

On the dole kulaha , also there is no tip culture in the uk, thank god!

 

[Burqad]

Somali restaurant reviews are funny because the ajanebis are like “ this is the best thing I’ve ever eaten”, and the Somalis are like “ this is inedible, why is there 2 percent too much cinnamon in this?”

 

[𐒋𐒖𐒆𐒔𐒖𐒕𐒈]

On the dole kulaha ,

Was not I supposed to bring up the dole?

also there is no tip culture in the uk, thank god!

What are you on about, mate? At fine establishment, I tip regularly except at locals and fast food corners.

Postscript:
On the menu, I notice smoothies, sambusa at
6£, and a cup of tea for 3£ are awfully pricey.

 

[A Mean Guy]

Thank you for the very detailed review and rightful criticisms, I'll give this place a shot. Also, do you seriously dislike mint? Mint in a mojito is just

I seriously don't like mint.

A good review, make sure you share it with the owners, esp. on slow service. Are you on the dole, mate? Or on a student budget? A decent meal of the Hanid and Salmon types are generally pricey, and 120$ for

It is not that I can't afford it, the problem is that there are other Somali restaurants that have the same quality of food for a fraction of the cost.
Sabiib beats its competitors in presentation only.
Look at the rest of the menu and you will notice the price discrepancy

Let me ask: how much did you tip?

TIP?

This is the UK, we don't tip bruv,
Furthermore, the service was mediocre, I might tip if they make the service exceptional.

 

[𐒋𐒖𐒆𐒔𐒖𐒕𐒈]

TIP?
This is the UK, we don't tip bruv,
Furthermore, the service was mediocre, I might tip if they make the service exceptional.

Must be dining in Woolwich(.) then. Or is it South Hall? Mind me not.

When was the last time you dined in the West End?

 

[Shoop12]

Somali restaurant reviews are funny because the ajanebis are like “ this is the best thing I’ve ever eaten”, and the Somalis are like “ this is inedible, why is there 2 percent too much cinnamon in this?”

Every ethnicity when they enter a restaurant that serves their cuisine ever. Nothing can really beat hooyo tbh

 

[Basra]

@guycalledAmin


Yep u r right. This looks average Somali food. Here in the US the famous Somali reer xamaar restaurant _ Quruxlow makes that style of rice and chicken.

I rather taste the authetic Somali food or reer kismaayo

 

[mohamedismail]

Compared to my local Somali restaurant which sells bariis and Haneed for £6 this place is really expensive. Even when taking into consideration the service and environment still overpriced.

 

[The alchemist]

I appreciate the descriptive attempt from a fellow foodie.

I have to say, having raisins on rice is not it.

 

[Basra]

I appreciate the articulation from a fellow foodie.

I have to say, having raisins on rice is not it.

I love raisin in the rise! Its the perfect sweet toothies pitch- like cherry on the cake

 

[Shangani]

Now for more negatives:
The staff were always in a hurry to bring the food but were a bit late with ours. I didn't have anything planned for that day so I didn't mind but it is something to consider.
They add mint to every drink and I absolutely hate it. Why? Let me know if you are going to do that so I can order tap water instead.

View attachment 287491 View attachment 287492
I had to take out those gross leaves out one by one.

If you are on a budget, this is not the right place for you. I paid an £94 ($120) for just 4 meals and drinks.
However, the staff seemed to take criticism nicely and even encouraged it as they said they want to keep improving the experience further.

In summary, this place is a decent place to grab a meal if you're in the area and looking for a convenient dining option. It's not likely to become your new favorite restaurant, but it's also not a disappointment. If you're looking for a reliable spot with okay dishes and a comfortable atmosphere, this could be a suitable choice.

Tips for the owners

1. Add more options in the menu
2. Price is too high (maybe you have no choice since real estate on a high-street is expensive).
3. For the love of God, stop including mint in every drink, All 4 of our drinks had mint in them.
4. Hire more staff because service is a bit slow.

Overall I would rate Sabiib a 7/10.

You took mint leaves out of your drink???

 

[Ozymandias]

I love raisin in the rise! Its the perfect sweet toothies pitch- like cherry on the cake

Raisins on rice is damn nasty akhas

 

[Ozymandias]

You took mint leaves out of your drink???

That's what im shocked about the minttastes banging in these drinks

 

[Shangani]

That's what im shocked about the minttastes banging in these drinks

Mint is the best part of the drink my dad has a whole mint garden in my backyard for his daily tea and drinks

 

[𐒋𐒖𐒆𐒔𐒖𐒕𐒈]

@guycalledAmin


Yep u r right. This looks average Somali food. Here in the US the famous Somali reer xamaar restaurant _ Quruxlow makes that style of rice and chicken.

I rather taste the authetic Somali food or reer kismaayo

From the look of it, this place is a notch higher than Quruxlow, and even Quruxley. Those are terrible, but better than many.

 

[Basra]

From the look of it, this place is a notch higher than Quruxlow, and even Quruxley. Those are terrible, but better than many.

a top notch in ambiance, decor, and good red baasbaas game but the rest look similar to Quruxlow