Sanaa’s

Since we’re already shopping in the 8^th & Railroad center, how about we stroll a few feet down to grab something to eat at Sanaa’s. A fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean, owner Sanaa Abourezk has brought her knowledge of nutrition to the table, creating organic, gluten free, and vegan dishes which are not only tasty, but also healthy.

“Asante sana”

Opening her restaurant nearly 18 years ago and against all odds, Sanaa was told no one in South Dakota likes spicy and flavorful food, downtown is a crime-ridden neighborhood, and that the Midwest is not the place for culturally unique food. Ignoring all the nay-sayers, she not only opened her eatery, but became nationally recognized after she Beat Bobby Flay.

In addition, Sanaa has won multiple prestigious awards, written a cook book, works directly with local farmers and producers, and uses in-season fruits and vegetables to bring her patrons the freshest ingredients.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Comfort food when you’re out of your comfort zone

Among some of her authentic dishes are the popular Greek baklava, the Palestinian mussakhan, and the Arabian mujadara. By establishing her popular restaurant as Mediterranean, this means Sanaa draws her cuisine inspiration from multiple countries that line the coastline of the melting pot that is the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, with countries like Egypt, Morocco, Spain, Italy, and even Turkey, the culinary possibilities are endless.

In fact, my friend Katie and I didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into when we stepped foot inside Sanaa’s, we were just hungry after a couple hours of shopping. I quickly became very aware of what gem we had stumbled upon when I looked up at the walls, and saw newspaper clippings, framed awards, plaques, and even magazine covers. “Holy cow!” I thought. We are standing in an esteemed establishment that has been written about in journals and raved about by world-renowned food critiques.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Star-studded for just a few moments, it took me awhile to order my meal, but I chose something out of my comfort zone, the kufta kabob with a side of quinoa salad, and I was surprised it came out purple! Wow, this dish is colorful, and wonderfully tasty. My friend ordered the popular chicken tahini, and she let me have a bite, which was also amazing and full of flavor.

Plan your visit

In all, I really liked the ancient world vibe I got from the interior. With the concrete pillars, the turmeric-yellow walls, the various paintings and art work of indigenous tribes, and the hardwood floors. We will definitely be back to enjoy the food, and maybe even partake in Sanaa’s lunch buffet on Saturday mornings. What better way to experience food from all across the world than to sample a little bit of everything.

And if you were curios on how to make some of these dishes, Sanaa actually has recipes, and even a cook book you can purchase off her website (https://www.sanaacooks.com/). Priding herself as having one of the best vegan and vegetarian menus in the Midwest and beyond, Sanaa is constantly updating us on her Instagram, Facebook, blog posts and even video tutorials.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

With the status of being a five-star restaurant, without the five-star prices, Sanaa’s has got to be at the top of your to-do list when you visit Sioux Falls. You’ll savor food with spices you’ve never heard of before, and dishes so alien to us Midwest folks that we think we teleported to Morocco ourselves. Plus, located in the historic and picturesque 8^th and Railroad shopping center, it is so easy to access, and makes for an enjoyable late lunch after a morning of sightseeing.

Also, read more about Sanaa, her degrees in Agriculture, and her family heritage in the Downtown Sioux Falls article here: (https://dtsf.com/sanaas-downtown-sioux-falls/)

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Thurs: 11am to 3pm
Friday: 11am to 5pm
Saturday: 11am to 2pm
Sunday: Closed

605-275-2516
401 E 8^th St #100
Sioux Falls, SD 57103

•