Review: Sabuddy Israeli Restaurant - Scottsdale, AZ (w/ photos!)

[Seth Chadwick]

One of the first Chowhound gatherings I attended when I began food blogging was at Cafe Lalibela in Tempe. A group of us arrived to enjoy a feast of Ethiopian food. It was a great time with wonderful conversation and excellent food.

What I also remember about that excursion was that in the same parking lot as Cafe Lalibela was an Israeli restaurant. I knew nothing about it or the cuisine but I made a mental note to try it someday. As with all good intentions, that really meant nothing and before I knew it, Sabuddy Israeli Restaurant had closed its doors.

Then, shortly there after, I heard that Sabuddy had reopened its doors, but this time at a strip mall on Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale. I then made another mental note to try it. That note was reinforced by some wonderful praises about the food by people who stopped by to try the new location. Then, I heard that Sabuddy had slashed its prices. I mentioned this history to J. and we decided to venture out to Scottsdale to try Sabuddy.

We arrived at the end of the lunch hour and we had to pull onto a side street and enter from the back as that was where the parking for the strip mall was. Sabuddy sits almost as the anchor to the place, so we headed inside, opening the door to a cool blast of air conditioning from the interior of the restaurant.

We were immediately directed to take a table anywhere by a friendly woman who was busing tables. We chose a sunny location near the back of the restaurant and got comfortable. We were handed menus by the woman who directed us and she ran to answer the phone. Several minutes later, I watched her discomfort as she kept trying to terminate the conversation on the phone so she could return to working the dining room floor by clearing plates and taking order. She returned to our table apologizing for the delay and asked for our drink order. J. and I both decided to have Diet Cokes ($1.99 each). We also requested water.

As we reviewed the menu, I mentioned to J. the interesting ceiling which was almost geodesic in nature. The place was decorated with a few bits and pieces of art and knickknacks. When our server returned with our drinks, we ordered our appetizers consisting of a large Hummus ($4.49) and a large Taboule ($4.49). J. asked for a recommendation from our server regarding the Chicken Schwarma and our server told us to wait one minute and jetted to the kitchen. Thirty seconds later, she returned with a small dish of pieces of the chicken schwarma and asked us to try it. We did and we enjoyed it, so much so that J. ordered the Chicken Schwarma Plate ($7.49). I was drawn to the Jerusalem Meatballs ($8.99). Our server returned to the kitchen and I remarked to J. how impressed I was that the server actually got us a sample so we could make up our own minds based on the taste. Kudos for that.

Our server returned in less than five minutes with our Taboule and small side plates for us to use. The large plate of taboule was dark green from the parsley and mint with flecks of red from the tomato and tan from the bulghur wheat. We spooned some of it onto our plates and began to eat. The taboule was some of the best I have ever had. It was exceptionally fresh and the proportions of ingredients were well balanced so that one taste did not dominate. The lemon juice used as the dressing gave it a great sour edge that we loved. J. adored this appetizer and were scrapping the plate of every nugget of the wheat and leaf of the parsley to make sure it all went to good use.

While we were devouring the taboule, our server returned with a plate of pita bread. The stack of discs were hot and our server told us that there was plenty more pita upon request. The discs were soft and chewy, but still light with an almost buttery flavor to them. We torn each disc in half to share and then into pieces to grab some of the taboule. This was excellent pita.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c208/sethchadwick/sabuddyhummus.jpg

We still had plenty of pita when our Hummus arrived. This was a very substantial serving of the thick paste. It sat on a round plate and had been presented as a well with a layer of tahini inside the well. A lone olive and a wisp of paprika decorated the edge of the well. I took a piece of the pita and dove it. Wonderful! Rich and creamy, the hummus was outstanding. It had a great flavor enhanced by the additional tahini. J. and I liked the novel presentation and were on the verge of requesting more pita, but refrained until we got an idea of how large our meals were going to be.

When our entrees arrived, J. was thrilled there was more hummus to be had. J.’s plate was filled with a heaping mound of the chicken schwarma, a portion of hummus about three-quarters the size of our appetizer hummus, and a small, simple green salad of sliced lettuce and tomato and a squeeze of lemon juice. J. grabbed another pita half, smeared it with the hummus, piled on the chicken and went to town. One messy sandwich later, J. commented that the combination was amazing. The curry-laced chicken was very moist and so tender, it was falling into smaller pieces. J. noted the simplicity of the plate and how good it was. “Really fantastic!”

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c208/sethchadwick/sabuddyjerusalemmeatballs.jpg

My Jerusalem Meatballs were three large, spiced meatballs sitting on a bed of fluffy rice and topped with a tomato and onion sauce, garlic and parsley. It was served with the same simple green salad that J. had received, along with a vegetable stew of green beans, chickpeas, potatoes and carrots. The meatballs were delicious and the sauce was superb. The seasoning in the sauce and the meat was right on target, although if it had been spicier, I wouldn’t have complained. The rice was perfectly cooked and in combination with the tomato sauce a winner. The vegetable stew was a favorable accompaniment. All of the vegetables were infused with the tomato-based stewing sauce and were not at all mushy. I liked the potatoes and carrots the best. The serving portion was quite large, so I was happily contented by the time I finished.

When we finished our main meals, J. was still picking at the plate of hummus and the last of the pita bread. Our server arrived to clear our plates and asked if we wanted something for dessert. J. said no, but was able to make the case that we should try a piece of the Baklava ($1.99).

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c208/sethchadwick/sabuddybaklava.jpg

When our Baklava arrived, I mentioned to J. that it was a very pretty presentation. The big piece of baklava was centered on a plate and then drizzled with two kinds of sauce, although I could not for the life of me identify what they were. While the baklava was okay, it wasn’t great.

Our server returned with our bill which totaled a ridiculously low $33.98, tax included. This was a bona fide steal. The freshness of the food, the high quality, and the substantial portions really made this a complete success. The service deserved high praise. Our poor server was working the floor by herself and had six or seven parties to attend to. She was able to clean, bus, take orders, get samples, refill drinks, greet guests and answer the phone, all without skipping a beat.

We left the cool confines of the restaurant and found ourselves in the hot interior of my car attempting to turn on the air conditioning as quickly as possible. The first thing J. said was, “We are coming back here the next time I am in town.” I agreed. Sabuddy is a place I would make a special trip to.

We headed back to Phoenix with content stomachs and visions of our next return to Sabuddy.

Sabuddy Israeli Restaurant
6949 East Shea Boulevard #10
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Dress: Casual
Hours: Tuesday through Friday - 11 AM to 9 PM; Saturday and Sunday - 12 noon to 9 PM
Notes: Parking is behind the building which faces Shea. Enter off the side street to the east of the complex.
Alcohol: We did not notice any alcohol service or menu.
Website: www.sabuddyrestaurant.com

Additional photos can be found at www.feastinginphoenix.com

[silverbear]

I'm so glad you finally made it to Sabuddy and that you enjoyed it so much. The baklava is probably the weakest item on the menu. The chocolate mousse is actually a better choice for dessert. Although Sabuddy does not offer a full bar, it has a limited wine selection and a nice selection of Eastern European beers.

[Seth Chadwick]

Thanks, sb. I will update my blog regarding the alcohol. I didn't see anything on the menu, so perhaps I had to specifically ask for a wine/beer list.

Still, it was a great place and I loved the food. I am anxious to try the falafel.

[cardiolj]

Sabuddy's is a great place. My husband gets the falafel plate every time. The chicken Schwarma, chicken shnitzel and the plain chicken on a skewer is wonderful. If you are a coffee fan get the Turkish coffee, the chocolate mousse is a better dessert. Everyone should try this place, it is the best deal and you get sooo much food!

[silverbear]

Coincidentally, we had a family lunch outing at Sabuddy this afternoon. Although I never thought Sabuddy was overpriced to begin with, the new lower prices were much appreciated. Four adults ate a filling lunch for less than $50 -- quite a good deal for a full-service restaurant. The lentil soup, falafel, pitas, and even the chocolate mousse were delicious as always.

[ejs1492]

Sadly, I just read Seftel's comments that Sabuddy is closing for good next Wednesday. I am so sad...this was one of my favorite places and I ate lunch there once a week, at minimum. Even my 2 year old son was in love with their lentil soup.

Daniel, the owner, could not be a nicer guy. I am really sad to see this place go.

[crsin]

NOOO. That's horrible news. No relocation? No new venture? Just boarding up and moving on?

I love this place. Definitely the best falafel, shawarma, and hummus I've had anywhere. In fact, I've hardly made it beyond these items on the menu, they're so good. I've always jumped at the opportunity for a visit to Sabuddy. That's really a shame.

However, I usually did take out, and would notice that, much of the time, there were only a few tables occupied, and I've always been concerned about what was going to happen...especially with a perpetually thronged pita jungle two blocks away.

Let's hope they stay in the business and come up with another project soon.

[azhotdish]

If you want shawarma, I recommend Al-Hana @ Baiz Market.

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Baiz Market
523 N 20th St, Phoenix, AZ

[crsin]

Thanks for the rec, I'll have to give it a try sometime. Unfortunately that's a bit of a hike for me. Sabuddy offered some terrific shawarma only a 10 minute drive away.

[hzp]

I just spoke with Daniel. I'd like to start by saying, there simply is NO nicer, prouder restaurateur, ever. In the years I've known him, Daniel has refused at every turn to sacrifice quality for the sake of business. His appreciation for his workers and customers is endless, and he has stuck is out far longer than any other person would. He is an almost one man operation.

He is not opening another restaurant, he is taking a few months off and then will be working again and "seeing where the wind takes him". As he says, he has always worked, he will work again.

He is open through Wednesday, and has asked everyone to please stop in. I, for one, will be there Wednesday lunchtime to send him off with some thanks and some extra tip money... everyone is invited to come say goodbye to him.

[hzp]

just a reminder, I know we're all busy, but tomorrow is the last day for Sabuddy's... please go buy, get something to eat and tip the waitress heavily

[Seth Chadwick]

I am completely heartbroken.

Sabuddy is a fantastic place where you could get a meal on the cheap that was fresh, delicious and filling. And the people couldn't be nicer.

I will be sad to see them go.

I do hope they make a comeback somewhere.

[ejs1492]

I am going to eat there every weekday until they close. Seriously.

I literally could not go a week without eating lunch there. I need to stock up on Sabuddy calories...it's gonna be a long winter, and beyond.

[crsin]

I wish I could do the same. Unfortunately I'll be coming back in town the day that they close. If you speak to the owner, be sure to give him a nudge in the right direction (opening another place)

[Seth Chadwick]

I had a final meal at Sabuddy on Saturday afternoon. Every bit as good as this review I posted nearly a year and a half ago.

I profusely thanked the staff for many wonderful meals.

I know some people didn't like their food and that is perfectly fine. However, this is one place where you could get hell of a lot of excellent food for pocket change.

I am truly, deeply saddened by this loss to the Phoenix metro dining scene.

[ejs1492]

I echo your sentiments Seth. Good food, great people, incredible value. I often said to Daniel "you CAN charge more money and I'd be happy to pay it."

I hope he resurfaces somewhere else....I'll drive across the valley for his food and my son would gladly ride with me for some lentil soup!

[silverbear]

You must have missed us by a matter of hours. We had our final family lunch at Sabuddy on Saturday. Daniel was as gracious as ever and deflected our expression of sorrow regarding the impending closure.

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Sabuddy
6949 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

[Firenza00]

*subtle dig ignored*
While we were never fans, despite a couple visits, we're sad to see it go. We love independent restaurants and hope more don't suffer the same fate.