| Built into a loft-style space above the retail hub of Swanston Street, the gruelling flight of stairs climbed to reach Sahara ensures you work off what food you are about to eat. Once inside, however, it is quite an oasis: stained glass lanterns, indoor wall-plants, exposed bricks and raw-wood tables make this place feel more like a comfortable rainforest than a desert. Close to city campuses, this cafe is a favoured hangout for post-lecture refreshment with Sahara's renowned pear juice/frangelico combination.
The food is gourmet and international in flavour with a variety of mains, desserts and sides available. The antipasto platter (roasted garlic, skewered rosemary mushrooms, Hellenic yoghurt balls and hot Turkish bread) is a favourite with drinkers but those after something more fulfilling will not be disappointed - Turkish bread pizza, steaks, burgers, pasta dishes and a tasty mixed grill combination are all on offer too. Casual but classy, Sahara makes a nice destination for afternoon tea, dinner and drinks or a flirty first date.
Chef: Rob Gowty
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