If you’ve driven down Hilliard Rome Road lately, you’ve probably noticed the landscape shifting. It’s not just the usual chain sprawl anymore. Tucked away in a spot that might’ve been easy to miss a few years ago is Dahab Restaurant and Cafe Hilliard, a place that has quietly become a bit of a sanctuary for people who are bored of the same old "Americanized" Mediterranean fare. It’s different. Honestly, it’s the kind of place where you walk in and immediately realize that the person in the kitchen isn't just following a corporate manual—they're cooking from memory.
Dahab isn't trying to be a fancy, white-tablecloth establishment. It’s better than that. It’s a hybrid space. Part Yemeni-style coffee house, part full-service Middle Eastern kitchen. You might see someone hunched over a laptop with a frothy latte at 2:00 PM, and two feet away, a family is tearing into a massive tray of lamb mandi that smells like it’s been slow-cooking since sunrise. That's the charm. It’s messy and real.
What People Actually Order at Dahab Restaurant and Cafe Hilliard
Most folks come for the Mandi. If you haven't had it, you’re missing out on what basically amounts to the ultimate comfort food. We’re talking about meat—usually lamb or chicken—that is so tender it basically gives up the ghost the moment your fork touches it. The rice underneath it isn't just filler; it’s long-grain Basmati infused with wood smoke and a specific blend of spices that includes cardamom, cloves, and black lime. It's savory. It’s earthy. It’s a lot.
But don't just stop at the meat. One of the things that separates Dahab from the dozen other kabob shops in the Columbus area is their bread. They make this traditional Yemeni bread called Rashrash. It’s huge. It’s flaky. It’s covered in black caraway seeds. You use it as a utensil. You tear off a piece, scoop up some hummus or foul (mashed fava beans), and you realize that silverware is actually kind of a hinderance here.
If you’re just dropping by for a vibe check, the cafe side of the house is where it’s at. Yemeni coffee is a whole different beast compared to your standard Starbucks drip. It’s often brewed with the husk of the coffee cherry (qishr) or flavored with ginger and cinnamon. It’s spicy and warming, rather than just being a caffeine jolt. You've gotta try the Mofawar if you want that authentic kick.
The Cultural Context of the Hilliard Food Scene
Hilliard has changed. It used to be the place you went for a decent burger and maybe some soft serve. Now, thanks to a massive influx of diverse communities in Central Ohio, it’s a legitimate food destination. Dahab Restaurant and Cafe Hilliard sits at the intersection of this growth. It serves a community that craves the flavors of the Arabian Peninsula, but it’s also incredibly welcoming to the "I’ve never tried this before" crowd.
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The staff doesn't hover, which some people might find jarring if they're used to the over-the-top "How are those first few bites?" corporate service. It’s more relaxed. You sit. You eat. You stay a while. It feels like a living room. That’s probably why it’s always busy on weekend nights. It’s a social hub.
Beyond the Hummus: Deep Flavors to Look For
Kinda tired of the basic chickpea mash? Try the Saltah. It’s often considered the national dish of Yemen. It’s a sizzling brown stew served in a stone bowl, topped with a frothy layer of hilbeh (fenugreek). It looks strange if you’ve never seen it—vibrant green foam on top of a bubbling meat broth—but the taste is complex and slightly bitter in a way that makes you want to keep eating. It’s a dish that demands your attention.
Then there’s the Aseed. This is a love-it-or-not kind of thing. It’s a smooth, cooked flour dough served with a savory broth. The texture is unique. Soft. Dense. It’s ancient soul food. You won't find this at your local "Mediterranean Grill" in the mall food court.
Why This Place Beats the Competition
Let’s be real for a second. Columbus has a lot of Middle Eastern food. You’ve got the massive buffets and the quick-service pita wraps. So why drive to Hilliard for Dahab?
- Authenticity over Aesthetics: They haven't "dumbed down" the spice profiles.
- Portion Sizes: They are, frankly, ridiculous. You’re going to take a box home.
- The Tea: The Adeni tea is creamy, sweet, and spiced with enough cloves to cure a toothache. It’s addictive.
- Late Hours: It’s one of the few places in the area where you can get a high-quality meal or a specialty coffee late into the evening.
It’s about the soul of the place. You can tell when a restaurant is a "concept" dreamed up by investors and when it’s a family-run passion project. Dahab feels like the latter. Even when it’s packed and the kitchen is slammed, there’s a sense of purpose there.
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Common Misconceptions About Yemeni Cuisine
A lot of people think everything is going to be "hot" spicy. That's not really how it works at Dahab Restaurant and Cafe Hilliard. Yemeni food is about aromatics. It’s about the smell of cumin, coriander, and turmeric. While they do have a spicy sauce called sahawiq (a blend of tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic, and herbs), the heat is usually something you add yourself. The base flavors are mild but incredibly deep.
Another mistake? Thinking it’s just another Lebanese restaurant. While there’s some overlap—yes, they have hummus—the star of the show here is the slow-cooked meats and the unique spice blends of the south. It’s heartier. It’s more tribal in its roots.
Actionable Steps for Your First Visit
If you’re planning to head out there, don't just wing it. To get the best experience at Dahab, keep these tips in mind.
Start with the Adeni Tea. Don't wait until the end of the meal. Get it early and sip it while you look at the menu. It sets the tone.
Go with a group. This is "family style" dining in the truest sense. If you go alone, you can only try one thing. If you go with four people, you can get a massive tray of Mandi, a side of Saltah, some fresh bread, and a few appetizers. It’s the only way to do it right.
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Ask about the specials. Sometimes they have dishes that aren't prominently featured on the main laminated menu. If you see something on another table that looks interesting, just ask. The regulars know what’s up.
Check the hours before you go. While they are generally open late, mid-afternoon on a weekday is the "sweet spot" if you want to avoid the crowd and maybe get some work done on your laptop while enjoying a Qishr.
Park in the back if the front lot is full. That section of Hilliard Rome Road can be a nightmare during rush hour. Don't let the parking struggle deter you; there's usually a spot if you're willing to walk twenty feet.
Dahab is a reminder that the best food in Ohio isn't always in a trendy downtown Short North warehouse. Sometimes, it’s in a strip mall in Hilliard, tucked between a cell phone store and a grocery, smelling like wood smoke and cardamom. It's a slice of the world brought to a Columbus suburb, and it’s doing exactly what a great restaurant should: making the world feel a little bit smaller and a lot more delicious.
Next time you're debating between another burger or something real, head over. Get the lamb. Drink the tea. Forget the fork. Use the bread. You'll get it once you're there.
Next Steps for the Hungry Traveler:
Check the current daily specials on their social media or official website before heading out, as certain traditional Yemeni dishes are prepared on a rotating basis. If you are planning a weekend visit, aim for an early dinner (around 5:00 PM) to secure a table without a significant wait, as the community atmosphere tends to draw large crowds later in the evening. Don't forget to ask for a side of the house-made green spicy sauce to cut through the richness of the Mandi.