Welcome to Cafe Sababa
Nestled within the vibrant Illini Hillel, Cafe Sababa offers a delightful fusion of kosher cuisine, specializing in pizza, sandwiches, and salads. Founded by culinary enthusiasts Aaron Stevens and Matt Harsh, the café emphasizes fresh ingredients and generous flavors. Guests rave about unique offerings like the gourmet grilled cheese and succulent sweet potato croquettes, all served in a cozy atmosphere. With options like build-your-own bagels and comforting nacho fries, Cafe Sababa caters to diverse palates. This charming eatery reflects a welcoming community spirit, making it a cherished dining spot for students and locals alike on the bustling Champaign campus.
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503 E John St, Champaign, IL 61820 Hotline: (217) 819-3621
Welcome to Cafe Sababa, an enchanting little soft spot nestled at 503 E John St, inside the cozy confines of the Illini Hillel in Champaign, IL. This charming eatery is a must-visit for anyone seeking delicious kosher cuisine that combines familiarity with a gourmet twist.
Cafe Sababa specializes in pizza, sandwiches, and salads, offering a delectable array of options that cater to both vegetarian palates and kosher dietary laws. From their mouth-watering grilled cheese sandwiches to vibrant salads bursting with freshness, you'll find some real hidden gems on their menu.
- Sandwiches: A fan favorite is the Grilled Goat Cheese Mozzarella and Goat Cheese Sandwich, expertly grilled in garlic herb butter for just $6. For tuna lovers, the Tuna Melt, loaded with cheddar and mozzarella, is a comforting delight at $8.
- Sides & Fries: Their Nacho Fries, drizzled with jalapenos, cheese, tomatoes, and onions, elevate the classic fry experience and are a hit among many customers.
- Pizza: The Cheese Pizza topped with black olives, capers, and garlic is a simple yet satisfying choice for a quick meal at $7.
What truly sets Cafe Sababa apart, however, is the personal touch from the dedicated team led by Chef Aaron Stevens. Many patrons have remarked on the care and enthusiasm in their dishes. Runzer W. describes their sweet potato croquettes as "just amazing," a testament to the creativity that flows from this small kitchen. Meanwhile, Elan K. praises it as the "best kosher food in Champaign-Urbana," focusing on the excellence of the lunch offerings and enticing price point.
As you step into Cafe Sababa, the friendly atmosphere makes it feel like home. Customers appreciate the unpretentious vibe, where dining isn't just about the food but also about connection and community. With a review from Noah F. emphasizing the friendly interaction, you'll often find the staff eager to chat, take special requests, or discuss upcoming menu items.
Visit Cafe Sababa for a delightful meal—or better yet, a meal made with love. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, take a moment to enjoy the vibrant flavors and welcoming energy that make this cafe a true star on campus. Each dish is not merely food but a reflection of care and creativity waiting to be savored.
Cafe Sababa is absolutely a hidden gem inside the Illini Hillel! I ordered the sweet potato croquettes this noon, which is listed on their menu for the restaurant week. The croquettes were just amazing! The sour sauce and the vegetables made the food more refreshing. The amount (5 croquettes in total) was just suitable for a quick lunch. The people here were so nice, while there were not so many seats for dining inside. Anyway, it must be a 5 stars cute place on campus!
Best Kosher food in Champaign-Urbana area. Lunch is always good and prices great. Really can't beat it!
What makes a "simple" grilled cheese sandwich taste gourmet? Several cheeses, grilled to perfection, plus Chef Aaron's special touch. Add seasoned fries and a pickle, and you have an amazing lunch for only 5 bucks!
I've been going to Cafe Sababa inside of the Cohen Jewish Center for about a year now - and I have yet to be disappointed. Aaron Stevens and Matt Harsh work in the kitchen, occasionally with a student (like myself) who will help out. The lunch is non-meat, so tuna melts, grilled cheese, pizza slices, and BYOB's (build your own bagel) are the standard fare. They also do some really tasty nacho fries, which is jalapenos, cheese, tomatoes, and onions on seasoned french fries.
Simple, healthy and delicious food right in the center of campus at Hillel! I've gone several times and always enjoyed myself, so you should too!
I've gone to Cafe Sababa a few times already, and I'm always impressed with the care Aaron and Matt put into every order. This is anything but an anonymous place, and the staff is always willing to cater to special requests, talk about new menu items, or just hang out. My personal favorite items are the falafel sandwich (which they made with fries inside especially for me!), the pizza, and the fries.