Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen, the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurant known for its elevated interpretation of Pakistani and Indian cuisine, is opening its newest location in Santa Monica, extending its acclaimed South Asian dining to the Westside. The restaurant is currently in its soft opening phase and will host its official grand opening to the public on Thursday, July 16th at 7:00 PM.
The Santa Monica debut builds on the success of the brand's flagship in Fullerton and its Hawaiian Gardens location. Founded in Fullerton in 2020 by Chef-Partner Imran Ali Mookhi and business partners Ahmad and Iqbal Hosseini, Khan Saab became the first-ever MICHELIN-recognized Pakistani restaurant in Southern California and has received a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand every year since opening. Guided by a 100% halal philosophy, the restaurant emphasizes premium ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and hospitality while introducing authentic South Asian flavors to a broader audience.
A Menu Rooted in Tradition and Southern California Influence
The menu is the vision of Pakistan-born Chef-Partner Imran Ali Mookhi, whose career spans more than two decades in acclaimed Southern California kitchens, including Tantra on Sunset, Tamarind of London, Dosa in San Francisco, and others. His approach blends regional tradition with Southern California ingredients and seasonal influences.
Shareable, street-inspired dishes include Pani Puri; Goat Cheese Kulcha with butter tomato sauce; and the signature Sloppy Khan, a playful riff on the classic Sloppy Joe filled with keema pav grass-fed wagyu beef. Signature plates anchor the menu, among them Khan Biryani, wok-tossed Peshawari Chicken Karahi, Smoked Beef Kabob prepared with charcoal-smoked top sirloin, yogurt, garlic, shallots, and mustard oil, and tandoori-grilled Apricot Curry Salmon.
Additional offerings span various kabobs, wood-fired steaks, and slow-simmered curries such as Lamb Rogan Josh, Butter Chicken, and Nihari, alongside creative vegan dishes including Bhel Puri with pomegranate and sesame leaf and Dal Lala Musa. Desserts close the meal with Shahi Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai Milk Cake infused with rose petal milk and peach coulis, and phyllo-crusted Rasmalai Knafeh filled with savory-sweet cheese.
An Innovative Zero-Proof Beverage Program
Complementing the cuisine is one of Southern California's most innovative zero-proof beverage programs, led by mixologist Ahmad Hosseini. As demand for sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails and alcohol-free dining experiences grows, Khan Saab has positioned itself at the forefront of the trend with crafted mocktails such as the Dirty Sprite (lime, salt, mint, and Sprite); Basanti Ecstasy (non-alcoholic gin, lavender-infused molasses, and lime); and Devil's Kiss (Seedlip, passion fruit, lime, and jalapeño). The menu also features traditional beverages such as lassi, a curated selection of premium non-alcoholic drinks, and a rotating water program showcasing rare mineral and spring waters from around the world.
Design Inspired by South Asian Street Culture
Design updates at the new location draw inspiration from the vibrant street culture of South Asia, featuring a hand-painted mural of an iconic 1930s mosque outside of Lahore, Pakistan. Layers of color, texture, and movement evoke the energy of traditional street bazaars. An expanded dining room offers additional seating, while an outdoor patio overlooking Santa Monica Boulevard provides a relaxed setting just blocks from the beach.
"We're excited to introduce Khan Saab to Santa Monica and become part of the bustling Westside dining community," said Chef-Partner Imran Ali Mookhi. "Our goal has always been to showcase the richness and diversity of Pakistani and Indian cuisine through exceptional ingredients, thoughtful technique, and genuine hospitality, and we can't wait to share the flavors and traditions of our culture that have earned Khan Saab recognition throughout Southern California."
Originally from Karachi, Pakistan, Mookhi has spent more than two decades honing his craft alongside world-renowned chefs and leading kitchens including Tantra on Sunset, Tamarind of London in Newport Coast, Dosa in San Francisco, and Tumbi in Santa Monica. In 2013, food critic Jonathan Gold wrote that Newport Beach's Tamarind of London, where Mookhi served as executive chef, "may be SoCal's best Indian restaurant."
Location and Hours
Khan Saab Santa Monica is located at 115 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Guests can also visit the original Orange County location in Downtown Fullerton (229 E Commonwealth Ave, Unit A) and the Hawaiian Gardens location at 12155 E. Carson St., Hawaiian Gardens, CA.
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