Located in the breathtaking outdoor Shops at Merrick Park, Sawa Restaurant & Lounge opened in 2010 as a contemporary Mediterranean-Japanese dual-concept. In fact, Sawa means “togetherness” in Arabic and “harmony” in Japanese, symbolic of the restaurant’s ability to bring together separate culinary elements into one stunning menu designed to be shared and enjoyed by everyone. Owner Ramzi Zahr and award-winning Executive Chef Jouvens Jean have developed a unique and delightful array of dishes for lunch and dinner. The menu tells a story of where the East meets the Far East, with everything from fresh sushi and tasty tapas (seafood, meat, and vegetarian varieties) to kebabs and sampler plates including classic Lebanese favorites and nouveau international dishes. Though popularly known for its exciting menu, Sawa’s distinct design is not to be overlooked—a harmonious ambiance marries an eclectic dining room, a lively bar, and a charming garden-side patio complete with a grand fountain. Sawa also introduces an exciting eater-tainment experience with live Bellydance Friday and Saturday nights. The restaurant has earned numerous awards and recognition for its outstanding ambiance, creative cocktails, eclectic cuisine, and chic atmosphere.

sample menu selections
tapas::
To Kill for Falafel   7.99
Chickpeas, herbs, and tahini sauce

Shrimp Summer Roll   13.99
Shrimp, kampio, avocado, assorted vegetables, rice paper, and ginger dressing

Grilled Octopus   16.99
Marinated grilled octopus, crispy potatoes, arugula, onion, cilantro aïoli, and chimichurri

Spicy Tuna Tartar   14.99
Ahi tuna, avocado, scallions, wontons, and spicy kimchee

Short Rib Patata Brava   12.99
Braised shredded Angus short rib, fried potato squares, and brava sauce

Lamb Lollipops   15.99
Herb-rubbed grilled New Zealand lamb lollipops with a jalapeño-mint demi-glace

Greek Naan Flatbread   11.99
Naan bread with olive oil, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, tomato, onion, and tri-colored peppers

signature sushi rolls::
Balinese   14.99
Eel, cream cheese, avocado, sliced salmon, strawberry ikura, masago, and wasabi mayo

Cali 2.0   15.99
Shrimp, kani crab, avocado, masago, soy paper, drawn butter, and lemon

Merrick Park   17.99
Lobster tempura, cream cheese, masago, avocado, scallions, suonomo salad, and eel sauce

Sweet Life   14.99
Shrimp tempura, sweet plantain, cream cheese, and seasoned fries

samplers::
Mediterranean Sampler   23.99
Hummus, babaganoush, grape leaves, tabbouleh, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and warm pita

Parillada Sampler   26.99
Two New Zealand lamb lollipops, two chorizo, chimichurri, tzatziki, two filet mignon yakitori, two chicken yakitori, two vegetable skewers, and two kefta fingers

entrées::
Organic Free-Range Chicken Breast Kebabs   20.99
Two perfectly grilled skewers, garlic aïoli, and cranberry-mint-candied walnut couscous

Moussaka   19.99
Spiced Angus ground beef, eggplant, potato, béchamel, basil-almond basmati rice, and tomato with basil

Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass   32.99
Sea bass served on a bed of sautéed spinach and portobello mushrooms with a Champagne beurre blanc sauce

Churrasco   25.99
Skirt steak, arugula, truffle fries, and chimichurri

Seafood Risotto   29.99
Lobster, shrimp, calamari, risotto al dente, and garlic with tomato and basil

Mediterranean Mahi Mahi   26.99
Mahi-mahi fillet stuffed with feta cheese, spinach, asparagus, and tomato with a lemon butter sauce