Expansion Marks Third Location for Acclaimed South Asian Restaurant Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen, the Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized restaurant, opened its newest location in Santa Monica on July 16, adding to its footprint in Fullerton and Hawaiian Gardens. The 115 Santa Monica Boulevard location operates Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Chef-Partner Imran Ali Mookhi, originally from Karachi, Pakistan, built Khan Saab on a foundation of elevated Pakistani and Indian cuisine. Founded in Fullerton in 2020, the restaurant became the first Michelin-recognized Pakistani restaurant in Southern California and has retained its Bib Gourmand status annually since opening. Prior to founding Khan Saab, Mookhi spent more than two decades working in acclaimed Southern California kitchens, including executive chef roles at Tantra on Sunset, Tamarind of London in Newport Coast, and Dosa in San Francisco.
Menu and Philosophy The 100% halal menu reflects a modern approach to regional South Asian recipes, blending traditional techniques with seasonal California ingredients. Shareable and street-inspired dishes include Pani Puri, Goat Cheese Kulcha with butter tomato sauce, and the Sloppy Khan—a wagyu beef riff on the classic American sandwich. Signature entrées anchor the menu: Khan Biryani, wok-tossed Peshawari Chicken Karahi, Smoked Beef Kabob (charcoal-smoked top sirloin with yogurt, garlic, shallots, and mustard oil), and tandoori-grilled Apricot Curry Salmon. The kitchen also offers kabobs, wood-fired steaks, slow-simmered curries such as Lamb Rogan Josh, Butter Chicken, and Nihari, plus creative vegan options including Bhel Puri with pomegranate and sesame leaf and Dal Lala Musa. Desserts include Shahi Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai Milk Cake infused with rose petal milk and peach coulis, and phyllo-crusted Rasmalai Knafeh.
Zero-Proof Beverage Program Mixologist Ahmad Hosseini leads an alcohol-free beverage program featuring handcrafted mocktails such as 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). Traditional offerings include lassi and a curated selection of premium non-alcoholic drinks. A rotating water program showcases rare mineral and spring waters from around the world.
Design and Atmosphere The Santa Monica location incorporates design elements drawn from South Asian street culture, including a hand-painted mural of a 1930s mosque exterior from Lahore, Pakistan. An expanded dining room and outdoor patio overlooking Santa Monica Boulevard provide flexible seating options near 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."
Why It Matters
For operators, Khan Saab's expansion reflects growing demand for non-alcoholic dining experiences and elevated ethnic cuisines in competitive markets. The restaurant's Michelin recognition and consistent year-over-year Bib Gourmand status signal sustained operational excellence and menu innovation—factors that increasingly drive customer loyalty and justify premium pricing in casual-fine dining segments.
For more insights and trends in the food and beverage sector, check out more articles in The Food & Beverage Magazine family of publications.
Written by FBM Publications Editors
