Safari Njema Restaurant
5041 Rainier Ave S,Ste 107, Seattle, WA, 98118
Safari Njema Restaurant Menu
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Address :
5041 Rainier Ave S,Ste 107
Seattle, WA, 98118 - Phone (206) 723-3058
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Virginia G.
The food is wonderful, the space clean and simple, and the service prompt and friendly. We had the samosas and shared the tilapia with ugali and collard greens (got a little cabbage mix on the side for free and it was buttery and amazing!). Every single thing on the table was amazing. The fish was superb and cooked perfectly, the ugali was a great starch accompaniment and the greens very flavorful. The samosas were piping hot and very flavorful, the hot sauce that came with it was excellent and now I want a bottle of it for home.
(5)Derrick C.
I thought "oh wow, I have to try Kenyan food. This will be a new unique experience!" Except it wasn't that great or new. The service was friendly but I was disappointed by the food. I ordered the beef and chose a starch and a veggie, but was told that the veggie I chose was actually a starch. OK... The beef was a smallish portion of cubed steak with onions and bell peppers. It was kind of dry though and it wasn't anything special or exotic. The rice was similar to lipton instant rice with some extra spice. Good, but not if it's part of an $11.00 entree. The collared greens were good, tasted like southern style cooking. Maybe I just chose the wrong things, but I just wasn't impressed.
(4)Denis N.
I have been asking my Mom to open a Kenyan restaurant for years in order to share our authentic food with people. This dream has not come true yet, however Safari Njema has brought it closer. This place did not disappoint we were very pleased with our meals and experience here. The restaurant is very well put together and you feel a sense of Kenya while you are dining here. The decor is really wonderful and you can purchase some of the artwork! The food is amazing, this is as close as you can get to Kenyan. I felt nostalgic as I enjoyed the Kenyan tea, Sambusas and my entree the Mbuzi or goat meat along with the Pilau. The hosts were wonderful and welcoming and we even spoke in Swahili which was very humbling and brought everything full circle for our family. I definitely recommend this place if you are curious and in the mood for some good hearted wholesome food. The only thing which would 'put the cherry on top' would be if they served Tusker Beer or Fanta Black Currant!
(5)Cynthia L.
Kenyan food is like African Chinese food. I'm serious! There's an emphasis on fried, starches, veggies, and protein here at Safari Njema. And like some Asian food places, don't look for fancy ambiance to have an interesting meal. We started off with a puffed sweet bread (not cow brains) and the fried potatoes. The sweet bread was chewy and lightly sweet, while the sliced potatoes had a nice crusty breading on the exterior. The habanero-like sauce will never be far from your hand once you try it with the potatoes. The night we were in, there was one guy doing everything, including the cooking, so if it seems slow it's because he's a busy guy. Throughout dinner, he was kind and checked in on us frequently; the only gap was when we tried to settle out (probably because he was doing dishes too!) The spinach and collards were the best cooked greens I've ever put in my mouth! So good; I'd order just that for a potluck. The chicken was okay, nothing too crazy. And the cabbage was recommended as a must-try dish over the potatoes and mushed peas I ordered. Safari has piqued my interest; I'll be back!
(4)Faith D.
I felt like I was on an episode of Anthony Bourdain. Exciting and the feeling of authenticity immediately upon entering, yet a faint feeling of nervousness like it's too late to back down. It is in a tiny strip of other restaurants/bars/barcade. Parking is free or walk from the nearby neighborhood. After reading other reviews, I followed suit and got the entire fish. The platter was huge, but completely worth every savory bite. You gotta get it too! Be adventurous and look that fish in the eye...and then pig out!
(5)Lisa B.
Welcoming and friendly service, and you feel like you're really getting a home cooked meal. I recommend the fish, cabbage (if available), collards, rice, and fried potatoes. Ask for some ginger tea as well. When you need a break from trendy and hipster give this place a try. Note: No alcohol.
(4)Elizabeth L.
We got take out from here when we were at the flying lion brewery. We ordered the fried tilapia, spiced rice, and greens. The food was incredible- unlike anything I had ever had. We loved the hot sauce that came with the fish too, it was great! The portions were huge- we shared one order & it was more than enough. The woman who took the order was so kind & even walked the food over to us at the brewery when it was ready. We will definitely order from them again!
(5)Chris L.
A fairly fantastic Kenyan place. Mama Jane is a wonderful woman and the food is authentic. This is coming from a long time Kenyan resident. The chai is a little too gingery for my taste, but the food is on point. A much stop for me when I'm in the neighborhood
(5)Tony J.
Our highlight of the day during our day trip to Seattle was eating at this restaurant. Just thinking about it makes me hungry. I had the Tilapia and my partner had the goat dish and the side dish of our choice. Everything was cooked to prefection, full of flavors and very delicious. We will be coming back again:)
(5)Rachel N.
Absolutely delicious. We stopped in here on a whim, having no idea what to expect. This was easily the best tasting and most fun meal we have had in months. Everything we tried was excellent, from the samosas to the hot sauce Millicah recommended for us. Speaking of Millicah, she is fantastic! Welcomed us as we walked in, and made our entire first experience with Kenyan food joyous and comfortable. We went with her advice on the food, and will look forward to returning to try more the next time!
(5)A M.
Highly recommend this restaurant. Great mix of flavors /spices. I had the goat - it was tender and delicious. Staff was personable and attentive.
(5)Susan C.
What's not to love about being served authentic Kenyan food on plastic plates commonly found in Chinese restaurants while dining off of a glass-topped table filled with business cards and ads from the local business community, only to be told towards the end of your meal by the friendly Chef herself that the fish HEAD is the tastiest portion of the fish and that you should eat ALL of it, even as you're overcome by a massive food coma. Welcome, adventurous diners, to the Safari Njema Restaurant - not to be mistaken for the Chef's own house - because when you dine at Safari Njema you'll be treated like an invited guest and not just another customer. There are so many things to like about the place - from the brightly painted walls adorned by colorful paintings of idyllic life in Africa on on side...cut to...the huge, iconic and gut-wrenching Last Supper scene on the opposite wall where Jesus is standing among his disciples, contemplating the futility of another round of Beer Pong if he's going to die the next day. (You can see it in his eyes.) Unfortunately, Jesus' last meal on earth wasn't Kenyan, and it wasn't at Safari Njema. If so, he might've stuck around a bit longer. The menu is simple, with about 6 entrees and an assortment of sides and a few appetizers. I ordered the fried Tilapia in a curry sauce. Each entree comes with two sides of your choice - one starch, one vegetable. I had the collard greens (yum) and chapati (blech). My friends had the Cubed Beef with rice and greens and Goat with cabbage (not on menu, but strongly recommended by the Chef) and fries. We also ordered some samosas for appetizers. Then, things went downhill. "Intestinal Trauma" - usually accompanied by increasing bitchiness - is the the process by which my stomach resorts to slowly and sadly digesting its own intestinal lining, as time marches on and delicious aromas of dishes not belonging to us fly by our noses. Apparently, the chef was ALL BY HERSELF. The only table before us waited over an hour for their food to arrive. I know this, because from the time I checked in on Yelp and the time they got their food, an hour had gone by. Our samosas arrived about 30 minutes after we ordered - hot and deliciously spicy. And then, like someone who's just ingested a cow carcass of red meat and is stopped up the next day, the food stopped coming. When our meals finally did arrive, it was also disappointing. The beef was dry and overcooked and the goat was little bits and pieces on bones. My tilapia was huge - a whole fish - and perfectly deep fried, with a little bit of seasoning. Despite the meats being overcooked they had a wonderful flavor. Basmati rice also very good. The only reason why this isn't a two-star review is the wonderful hospitality of the chef and her cooking. She'd given my friend a cup of hot ginger water when she heard him with a persistent cough. I'm sure if she had some help, the service and food would've been better. Would consider going back...but maybe not on an "empty" stomach.
(3)Lawrence L.
Where else will you get Kenyan food? This place brings back memories of my safari several years ago - sukuma and ugali - the traditional stable, served with generous helpings of fried fish and goat meat. Yummmm. The couple who run the place are genuine and they really make you feel at home. Husband makes great cabbage so if he's in the kitchen, make sure one of your plates has cabbage on it.
(5)NT T.
Delicious. I had the fried fish platter, which is large enough to feed 2 people - but I finished it myself because it was so finger-licking good. Very casual and family-owned restaurant. The only drawbacks is that it can be hard to find parking, as their parking lot is always full and street parking around this neighborhood can be challenging to find. Also, service is a bit slower than at other restaurants... but it is mostly due to the fact that it may take some time to make your meal after you order it. I would say it reminds me of some restaurants in Hawaii - which has a different pace of lifestyle, if you know what I mean. This is not a criticism, but just an fyi on what to expect. Not a fast-food restaurant, but the food is worth the wait.
(4)Sarah N.
There are two or three restaurants in Ranier Valley I am very loyal to, ans this is one of them! have come here a couple times after a hike famished and they always fill me right up! I was worried as a vegetarian I would be stuck eating a salad, but their vegetarian option is delicious and filling! I had the stir fry veggies and they are amazing! The service is also always spot on, we are always greeted with friendly smiles.
(5)Tom F.
This place was absolutely delicious. Everything was very flavorful. The samosas in particular were outstanding - spiced and spicy with a delicious, doughy exterior that isn't as crunchy as Indian samosas. All of the meat was wonderful, the vegetable sides were incredible and refreshing, and the starches were so unique. On top of that, the owner is also the server and cook, and she is delightful and makes all of her own sauces. I highly recommend this place!
(5)Libby C.
This place is SO YUMMY! I had the fried fish last week for Lifelong Dining Out for Life, and I can't wait to have it again. The greens were amazing too. This place is near to my heart because they brought a piping hot plate of samosas to my medical bill fundraiser a few doors down at hummingbird this winter. Unsolicited. They just heard folks were raising money and thought they'd help out. So awesome:)
(4)Alex W.
The food was amazing and the adorable pair running the place were kind and attentive. I don't suggest dining here if you're in a hurry. Good food takes time and hopefully you're there with someone you want to converse with. Do check out the app menu: so cheap and tasty! I also loved that the side items were not second thoughts. They were fully realized and yummy unto themselves. I'm a fan.
(4)Shyam S.
Wow !! Floored by the taste of Kenyan Food. Am a fan of Ethiopian and thought all African food to be around the same. Here I realized Kenyan cuisine has its own taste. OMG !! The Owners are very friendly. And all their portions are huge. I had the Deep fried Fish with Collard greens. Felt heartily great and full. Will come again to try other meats, if around columbia city :) Very clean and prompt.
(4)Jude O.
I finally found one surviving Kenyan restaurant and by sheer luck while exploring Columbia City one day. A friend and I went to lunch one weekend shortly after opening, which was nice. We received the utter most cordial welcome (Made me proud of my country-folk) The atmosphere and music made me feel right at home. And considering I cook most of the menu items at home myself, once in a while, someone else's cooking is the ideal remedy when homesick. The menu selection was simple,not overwhelming and very affordable at that. We ordered several dishes to share.We had Goat with chapati,mixed vegetables and Tilapia with rice and greens plus complimentary samosas and tea since we connected.(^_) The food was on point! A good little spot for a quiet date or catching up with a friend or two over great food and exotic drinks. It's hard to spot at first,but once you do,it's perfect!
(5)Kellen C.
The service for an African restaurant is some of the best I have had in the states. I Love West African food but wanted to give Kenyan a try because I have had Malawian, Zim, and South African for when I spent a month in ZA. I had asked first what type of pepper they have was it very hot, was told it was but it wasn't. I asked for habanero peppers. The fish was spiced different than I am use vinegar I think was used and the Fufu was different type of corn meal I have had anywhere in the states and Africa. Try this place and tell me what you think
(3)Corinne P.
My fiance and I went on a rainy Saturday night and found ourselves to be the only people in the restaurant! The location is unassuming - Safari Njema is in a strip mall, wedged alongside an arcade, saloon, convenience store, salon, and more. The service was friendly albeit a bit slow - we were greeted by two separate people on different occasions, and our server checked on us often. It took about fifteen minutes for our meals to show up and the server had forgotten the appetizer altogether. She remembered during the meal and apologized. No harm done. The food was tasty. There were items that I knew from Indian cuisine - chapati and pilau - but it was decidedly new to both of us. Each entree comes with a starch and a veggie of your choice. I had the veggie entree with ugali and spinach/collard greens. My fiance had the beef entree with pilau and stir-fried veggies. We were both happy with the presentation and taste of our food - the portions were VERY generous and the quality was good. The house-made hot sauce was a nice accent to the meal. Near the end of the meal, the server returned with the "house special" - fruit skewers! We enjoyed the food and the ambiance, from the music playing on the radio to the Kenyan paintings on the wall. I'd definitely eat here again.
(4)Frances T.
I love the home atmosphere and the home cooked yumminess. I've brought lots of friends here and they have all returned. The cook and owner is so warm and welcoming and do is the food! Goat, fried fish, pilau, mukuma...everything I have tasted here is wonderful. Come try it yourself.
(5)Daren D.
This is in one of those "patchy" areas near Columbia City but don't worry about it. On one pleasant afternoon, the door is propped open, it's a chill day and people next door at Full Tilt are hangin' out front being all cool. ;) I was ready for some take-out before work so I proceed up front during this quiet afternoon and a gentleman (co-owner?) warmly greets me. The gal, his daughter(?), was nice; perhaps a bit soft-spoken. She almost forgot to ask if I wanted utensils (+ mini S&P pack) and that raved homemade hot sauce but I got 'em. The entrees are a bit different than what one may be used to: You can choose 1 entree and then 1 starch (carb) and 1 veggie to complete it. I got the beef with chapati and mixed greens (collard and spinach?). It was great food! There was nice flavor and it went down well; one chewy bit, but I just spit it out and continue. The chapati was different than what I'm used to from Juba's. It had a more grainy residual texture on the fingers. I also had a Kenyan tea (chai-esque) to-go (I think 12-16 oz?). I think she also asks you how sweet you'd like it (sugar cubes?). Great stuff. I'll have to try the rice and more, as well. It's a good, charming option for African eats. Yum.
(4)Sarita G.
The fish is on point!! We had a party of 17 and they were extremely generous and helpful in staying open late. All the food was amazing!!
(5)Erica W.
Hidden in the parking lot, sandwiched between a pool hall and an ice cream shop is this awesome gem of a restaurant. The owner, Jane, is a wonderful host and her food rocks. I've been there a few times already, even ordering to go once because I was craving her samosas. Whenever we go, we always start off with at least two of them. They're crispy and moist, filled with meat that is full of spices and flavor. Last time my mother ordered the ginger tea, whoa. It was good. Really good. So good that the table next to us was arguing over it, the guy ordered the tea but the woman kept drinking it. Finally, he yelled "order your own!" But seriously, get your own tea :) The entire menu is really affordable given the amount of food you receive. A personal favorite of mine, and my family, is the Tilapia fish. Its fried but has this slightly salty/bitter taste and its just really really good. I also recommend the goat meat, the greens, the rice, and the flat bread. Really just start getting any items off the menu, you won't really be let down. When you do go, please give yourself time to sit as everything is made to order. But it is worth the wait. If you're looking for new food places to try in Columbia City, leave that little 3 block area people have confined themselves to, there are lots of other great eateries around the outer fringe of the neighborhood.
(5)Mindi P.
Took a meetup group of 9 people here. The chef, who was also the waitress, was super friendly and made us all feel welcome. Come with time for the laid back service but you'll be fully rewarded with amazing tasty food. The tilipia was crispy on the outside and moist inside. The greens were some of the best I've ever had and the basmati rice had great flavor. Overall a terrific night and a place to which I would gladly return.
(5)Tom B.
Alright, now. This place is the real deal. Dirt cheap, amazing food served by wonderfully cheerful, friendly people. They have it goin' on for sure. There's generally plenty of parking right outside, and always within a short distance. There is live music, movies, and every kind of bar within a block or two. You have every reason to come down here. What you get is a bright, clean little dining room in front. The tables and chairs all match, but they have a lived-in look. There is original art crammed onto every inch of the walls, all of it for sale. There are about a dozen tables, some arranged in a long communal run in the middle. The glass tabletops can be lifted, and you see business cards underneath. Every conceivable type of business that new immigrants might need as they adjust to their new community life is represented--this place clearly serves as something of a community hub. More people have left their cards at the counter. When the owners come out and say hello, you see how they become the crossroads for new arrivals. They are so incredibly happy to see you, so warm and welcoming. They're the kind of people you instantly want to come back and visit often. They carefully walk you through the menu, offering suggestions on which dishes work well together, and even gently nudging you into correct pronunciations. The menu is simple--5 or so each of appetizers, entrees, drinks, starch sides, and vegetable sides. You get one free from each list of sides when you order an entree. I had the brown health drink (I think this was uji or ubi). It comes out in a huge coffee mug with a great froth on it that sticks around forever. It's essentially hot marrow stock, heavily seasoned. The herbs in it are traditional remedies. It tastes a little tangy from the marrow, and earthy and savory from the herbs. Good stuff, and unlike anything I've ever had. The entrees, which are all $11 or $12, come out on a gigantic platter. You almost can't believe it's food for one--two light eaters could easily split one. I had the goat, which was tender, roasty, and explosively flavored. Took about ten minutes to come out. Had the green mashed potatoes on the side, along with some cabbage slaw that was genuinely excellent. Cole slaw has much to learn from the Kenyans. Best of all was the squeeze bottle of hot sauce--bright citric acid for sweetness, and a perfect balance of heat and savory notes. Tasted more like oranges than most hot sauces I have had, and it was delicious. The whole thing was incredibly filling and cost $14. I got the goat just because it seemed the most unlike anything I have tried before, but evidently there are other entrees even more popular. Gotta come back and try more stuff.
(5)Joe M.
Delicious authentic Kenyan food!! If you are looking for the real thing, they provide it.
(4)Eve T.
This family-owned restaurant, featuring Kenyan cuisine, is quite exquisite and serves wholesome, home-cooked, delicious food! Not knowing anything about Kenyan food, we asked several questions before ordering. One main dish comes with 2 sides- your choice of one starch and one veggie. Each dish is about $11-$15. Husband and I ended up with the Fried Tilapia Fish (coconut curry dipping sauce on the side), collard greens and spinach, and Kenyan bread (a mix between naan and Chinese scallion pancakes). The other dish was sauteed beef, roasted FRESH vegetables (bell pepper, onion, zucchini, yellow squash), and mash potatoes with green peas and corn. The flavors were incredible- not too heavy or overwhelming, like Indian spices and curry, although dishes are heavily influenced by the Indian cuisine. Portions were hefty, enough to feed 2 people each dish, BUT husband and I were both very hungry and so delighted by the meal we cleared our plates off... almost tempted to swallow the fish bones to say that we REALLY cleared off everything. I enjoyed the experience of getting a WHOLE FISH- bones and head still attached. The fish meat came right off the bones so there's no need to dig or pick around to avoid the bones. Also, the fish cheeks were left in- the best part! Oh, and their secret-recipe house spicy sauce is totally different than any sauce we've ever had. It's a little more tangy/citrusy but still contains quite a kick. Service was incredible. The servers, assuming they are the daughters of the chef/owner, are so humble, courteous, and loving. We can tell that a lot of love went into this business. We are sure to come back and try out the other dishes on the menu. I'm glad we came here for our first experience with Kenyan food.
(5)Jeremy P.
Authentic Kenyan food and a delightful owner! One of the best Columbia City dining experiences I've had since moving to the neighborhood. This place is a treasure.
(5)Azuki M.
I love this place. I always order all the appetizers and the goat. Everything is delicious!
(5)Daniel H.
great Kenyan tea and excellent sukuma wiki and the owners are great to chat with the owners. The Ugali was made perfectly and it's right in Columbia city. I higy recommend going and trying it out!!
(5)Vanessa A.
Delicious! We tried almost everything on the menu - goat, chicken, beef, tilapia - it's all awesome. The tea with milk was sort of like chai and just awesome. They accommodated our group of 10 on a weeknight and were extremely hospitable, friendly, and attentive. They were happy to teach us all about the food and checked on us many times. They were so fun to talk to. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Kevin S.
We found this spot by accident and I'm so glad we did! I haven't had Kenyan food before but damn it was tasty and the staff was wonderful. We had the soup, a fried seasoned potato appetizer, tilapia (whole, deep fried) and goat. Each entree comes with a starch and veggie side - I don't remember what they were called but I couldn't stop eating them. All the food was delicious, served family style with great presentation, and the portions were generous. The only oddity was the Chinese lettered plates. Go figure. Our server was wonderful - very helpful with people new to kenyan cuisine and friendly. The chef came out to meet us and share a few stories. All in all a great dining experience.
(4)Erik P.
Great great great. We had them cater our party of 20 people . Everyone commented on how delicious the food was, even though they had never had Kenyan food. The fresh ginger juice was a particular hit. Also the pilau and coconut curry chicken. And, sukuma is one of the darkest green veggies you will have had. One comment would be that it takes a little while. Not really slow even, but a bit on the more relaxed pace.
(5)Alden C.
Parts of Columbia City looks really sketchy but my oh my do they have delicious African restaurants in the area! Safari Njema is another place we hit and fell madly in love with! We were welcomed warmly when we arrived. Puzzling over the menu the waiter helped us out. I was ordering in a way I did not fully understand but when you order here you get to pick two sides. One side from the starch section and another from the vegetable section. Normally I get annoyed when wait staff are too aggressive in telling me what to order but if I got two starch sides I would probably not be feeling very well. I was not able to obtain a menu to take home and address the names of everything we had here so I can really only describe what I had.... Safari Njema is Kenyan food which I never had before so it was really quite exciting to try! To start with we had a appetizer that was kind of like a vegetable filled turnover. We put a spicy orange sauce on it and it tasted wonderful! So good! I had a chicken dish that was cut in rectangles along with veggies. The dish had a bright orange look to it from the sauce, similar to something with curry but the seasoning was not in this dish. The main entree was delicious, really amazing! My sides were collard greens and the starch dish was like mashed potatoes but was instead made of bananas. I was expecting it to taste sweet but it was not. It had more of a savory but subtle taste, wonderful! Steve got a goat dish. He was eager to try it since he never had goat before. I tried some of it and it was really good! The meat was cut in a way where many of the pieces of meat had a bone in it and you had to pick it off with a fork or eat it using your hands. Not too dissimilar to Ox Tail that my grandmother would sometime make. On the menu it said they offered desserts as well and I saw that they had carrot cake. When we ordered we asked about it but he said they were out. I am not sure if they always have a dessert on hand or not. The menu also said they had Pineapple Upsidedown Cake but we were not able to get anybodies attention after we got the bill to see if they had any desserts on hand at all so we just let it go. I looked forward to exploring more of the Columbia City neighborhood for more African restaurants and will indeed be making a return back here!
(4)Liz M.
My husband and I have been to this restaurant a couple of times now and both times we loved the quality of the food. The service is a bit slow but the staff are very kind and friendly. Small menu and not the best designed menu ie the matoke is a starch not a veggie, deals for larger groups are not mentioned and some items cost more or are prepared differently than described. Regardless they have been good about explaining these menu divergences with us each time we have gone. The food we have tried includes the matoke, stewed greens, stir fried veggies, samosas, pilau, chicken, goat, coconut curry "submerged" tilapia, and chapati. Everything has been fresh, well seasoned, and cooked amazingly well. It tastes like home cooking. Out of what we have tried I highly recommend the matoke, pilau, stewed greens and the coconut curry "submerged" tilapia. Also their hot sauce is made in house and it is fantastic. The cook proudly told us she has gotten critical acclaim for it and I don't doubt it!
(4)Chris T.
It wasn't quite what I had remembered from studying abroad in Kenya, but it was still good. I was only there for 10 weeks but seeing as I gained 10 pounds eating Kenyan food during that time, I'll give myself some credit and say that I know at least something about Kenyan food. For $35, we had chai (Kenyan black tea with milk and sugar), a beef samosa (which was a delicious appetizer and flavorfully spiced), samaki (a whole fried tilapia) with githeri (a mix of beans and veggies) and chapati (fried flatbread), and goat with collard greens and ugali (a cornmealy lump of starch meant to be eaten with veggies and meat). I'm not sure if I'm being entirely objective here, given all the raving reviews but I'd give the food just 3 stars -- the goat was kind of bland and the fish was very flavorful but a bit too oily and the yellow coconut sauce that it came with was very heavy. The githeri was most certainly not authentic, since it looked like a bag of frozen mixed carrots/corn/beans that had been reheated with a few kidney beans thrown in. However, Safari Njema gets 4 stars despite the 3 star food because of their great music, the fun paintings decorating the restaurant, and the friendly service of the waitress and the chef who came out to talk to us. Note that is a little hard to find: going South on Rainier Ave, it'll be on your right in the middle of a strip mall, about half a block after you pass the The Royal Room.
(4)Jake P.
When we arrived, the chef was apparently out catering a wedding... but we decided a cold mango juice on a hot day would make the wait relaxing at least. She arrived with a smile 20 minutes later and told us the juices were on the house, and that she'd have the kitchen up and running in a few minutes. This woman obviously is working hard to keep her small business up and running, and it shows in her positive and friendly attitude. I ordered the challenging but extremely tender and flavorful goat, which came with a generous portion of rice and veggies. I'll admit that the goat was a little boney, even for goat. My vegetarian friend got a chickpea dish that had some significant spice to it -- but we were both blown away by the house hot sauce, which tasted a bit like a curried sriracha with about 3x the heat. Apparently, she's trying to bottle and sell the stuff locally in Seattle at a few co-ops, which sounds awesome if it works out. The food was very satisfying if not completely mind-blowing -- but the friendly service, reasonable price, and comped fruit juice? I'll be going back next time I'm in the neighborhood.
(5)Darcy H.
Delicious food and very charming hosts. The tilapia is unforgettable. Bonus: they accommodate vegetarians. A great place for the hungry + curious!
(4)Hao P.
This place is so good! My favorite is the fish in coconut sauce. The owner is incredibly warm and friendly.
(5)J. H.
Super friendly. Takes about an hour to get your food. Other reviews mention "freshness", but several of the dishes are obviously made with canned vegetables. The chicken dish looked good, unfortunately I ordered goat which was a few pieces of chopped up goat spine that was pretty dry and minimally spiced. There was a pile of mashed pea, potato, and corn that tasted like musty cardboard. I drowned it in hotsauce to make it edible. By the time I got home I looked 6 mo pregnant, ended up farting like crazy all night while my wife had African nightmares. So...5 star friendliness, but 1 star food.
(2)Bogdan G.
Amazing, spicy, made from scratch Kenyan cuisine. The chef studied at Cordon Bleu and a top culinary school in Kenya, the service is super friendly and they even made me some soup by request (even though "only old people have soup in Kenya" but since we're in America they made an exception because it was cold out :))
(5)k j.
This a great neighborhood restaurant. I went for the first time last night and had a great time. We had the Kuku chicken with ugali and the sambra vegetable mix. Everything was fresh and delicious. The hosts were welcoming and friendly and made us feel we were amount friends. If you've never has Kenyan food this is a lovely approachable place to test the waters.
(4)Ali P.
Yelp had said Safari was still open, when they were in fact closed (after 9 PM on a Tuesday). We called and the owner said to come on by anyway. It's a family operated restaurant; we met a man, his wife and her cousin. They greeted us like old friends, made us feel like we were dinner guests in their home. The food was delicious, we can't wait to try more. We left feeling full, happy and like we had just made new friends. This place is a gem. Go now!
(5)Michael G.
Perhaps one of the most unprofessional and worst dining experiences of the year. I would not recommend this place at all, even as a dive adventure. I am shocked they got such high ratings... Got there on Saturday about an hour and forty-five minutes after opening, and the service was nonexistent and three quarters of the menu was not even available, as they had not prepped most of the food for the day, and they indicated most items would not be ready any time soon. There was no soap in the ladies bathroom, and we had to leave the restaurant twice while waiting for our food after our eyes were seriously burning and tearing while they prepared large quantities of onions with a complete lack of ventilation. It filled the whole place with noxious fumes. Half the food we were able to order came cold and one dish was cold and completely soaked in thick oil / grease and totally disgusting. I also had bad stomach trouble the night and day after the lunch there. I could write a book about all of the other mistakes they made, and the horrible dining experience, but I will just leave it at I love great African food, but this was a horrible experience... and a waste of time and money. and best to avoid for my well being...
(1)Hanh P.
Highly recommend! We were thinking of having Ethiopian but decided to try something new and found Kenyan at Safari. The food is delicious and the family that runs this place is SO SUPER NICE! My husband and I had never had Kenyan food before so we had to ask for recommendations--the Samaki (fried whole Tilapia) is phenomenal! We were walked through the menu and given suggestions of things that would go well together. Everything was so tasty! Parking is easy although the place is easy to miss since it's not right on the street (you actually have to drive into the parking lot to really see it in the dark). Since everything is prepared on the spot when you order, make sure you don't show up starving as you'll have to wait. The people who run the place were so welcoming, friendly and attentive...and so appreciative of our business!
(5)Loralee V.
My brother-in-law brought the family to this new little place in Columbia City. The owner made us feel like we were dining in their own home! She was the owner & chef and spoke with us personally at our table. -She was wonderful! She exuded kindness, was appreciative we were at her establishment and was genuinely nice. The atmosphere may have been a little austere and somewhat cafeteria style for my taste, yet it exuded great character... AND the food was incredible!!!!! My sister has spent a fair amount of time in Kenya and she loved how authentic the food tasted!!! The food was served family style and the portions over -generous. The aroma was alluring and background music a nice touch. We all had an amazing culinary African experience here & if you are in Seattle, you must try this place!!!
(5)Ann W.
This was my first time eating a Kenyan meal, and I was impressed. I didn't know what to expect, since I have only heard about ugali, a bland starch that is used to "pick up stuff," as my hubby eloquently put it. ;) The walls were plastered with beautiful paintings by local artists, which added a lot of character. We were greeted by friendly employees who were all very nice, but more on that later. The menu is pretty small. There are probably 5 or 6 entrees to choose from, but they come with your choice of a starch and a veggie side. Already, I loved the ability to customize my dinner. I went with a fried whole tilapia with a side of pilau (basmati rice expertly spiced and seasoned), and collard greens. When my ginormous plate came out, my eyes bugged out by the sight of it all (in a good way). Super generous portion size, and enough for 2 meals. I wasted no time digging into the fish first and was surprised by a fresh burst of lemon juice coating the crispy tilapia skin. Yum! The pilau was amazing. I have no idea what the blend of seasonings are, but I could eat bowls and bowls of that for weeks!! I also had a mug of Kenyan tea, which is served hot. It tastes similar to chai, but with a gingery kick. It was smooth and sweet and then I felt a kick in my throat by the end of each sip. It was definitely a unique taste that I recommend you try. The owner and chef, Jane, came to greet us and chat with us near the end of our meal. What a sweetheart. She was so genuine, appreciative, and kind. When she packed our to-go box, she threw in some succulent goat meat and a side of ugali! Such a nice and unexpected gesture. She also told us that every Monday in December, the restaurant is turning into a bazaar where people can buy unique gifts just in time for Christmas. Hubby and I will definitely be there!
(4)Apryl A.
Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. While the menu isn't extensive, everything on it is so good. The beef is fantastic, the goat is pretty darn good and everything is authentic and delicious. I will definitely be going back as often as possible.
(5)O. P.
Excellent meal. We had three entrees and they all exceeded expectations. The hot sauce and cabbage side were really unique. The lady who owns the place is super friendly and attentive. I would recommend to anyone.
(4)George K.
The first bite took me straight back to Kenya. It's authentic taste, the hospitality, the setting and music...it's a small Nairobi in Seattle.
(5)Taryn H.
The Monsieur and I decided to be adventurous and try Kenyan food. We were not disappointed! This little gem in Columbia City is kind of hard to find if you don't know where it is -- it's in a little strip mall next to Full Tilt Ice Cream. We both started our meal with some Kenyan tea, which is milky and spiced kind of like chai, and Kenyan sweet bread. M. ordered the goat with collard greens and chapati (flat bread). I ordered the tilapia for my protein and something that was sort of a cross between corn bread and malt-o-meal cereal for my starch. I had ordered stir fried veg to go with that but Jane said it didn't go, so I had collard greens instead. One of the other diners gave us the tip to eat with our hands -- "tastes better," she said. And she was right! You can taste the difference between using a fork and using hands. I think it's something about the metal taste of the fork. So definitely be adventurous and eat with your hands. I had fun picking my fried tilapia clean to the bone! Everything was fresh, homemade, and delicious. Everyone here -- from the staff to the other customers -- was super friendly and will help you order and teach you how to eat. We left with super happy, full bellies and it was only about $35 for two.
(5)Carla J.
Clean, friendly when you enter establishment... I haven't tried Kenyan Food before... I told my server I would eat whatever she brought me.. Millicah is her name, very knowledgeable of her food asks "What do I like?" I told her I love fish but would eat anything! I was hungry!!! Following all her suggestions we had the Samaki (Tilapia Fish) Fried and served with this rich delicious coconut curry sauce that is to DIE FOR!!! There was a party in my mouth!! We had a few other small dishes, I loved the rice (Pilau) which was steamed in exotic spices that began the dance in my mouth! YUM!! GO!! Bring friends and enjoy!!! QUICK TIP: It's a couple doors from another Columbia City Hit joint: Full Tilt!
(5)Kyle W.
Had a great lunch with my daughter here!! You choose a meat, starch, and veggie for your meal. I had the beef and Jordan had the goat they were both good. For starch Jordan had spiced rice that was terrific. I had cabbage for my vegetable and it was done wonderfully :) We will be back thanks for a great meal!
(5)Maureen C.
I took my coworker and boyfriend here, trying to find a different place than the typical ethiopian, but that was definitely a mistake. Could've been that there were only teens working the whole place (were mom and dad having an off night?) but it didn't seem like there was a chef in the back, moreso someone heating up frozen vegetables. Literally. We ordered the vegetarian dish, and the Birds Eye frozen veggie blend came out. I was aghast, especially since it took them forever to get the food out, I thought we'd get better than that! I hate giving bad reviews, but I had such high hopes for this place and it disappointed-- I don't want anyone else to expect the same and get let down like I did!
(2)George K.
What a great restaurant! The owner is just the nicest guy around. He was friendly and warm to us and made us feel very welcome. His wife made us fruit smoothies for free! The food has a very basic formula: starch, veggies, and meat- but that simple combination is prepared excellently and with love and is absolutely delicious.
(5)Jessica R.
Asante sana for the delicious meal and for giving me a taste of Kenya (a place I've been missing)! This is a very friendly place and the food was fantastic. I had the tilapia, mukimo, and cabbage. I also tasted my friends pilau. mandazi, and chai. Can't go wrong here, in my opinion. I was actually brought here by a Kenyan friend who was in town, but it's in my neighborhood. Luckily, I can go back whenever I want!
(4)Annie D.
Super friendly staff. It's a family-owned restaurant, and the wife and husband both came out to greet me and ask my opinion on the dish. The portions were pretty generous and I left full. I wish I remembered what I ordered. I'm not familiar with Kenyan food, but just by the aroma and taste I would describe it as a cross between Caribbean and Indian food (I'm sure a Kenyan would not appreciate me making that comparison but I had to bring some relativity to it). It seemed like most of the items were fried, and the dish that I had in particular was very very oil-saturated. So if you can't handle a lot of grease, be careful when ordering here.
(5)Arif V.
When you find a place that cooks like your mom you really have to just relax and enjoy. First of all just want to say this is a Halal place so you can enjoy without asking. So as usual I try and get out and experience places I have not been exposed to in my community. We went and the place is right beside Full Tilt Ice Cream so it was easy to find because who out there does not like a find a cool ice cream shop. The place is very non assuming but what it lacks in decor it makes up with the owner Jane coming out and editing your order. Jane is by far an important part of the shop and her coming out and really connecting to the customers.. quickly making them family. As soon as I went in I saw items that were part of my youth. All that yummy goodness was there to eat and all of it was there but I only had a small stomach to take it all in. We had the Mandazi and it was very good snack I was looking on the menu for some Barazi to dip the Mandazi in but did not find it. But the Mandazi was so good and I recomend it to all of you to try, its not too sweet but has a subtle sweetness. Then the Somosas, with the house hot sauce was all together very very good. The beef in the meal is well spiced and subtle with its flavors. Next was my dear moms favorite dish Badjia, again dipped in the house hot sauce is very good. You might wonder if you should try this but please honor my mom and your taste buds this is a very nice treat. Sliced potatos dipped in seasoned gram flower and fried goodness. Now for what I had for my main meal. fried whole fish (yes with the fish head) seasoned nicely with a cocunut sauce. I took the fish apart from its bones and enjoyed every bit of the while fish meat. Please take the time and visit this gem in the city and enjoy and let Jane know your tastes becasue she will make it to order. Going back for sure.
(4)David E.
Really great home cooked meal! It takes a while for Jane to prepare everything, but that's OK because it is all prepared fresh on the spot! Get an appetizer to hold you over. Lovely hospitality and lovely food - highly recommend!
(4)Samuel B.
You could cite the spicy rice, generous portions, boss-of-me hot sauce, or the pre-prandial bouquets that waft and delight as your meal is prepared. But you'd miss the main dish on this place. Above all, the Safari serves hospitality. The tasty and exotic food is generously seasoned with extravagant cheer and energetically welcoming wait-staff. That combination will high-five your taste buds and tickle your soul. Perpetual sunshine in Seattle---who knew?
(5)Tina W.
My friend and I had dinner here tonight for the first time and it was great,. I will definitely be going back. The food was very fresh and flavorful, and the service was superb. The owner is a beautiful, friendly Kenyan woman who came over and talked to us for a long time, after hearing us talking about our recent trips to Kenya. We felt like we were in her living room and she was a gracious hostess.
(5)NaKracken D.
I came here for a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer dinner, and my goodness this food was awesome! I've never tried Kenyan food before, but if this restaurant is any indication their food is great. The chef is a kind hardworking lady who took the advent of a large group in stride and brought out dish after dish of tasty cuisine. Give it a try!
(5)Mac M.
Amazing Kenyan food!! It's such wonderful comfort food with happy people running this bright and cheerful establishment.
(5)Lou Casey B.
Very tastey!!! The aroma smells awesome and the music is comforting.
(5)Joaquin U.
I don't know Kenyan food. But, I do know delicious food. And this food qualifies as both. Dinner is a variety of entrees, from deep-fried tilapia with a mellow yellow curry sauce to spiced stewed goat. With each meal you have a choice of a "starch" and a "vegetable." The list for both is quite expansive. I had the fried potatoes (similar to french fries) and fried mixed vegetables. Altogether, a meal with layers of spices and textures, a compelling blend of savory, spicy and sweet. I also discovered they prefer using organic food when they can, and also offer a whole range of healthier options like cane sugar and brown rice. We also ordered the "Kenyan tea," strongly flavored with cardamom and other lesser known spices. Perfect for a rainy Seattle day. The owners of the restaurant are also the waiters and cooks. They are incredibly kind and hospitable. Very attentive, feels like home. Added bonus: the rainbow colored dance machine globe light in the darkened restaurant added a festive (but quiet) touch to the filling meal. Eat here now, one of the few remaining Columbia City restaurants with character (not trendy or frou-frou), just family.
(5)T V.
The food and service are truly amazing. I had the beef. It was the most amazing meat dish I have ever tasted, literally. The sides are also delicious. House made hot sauce is to die for. The house made ginger drink is delectable. I wish I could purchase it in a store and drink it all the time. Service was excellent. If I lived in Seattle, I would eat here every day.
(5)Brandon H.
Delicious and authentic food, and they have an excellent home-made hot sauce.
(5)Emily K.
This place is excellent!! The owner is very friendly, the food is fresh and well-prepared. My 12 yr old son proclaimed the fries the best he'd ever had. The meat and vegetables were delicious!
(5)Nanako E.
Great food, and the people were wonderful. Will definitely be coming back!
(5)Ken Nsimbi N.
Motherland worthy!! I was born and raised in Kenya for 18 years lived in Seattle for 10 years, looked for my home food and I have finally found it. Authentic, great service, great people. You have to try it!!
(5)Aaron R.
Amazing! The food was delicious. However, the service was a little slow & the menu small. But it was great!
(5)C P.
We had a large group, so pre-arranged for a "family dinner" that included appetizers, 3 starches, 3 veggies, and 3 meats, served family style. Wonderful food, freshly prepared. Very friendly service. A family run operation. Free parking in the lot. Have the fruit salad at the end of the meal before you go for homemade ice cream at the shop next door.
(5)K G.
Had a tremendous family style dinner here to celebrate my mother's birthday. We had 19 in our party. The food was tremendous. This was our first time to the restaurant and we had a reservation. The tables were set up when we arrived in a way that made our large numbers feel intimate. The food was served family style and included vegetarian options. The owner was very friendly and gracious. Was a great way to host a family celebration. We will definitely be back.
(5)Sarah P.
This restaurant is amazing! Great food and great service!
(5)Andrea H.
Really enjoyed the food here and the owner was so sweet and nice. Made sure I loved my food.
(5)Fred K.
I have always had a good experience whenever i visit this restaurant. The food takes me back to kenya where i grew up. Whenever we have friends or family from out of town we bring them here and we have never been disappointed. The owner is very friendly and the food comes out fast.
(5)Katie S.
The food here is delicious, and the service is friendly and helpful. Two of us split the Tilapia with ugali and greens and the portions were plenty to share. Everything was perfectly prepared. I had been curious about this place for some time and I am so glad that I finally made it in. I love Ethiopian food but it's nice to have another option for authentic East African cuisine. I will definitely be back and can't wait to try everything on the menu.
(5)Mindy M.
Don't go in if the chef/owner steps out! She was on her way out to a catering gig as we sat down. We were the only patrons on a Saturday and the owner's kids were holding down the fort. We ordered and then after 2 hours of waiting (we really wanted to try Kenyan food!) we left without any food to go some place else.
(1)Jeremy C.
Having lived in Kenya, I can testify that this is not only authentic Kenyan food, but some of the best we've had. Jane is a master chef, and like other reviewers have said, you feel like you're with family when she comes out to greet you. Seriously, the fried whole tilapia (fish) tastes so good I felt like I was back on the shore of Lake Victoria in Western Kenya. This is now a regular place for us.
(5)Naomi R.
The food was amazing and so was the service!
(5)Rhonda S.
I was introduced to this little jewel at a luncheon they catered, and I'm a fan after the amazing spread and delicious food they prepared! It's my new favorite restaurant in Columbia City! I haven't had much Kenyan food, but let me tell you, I've had enough variety that I'm sure this restaurant is among that best for Kenyan food in Seattle! Don't skip on this cuisine!
(4)Lala L.
I had to try it out and everything I've read on Yelp about Safara Kenyan restaurant is true. It's a bright and comfortable restaurant and you're immediately made to feel welcome by the owner/chef, Jane. She's genuinely warm and friendly when she takes your order and thoughtfully points out when something else on the menu might go better with a main dish. The Beef samosas are out of this world. I had an idea of what the samosa might be like (like indian samosa) and it's not -- the beef is delightfully sauteed with scallions and some magical, secret combo of hot spices and herbs. I haven't had anything like it before. The collards/spinach side dish is cooked perfectly. And the chicken is served in a delightful and light sause. I also really enjoyed the Kenyan Tea. Like another reader remarked, it's like Chai, and a real treat to drink a big, piping hot cup of it. I'm looking forward to go back again. What a fun night and neighborhood. -Thank you!
(5)