Jambo Cafe

African restaurant · Santa Fe

Jambo Cafe

African restaurant · Santa Fe

4

2010 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505

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Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
Jambo Cafe by null
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Highlights

Jambo Cafe serves vibrant East African and Caribbean-inspired dishes like jerk chicken and goat stew in a colorful, casual Santa Fe strip mall spot.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler

2010 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505 Get directions

jambocafe.net

$20–30 · Menu

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2010 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505 Get directions

+1 505 473 1269
jambocafe.net
jambocafesantafe
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@JamboSF

$20–30 · Menu

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Jul 30, 2025

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@eater

The 22 Best Restaurants in Santa Fe, New Mexico

"Open for: Lunch, dinner Price range: $$ Chef Ahmed Obo combines the Swahili, Indian, Arabic, and European culinary influences of Kenya’s Lamu Island, where he was raised, to provide a taste of East Africa in Santa Fe. At Jambo Cafe, opened in 2009, check out the coconut pili pili shrimp, which features wild shrimp over spicy coconut tomato stew and basmati rice, alongside fan favorites like grilled jerk chicken and vegetarian dishes. The exterior of the restaurant looks unassuming, but this is one of those gems where both locals and visitors go to be transported across the world.  Know before you go: All of the meats in the entrees are halal." - Karen Fischer

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-santa-fe-new-mexico
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@cntraveler

The 12 Best Restaurants in Santa Fe

"Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives aficionados will be familiar with this twice featured eatery and Kenyan-born chef Ahmed Obo. Obo cooked Santa Fe favorites, like green chile cheeseburgers, in other kitchens for a decade before opening his own restaurant in an unassuming strip mall space enlivened with colorful walls and art from its in-house bazaar. Jambo Café is an outpost for African-Caribbean flavors. Obo has a much-appreciated heavy hand with spices in dishes like jerk chicken wings, lamb curry, coconut pili pili shrimp, and ever-popular Caribbean goat stew—a favorite of TV Network host Guy Fieri when he visited. Obo, with his spice rack in tow, also resurrected a famous burger joint across town now known as Jambo Bobcat Bite." - Ashley M. Biggers

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-restaurants-in-santa-fe-new-mexico
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@eater

The 23 Essential Restaurants in Santa Fe

"Chef Ahmed Obo combines the Swahili, Indian, Arabic, and European culinary influences of Kenya’s Lamu Island, where he was raised, to provide a taste of East Africa. At Jambo Cafe, opened in 2009, check out the coconut pili pili shrimp, which features wild shrimp over spicy coconut tomato stew and basmati rice, alongside fan favorites like grilled jerk chicken and vegetarian dishes." - Willy Carleton, Justin De La Rosa, Karen Fischer

https://www.eater.com/maps/the-eater-santa-fe-heat-map-where-to-eat-right-now
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@davidcho

Chef Ahmed Obo combines the Swahili, Indian, Arabic, and European culinary influences of Kenya’s Lamu Island, where he was raised, to provide a unique taste of East African fare. At Jambo Cafe, opened in 2009, check out the coconut pili pili shrimp, which features wild shrimp over spicy coconut tomato stew and basmati rice, alongside fan favorites like grilled jerk chicken and vegetarian dishes.

Santa Fe
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Talia R-K

Google
the service and vibe were such that we had already decided we loved it before the food came, and we were so right! we ordered the coconut chicken curry, peanut chicken curry, goat curry, chickpea curry, beef kebab, and jerk wings and everything was amazing! We’re already planning out our order for next time, and will have to save room for dessert. Update: we went back a second time and were equally pleased. The pecan pie was great and the flan was amazing.

Demetrius Armstrong

Google
I had one the best meals I've had since I've been in Santa Fe today (and I've been here for five years). The oxtails are a bit pricey but worth every penny. They were well cooked in a rich, savory sauce complimented by seasoned greens that weren't overcooked. I also detected hints of cilantro, which is a nice touch. This wasn't my first time at Jambo. It won't be my last either. I highly recommend this place Pro tip- order extra greens and roti on the side. This comes with a plantain patty (which compliments the dish well) but you're still going to have extra sauce /gravy, and you're gonna want that.

Bart Bolger

Google
Really amazing food. Great variety of flavors, proteins and ingredients. We had the jerk chicken sandwich (lots of very tender & moist chicken on a pita) and the combo platter with three stews & basmati coconut rice. Everything was delicious. Our server, Javier, was super attentive and friendly. Very nice wine offerings. I enjoyed the S. African reds. A really enjoyable experience all around.

Athena Valdez

Google
What an experience! The food was amazing. This is definitely a must while in Santa Fe. The combination plate is really the best way to get a taste of a few things. The awards on the wall attest to the amazing food.

Danny Anderson

Google
This place is a gem in this city. Starting with the plantains was the right decision. We then enjoyed the Kenyan beef kabobs and jerked chicken. We finished off with the pecan pie and mango with ice cream. Everything was prepared excellently. Such a great experience.

Aviva Jewel

Google
What a find! If you’re visiting Santa Fe, you will need a car to get here as it’s in a strip mall away from the center of town. It is worth it. We had the crab cakes, mahi mahi, and iced hibiscus tea - all so delicious! The reviews are great and the food we had exceeded our expectations. We went on a weeknight without a reservation and it was packed (we wound up on a table in a sort of side seating area near the door as that’s all that was available. Still worth it!). Apparently even Guy Fieri approves. In a town where it’s all too easy as a tourist to only eat the New Mexican chile based foods, this is a hidden treasure well worth wandering off the beaten path for and seeking out. Would go back and order more in a heartbeat if we were visiting again.

James Reil

Google
Delicious African food! The flavors in all the dishes we had were top notch. It was hard to choose among many tasty menu options. There are a number of african animal decor pieces that are fun to find around the restaurant. Morrocan chicken skewers were very flavorful. The lamb stew was the table's favorite dish, everyone wanted more, it could use a bit more meat. Hope to eat here again and try more dishes!

Diego Salinas

Google
A great show of East African cuisine in Santa Fe. I really enjoyed the strong flavors present here, and the variety of food available. There are some Caribbean dishes should you also want those. Service is pretty simple, however. It took us a while to get seated and the staff largely ignored us
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Bernice S.

Yelp
What a pleasant surprise to find this gem on my trip to Santa Fe. If you want to satisfy your carribean food jones, Jambo is the place. I had the combo plate which was goat stew, peanut chicken stew and lamb stew. Everything was delicious. My hubby had the jerk chicken and he practically licked his plate. Said the chicken was so tender it fell of the bone. Granddaughter had the chicken coconut curry, which was so much food she couldn't finish it. Her mom had the beef kabobs. The service was swift and efficient. Ambience was nice, just the right amount of crowded and noisy to let you know it's a popular place. All in all, the only complaint I had was they were out of oxtails. I highly recommend this place
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Fiona K.

Yelp
Per our waitresses recommendation, we split the Caribbean Spiced Slow Cooked Ox Tail, and it did not disappoint! I recommend pairing it with a side of rice or roti, we opted for the latter. The sweet potato fries were a little burnt, but the harissa lemon fries hit the spot! The house-made mango ginger lemonade was the perfect refreshment for the hot, sunny day we dined. If I could do it again though, I'd get it to-go. Overall, wonderful food. In hindsight, more of a dinner spot.
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Roxy H.

Yelp
Friendly staff. I got the crab cakes and jerk wings. The crab cakes were light and delicious. They were cooked in corn meal like salmon patties which kind of threw me off. The dipping sauce was delicious as well. The jerk chicken did not give jerk. It was more like a peanut sauce with a bit of allspice. I didn't like them. It was worth trying the food. Would try other dishes.
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Ami A.

Yelp
Amazing food! This restaurant has fusion food you wouldn't expect in this region. Everything is fresh and flavorful! We tried multiple dishes and everything was incredible! You won't be disappointed!
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Sara C.

Yelp
The first time I've had Jambo was 14 years ago on my first trip to Santa Fe, I remember having the combination plate then. This was before Yelp days and I didn't get a chance to document my experience but thankfully I still had the photos. We came back for another taste this time visiting Santa Fe. Nice decor! Ooof it is soooo good! We had the oxtail, the mahi mahi, another combo plate and the Kenyan beef kabobs. Everything was so tasty!! My favorite was the oxtail stew! The service was great but I just can't stop thinking about how tender the oxtails were! I have never made African food but I was so intrigued that I went back the next day to buy the cookbook and a packet of the curry spice. Unfortunately for me the chef wasn't there to sign my copy, but that just means I have to come back when he releases the next cookbook later this year.
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Kevin L.

Yelp
I had a nice lunch here. All servers are quite attentive and friendly: couldn't ask for better service. Butternut squash soup was pretty delish and I liked their stuffed phyllo app, too. For my combination platter, I chose lamb stew, chickpea stew and chicken curry. Flavoring was spot on but the meats weren't particular too fresh. Also their rose wine was more on the cheaper side of things. Coconut cardamom flan was a nice touch and a fitting way to end my meal.
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Kurt G.

Yelp
This place hit on all levels. Tasty food. Excellent service. Friendly patrons. Ok, it is in a strip mall, and so a bit lacking on ambiance. All three stews that I got had distinct flavors, and all were quite tasty. Our server was there when we needed him, always with a great demeanor. Note, we arrived fairly early on a Wednesday night, and it was already filling up. There was a bit of a line to get seated, but only a couple of minutes. However, I suspect that 6pm on a weekend might result in a wait. We ordered cardamon coconut flan for dessert. Quite good and tasty; definitely some coconut flavor in the custard and some cardamon flavor in the caramel. Our waiter comp'd the flan, because I guess our food was delayed. Still seemed to be fast service to us! If you are looking for something other than Mexican/New Mexican/Fancy, this is a great alternative! Oh, and the roti is simply spectacular!

Alex H.

Yelp
We order takeout here often, our favorite dish is the 3 curry combo. The food is great, but the price suddenly went up $4 and the portions seem to be smaller, with each items only 75%. Really disappointing. I hope they address this.
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Destiny L.

Yelp
I've heard really good things about Jambo and was very excited for the opportunity to check them out. You'll find them in an unassuming strip mall area, but once you walk in, you're definitely not feeling like you're in Santa Fe anymore. They have a gift shop conjoined with the restaurant. The menu is rather expansive with lots of options and lots of flavor. I started off with the cinnamon dusted plantains, which were amazing. we got some of the jerk chicken, which had some very flavorful beans and rice and also topped with a few plantains. Overall, the food was very good. I would've had room for dessert because they have a couple very interesting options. Service wasn't the best, we never got refills and it felt like we were constantly having to flag people down after long periods of waiting for things.
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Ludmila S.

Yelp
This restaurant is cool and popular. I had the Kenyan kabobs but I didn't like the sauce, which was a little sweet for my taste. My husband had the oxtail and it was delicious.
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MicheleElys M.

Yelp
Jambo Cafe is a FAVORITE in Santa Fe NM who is owned by an incredible chef - Chef Ahmed Obo. I remember when he first started, the small restaurant, seating was sparce! The FOOD was amazing and only increased in mouthwatering (imaginary) dishes, with specials each afternoon/evening. Jambo's was a place I could NOT STAY AWAY FROM. And on my birthday, he set up a delightful celebration at the bar, with all kinds of specially made veggie dishes; Who goes out of their way for a customer when owning a restaurant. AS Chef Ahmed Obo grew, he extended the restaurant next door to the closed beauty shop and STILL STAYED OPEN IN THE ORIGINAL RESTAURANT. Most did not know Ahmed was expanding; and what a delightful surprise, more people more DELICIOUS FOOD. Ahmed started a Food Truck and still to this day, both expanded beautiful decorated with exemplary service are all going strong. Was this enough? NO!! Ahmed opened a shop several doors down in the center in College Plaza Shopping Center Address: 2010 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505 All African clothing, drums, musical instruments and more. Ahmed's journey is one of Heroism, Valor and daunting courageousness!! Nothing would stop him. Ahmed had some parties to celebrate his 4th to extended years where I met his two children, the most polite well mannered and spoken of children; Ahmed expect superlative not only in his food, work also the highest degree in his family. This emulated in his children as they gleefully smile about their schooling and for coming careers. The next time I will take some more recent photos, for Yelp was not a primary "commenting" venue and knowing Ahmed and his imaginative mind, he has grown exponentially and there will be much more to share in story form, and delicious food. If you perchance are in Sante Fe NM, make Jambo's a MUST GO AND EAT several times while visiting and do walk 50 feet to his African store. Ahmed "might share" his incredible life story with you, who supported his entire family by fishing, and then coming to the USA!!!
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Donna C.

Yelp
Tried the lamb burger with the mixed fries basket today for lunch, plus a cup of the soup of the day. Everything was seasoned to perfection! Waitress was sweet and very helpful. We love the atmosphere here.
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Jenni M.

Yelp
OVERALL In search of something unique and that I had never tried in Santa Fe, NM, I found Jambo Cafe scouring Google Earth like I usually do. From their Yelp page, they pride themselves in offering "Pan-African and Caribbean cuisine in a vibrant, spacious setting." Definitely add this place to your bookmarks. RATING BREAKDOWN Food: 4 | Service: 5 | Ambiance: 4 | Price: 3 PARKING There was ample free parking in the plaza lot. LOCATION/AMBIANCE The Jambo sign was easily visible from Cerrillos Road. When I walked in I noticed a podium so I waited for the host/hostess. The restaurant was at about 75% capacity at around 8PM. I was immediately guided to the back to the takeout area which was viewable from the entrance. Splashes of African & Caribbean decor accented the walls and ceilings. Takeout orders aren't announced when they set them on that back counter. You just have to keep checking the tickets to see if it's yours. THE GRUB Kenyan Style Beef Kabobs (kebabs) were just under $23. This dinner entailed "marinated beef tenderloin tips with herb garlic saffron potatoes, sauteed haricot verts topped with a pomegranate sauce." They threw in a couple of bone marrow pieces in my to-go box. The tanginess of the pomegranate sauce was a bit intense alone, but it complemented the tenderloin cuts extremely well. I'd definitely go back to try other dishes unique to Africa. LITTLE YELPER'S CLUB I don't recall seeing a kid's menu or any children in the dining room for that matter. SERVICE The crew was all very welcoming & friendly when I walked in to place a takeout order on 2/16/2024. MY FAVORITE PART... The beef kebabs dinner. NOT SO FAVORITE PART... They would not answer the phone during my three attempts. TIP Definitely order the kebabs medium rare or rarer as their beef is very lean.
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Francisco S.

Yelp
Thanks to a recommendation from a friend, we ended up here on our visit to Santa Fe. The ambiance was quite chill. The light was soft and dim. The music was energizing. The decor was intriguing. The service was quick and very pleasant. The food was absolutely tasty and delightful! We ordered the sweet smoke paprika hummus plate, the Kenyan style beer kebabs, and the Moroccan spiced beef brisket wrap. The hummus was quite tasty and smooth. The meat from both entries was tender, well marinated, and nicely seasoned. The portions were good as well! Definitely a spot we can count on when we make our way to Santa Fe again.
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Adolf B.

Yelp
Did not expect this coming from Los Angeles to New Mexico. Hands down I'm stopping by ANYTIME I'm passing through the town. Wish I could give the chef a kiss on the forehead. Perfect fall off the bone Jerk Chicken wings. Host were amazing aswell and there's a cool gift shop next to them. Thanks for having us
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Whitnie O.

Yelp
We have had several friends recommend and we finally got up to Santa Fa to try it! Service was quick and very friendly and helpful with recommendations! Love the vibe of the inside, the chairs we sat in at our table were very comfortable or at last I thought so. We got the coconut tofu curry and the East African coconut lentil strew. We got one with rice and one with roti! Both were delicious, enjoyed the roti and the rice side and both complement either dish. We also go their Jamaican rum pecan pie, yum!! The flavor was amazing my husband also said they gave just the right amount of ice cream too. Overall I would go back again and would like to try more things!
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Cee B.

Yelp
Man I was so hyped / proud to find an African cuisine spot while researching for my first time visit to NM. This place popped up and so I added it to my itinerary. Walked into the place and the impression that it gave me was "a hole in the wall vibes" type dining. From then on I tried my best to NOT be so critical or judgmental but, from there it kept getting WORSE! I was really indecisive as to what to eat so, I asked the waiter and he suggested the Curry Coconut Chicken. The price for the dish was $19.99 and I thought boy it must be good if it's that much; so I ordered it. When my food came out I was not happy because of the portion for that amount of money. I began tasting and let me tell you it DID NOT taste anything like coconut and nor did it have any flavor! The chicken used was thighs (which had nasty chicken fat attached), the temperature was luke warm, and it was sooo watery!! I was NOT the least bit happy as I felt I got robbed but, instead of being boilsterous I stopped eating the food. I kindly let my waiter know that I wasn't happy with the quality or value and his demeanor was "sucks to be you.". At that moment I paid my bill and left. In summary I think it's shameful that the AFRICAN food quality / portions are being misrepresented in NM. However, I think it's peculiar that this place was featured on triple D?? Maybe this is a complacency issue here and the locals don't know any better. ChopNBlok in Houston,TX puts African cuisine on the map for sure!!! I don't recommend...‍
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Lysa K.

Yelp
Ate at Jambo Cafe at 4:30pm on 4/29/25, a Tuesday late afternoon. Did not have good service. Slow to get to us initially. Slow to return when we weren't quite ready. Did not offer another drink. Did not come back to check on us. Had to ask for check. Second person brought our check and seemed like he was a lead or mgr - didn't ask how things were. Food was good, but the poor service overrides that. Won't be back anytime soon.
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Anna H.

Yelp
Wow! The oxtail is so delicious. Layers of flavor, spicy collards, and sweet potato cake. I always get 3 sides of roti because it's so good, and an extra side of the collard greens. Fresh and flavorful. The fresh ginger lemonade is super refreshing.
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Sabrina S.

Yelp
This was definitely a restaurant that I would come back. The jerk chicken wings was falling off the bone. I am so happy we saw this restaurant on a YouTube video and decided to go there for dinner. Oh my God the food is amazing.
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Brian H.

Yelp
Absolutely devine, very large space with beautiful decorations. Attentive staff and friendly service. The food was presented well and delicious. If you are in town give this place a try, you will not be disappointed.
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Ben N.

Yelp
For a town that already is already blessed with a slew of eateries serving great versions of the native New Mexican cuisine and a number of superb higher-end restaurants of various sorts, Santa Fe is almost piling it on with this excellent pan-African place. Jambo Cafe is off the beaten tourist path in a nondescript shopping center on teeming Cerrillos Road, its storefront sort of looking like another big-box store along with Office Depot and Burlington Coat Factory. Inside, though, is a pleasant and convivial--and quite large--restaurant doing great things with a wide range of equatorial and tropical cuisines. (The chef is a native of an island off the coast of Kenya, which evidently makes for a stew of influences.) Given my relative lack of familiarity with much of this cuisine, a combination plate made good sense: Chickpea berbere stew (Ethiopian) and Island Spice Chicken coconut stew were both fragrant, tasty, and hearty. To be honest, though, both could have used a modest flavor bump. But the Caribbean goat stew absolutely crushed it and kind of left me wishing I'd ordered that as my sole entree. The goat stew had deliciously concentrated flavor and was among the two or three best things I ate in a great week-plus of New Mexico eating. Served with delicious roti. We also had the Savory Stuffed Phyllo appetizer, which seemed high at $14 but was a massive portion--a couple of big spanakopita-like numbers filled not only with spinach and feta but also black olives, red peppers, and chick peas, and served with a little salad. That was pretty great also. There are some nice bottled hot sauces on the table to spice things up even more, if you are so inclined. Highly recommended.

Beth W.

Yelp
Came with a group - we were seated at a nice table by the windows. The decor was interesting and warm - I really liked the fabric covering the skylights. Husband got the combo and chose goat curry, lamb and chicken. I got the oxtail. Mine was definitely the better bet and delicious! The combo didn't give enough of any of the three; the goat was mostly bone. The roti it cane with was fantastic. A really nice find in Santa Fe, but would get a full dish rather than the combo the next time we find ourselves in NM.
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Victoria P.

Yelp
I grew up eating African as well as Caribbean food in Jersey City, NJ. I heard that Jambo is "amazing" and "out of this world". I honestly thought it was okay. Something was missing in the food. It didn't pack any punch of complex flavors that I was used to growing up. I tried Jambo three times, but each time I was a bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong, Jambo is not bad. I think it is a good introduction to African cuisine. So if you've never had African food before this is like the mild version that's a nice and easy intro to the cuisine. Try it out for yourself.
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Ed K.

Yelp
Wow wow wow! Amazing flavors, huge portions, superior service, easy parking, reasonable prices, comfortable setting. My wife and I were in Santa Fe for a couple of days and wish we were there longer so we could try more entrees at Jambo Cafe! She was not quite sure about African and/or Caribbean flavors, so tried the BBQ Chicken Sandwich and said it was great. I had the Lamb Sandwich with mixed fries, and both were excellent. The lamb portion was huge with nice flavors, and my "mixed" fries were sweet potato and also harissa lemon, which were very tasty. We also ordered the cinnamon-dusted plantains appetizer but for dessert, and it was very good also - but had to eat it the next day since we were too full from the entrees. A must stop if in Santa Fe!
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Jim T.

Yelp
ROAD TRIP (AGAIN): Our wives join Tom Neiman and Jim Tritten as we venture north to the City Different (Santa Fe for you east coasters). Jambo is a culinary delight featuring authentic Swahili dishes and African-Caribbean fusion. If that isn't enough, Jambo offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Impeccable service and an astonishing interior complement your dining experience. Most highly recommended. Join Chef Ahmed at Jambo as they celebrate 15 years in business on August 11th at 4:00 PM. Click on the following YouTube link to see our complete report and Chef Ahmed himself. https://youtu.be/KScIlKZ2w2M?si=RbbgyY26_BdZHoFV
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Basil P.

Yelp
One of the more interesting and favorite restaurants we tried in Santa Fe. Very large and diverse menu consisting of African, Caribbean, Moroccan cuisine. Also had hummus and Roti. We got the combination stews and black bean deep potato soup. Fresh made roti and rice came with the stews. Also had the black bean sweet potato soup- good. The Jamaican pecan pie was tasty served warm with ice cream, but not extra-ordinary and very sweet. I would eat there again.
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Su-Yee L.

Yelp
I was blown away by my first experience at Jambo Cafe when I ordered the lamb burger. The lamb was very tender (medium!) and tasty and the bread was very light. The flavors just melded together super well! I got salad instead of fries and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and ingredients of the salad since it included feta, chickpeas, olives, tomatoes, and red onion. This dish was ~$18. More recently I tried the jerk chicken salad, a soup of the day (crab coconut), and the island spice coconut peanut chicken stew. I was disappointed in the soup (no crab pieces and no crab flavor) and let our waiter know, so it was taken off our bill. The jerk chicken salad was a great portion and delicious with a decent amount of chicken. The peanut chicken stew was not as complex as expected, and very peanut-forward and rich. I thought it was tasty enough, although I would've loved a vegetable to go with it. Service is alright and friendly, although sometimes slow. This spot gets busy! I think the prices are a bit high though, with most entrees close to $19+. All in all, I think this is one of the better restaurants in Santa Fe and would definitely go for the lamb burger again!
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Jann S.

Yelp
If you want to taste some unique different flavors stop by Jambo. My daughter and I are exploring Santa Fe and trying new tastes. We had been to Jambo many years ago and wanted to try it again. We started with their crab cake and plantain appetizers. The crab cake was full of crab. It had a nice cornmeal crust. It was delicious. I had the cinnamon dusted plantains. They were awesome. They were cooked just right with a light dusting of cinnamon. They were good plain or dipped into the pineapple curry was amazing. I had their special garlic marinaded ruby trout. It was perfectly tender and full of flavors. It was on top of a rice cake and covered in bok choy. It was delicious. My daughter had the Moroccan spiced beef brisket pita. The beef was so tender and delicious. The fries were very interesting. She had the combo sweet potato fries and cumin fries. They were delicious plain and with the harissa sauce. So many unique and different flavors. The restaurant was an African theme with muted lighting. It was fun and unique. Our server was great. She was friendly and checked in with us. She let us take our time and enjoy it all. The bathrooms were fine. They only have 2 single use bathrooms.
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Tiffany S.

Yelp
Wow amazing- everything was a hit. We got the goat stew, jerk chicken, and braised oxtail - everything was soooo well seasoned. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area.

Stephen A.

Yelp
Amazing service. Restaurant has great atmosphere, prompt attention from waiter. He was attentive, helpful with ideas as well as good suggestions on menu. I had the sampler plate that had goat stew, lamb stew and chicken curry with the roti bread. Everything looked and smelled delicious. No matter what I ate it was full of flavor and the meats were all fall of the bone tender. The portions were great and the price was very good. I will for sure be going back to try other menu items.
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Brena E.

Yelp
This is a place in a strip mall that came recommended by some friends who had been there before. We were a table of four who did not have a great experience though. Our service was so slow and it took so long to get our food that I am pretty sure it was probably forgotten. I tried to order the coconut shrimp, but they were out so I had to go with something else. Not a place I will be going back to.
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Lee Ann R.

Yelp
We've had wonderful meals at Jambo Cafe, but somehow I had never left a review. Time for that to change! This restaurant has a wide variety of flavorful dishes from several African countries and the Caribbean. My husband had their fantastic lamb burger with a side of lemon harissa fries. I chose the combination plate; it was difficult deciding what three dishes to include, but I went with the chicken coconut curry, the Caribbean goat stew, and Moroccan lamb stew. A strip of rice separated the three entrees, and a lovely fresh roti went with it all. So, so good. The restaurant was busy but not noisy, with friendly servers. One even took the whiteboard with the day's specials off the wall and brought it over to a table of older women so they could read it. You just can't go wrong at Jambo Cafe.
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Nikki L.

Yelp
MUST TRY!!! Warm welcome upon entry the owner/kitchen lead makes a point to check in to see how satisfied you are so the service is impeccable! Food wise my partner had the plantains (he prefers them well done) he also had the chicken curry omg all over the country and the flavor was immaculate!!! I had the kabobs the flavors extremely tasty I only wish it was filet meat. Plate presentation was nice the environment gives off the ambiance of Africa again a must try.
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Aiysha J.

Yelp
Excellent food and service. It's busy because it's good and there may be a wait but it's worth it. There were several vegetarian options and I got the combo plate so I sampled 3 dishes plus rice and roti. The roti was my favorite item.
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Harlee S.

Yelp
Jambo Cafe is a must if you're visiting Santa Fe and are tired of the abundance of Mexican options. Every single dish we had was prepared with so much love and flavor. The restaurant owner was constantly walking around and talking to the customers. He even has his own cookbook for sale in his shop next door. AND he said that he's been talking about expanding and building a restaurant in Denver, which would be amazing. Cinammon-Dusted Plantains. I love me some good plantains and these are the bomb. Coconut Chicken Curry. So much curry for the price, I only wish I got more rice. However, the curry was spectacular, and I loved the fresh spinach and sliced cherry tomatoes. Brilliant! Pomegranate BBQ Chicken. I'm kind of kicking myself for not buying the pomegranate sauce from the shop because this stuff was next level. My sister, who is the pickiest eater I know, really enjoyed the concoction and raved about it. The entire experience was so authentic, from the atmosphere to the service to the food and anyone would be lucky to dine here.
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Rose D.

Yelp
My family and I love Caribbean food. Due to high yelp ratings, we tried it. We were so happy that we did. Both my dad and I had the goat stew. It was finger lucking good! My husband had the jerk chicken. Unfortunately that didn't meet his expectations. It was more like stewed chicken vs grilled or baked. I had the mango ginger lemonade. It was very delicious and refreshing. The service was great. The restaurant was clean. We were traveling from out of the area. I would have definitely looked forward to trying other things on the menu.
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Thomas G.

Yelp
Incredibly delicious food! This was our first restaraunt stop on our trip to Santa Fe. The place was lively but not noisy at 2pm on a Wednesday. The food was delicious - we will most likely make another stop on our way back home!
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Daniel W.

Yelp
Came back for a second try and I'm glad I did. The restraint felt like it has substantially improved since I first came in 2018. Really enjoyed the Coconut Chicken Curry and the Roots Drink. Would recommend to anyone. Lamb and Goat stew were both good, but not excellent.
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Ried S.

Yelp
Came for a quick solo lunch and boy was it quick. I sat down and ordered the Coconut Curry Chicken and just a few minutes later it was served. Loved the lunch portion size and flavors were excellent. Price was a bit high in my opinion, around $20 before tax, but I suppose that's Santa Fe. The place was rather full and it was clear a lot of people do take away.
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Susan M.

Yelp
Absolutely wonderful! I love their Kenyan Steak Kabobs. Service is great (and seeing the Chef visiting tables is a plus.) And though Jambo is located in a strip mall, the restaurant is comfortable, and full of beautiful African art. There is also a shop where you can by the Chef's cookbook and spices and gifts. We love it and is our go-to for special evenings and when visitors from out of town are here.
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Kerik K.

Yelp
Jambo Cafe offers a mix of African and Caribbean flavors. The food was off the charts delicious. The service was fast and friendly. The restaurant has a nice vibe. I spoke to the chef/owner briefly and you can tell he's someone absolutely loves what he does. We will be back next time we're in Santa Fe.
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Rex C.

Yelp
I know this place comes highly recommended by Guy Ferrari, but I have to admit it was good, but it was different. I'll touch on that under the Food side of things. Good: I got the ox tails, and this is where I mentioned they are different. I'm assuming the way these were made were more on the African fusion side of things. The flavor of the ox tail those kind of like Mexican mole. I'm wondering if they use some of the same seasoning. Kind of had a spice to it. The type of oxtails, I'm used to have more of the Caribbean style flavor. However, for what they were, they were very good. Pretty tinder as well. The plantain was probably the best plantain I've ever had in my life. It was Fried and tasted simply amazing. My girlfriend got a curry dish with. She really enjoyed as well. It was pretty good as well. I tried it. The customer service here is top notch. Everyone here was extremely helpful and very nice. They got us in and out very quickly. The customer service is definitely five star rated. No doubt about it. The owner is there and he stops by the table to talk to clients. I will definitely come back in and try different things up their menu the next time I'm in New Mexico.
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Hasham Y.

Yelp
Amazing restaurant with attentive staff, good decor and a store next to it. Tired beef brisket burger and bbq chicken burger. Instead of a bun they use flat bread but it didn't impact the flavor. You cant go wrong with either - harissa fries or cumin fries. Tamarind drink is delicious. Mango ginger lemonade was more of a gingerly. Meat is from grass fed, sustainably raised animals- halal which is a plus. This place is packed even on week days. Will definitely be returning to try other curries
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Elizabeth R.

Yelp
While staying in SF for work we decided to try something new and we're very pleased with our choice. The ambiance was amazing and the food was perfection. I tried the South African pinot noir and it was lovely. We started with a hummus plate-best hummus I have had in years! It was perfectly portioned for an appetizer. I had the chicken pomegranate bbq wrap with the harissa fries and was over the moon. Hubs had beef kebabs and was very impressed. Service was attentive and prompt. Don't skip dessert! We had the pecan pie and the key lime. Highly recommend.
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Nina G.

Yelp
I love this restaurant! Love the jerk chicken, plantains and GF chocolate cake! Friendly staff and easy parking. Thank you!
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Stephanie K.

Yelp
You don't know what you don't know... and once a discovery is made, the epiphany is extraordinary. Having a palate for curry, and some fringe experience with African fusion cuisine, I was drawn towards Jambo. Just entering the place is magical, aromas all savory and enticing, with a hum of clever conversation. Nafisah was warm and generous with her time, which is rare when stopping in for a busy lunch. The Mango Ginger Lemonade is as rich and refreshing as it sounds, appertif and cordial in one. As I'm passing through, I wanted to sample a variety, and The Combination is perfectly designed for that. I played it a little safe, asking for the chicken curry as 1 of 3, then venturing towards Moroccan Lamb and Ethiopian Berbere Stew (with Nafisah's guidance) for my other 2 choices. Their Roti is the most incredible African flatbread - somewhere between a crusty/doughy tortilla and Naan, it scoops and soaked up every last drop I could gather of the Berbere Stew (vegan - UNLIKELIEST of my preferences), but I'm dreaming of the next time I can visit Santa Fe for this meal. Had I been traveling with friends, I would have enjoyed the Jamaican Rum Pecan Pie (or my typical indulgence - the flourless chocolate cake), but felt fully satisfied by drippings of curry and lemonade while spying my neighbors' options for next time. Looking forward to the return!

Andrea ..

Yelp
I had the jerked chicken salad. It was amazing! The chicken was sooo juicy and tender. No overcooked or dry chicken here. I will be back! The service was very good. The woman who served me was so nice and helpful. The decor was funky Jamaica and fun. It was a dark and intimate atmosphere.

A J.

Yelp
Stopped for dinner with a party of 4, we all really enjoyed our dishes. The items we ordered included a hot chai tea, hummus plate which came with bread, olives and veg, lemon harissa fries, a swordfish special, oxtails, a combo plate with lamb and chicken stews and a vegetarian combo plate with lentils, chick pea stew & tofu stew. We also sampled two desserts the mango cobbler and the flan. Everything was delicious and portions were generous. Wait staff was friendly, everything arrived quickly and as ordered. Enjoy!!