Jubba Somali Restaurant

East African restaurant · Erikson

Jubba Somali Restaurant

East African restaurant · Erikson

1

5330 Terner Way, San Jose, CA 95136

Photos

Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by Carly Hackbarth
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null
Jubba Somali Restaurant by null

Highlights

Flavorful goat, beef, chicken dishes & free ginger cardamom tea  

Featured in The Infatuation
Placeholder

5330 Terner Way, San Jose, CA 95136 Get directions

jubbarestaurant.site

$10–20 · Menu

Information

Static Map

5330 Terner Way, San Jose, CA 95136 Get directions

+1 408 440 1504
jubbarestaurant.site

$10–20 · Menu

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
wifi

Last updated

Aug 21, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@infatuation

Jubba Somali Restaurant - Review - Blossom Valley - San Jose - The Infatuation

"This restaurant puts a spotlight on hot and spicy Somali food. Although Jubba’s flavorful goat, beef, and chicken dishes share some of the flavors found in greater Africa and India, they are something entirely unique. It’s worth a visit even though the dining room is often hectic and waits can be longer than when ordering food to go. Free hot tea laced with ginger and cardamom makes the slow service a little easier. Try going for lunch on a weekday to beat the rush on the weekends and at dinner." - Shoshi Parks

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-jose/reviews/jubba-somali-restaurant
View Postcard for Jubba Somali Restaurant

Jessica Doner

Google
We tried a bit of everything and it was all great. Chicken, beef and goat was all well spiced and delicious. Staff was friendly and went out of their way to accommodate. My kids scarfed down a bit of everything and we had lots of leftovers. They loved watching the trains go by as we ate. Wish it wasn't so far from my house because I'd be there every weekend!

Maverick Sy

Google
Went in at 11:45am on a Tuesday, no problems parking, plenty of space in the free parking lot Food was excellent, had the Beef Suqaar, Jubba Chicken Wrap, Mandazi & Sambusa Service was solid, you order at the counter and the food is delivered your table. Tables were initially a bit dirty/sticky but was wiped down soon after. Atmosphere was great, no loud music and is excellent for big groups of people loudly chatting

Mehran Khair

Google
Discover the flavors of Africa at this fantastic halal restaurant! Their Somalian dishes are incredibly tasty and flavorful. I have tried everything on the menu, and each dish has been a delight. The Roasted Goat Cutlet with Rice is my absolute favorite. If you are planning to dine here, be sure to set aside some time, as the chefs take their time to prepare each meal to perfection.

John

Google
+ The Roasted Goat Cutlet plate ($22.99) with Chapati was very tasty. (I'll attribute my dislike for the chunks of fat on the meat as a cultural difference, and not downgrade the 5-star flavor score) The Green sauce added an unexpected level of heat but it was a good fit for the dish. + The Sambusa ($3.00/each), a wonderful flaky dough triangle filled with meat and vegetables, was also quite tasty. More, next time! + Mandazi ($2.00) puffed Fried bread rectangle, was interesting to try... so, now I know what it is. The staff were friendly and easygoing. - The restroom was missing soap, but aside from some graffiti, the room looked clean. - The VTA Light Rail "Blue Line" Ohlone-Chynoweth station is across the service road from the restaurant. VTA Bus route 201 stops at the parking lot. 2025-May

S. Raziq Mohideen

Google
I've been to Jubba many times over the years, and somehow I'm only reviewing them now. They are one of my favorite restaurants (halal or otherwise) in the Bay Area, as well as being my intro to Somali food. My favorite dish is the Roasted Goat Cutlet, which reminds me of similar Indian dishes but with its unique blend of spices. The meat is super-flavorful and is complemented by the salad and sauce. The rice is a classic side, but the chapati is another good option. The other menu items are great as well. Chicken or beef are more approachable to anyone not familiar with goat (though I think more people should eat it :-) And the mandazi & sambusa are good appetizers. No matter what, the portions are good so you will be satiated. Another highlight of Jubba is the free hot tea. It is a sweetened, spiced black tea that completes any meal. The ambiance is cozy & traditional, and the service is friendly. The food can take a bit of time but it's worth the wait. While the location is a bit out of the way for most, I promise that Jubba is worth it!

Kazim Das

Google
The food portions were generous and the taste was just enough spicy. It seems like a family owned joint with very friendly service. The ambience is not anything to boast about but adequate for a family owned restaurant. On the whole, good value for money.

Haaggar A

Google
Its a literal gem. The food was delicious. Very straight forward concept. Order at the counter, give you a number and they bring your food at the table. Will definitely go again.

LE A

Google
Food was great! Random location and resturant itself doesn't look that nice. You order at the counter. All the food was amazing and such large portions. The kay key and beef suqaar were the best.
google avatar

Damien H.

Yelp
Went to Jubba for the first time last week despite having grown up in South San Jose from childhood through high school. Came with 3 friends and we all had a great experience. Upon arriving we ordered at the counter where the lady at the register very kindly answered any questions we had and gave recommendations on the menu. I got the beef suqaar as did one of my other friends, and the other two ordered the chicken wrap and the goat cutlet. All the food came out fresh and piping hot. It was all delicious and well spiced, balanced out by the carbs and complimented with the green sauce provided on the side which was spicier than it looked. Atmosphere was very casual, and it's kind of fun to watch the lightrail trains pass by out the window. They also have a complimentary tea that's a little sweet and nicely spiced with overall balanced flavors. In terms of pricing, some of the meals were around $20-25 which is not bad for the Bay Area, but the wrap at $13 was probably the most worth it and it was definitely large and filling enough to constitute a meal The one thing I wish that was different was that they provided water. The drink dispenser only had the tea and though there was bottled water in the fridge by the register, it appeared that was only for purchase. That said I overall very much recommend Jubba for anyone interested in their food!
google avatar

John K.

Yelp
Let's just say you need to come here at least once with an open mind and you will be rewarded! The suqaar was very flavorful and full of fresh ingredients. The onion, green beans, and other greens had a good texture and freshness to go along with the chicken. The chapati was to die for and had this texture and flavor between a tortilla and Nan bread. It was simply amazing! I will come back to try the other dishes but I might have to bring some more people to share dishes. I'm sure the goat is good but it may be high on my food bravery radar. I highly recommend Jubba as a nice into to Somali food . Also, the employees were very helpful in steering me in a direction within my comfort zone. Thanks, and we will be back :)
google avatar

Jennifer S.

Yelp
Giving this spot 5 stars despite the wait. I enjoyed the food too much! Came here with 2 other friends at 6:30p on a Saturday and there were only a few groups in the store. The employees were very friendly. We weren't terribly hungry, so we just ordered 1 sports plate with goat, beef, and 1/2 chapatti and rice to share. Even though the restaurant wasn't busy when we got there, we still ended up waiting around 40minutes for our food. It wasn't too bad since weren't too hungry, but it was still quite a bit of a wait. It was also really hot that day, and it wasn't very cool inside so we were just sitting and sweating lol. Still worth it for me though! The food came out fresh, hot, & delicious. I loved the flavors of the meat - the goat was especially tender and not too gamey. I really enjoyed all the components in the dish. Wish there were a bit more fresh veggies to make the meal a bit lighter - but not a problem, it was still a very enjoyable meal :) By the time we left, all the tables were full and a line was forming out the door. I will definitely be back - but will try to come during a less busy time.
google avatar

Kayee C.

Yelp
Went to oak ridge for movie and looked for food nearby, found this cool African food place. The food was big portioned and tasted amazing! Spices were on point. Packed with tables and chairs. Chairs were made out of reed? Colorful. The green spicy sauce is a must! My friend got the beef which was good as well.
google avatar

yvonne o.

Yelp
Incredible chicken wrap that is big enough for two people. Succulent chicken and with the white sauce, it's delicious. The rice has a spicy kick and be sure to ask for a cup of their tea! Service is friendly and fast. Ample parking near the VTA and counter service to either take out or eat in.
google avatar

Don L.

Yelp
2:13pm I ordered my $44 sports plate of goat, injira (roti), and spiced rice. 29 minutes later 2:42pm We receive our sports plate. We devour it and it's delicious, flavorful contents of meat, veggie, and protein. Some of the goat is somewhat overcooked, and there are not many fatty pieces. Nonetheless, the majority of the goat meat is excellent, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. The veggies are Kirkland vegetable medleys, but they are perfectly sautéed and absolutely delicious. The injira and rice are so addicting. They add another flavorful element to the dish. The free chai is excellent. Treat yourself to some in the back of the restaurant! 3:12pm I leave Jubba satisfied. Was the wait worth it? I don't know; if I didn't have an open day or the food wasn't up to snuff, I'd be annoyed and give this place a 3/5. But since I I had time to spare today and the food was pretty damn good, I bumped it up to 4/5. Just come in expecting to wait 30 minutes to eat a delicious, local, San Jose-exclusive Somalian meal.
google avatar

Jen C.

Yelp
The food here is so good. It's next to a public transit and there are plenty of parking. The tea is free and unlimited. It tasted so good. There tables to sit inside and outdoor. You have to go to the cash register to order your food and pay for it ahead of time. They'll give you a number and deliver the food to your table when the food is ready. Overall the portions are pretty big.
google avatar

Yan L.

Yelp
Surprised I haven't given Jubba a review yet, I've been coming here for years. The only place that hasn't price gouged their food. It's not only affordable but tastes SO GOOD. You will not find any of these flavors anywhere else in San Jose, authentic and delicious Somalian dishes. I highly recommend easing your way into it with a chicken wrap with some green sauce. Everyone working there is extremely helpful and accommodating and provides excellent service. You can tell it's family owned by the level of pride they put into their restaurant. Huge portions, great taste, and low cost. Check it out at least once.
google avatar

Michael L.

Yelp
So my buddy made a surprised visit from the City to hang out with me & I thought coming to Jubba for dinner is an excellent choice since he has not had Somali food before & Jubba is listed on SF Chronicle's Top 100 for 2025. We walk in & the place was full. No seats anywhere. The deal is to order at the front then take your # card to a table & wait to be served. We ordered 5 pcs of Sambusa, 1 chapati, 1 Mandazi along with sides of goat, pasta & chicken. The delicious aroma was driving my buddy mad as he was starving. My buddy said he wants to eat everything & he pretty did - a stack of empty plates piled neatly for the busboy. He says he will bring his girlfriend back since the VTA light rail literally stops outside of Jubba.
google avatar

Kevin D.

Yelp
This is my second time back and I'm surprised that I didn't write a review the first time. I got the chicken wrap and I still can't stop thinking about how perfect this was. The green sauce is a bit spicy but I just kept on pouring it onto my wrap. It is a small store located at the corner of the VTA, truly a hidden gem.
google avatar

Leilani M.

Yelp
I love Jubba! Dining in-person is definitely worth it to meet the staff and try their free bottomless tea in their cozy restaurant! There are quite a few tables and there is plenty of parking. My recommendation is to try their wraps: super yummy and relatively cheap ($12.99 if you order on DoorDash). If you like spice, ask for extra green sauce!
google avatar

Phoebe L.

Yelp
The sports plate was really yummy, and it was so much food! It took a little longer than we had expected for it to come out, but it was worth the wait. The chicken was very flavorful and not too dry. I wish there was a little more lamb, but it was very good. Also, don't forget to try the self-serve sweet tea they have in the back!
google avatar

Brenda L.

Yelp
I'd been wondering what all the rave was about with Jubba and had it bookmarked for the longest time. We finally decided to visit this weekend, and OMG, the food here is soooo good! This was also our first time trying Somali cuisine, and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend the Jubba Beef Wrap! We also tried the Chicken Suqaar, and while both dishes were packed with flavor, we preferred the beef. The meats were tender and paired perfectly with the spicy green sauce, which elevated the flavors even more. I loved how the spices were beautifully balanced, and the fresh vegetables added a nice contrast. We just had one small hiccup: we waited about 30-40 minutes for our food, and when we arrived promptly at our pickup time, we were told that the sambusa wasn't available. While it wasn't a huge issue, it would've been nice to be notified earlier. They did offer to make sambusas, but it would have taken an additional 30 minutes. The dining area is pretty compact, so I'd recommend to-go, as other Yelpers have recommended. Regardless, the food is SO worth it!
google avatar

Carolyn P.

Yelp
Food was delicious, but giving 3 stars because I think they forgot our main order and we ended up waiting 50minutes for it. We ordered a couple of small items and those came out first - piping hot and filled with flavor. Then we waited for the main which was the sports plate with chapatti. We asked a couple of times where our food was since it was over 30min of us finishing the apps. They said it was coming, but took another 20min. The restaurant was packed and other patrons were getting their food first even tho they ordered after us. That was unfortunate because we had plans after dinner and we basically had to rush to eat in order to make it to our next destination. Although we couldn't take our time to enjoy the food, the sports plate was delicious and filled with flavor. Highly recommend ordering both the goat and beef. The restaurant itself is quite congested with lots of tables and seats. There's an area in the back where they have self serve tea that is delicious. Hoping the delayed food was just a one off! Or might just order takeout next time.
google avatar

Ajit S.

Yelp
*Very important* This is a foodie place and NOT a fancy place where you dress up and go. Your clothes WILL smell after you go here. Kitchen is right there near the eating area and ventilation is poor and yes your clothes WILL smell after you are done. I knew this the moment I stepped in and then instead of eating I went home and changed my clothes to something that will be in laundry the next day and came back. You order at the counter and they bring food to your table. There is free Somali tea to sip while you wait. The tea is flavorful. Very similar to Masala Chai (Indian). Food is freaking AWESOME! I don't mind easing my clothes and taking a shower right after. Goat roast is great. Very juicy and I recommend eating with Injera. Other options are with basmati rice or paratta (flat bread). Chicken wrap was also great. My 6 year old son enjoyed it. I had never tried Somali food so I had to try. Similar to Ethiopian food but their Injera is not sour while Ethiopian Injera is sour. The Injera is very similar testing as the Chakuli you get in Odisha, India. I will visit again for sure. Before shower and dressed in simple non-expensive clothes.
google avatar

Arvind S.

Yelp
I had never tried Somalian food before and I am so very glad I found this place. It is located in a laid back residential neighborhood in San Jose close to a train station. Quite a bit far from where I live but I was excited looking at the menu/pictures. And boy were we glad to have made the drive here! I already had my mind set on getting the Chicken Suqaar - I only had to make up my mind on whether I wanted to get it with Rice or Spaghetti or Chapatti (or Injera as per the menu!). They also let you do a half and half of course which is great! After being confused for a while, I decided to go for half rice half spaghetti. I'm glad I went for the rice, it was so flavorful, more like biryani rice, which was a bonus. Next time I might get the full rice portion. Oh wait, the portion sizes are huge. I was pretty hungry so I did manage to finish it all - the chicken was extremely well cooked, marinated and spiced, again, great portions of the chicken too. Absolutely delicious. I also tried a bit of the chapatti that my friend got and that was also great - extremely flaky, it was more like a paratha (in Indian terms). So I'll probably have to do half rice half chapatti next time. The Spaghetti was alright. My friend did say his beef suqaar was amazing - I didn't try it. They offer complimentary chai tea (no milk) and it went really well with the food, you can get as many refills as you want. Helped while we waited which was a tad long. It was still busy at 230 PM on a Saturday - I think it's one of the more popular restaurants in the area. The wraps looked huge too, saw other people getting them. The wait in line to order was a tad too long for my liking, and was the only negative. I'll definitely keep coming back.
google avatar

Susie P.

Yelp
I love this place I've been coming here for over 12 years . Workers are always so welcoming and there food is always top tier with so much flavor . I love chicken suqaar and sambusas . If you have never tried there food i definitely recommend it you won't regret it .
google avatar

Robert R.

Yelp
I went a little out of my comfort zone on this one. I've never had Somali or African food before. I didn't know what to expect but the food and reviews looked good. I ordered the beef wrap. I am so glad I decided to try this place. The food was AMAZING! So flavorful and balanced and delicious! And the portions were HUGE! I originally was just going to eat half but after finishing the first half, it was too good to save for later. I highly recommend this place and I will definitely be back the next time I'm in the area.
google avatar

Mateo H.

Yelp
Updated hours for Ramadan Kareem (2025) Ramadan - New Hours: - Thursday-Tuesday 4PM-9PM, Wednesday- CLOSE - We failed to check hours for Ramadan. Also, the hours on Yelp and Google are not updated for the long holiday. We waited 20 minutes outside since we were excited to try Somalian food for the first time! Food: - Food alone gave this place - They serve East African, Somalian food known for their goat platters and samosas. Sports plate $43: A huge portion and Serves 2-3 people. We got Goat and Chicken with Chapati (flatbread), Basmati Rice, mixed stir fried. It was an amazing combination of spices that created a diverse array of aromatics and flavors into the food. Coupled with the Basbaas green hot sauce and Bizbaz white sauce made it a more complex experience. My bf even said he was crying it was so good lol I would definitely come back just for that. - Mandazi $2: Deep fried, sweet, sesame bread. Was a nice additional speciality bread to mix sweet and savory flavors with the Sports plate. - Sambusas (Samosas) $3 each: Deep fried, crispy Ramadan snack filled with ground beef, green onion, wrapped in spring roll type wrap. It was good but was my least favorite but you can tell it was made with fresh ingredients and made at that moment. FREE TEA. It is self serve in the restaurant. It is a sweet black tea spiced with cardamom, great quality even after cooling it off with water. Water is not free. Bottled water $2 each BUT the waiter was so nice he did not charge for the water. Location: - Located in VTA Ohlone-Chynoweth light rail station in a strip mall. - Easier access would be the Free VTA Parking lot off of Chynoweth Ave. side. - You can cross over from Santa Teresa Blvd. side as well. Service: - Nice and Helpful service from waiter. We asks for recommendations and he recommended the goat sports plate - Food came in 28 min - We walked up to the counter to order quicker. We were given an order number. - Free seating when we were there. Ambiance: - Casual, cozy - Not busy upon opening with 3 customers total was there - Comfortable colorful chairs, marble floors - Opened double doors and turned on ceiling fans for cooling - Nice decor, Somalian artifacts on the walls - Restrooms: Very clean, single person restrooms. No code necessary for both restrooms. There is a code key on Women's door but it's not active. Double locks on women side. There is a kettle in the women's restroom I'm not sure it's use.
google avatar

Kristen C.

Yelp
First time trying Somalian food! It's right by the train station and there's lots of parking outside. It does take a while for the food to come out especially if theres a line. We tried the chicken suqqar, beef wrap, and mandazi. The portions are huge - 2 people could split one entree and it would be more than enough. The chicken and beef were both so flavorful and tender. Definitely try the green sauce for an extra kick of spice.
google avatar

Kutub M.

Yelp
I've been going to Jubba since a really long time always ordered the sports plate. This time wanted to order something different so went for the sandwich. The flavor was amazing, the meat here is always juicy. Would highly recommend sports plate if you are super hungry. The chai / tea has a unique taste really hard to find something like this anywhere else.
google avatar

Empire J.

Yelp
I live in FREMONT, I learned about this place through a friend from Africa. And that place is worth to drive. The food is so good and it's freshly made. The sons of the owners are very respectful and nice. I always get the sports plate half chicken, half goat and boy. It is delicious. I give it 1000/10
google avatar

Janan D.

Yelp
Looking for unique? Tried and true? Amazing flavors? Well made food? Delicious? Key words here. Yummy? Big portions? Looking for meat? Goat? Chicken? Chapatti? If this is what you're looking for, you've come to the right place. I found this randomly while waiting to watch a movie nearby! All of these are amazingly delicious here. Expect to spend around $20 for a dish of food! Wait times can be longggg. Call ahead of time to order or just order online! They are very nice people but when it's busy, and you order in, it might be a wait! But the wait is worth it! Tons of people come here for take out, so there must be a reason. Grab some food here and enjoy the Caltrain breezing past.
google avatar

Benjamin N.

Yelp
Ordered the Jubba Beef Wrap for dine in. The portion size was generous for the price! The beef was well cooked and seasoned and I liked the type of wrap they used. The sauces that came with the wrap paired with it well. My personal favorite was the white sauce. The wait time was a bit long -- 40+ minutes for our table although 3 of us ordered the same thing. I would come back in the future.
google avatar

John L.

Yelp
This place is the definition of a hidden gem. The food is delicious and whenever I come here I order the Sports Plate with Goat Cutlet, Beef Suqaar, and half rice, half Chapati. I would come to this place with the phrase "food adventure" in mind because it's a part of a hidden away strip mall surrounded by residential buildings. What you will get here is fantastic food and easy parking however don't expect anything in terms of service or ambiance since it's become more of a fast casual spot where you order and pay at the front first and they bring your order to wherever you're sitting Pros - Their Sports Plate, it's is a large dish served with vegetables and your choices of two meats and rice and/or chapati - The Beef Suqaar consistently impresses me with the boldness of the flavors and the juiciness of the beef, this is a must try in my opinion - The Goat Cutlet is hit or miss but most of the time it's amazing and has good flavor - Their green hot sauce on the side has a kick and adds a lot to the dish - Give the chapati a try if you've never had it, it's somewhere between a naan flatbread and a tortilla - This dish is meant to serve two people however could serve three if there aren't big eaters at the table - Parking is ample as it's right across from the VTA - There is free hot tea at the back corner of the restaurant Cons - They only offer bottled water and no tap - Food often takes a while to come out so be patient and don't come here if you're in a hurry
google avatar

Ray B.

Yelp
Excellent and unique flavors that have me coming back for more for over 10 years now. It's time to write about one of my favorite restaurants in the Bay Area. No trip to SF is complete without a stop here. Sometimes I carve the Chicken or Beef Suqaar for weeks before making it back here. I always go for the Chapati bread instead of the rice, as it balances the rich flavor of the meat better. The rice option is best with the goat though. For appetizers I usually go for the Sambusa. They are large and stuffed full of ground beef. Careful with the side of green sauce. It looks innocent but is super spicy. Cool it down with some free Chai tea from the big samovar in the back of the restaurant. Located right next to the VTA station you can access the restaurant from the parking lot to the west in front of the door, or park at the P&R right by the freeway off-ramp and just walk across the tracks. Prices are reasonable. Portions are large. Restaurant is clean. Plenty of seating along the window with views of the station. Usually the owner or her son will be at the register and take your order. Meat is halal.
google avatar

Amanda M.

Yelp
This was my first time trying Somali cuisine. First coming to the restaurant is right next to the train station. They don't have AC, but do have fans and outdoor seating. It's pretty warm in the restaurant on a hot day, so sitting outside if recommended. There is a good amount of parking here with the parking lot. We ordered the Roasted goat cutlet and Beef Suqaar. They both tasted pretty similar even though the meats were different. Both dishes came with lettuce with a white sauce + onions, bell peppers, green beans and carrots. Spicy green sauce called basbaas with a pretty strong kick and side of lemon. For the goat, it was not that gamey, but also not that flavorful. Most of the flavor came from the caramelization/burnt crust. Not tender but not rubbery either. We ordered this with rice per suggestion from the staff at the restaurant. The beef were leaner cuts and same taste was the goat. It was a little chewier and more caramelization. Instead of rice, we got it with a chapati which was light, thin and fluffy. I think if we had the chapati with the goat and then rice with the beef that would have been a better combo. Regardless we shared the meal so it was fine. They also offer Somali Shaah Tea at no charge. It's served hot, it's sweet and has lots of spices to it. Reminds me of chai without the milk. It's also free of charge, versus cold water which is charged as you are given water bottles if you want cold water. Overall, a very nice experience with the food. Definitely recommend sitting outside on a hot day, when we came it was busy so we had to wait a bit for our food to arrive which was fine.
google avatar

Maikell B.

Yelp
I really really REALLY enjoyed Jubba's. I honestly came into it with little expectations that ended up blowing my mind. Server was great. He happily greeted us and answered any questions we had since it was our first time. My wife ordered the Beef Suqaar and I ordered the Goat cutlet. If you want a short description of what Somalian food taste like, I would compare it to Chinese food but...Not Asian lol. The Beef Suqaar was delicious. Meet was soft and tender and seasoned tastefully. The Goat Cutlet was OMMMGGGGG!! I did not expect this to be this good. The goat was supppper soft and the meat slid right off the bones. I have been craving this dish literally a day after I ate it lol. Both dishes just JAM PACKED with flavor! As for the ambiance, it has been hot in SJ lately and the inside in way more hotter due to no AC so we ate outside where there was slight wind and shade. I'll definitely be returning very soon. Especially for the GOAT!
google avatar

Farhana M.

Yelp
Delicious as always. Pro tip, when it's hot out, don't sit inside. Sit outside as its cooler Got the sports plate with lamb and beef. Love the hot sauce they give, it's incredibly spicy but very flavorful. My partner got the sambusa and mandazi and didnt enjoy these much
google avatar

Cecile S.

Yelp
Pros: Friendly service Order and pay at the counter. Open seating. Food is made to order. Fresh and delicious. Price is right for the portion per person. They offer free tea at the back area. Cons: Place is hidden and parking lot is dirty. Kitchen exhaust fan is not strong enough. Walked out smelling like the food we ate.
google avatar

Priscilla R.

Yelp
Both my friend and myself ordered the chicken plate, it was delicious with big portions! The service was also quick and pleasant. The location had plenty of parking as well. Overall, the only issue I had was that after we left from dinning in, I had this horrible old oil smell that clung onto me and my clothes. I had to shower right when I got home and it took multiple cycles in my laundry machine to get the smell of old oil out of my clothes (my friend had a similar experience). I wouldn't recommend dining in, but I enjoyed the food, so I'd order to-go.
google avatar

L T.

Yelp
I had never had Somalian cuisine previously and looked forward to this opportunity. While the food was very tasty in my opinion, the service lacked. Granted it was crowded, but they were very slow in cleaning up vacated tables. After having placed our order and being given a number we sat down and waited...and waited...and waited. After realizing that food had already been delivered to numerous tables that had ordered after us, I went to the counter to check on our order. I could immediately tell that our order had been skipped/missed and was told it would be out shortly. As I said though, service aside, I thought the meal was quite tasty and satisfying. I look forward to trying more Somalian food in the future.
google avatar

Alice H.

Yelp
As a first-timer trying Somali cuisine, I was surprised by the bold flavors and unique combinations. I got the Sports Plate that's the combination of beef and goat was a match made in culinary heaven. Juicy Beef Slices: The beef slices were tender, juicy, and seasoned with onions, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. Each bite was a burst of flavor. Roasted Goat Cutlet: The star of the show! The traditional Somali dish featuring goat meat was nothing short of amazing. The meat was infused with authentic spices, resulting in a rich, savory flavor. Paired with Chapatti, it was a symphony of taste. My favorite is the goat. It was tender, succulent, and packed with flavor!

Christina H.

Yelp
This place hits the spot! The food was full of flavor and the portions were big--plenty to eat and then some. Laid-back, casual vibe. If you're craving solid Somali food, this is definitely the move. We got the sports plate with goat, beef, rice and chapati. Get the green sauce if you love spice.
google avatar

Auriana N.

Yelp
So happy to be introduced to Jubba! The flavors simmer thru the air right when you walk in so you know the meal was amazing! Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Such a homegrown restaurant with humble hospitality. They even brew complimentary chai tea! Portions were enough to feed 2 hungry adults with 1 platter but watch out for the green sauce because it packs a punch,,
google avatar

Mike H.

Yelp
I tried to order ahead, but the phone didn't work. I ordered to go and it took 40 minutes to prepare. I wanted to stay mad because the food took forever, but it was just too delicious. This was my first time trying Somali food. So bomb! It exceeded my expectations. I got the beef suqaar with rice. It was very tender and flavorful. It was pretty spicy for me(I'm mexican), so be light with that green it comes with. I will definitely be coming back. This is the type of place I would take someone who is visiting SJ.
google avatar

Darwin P.

Yelp
My mom's request for her birthday was an African dinner! Since we were close to San Jose, I found this spot as the highest rated African spot. And I can't lie: it's gotta be top 3 in this area. I would like to call out the beautiful chairs in the indoors: all of them colorful Our food selection was the Goat Cutlet. This African dish consisted of chunks of goat, basmati rice and mixed veggies. This is a 10/10 dish: the meat was so tender and seasoned well. Honestly, rice was up to par with the goat There is complimentary tea at the end of the restaurant: tea was good, with a hint of sugar and ginger. My mom was satisfied and grateful with this restaurant. The lady on register was lovely and helped us out quickly; good service
google avatar

Shahid Q.

Yelp
Love the food here! The food taste has been consistent over the years. Usually not a fan of trying new cuisines, but this place has not disappointed.
google avatar

Will X.

Yelp
Jubba truly has some scrumptious Somalian food that makes for a great place in the area to grab a bite or share a plate with someone. I came around dinner time and order their Sports Plate - a huge plate filled with protein and sides of carbs that is super sharable and delicious. Everything was cooked really well and had a real appetizing flavor to it. Service was nice and great to see them cooking things up fresh. There's both indoor and outdoor seating and they have a self-serve tea that was nice. There's a parking lot nearby and while area may be a tad sketchy, overall fairly safe.
google avatar

Misty R.

Yelp
I was up for something new and hadn't tried Somalian food before. Based on the reviews, I thought I'd give it a try. Im glad I did. I had the chicken Suqaar with a wonderfully flavored rice and salad. All of the dishes were delicious. Only drawback was the location which was out of my way however I'd definitely would return again when in the area.
google avatar

Sudatta J.

Yelp
This is one of the most amazing hole in the wall place I came across in the Bay Area. Food is very flavorful and this place serves tender goat meat which is not very common in most restaurants. Tried the goat cutlet plate, tilapia wrapped in a chapati and some complimentary traditional sweet tea. Food is very flavorful and made fresh to order. Friendly service as well. If you're a fan of spicy food, definitely a must try!!!! I wish they also served chicken sambusas! Plenty of parking available as well.
google avatar

Nhat T.

Yelp
One of the best hidden gems. I always come here when I'm in the area. The place itself is pretty small and super hot cuz of the huge grill they got inside. They serve free complimentary tea and they're always super nice. You order up front and then sit down and wait for the food. I always get the beef wrap or beef sukaar. Beef and veggies are always super flavorful and delicious, big portion sizes, and the green sauce they give has a good kick!
google avatar

Somnath R.

Yelp
Mostly fake reviews or this place has deteriorated. Oily food - took almost an hour to come out. Left without touching most of the food. Beware before wasting time here. Oh also its very pricey for the good quality it provides.
google avatar

Novaira M.

Yelp
Consistently delicious and healthy food! We love getting Suqaar here - You can choose the type of meat (chicken, goat, fish), and sides (rice/bread). The meat is sautéed with delicious vegetables and the green sauce is a great spicy kick to the mix! The goat and chicken options are very flavorful! This is a locally owned restaurant and usually has 2-3 people behind the counter, so service can sometimes be slow, but the food is worth the wait! The meat is all halal here and the serving size per dish is good for 2 people usually. There is ample parking in the plaza and their restaurant shows up on all the delivery websites too.
google avatar

Stephen N.

Yelp
The restaurant is a bit confusing to get to. You have to drive through some apartments to get here, and park in what looks to be in a small VTA lot. Service is simple: You order, get a number, and they'll bring food to your table. I ordered the Goat Cutlet and Mandazi. Looking at the prices now and back when this restaurant came on my radar (about 10+ years ago), I really wish I had went back then, but if wishes were fishes... Anyway, while waiting for our food, my friends and I tried their tea, which is in a container on the opposite end of the restaurant from where you order. The tea came out very slowly, so I assume we got the last remaining drops. That would explain how intense the smell and flavor were. As I told my friend, the smell makes me think like I'm drinking a cup of Michael's Art Supply or the Holiday Season in a cup. Very sweet and spiced, I'd really like to see what this tastes like with a full container just to see if it's as intense with more liquid in it. The food came out relatively quick. I'd say it took around 10 minutes. You get a lot of food with your order. The Goat Cutlet plate came with: - Chunks of goat with onion and tomatoes - Seasoned rice - A salad of lettuce, tomato, and what seemed to be a mayonnaise or ranch-based dressing - A small cup of hot sauce and a lemon wedge The goat was very tender and slid off the bone. I don't know if they took my friend, Roger L.'s, review from 2011 to heart, but the goat was fantastic. The rice was okay, though a bit dry, and I actually preferred the salad more. The hot sauce added a good kick and richness to the dish. However, towards the end of my meal, I wished that I had asked for more hot sauce, as I had an abundance of rice with no lubrication for my mouth. Things to consider for next time! I ate with two friends, and I tried a bit of my friend's Beef Suqaar, which was great, and my other friend's Fish Wrap was huge and the fish tasted fine. The Mandazi was a puffed fry bread with not too much flavor, save for a bit of sweetness at the end. It came with an accompanying sauce which tasted like ranch to me. Overall, I had a great meal here, and if I come here again, I'll definitely be asking for more hot sauce!
google avatar

Verenice B.

Yelp
Tis place seems niche. Really close to light rail, but otherwise hidden in a housing community. They close early, so definitely family friendly and casual. Amazing green sauce! I saved what precious sauce I didn't use. I knew it would be good so I asked for extra. Spicy and delicious! My sister and I tried 3 meats: beef wrap, chicken plate, and lamb plate. Let me say I'm not a chicken person. AAAAAND, let me tell you this chicken wrap/plate is fuego! The beef is really good too as well as the lamb. Love that the lamb has the bone-in. I didn't expect each dish to have the exact same veggies and perhaps even seasonings? That being said, try the meat you like most cause they don't really differ. Chicken is scrumptious. Had the samosa-type thing. Has ground beef, the spices in this thing is amazing. Reminded me of Jamaican beef Pattie's. We didn't take pictures, unfortunately. Hungry and excited to try it all. The picture shown is me eating the extra spicy sauce with random leftovers
google avatar

Sheri A.

Yelp
The food here is excellent and it's worth trying something new if you've never tried this kind of food before. There are two dishes I like but all their meals. I'm sure are delicious. The service is good and it's close to home so I will definitely order again and again.
google avatar

Valeria J.

Yelp
The food was incredible. The beef was cooked perfectly and the tea was simply a great to pair with our meal. The green salsa had some heat, but overall it was a great meal. Will come back.
google avatar

Elena K.

Yelp
If you're really hungry, like hangry and expecting your food to be at the table within 20-30 minutes, DON'T COME HERE. However, if you're willing to wait 30-45 minutes, DO IT, it was very good food. I say come with patience if you're going to try it out. It was a busy day and table was limited when we went. Cashier did not take our names down which they should be doing because I don't think anybody's name was taken that day. So orders were being sent to the wrong tables and people getting their orders after and I saw a lot of not happy Customers that day. My only recommendation to the business Owner is to TAKE DOWN CUSTOMERS NAME, I THINK IT WOULD HELP A LOT, or give us a number receipt. On to the food, IT WAS SO YUMMY. I usually can't finish my food because my stomach is so little, but I forced myself to eat everything so that I don't waste such a delicious meal. Go have a bite, you won't be disappointed!