Sahel Restaurant & Lounge

I have mixed feelings about the food. I am from the Caribbean and I have so many friends who are Africans and I love to eat their jollof rice. So, I decided to buy it. The rice was really dried. It looked like it been cooked for a while. They just heat it up in the microwave. Dancing Jerk Chicken was great but spicy. Egusi Stew. I did not like the smell. The smell was so unpleasant. Again, maybe because of different cultures but I didn’t like it. Overall, there is room for improvement. Lowell is full of Africans. Having a restaurant with good food to represent them will be fantastic.

Sahel restaurant is located in the heart of Lowell on Central Ave. The city itself is going through Major overhaul with constructions which, to me is perfect as I get to see part of the old city and what it will be in few months. Sahel restaurant is very unique and authentic. It is a two level restaurant whereas the top is for dining and the lower level for private events which one can also book. The food menu is diverse as it encompasses different cultures. Whether you're looking for a classic American experience or even just looking to try African or Jamaican food, Sahel menu will not disappoint you. When it comes to service, the staff at Sahel restaurant is outstanding, knowledgeable, courteous and always happy. I was visiting from DC and didn't know anything about Boston and Lowell. The staff made me feel welcome, pointed out things and places to see and do and that was just FANTASTIC! I had the egusi stew which was perfect! If you're in Massachusetts visiting, I highly recommend you drive to Lowell and visit Sahel, you will not regret.

Yudith, I really enjoyed myself. The service was amazing. The food was amazing. I was actually treating myself to some good old me time and I picked the perfect spot my server was really nice I appreciate her when asked for a suggestion she didn’t hesitate . Her suggestion was Jollof Rice and oxtails magnificent I didn’t think I could eat it all but I end up eating it all. Oh my goodness so delicious I was even dancing a little in my seat my meal was good. She made the perfect suggestion for me. I can’t wait until next time!! I really enjoyed my meal and Service was really good don’t forget to tip😋😋😋😋😋😋😋

This is my new go to spot!! Food is always served fresh and tasty. It’s so many great options to try. My favorite is the dancing jerk chicken and jollof rice. The ox tails and empanadas are great as well! The staff is very friendly and treat you like family!

Lord have mercy! Y’all gotta come here for some oxtail! They’re finger licking good and it pairs so well with the Jollof rice! Ugh I can’t get enough just thinking about it mades my mouth water. The tostones with the shrimp and avocado- so good! I regret not ordering another order cos it only came with 3. Had the jerk chicken too and it very delicious as well. Now I went a second time for the Fufu and egusi and ndole. They were good, but it was an acquired taste. I wanna give the dishes another shot at another restaurant. The beef empanadas were ok. Nothing too special.

Went here for our anniversary dinner. My husband is very picky so I knew we couldn't go wrong with Africa food. Our server was Bobby. They have a nice cocktail menu. I had Bobby mix me a mocktails I had the hibiscus/sorrell/zobo with pineapple juice it was great. My husband had one on the imported beer Castle said itv taste like old times. We had the curry fries,and shrimp tostones for apps. Shrimp was perfect not overcooked and tostones were nice and crispy. For entrees we had the dancing jerk with Jollof rice and the curry rasta pasta with chicken. My husband said the jollof was good right about of spices and it was standard no surprised like some jollof. Curry pasta was good but I will try the Snapper next time. The owner came and greeted us and told us they will be adding live music 2 days a week and Brunch in a few months. We will definitely be back

Service is horrible. Jollof rice is one of the common dishes in the African community but Sahel managed to mess it up. I went to Sahel about a year ago for dinner with some friends, the food was mediocre. Today, I went to have dinner, I waited for 30mins for someone to ask if I want a drink, I order my drink and food (jollof rice and chicken) at the same time. I order suya for appetizer, the suya arrived after an hour waited 30mins, still no jollof rice and chicken. I had to take my food to go.

Excellent first time. The food was absolutely delicious and great atmosphere. BBQ Guiness wings are out of this world. I tried the rasta pasta and jerk chicken with jollof rice and both were absolutely delicious. I cannot wait to come back and try something else on the menu 😍

Food was ok but not great. I complained about the food and got a nasty attitude from the waitress. Ambience is great.

Food is good but could use more seasoning. A little blend. Not spicy at all but overall decent.

Jollof Rice was definitely a 10/10!! I haven't had African food in a while and I was looking for a late night eat as I just checked into my hotel for the night. Luckily this place was still open! I also had egusi soup and when I say chef's kiss!

I've been to this restaurant a couple of times with my female companion and only once was the food good. Other times they didn't have my order ready because they didn't start it (even though I contacted ahead of time). One time they put my oxtails on tinfoil, which made it inedible due to the fact there tin foil on them (the oxtails)... but yesterday was the final straw and I'll tell y'all why. Me and my significant other decided to give them another shot and we wish we hadn't. My girl ordered the Egusi stew w/fufu and I had the jerk wings. After arriving at home with our food, she realized the was about almost half a cup of grease inside of the food she ordered after she took a couple bites and my wings still slightly raw on the inside. A couple of hours later she want feeling well due to the OILY EGUSI STEW, laying in bed, moaning because her stomach is in so much pain. I thought they were gonna step it up, apparently they NEED MORE TIME. FORTUNATELY me and my P.I.C. wont EVER be dining here again to see if they did ( step it up). DO NOT EAT AT SAHEL!!!!

I was very excited to hear there was a restaurant 30 minutes drive from me that made authentic African food so I really wanted to love this place. First the good. The restaurant is very clean and airy. The staff was very pleasant and friendly and the Egusi soup was okay but for the price they could provide a larger portion. I loved the smokey meat in it. Not so good ... parking is really tough. I had to park about a 10 minute park away. I'm sorry but the Jolly rice was dry and had no visible veggies , the Suya Beef was dry and also just a few slices of it. Please do better. We want to patron your establishment. Please work on the above.

Best service, I loved the ambiance . The bartender went above and beyond! The food was exceptional! I would 100% recommend

Went with co-workers for dinner during mid-week. Place was not busy, greeter and wait-staff were very friendly and helpful. Owners came out later to show appreciation. Appetizers were excellent, starting with complimentary seasoned toast/bread. Crab cakes were OUTSTANDING as were the Beef Surya (sp?) strips. Curry fries were done perfectly but the curry was very mild. Entrees ordered included the snapper, jerk chicken & oxtail. I had the jerk chicken and it was very nice. Not much dessert choice, just (a very good & dark) chocolate cake. I would definitely come back.

Awful the food made me puke, the server was unclear and pushed us out and the ambiance was terrible. NEVER going back.

Great customer service. Amazing staff and management. I have never seen a white waiter who knows all the details about African food. Amazing

Food was not good and that was being nice. The waitress brought food with hair on it and had a terrible attitude when being told. The food was so bland no condiments or flavor something that is standard to African food. Please change your chef as you are doing a disservice and not cooking authentic African cuisine

I ordered the oxtails with Jollof rice. I was a little disappointed on the size of the food. I expected a big portion since I paid a lot and got the small size. A little costly for the amount of food you get. The taste wasn't too bad and I plan on returning again in the future.

I was so happy to see this place on Grubhub today as I've been meaning to get downtown to try it, and holy sh!t it's so good! Jerk tofu will give me heartburn for 3 days but it was worth it. Jollof rice is craveable and the sweet plantains were a great side to add on. Can't wait to eat there in person!

Unfortunately the service was not it for me the waitress was condescending and lack knowledge of the menu Food was ok

The first time was bomb 10 stars! This is the second time and it was not even close to the first time 2 stars rice was dry and overcooked chicken was undercooked and the people that worked there was unpleasant and made me feel uncomfortable.

Went on a Sunday so it was a bit quiet, but the restaurant is new, fresh, and clean. Started our meal with the beef empanadas which were so good and filling that I almost regretted ordering our meal. Then it came,I had tried to order the jerk chicken but due to a busy Saturday they were out so I had the red snapper. I can not understand how they made it taste so good, I picked it clean. My husband had the oxtail stew which he stated was amazing. Will definitely be back!

Drove up from Boston for some Ndole. Walked into the restaurant at 11:40 and had to wait 5 minutes for someone to greet us only to let us know they had no servers until noon. Fine. Went an for coffee and returned at 12:15 to find the doors locked. Waited outside and knocked/called. Nothing. Guess they don't want business today ‍

1000/10 very flavorful and well seasoned, the curry rasta pasta is my favorite. can't wait to come back :)

New to this place. Large and varied menu, delicious preparation. Especially recommended: fish cakes, vegetable stew (beans, squash, cauliflower). Enjoy!

We came on a Saturday afternoon and I can't believe the place wasn't busier, the food was Amazing! The service was perfect! Even though the restaurant was empty the waitstaff wasn't intrusive but we also didn't have to wait for anything. I got the red snapper and it was much better than expected. Very fresh and well seasoned, sauces were so good I could have eaten them with a spoon! I feel like the prices were very reasonable for what you get

The food was beyond delicious. I ordered the butternut squash red bean stew. It was sublime. I ate half and boxed up the rest for tomorrow. The fried plantain was delicious as well. We really enjoyed the anana soda, which is large enough to split. I highly highly highly recommend this place! I'm so excited to have this just steps from the Middlesex Community College campus!

I had my birthday lunch here today. A beautiful, spacious restaurant, with excellent service, and delicious and beautifully presented food ! The waitress went out of her way to make us feel welcome. I hope more people come here. The shrimp tostados are amazing! And the desert was also superb!! Highly recommend.

Good food surrounded by lovely artwork and an attentive staff, a good combination for a restaurant.

Wow, something unique and delicious. The jerk chicken was fantastic -- spicy but not too hot, especially with the pineapple sauce stuff and paired with fried plantains. It had more chicken parts in there than a typical restaurant, so you do have to pick through it. The beans and butternut squash stew had this wonderful flavor-- unique. I got the steak for my kids to split. The flavor was fantastic with the cooked onions and seasoning (and my kids loved it). However it was thin and 25% of it was fat, so I felt there was too little for the price. My wife enjoyed the fried samosa meat pie things. I definitely want to return to explore more! Oh, and the staff including the owner were great.

This place is fabulous! Food was excellent and the service was perfect. Try it soon so they can thrive.

The service was good. The Atmosphere good with good music although too loud for having conversations. The 3 stars is due to the mix in terms of food. Jerk chicken, Jolof Rice and Plantain were all good, however the Oxtail dish was like rubber, literally could not get it off the bone and when your menu says "fall off the bone," you want it to fall off the bone. The sauce in the Oxtail was very tasty so we just put that on the rice and didn't eat the Oxtail. We noticed at least two other people who irder that sish struggling to get any meat off the bone. Not good. Don't know if it was the cooks that day or if it's always been like that, but I would not order that unless they start to cook it long enough to break down the cartilage and connective tissue. We did let our waiter know. Otherwise, we'd go back for the drinks, music and atmosphere. we want to see them succeed, so we really hope they read their reviews.

I am not a brave eater but my friend convinced me to try out this new african caribbean restaurant in town. The waiter convinced me that the jerk chicken was the best thing with the jollof rice and it wasn't spicy and it was award winning. I am glad I did because it was delish! It tasted like a unique barbecue chicken with a cool type of pilaf rice. The atmosphere was lovely - everyone was so welcoming and hospitable. I saw some salads and a shrimp dish I will be trying the next time I come. The atmosphere alone is reason enough to come.