Swahili Village - Newark, NJ

Time to break out of one’s culinary groove and explore a cuisine loaded with flavor, history, and a diversity of textures and ingredients. African cuisine holds quite a range, depending on the country and culture it originated from. Across the US, from vibrant food markets to trendy fusion cafés and transmigration-owned restaurants, one cuisine is rising fast: Kenyan food. It’s not as globally mainstream as Thai or Mexican yet, but in 2026 it’s becoming one of the most talked-about international food experiences, especially in multicultural cities like New York, Chicago, or LA. My partner, our friends, and I made a reservation at Swahili Village off of Center Street in Newark before the Saturday night performance at the nearby NJPAC. A reservation was easily made hours in advance via OpenTable. Upon arrival as first-timers, we were greeted by the host at this husband-and-wife-owned establishment. We were promptly seated at a high table by the bar in one of the three spacious dining rooms blending traditional elements paying homage to African heritage with modern touches; Afrobeat music enhances the festive atmosphere to create a warm and welcoming vibe. The menu is built around East African dishes influenced by the region’s historical ties to Arab traders, Portuguese explorers, British colonizers, and Indian immigrants. As a starter, we opted for the Samosa. For our main meal, we decided on Suya-Nyama Choma (Beef), Lamb Chops, Grilled Chicken Breast-Kuku Choma, and Oxtails. They came with two sides and got Jollof rice, Mokimo, Sweet Plantains, and Spinach. Our drinks (Flaming Margarita, White Sangria, The Motherland, and Heaven's Nectar Martini) were strong enough and tasted great, with some unique options. One reason why we fell in love with Kenyan cuisine was its balance of flavors. Instead of being extremely spicy or very mild, Kenyan dishes were aromatic, warmly spiced, and tastefully rich & savory. The portions were healthy. We didn’t have room for dessert. The service was impeccable. Our server, Fabrice, took the time to explain everything on the menu & recommended drinks and entrees. Overall, it was an amazing experience. Hands down the best food we’ve ever tasted!

I love Swahili Village in Newark. I go to many concerts at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center across the street so this is a great place for pre show or post show dinner drinks and wonderful atmosphere. I didn't get at chance to sample the cuisine as I was on my way to another commitment but stayed for a great glass of Chardonnay. Great crowd, lively atmosphere, beautiful decor. Will definitely return for dinner.

OMG!!! Really sums up my visit at this amazing establishment. Went to the Boy Is Mine Concert, my friends went out after the concert and came back raving about the time that was had…. had so much fun we went for lunch the next day. Our waiter Asani 10/10, Cassandra I just love her💜. Food was chef’s kiss 😘. My ONLY question is when y’all coming to Philly??????

I had the snapper with collard greens and jollof rice. I originally wanted it fried without sides but they did not have that option available even though I was told over the phone by a worker. The fish was good but too much onions and peppers for me. The rice was cool, not spicy how I would like it and the greens were bland to me. Overall the food was a 6/10. The sides portions was small for what I paid. The drink I had was very good . The service was just slow and not enough workers.I just wish they had the option of fried Snapper alone please. I was really craving it 😭

I had my birthday dinner at Swahili Village and it was absolutely amazing! The food was incredible and full of flavor, and the music was fire! DJ Onyx had us on our feet the entire night it was hit after hit after hit, we could barely focus on eating because the vibe was that good. The team also put together a beautiful menu for us and added personalized touches that made the evening extra special. For anyone planning to bring a large party, I recommend getting your orders in ahead of time it helps but honestly, the food is so worth the wait either way. I’m so happy I chose Swahili Village to celebrate my birthday. It was everything I could’ve hoped for and more. Can’t wait to come back again!

A time was had at Swahili Village this weekend. Assani and Casandra (Mgr) were amazing! We had the samosas, jollof rice, wings, and the shareable tasting platter and EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING!! The peri peri sauce (spelling) was wonderful and took us back to a trip to Africa we took a few years back. PLEASE OPEN A LOCATION IN PHILLY!! We would welcome this atmosphere and amazing cooking with open arms and empty stomachs. If you are ever in Newark for a show make sure to stop by before and after. The restaurant closes at 3am and the DJ on Saturday after the concert was awesome. My husband and I had so much fun that we stayed until the lights came up and came back at noon the next day for lunch. IT IS JUST THAT GOOD.

My experience here was nice. The food was good, the beef is really nice and juicy. The jollof isn’t like West African jollof but that’s okay because this is a Kenyan restaurant. I would love if they would instead prioritize an East African rice dish instead. Our server was pretty nice and the timing of the dishes coming out was just alright. The music is very very loud on weekends so be prepared.

It's a very nice place after you leave NJPAC.The staff is attentive.We had bar food wings and beer Yes they have Stella 😋 Clifford Mgr is an awesome Gentleman who looks after the guests as well as the assistant manager. Call for reservations and don't forget the DJ on Saturday.Extensive selection of Wines and champagne.

Loved this place! Ordered the sampler appetizer and the cod coconut curry dish. Everyone was so sweet and informative of their food and excited to educate me on it! Feels very funky and fun inside the place, yet classy.

Was asked to try this place with one person from Kenya. I am not a heavy spice guy. But I am all for new first. There is no parking for this place. And street parking is horrible in Newark. I asked the hotel next door could I park their. Amd the attendant said no even though it was a pay to park. So if you give this place a try. Be prepared to ride around looking for parking. The decor is nice, warm and inviting. I notice they have table clothes on tables in the back, but not all tables - unsure why this is? I had a issue with my silverware sitting on the table and not on a napkin. So I asked for a glass of HOT WATER to place them in. The menu is not large. Choices are limited. But decent. I should have gotten the Lamb chops like I planned to. But I went with the Samaki Wa Nazi Whole deep-fried tilapia, seasoned in Kenyan spices and finished with a coconut sauce. I am not going to trash it. But I will say I did not care for the Kenyan spices so much. I will go back and try the lamb chops. When I saw it on other plates that passed by me. They looked really good. But again I would think there be a different flavor with Kenyan spices. But I'll try it.

Eh....stopped in for dinner mid week. Host sat me at the bar right away and that was the best part of evening for me. There were 3 other patrons, but he was busy talking to fellow servers. Once I was given the menu still took several minutes to come back to take my drink order and no water dropped off yet. Really wanted the Tusker Lager (Kenyan beer) but they were out. Then ordered an old fashion. It was ok, but they used the wrong cherries and no other garnish. Then ordered the grilled goat appetizer. When it came (see picture below) did not appear freshly grilled. More like steamed or nuked and not a lot of flavor. While I had intended to get a main. Opted not to as getting the staffs attention to further order was most difficult. Overall very disappointing. Really wanted to like the place and come back. But with my experience I do not think I will.

My friends and I stumbled upon this restaurant on our way to a concert at NJPAC. The location is perfect--super convenient for dinner before or after a show. Swahili Village is an upscale African restaurant with a beautiful ambiance and a high-energy bar scene where the music truly soothes the soul. The food is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the oxtails (don't forget extra gravy!), the grilled wings, and the collard greens. And whatever you do, make sure to explore their South African wine selection--such a perfect complement to the meal. If I had one critique, it's that some food items occasionally run out and the service can be hit or miss. That said, Violet (not sure if she's still there) is superb--my favorite waitress by far. Her service is completely top notch. With late hours, great vibes, and consistently flavorful dishes, this is a spot I'll keep coming back to--especially when picking up friends and family from the airport. -------------------------------------------- Because dining is more than food - it's flavor, style and elegance that should be savored one bite at a time. - AMC

I came with a group of 8 because I wanted everyone to try African food. We were warmly greeted and seated in the back room near the bar by two very kind ladies. The atmosphere was welcoming, and service started off well. Our waiter took our food and drink orders, but unfortunately, there were a couple of issues. I ordered the grilled goat based on the waiter's recommendation, but I was served the stew goat instead. Since I had an event to attend afterward, I didn't have time to send it back. The dish was okay, but not what I asked for. Also, one of my guests ordered a drink that never arrived during our meal. When we noticed it was still on the bill, I asked the waiter about it, and he ended up giving it to her to go. Overall, the staff was friendly and the vibe was good, but the service could use some tightening--especially when it comes to order accuracy and follow-through.

I cannot believe that I have not experienced this spot sooner. To quote my nearly 11yo, "Oh my WOW"! I was looking for a place near NJPAC, for a before show dinner and fortunately came across this spot on Yelp. The service, the ambiance, the music, the cocktails, oh and the food were terrific. Portions are generous, every bite is full of flavor and our server was attentive and knowledgeable. Really 4.5 stars, definitely will go back.

Meal was honestly a solid 9. It lost points on the flavor in the lamb unfortunately - good but I've had better. The rice *chefs kiss* and the fried sweet plantains top tier. Why I did not give 5 stars was because the service / staff. When we arrived at our reservation time we were ignored. We waited in the lobby close to 15mins after several servers / staff members came to the counter to address other issues EXCEPT the 6 people staring at them. Finally we spoke up and we were taken to our seats. Once at our table we continued to wait YET AGAIN this time 10mins before we were even greeted. Truthfully this type of service would make me not want to come back - but the food was good and I'd probably try to come next time maybe not on a Saturday night.. Word to the wise expect to wait, but you'll enjoy the food.

Came here on a Saturday evening after a show at njpac. We walked right in and was satat a table. Thr place was really packed. Services was a bit slow but it was expected due to how many people where there. The music was good, food was good, and vibez were on point. I got the salmon with jolof rice and plaintain, my partner got the chicken with jollof rice and plaintain. The salmom wasnt what was described. It didnt come in a butter sauce. It was dry but well seasoned. The jollof rice wasnt my favorite but it was ok. My partner liked his food.

Hubby and I decided to eat here one night after wandering in from a concert at the NJPAC. We got seated immediately, but waited 5 minutes for a menu because the dining room was short on menus and we had to wait for a table across from us to finish with their menus. When menus finally reached us they were crumpled and stained, not befitted of a dining experience that will cost upwards $100 per person for dinner. We decided to leave before the server returned to take our order and dined elsewhere. Also, the greeter who seated us also presented himself as our assigned server which might indicate that they were short-staffed.

came here since in area for a concert. got the ginger beer, which i found out was freshly made - delicious, not like any other canned or glasses premade ginger beer. for apps we tried the beef bites, asked for them to be medium rare which they definitely were not, but they were still crispy, fatty, flavorful. Main course, oxtail, with jollof rice and cabbage - this is a different kind of jollof rice, so i need to try them all from various parts of Africa, but i did enjoy this one. the oxtail had some fatty bits to it, which i didnt care for but the meat that was there was tender and fall off the bone.

I can't believe it's been 2 years since I've been here. Happy to report the customer service and food remain on point. I had the wings again, sweet plantains and chapati. The food came out hot and fresh. It was a Friday around 5pm and it was kind of empty but I'm guessing I got there before the dinner rush. Everything clean, organized and welcoming. I will continue to support this place whenever I'm in the area

Came on a night that was super packed. We shared a few appetizers at the table. Im not sure this place gave me the wow factor. I was truly unimpressed, and when the hill arrived, i found that it was truly overpriced. Im on the fence to return. We will see.

I had heard about Swahili Village for a while, so when my friend, who is Kenyan, suggested we dine there for dinner, it was a no-brainer. The restaurant is absolutely stunning and has very beautiful African artwork that creates a really lovely aesthetic. The pan-African music also added to the vibe and wasn't overpowering. The prices certainly align with the ambiance as they are certainly on the high-end. The bar is bustling and quite a scene, which is the reason that I would return. The evening weekend rush might have impacted my dining experience. For starters, each person at my table ordered their own Swahili basket which had one samosa, 3 bhajia (fried flattened potato) and one sausage. We could not fully enjoy the starters as the entrees were served less than 5 minutes after the starters arrived at our table. For my entree, I ordered the goat stew which was accompanied with a thick tomato sauce on top. For my sides, I had the mokimo (similar to mashed potatoes) and sauteed spinach with coconut milk. The goat was quite tender and the spinach was tasty, but the rest of the elements of the dish were underseasoned. However, I did taste the grilled chicken with pilau rice and both of those items were flavorful. While my Tamu cocktail (coconut rum, melon schnapps and peach puree) was really sweet and strong, I found the non-alcoholic version of one of their gin-based cocktails (the first drink on the cocktail menu and begins with a C) to be the star of the evening. I would like to return to Swahili Village the next time I am catching a show at NJPAC to enjoy a drink at the vibrant bar and enjoy the wonderful music.

This is a very good Black owned restaurant in downtown Newark. The food was amazing. The drinks were strong and tasty. I loved the art and decor. Plus our server was attentive and friendly.

Came to this restaurant during my short trip to Jersey after my artists' set expecting good African food and I was not impressed at all Here's a quick review: 1. Ordered spicy pineapple margarita. - was okay , but wasn't spicy at all. 2. Ordered shrimp skewers (those were good) 3. Lentils with jollof rice & fufu - rice came out very old and hard so I sent them back and they gave me a new batch. Fufu seemed like it was instant fufu with a gritty consistency (not good with this being a African restaurant) Overall, the bartender was a very nice lady but the quality of food was mediocre and rushed.

This is my 2nd time here. I forgot to take pics again but the food is very flavorful. I had the samasos full of beef and loved the sweet sauce with it. For entree I had the grilled chicken with cabbage and joloff rice. The cabbage was a bit bland to me and could've used more seasoning. Likely won't get that as a side again. The plantains I tasted were big,sweet, and fried hard with a little crisp. I tasted my mother's lamb chops which were very good as well. The music is chill ofcourse afrobeats playing. It wasn't crowded shockingly before the Mike Epps concert but I'll take it. This will always be a staple for me if I come to NJPAC events.

Swahili Village is a gem. I will forever thank my cousin for bringing me here. The interior is better in person, and the low lights contribute to it being a sultry, brown, and glowing environment. The drinks were 10/10 and the food is somehow even better. I had the suya and goat stew. The suya is a meat lovers dream; perfectly marinated, salted and charred steak cubes. I keep thinking about that dish in particular. The goat stew had an amazing and deep flavor. The music was afro-beats and a DJ came in to make the vibe even better. He was playing afrobeat hits, and even Kompa. It is on my list of places to come back to soon

I came to pick up trays of pilau rice and collard greens for my cousin's wedding reception. What immediately caught my eye was the artwork in the lobby and throughout the restaurant. The music was at an even level where you could enjoy it and your company at the same time. I also noticed how spacious it is inside, with multiple areas to dine at. In terms of the food, the rice and collard greens paired well with the other dishes we had. I look forward to dining here to get the full experience.

Easy Yelp to make. Great location if you are looking for a place to eat and/or have drinks near NJPac. It is literally across the street! Great hospitality from the moment you open the door and walk in, to when you leave. Food and drinks were great but I mostly enjoyed the vibe. Everyone was dressed nice and just having a good time everywhere you looked. I look forward to visiting again. Oh and great vegetarian options

Dope experience! I was entertaining out of town colleagues after a busy week at work and wanted to make our last evening memorable. My cousins suggested this place and it hit the spot in almost every way. We spent the week hosting race equity retreats so how fitting to end it at an African restaurant surrounded by beautiful Black people?! Restaurant is located right across from NJPAC. Theoretically there is street parking but on a Friday evening good luck. We ended up parking across the street in the event lot. $28 ouchies but work is gonna slide me that reimbursement so I'll deal. Your tolerance for that pricing may be understandably reduced. The vibe is great - I was initially concerned that me at 44 entertaining folks who have a solid 15-25 years on me would not be in alignment with what had been described to me as a "festive" atmosphere but I was happy to see the intergenerational flavor of the place: teens, couples, elders, girls night, aunties, toddlers. Yes please! Food: The only African food I've really had is Ethiopian which I love. Didn't know what to expect from the flavors here but it all looked and tasted fantastic. I got the steak tips with jollof and collards. My colleagues got the red snapper which was gorgeously presented and a tilapia salad and sides. Prices: Whew! But I've eaten less quantity and quality for way more so I can dig it. $8 for a soda with refills smh. Picture: A camera person comes around and takes photos of you. You think you won't purchase it bc you can take a photo on your phone for free but something about the mood, the Blackness, and the psychological safety coaxes you to spend. The frames are nice lol. Fat things: The chair situation is varied. I was not impressed with the bar stool sturdiness so we opted for a floor table and were taken to a booth. The clearance between the table and bench was laughable imo and would have made a nice shelf for my breasts. Finally, in true Goldilocks fashion we got a regular table. Note to restaurant: Make more of those please!! They're accommodating for a wider range of bodies and disabilities. I will be back. I will spend a lot of money. I will be surrounded by Black people. And I will be happy.

This place was recommended to us by one of our bartenders so we decided to check it out before we went to a concert at the NJPAC. We just went in for drinks and appetizers. Their speciality drink list is limited, but decent. They have a small draft list and several can/bottle options. They offer a "bucket special" of African beers - 6 for $50. The appetizers that we had were VERY good (simosas and the tilapia fillet bites in coconut curry sauce). The prices are fairly high, in my opinion, so be prepared to spend at LEAST $100 for dinner for two people. It gets VERY packed in the evening and it has a "nightclub" kind of atmosphere - loud music, drinks flowing, and high energy. Not sure we would go in again, but we were both glad we tried it and we really enjoyed ourselves.

I'm not well versed in Kenyan specific food but as far as African in general this is the best I've had. Honestly. I got the tilapia, my wife got the Salmon and my mom got the chicken curry. I tried some of everything. The salmon was perfectly crispy and then not over cooked inside. Honestly the chicken was the best. The sides were great. My wife got the plantains, which were just perfectly crispy. I got the best Maddie rice, which was absolutely delicious. I got a ginger beer which was closer to soda than most ginger beers. We didn't even know that my wife's parents were at the bar and they said their drinks were amazing. This is about an hour and 46 minutes or so away from us, but we are definitely going to make the drive to go here again. In fact, it's probably a reason to book another symphony show. I wasn't surprised to find out that the places a chain because it kind of looks like it's decorated like it would be a chain. Still cool that it does appear to employ people that have African accents.

I came here for dinner on Sunday with a reservation and was seated right away. Inside is nice and the decor is really esthetically pleasing. It wasn't too busy, with a few folks seated at tables, as well as the bar, but as the evening went on, it began to get packed. The music and vibes were great. Leyla was our waitress. She was very sweet and well familiar with the menu. For drinks, we ordered the homeland and the smoking thunder, and for an appetizer, I got the nyama choma bites (suya). It came out within 10 mins of ordering. It didn't taste like the typical suya I'm used to and definitely didn't have any suya spices. Instead, it tasted like marinated steak tips you'd get at a sports bar. Some pieces were harder to chew than others. The drinks took a while to come out, which was a little annoying since we were seated right next to the bar and could see the drinks, or lack thereof, being made. The homeland was basically a sweet and sour Long Island, since it was made with sweet & sour and mango purée. It was really strong. The smoking thunder was more on the sweeter side, but still strong. The salmon was really yummy and well seasoned. The jollof rice was just okay and nothing to run back to. I enjoyed the cabbage. It was a flavorful, but still added a fresh element to the entire dish. Overall, it was a decent dining experience. I'd come back and sit at the bar. They also have big TVs and I was able to watch the Celtics game that was playing. An 17% gratuity is automatically added to your bill.

The service was good. The owner was very kind and attentive. Our actual waiter seemed a bit off but maybe he was new to the establishment. There was a moderate amount of people inside and a cigar club congregating outside. We ordered and then partaked in the food. We ordered the Bhajia for appetizers. Then I ordered the salmon with cabbage and jollof rice. I also had the lentils as a side dish. The lentils were great! The bhajia was also good especially accompanied by the sweet&spicy sauce. The jollof rice was really good too. My first time eating their food although I have been there a few times before.

Came on a Monday during lunch hours- not very busy at all so we just walked in. Disclaimer- they do NOT have the combination/platters for entrees here! Only available in servings for 5+ people... I don't know why. Might be too fancy ($$$) of a spot. That's what we came looking for but decided to give ethiopian 'fine dining' a try. Mango mojito- strong on the rum! Tropic infusion- delicious. pretty presentation with 3 colors in layers but mix it up to get the best flavor. Swahili basket- nice sampler but I will say its a small portion, def not a shareable item. The samosa and the bhajia were my favorite. The sausage was okay but nothing African tasting about it to me. The sweet chili sauce was a nice touch. Curry chicken- delicious! The seasoning is so flavorful and the chicken was perfectly tender. Boneless too thank god! Sweet Plantains- ok, not as sweet as maduros like I was expecting and a little hard too. Jollof rice- MUST have. The spices in here are amazing. Paired really well with the chicken too. Really wanted to try the mandazi for dessert but they didn't have a lot of options available that day for some reason. Our server was really nice and on point too. Parking is only on the street and limited at that. Recommend? yes Return? maybe. It is a bit pricey.

Came here after work with some coworkers. Great atmosphere, music and service. Appetizers were the best part and the meal was decent. Drinks were also good! There were even a few vegetarian options for my vegetarian coworker.

The food was amazing! This was my first time trying Kenyan food. The spinach was amazing! I also enjoyed the plantains. The jollof rice was flavorful, but a little dry. The vibes were amazing! There was a DJ playing and there was a mix of Afro beats and 90s R&B. Can't wait to return and try some more things on the menu!

The restaurant is beautiful and has a classy ambiance. Service is fantastic. Our server was so polite and peppy. Food was great. Hearty home cooked African food in a classy sit down setting is something that's much needed. We had fried potatoes and their version of tomato pico de gallo as sides. I had the coconut lentil stew with jollof rice and plantains. Delicious! My companion had the curry chicken with what looks like creamed spinach. She said her dish was delicious too. The food was very filling and flavorful. Next time, I will leave room enough for desert.

I celebrated my birthday with 12/2024 with family and friends, it was a good time!!!!

The food was amazing! Service was great! The ambiance is grown and sexy! I really enjoyed myself for my 15 year anniversary. And I can't wait to go back to try the wings and fish!

Great restaurant ! Food is very tasteful, flavorful all around. I ordered the oxtail with jollof and cabbage, 10/10! Loved the appetizers, samosas was super tasty. And suya was great. Drinks were tasty and strong as well. Easy to make reservations, had to push back our reservation by 30 minutes and they were more than accommodating. Ambiance is beautiful, comfortable space. Only downside, the restaurant was hot! Didn't feel like any air was on, this was in the dining area not much of a crowd.. imagine it was the bar area. We were sweating just sitting there. I hope it doesn't get worse in the summer areas. Bring a hand held fan! lol

The ambiance is always a hit at Swahili Village. There is always amazing music playing. The decor is a celebration of black and African culture. The staff is very helpful. Last night after a rough week, 5 of us got together to eat, drink and unwind. The jollof rice is a must have. The lamb was cooked to perfection. The shrimp was very tasty as well. The beef was tender. The drinks were described by our waiter Freddy as sweet but strong which was not a lie. They were very strong. The only downside to Swahili Village is the parking however it is worth it! Car pool or take an Uber. You will not regret eating here.

I've been a fan of the first Swahili Village location location in a shopping plaza in MD. The service may take a bit of time but the food has always been stellar and worth the wait. I wanted to try the New Jersey location to see if the recipes are consistent across board. Not only was it consistent in taste but the location and ambiance of the NJ located has definitely kicked it up a notch. Great location for a date night, to bring family, and the portion sizes are impressive. BEEF SAMOSA - Crispy and delicious GRILLED CHICKEN Chicken Wings - Well seasoned and crispy. Our waiter recommended the grilled option. Great taste and well cooked. I have a thing against 'wet' wings and this were not that. No need to ask them to cook them hard (if that's your preference) , they get it right the first time! GOAT STEW / MBUZI MCHUZI - This is My go-to order! Sometimes I pick between so this or the beef version (less expensive option) and it is ALWAYS a hit! I was rather surprised because again it tasted just as good as I remember from the MD location. Please come to Houston! The meat is slow-cooked till tender in a stew but more like a rich curry.. that goes wonderfully with the chapati.. I usually will break off of the chapati with my hand and pick the meat .. almost like mini taco of sorts! The side of plantain is the added sweetness that balances with such a savory dish!!

I would give this place 10 starts if if could! I came here on a Monday to have dinner with my bestie. The service was top tier! S/O to Vladimir and Larry who were working the bar that night. The Ambiance here is like a two in one, intimate and chic depending on what your going for. Listen when I say the food and drinks here are made with love! EVERYTHING I had here was SO flavorful and seasoned to perfection! I got a mango mojito of course due to that being one of my favorite cocktails. My entree was the goat stew with Jollof rice and collards greens. The collards were sautéed man oh man! They outstanding! I've never had them prepared that way before. The jollof rice was ok it was more like yellow rice compared to how I had it in the past. My best friend got the Suya beef cubes with the sautéed spinach and Jollof rice as well with a side of sweet plantains. I must say I really really enjoyed my entire time here! I'll definitely be back and I highly recommend coming here. Also check out Friday and Saturday nights , they have a live DJ on those days.

This is fine African dining. The food seems really authentic and I enjoy the aesthetic. The service has always been good. I haven't made it to any themed happy hours but they look great on Instagram so I recommend you check them out! If I had lady friends in Newark I'd go. My favorite dish hands down is the trio appetizer. I literally could order it thrice and call it my meal. Whatever the seasonings and flavor combinations are wow it's an explosion of amazingness! Makes me happy dance. And the jollof is bomb. This visit I finally tried the red snapper and it was good. The lamb a wee bit salty. The green mash flavorless literally (but I believe it's intended?). The chicken is really good. It's situated across from NJPAC so a lovely restaurant pre or post show! Go, enjoy!!

Five stars for the food! The flavors of every plate are delicious. The Lamb chops were particularly delicious. The cocktails are original, tasty and strong. The reason for the four star rating: - the music in the bar area is LOUD. We were originally seated at a table under a speaker and had to ask to be moved to a quitter table. - the service can be slow. Leave yourself a lot of extra time if you're having dinner before a show at NJPAC (which is across the street).

My first time at SV did not disappoint. It's a beautiful restaurant with delicious food and strong drinks. We had the wings to start and they were delicious. The oxtail meal is savory and filling. If you like Sioux food like me then it comes with a side of hot sauce made with ghost peppers. I tried a traditional Kenyan meal as one of my side dishes (mokimo) I thought it was delicious and complimented the meal well. The drinks were delicious and very strong ! It was a Saturday night so after we ate we hung around the bar area. It was packed ! There was a live DJ and it felt like a mini lounge /club. Overall it was expensive but the food and drinks are worth coming to try this place at least once.

Definitely one of the better dining establishments in Newark. I've been here several times for dinner and lunch and the service and quality of food is consistent. I've tried several things and my favorite continues to be the lamb and the jollof rice. They have a decent happy hour special that I dont think alot of people know about because its not that busy around that time. Weekend nights make a reservation. Its a hotspot and very bustling. They have a Dj that comes and the bar area is usually packed. One thing though is parking sucks. You may luck out with limited street parking or there is a garage but overall it sucks. If you haven't been I definitely recommend.

First time having Jollof rice and I'm very impressed and mad at myself for being so late to try it. I'm not even a rice person but this rice was so flavorful, I had it along with the red snapper, what I didn't like was that the snapper came out buried under a stew of veggies. I don't like wet fish, so I would of liked to know in advance but there wasn't a description on the menu. The red sangria was highly recommended and I must say it was the strongest sangria I've ever had and the portion was huge, I was even able to put it in a cup and take it to go. Everything came out quick and the ambiance wasn't nothing to rave about, felt like a typical trip go applebees, but I heard it gets lit on Friday nights. I'd return. TikTok : eat_travel_and_be_merry

I've become a regular here being from Brooklyn, i make the trek to come and hang out at this place. Restaurant /bar Swahili is a whole vibe. With a full stocked bar, beautiful people, and great music, you won't be bored; not to mention the food is freaking delicious. I had the lamb chops with jolof rice and spinach, and my taste buds were doing the happy dance. The spinach was my favorite. I can't even describe the taste. The jollof rice cooked well and tasty, and the lamb chops were cooked to perfection. All in all, a 10 out of 10 meal. I also enjoy their grilled or fried wings as well. They are my go-to if I want to snack. The drinks are great as well. The staff are hard working, the DJs are on point, and it's in a prime location. If you want good food, good drinks, and fun vibes all in one, then this is the place to be.

Let me tell you about our adventure at Swahili Village - it was like a flavor rollercoaster with a side of spice-induced sweating (we ordered a side of the spicy hot oil because we love spice, because it gives you so much life !!! The red snapper I ordered, was so crispy and delicious, it made me want to break into a happy dance right there. And don't even get me started on the Jollof rice - it's like they sprinkled magic over it, or maybe it's because I just sprinkled a ton of irresistibly hot sauce that had me questioning my tolerance for spicy food. But fear not, they're smart enough to let you control the spice level, because they know not everyone wants to leave the restaurant looking like they just ran a marathon in a sauna! Now, onto the goat dish - it was so tender and flavorful, I swear I could hear angels singing with every bite. And let's not forget the suya meat we ordered as an appetizer- it was so juicy and tender, and a great introduction to how bomb the meal was going to be,..it was like biting into a slice of meaty heaven! It tasted slightly charred, barbecued and glazed.... Amazing !!!! Washed it all down with some chai tea, which was the cherry on top of an already amazing meal. With service that could rival a five-star restaurant in my opinion when it comes to good African food, and an ambiance that's both cozy and inviting, Swahili Village has officially become our go-to spot. Seriously, if you haven't been here yet, you're missing out on the best dining experience of your life!!!! Love this place BOMBBBBB.COM

Great food, decently priced, amazing service. There's a lounge area and a booth area. Lounge area is more busy/exciting but the music gets progressively louder as the night goes on so you'll have to scream across the table. But the music is great--afro beats all night long. Booth section is a lot quieter but probs a bit boring. Recommend the goat stew, jallof rice, sweet plantains, and flatbread! And the jalapeño hot sauce!!

Ambiance, atmosphere, attractive! Swahili Village is such an amazing experience. Came here with a local friend that had no clue about this place. As we walk up in our casual wear, we questioned whether or not we be allowed entry. We were but definitely said that next time we'll be a little more dapper. So point is, Swahili Village visually is upscale. We didn't have reservations but that also wasn't an issue. We were sat almost immediately. Service from there continued with our drink choices. I ordered the Tropical Infusion drink. I'm here to tell you it is a fruity blind of rums and juices perfectly layered. Yes...it packs a punch! Wasn't in the mood for three course meal but did get an app. So I ordered their samosas. Time from order to to being placed on the table was about 10 minutes. The pouches of brown meat was flavorful. The flour shell was soft, flaky, and layered. The setting on the plate with the sweet Chilli sauce was like food art. I didn't want to eat it. As I mentioned, I didn't order a three course meal but had a couple drinks and an app. There was such a vibe throughout the restaurant. Everyone was talking, upbeat reggae African beats going, the staff was deck out in their black attire. It was truly a lovely time. Not sure how but I spent $100 on a four drinks and an appetizer. Pair that with the parking fee and it was a bit of an expensive trip. I'll be coming back for sure as I want to try other things on their menu and just vibe out in this atmosphere.

Before an event at NJPAC, we had dinner reservations at Swahili Village. It was an early dinner before the show. We were a part of four. I decided to order vegetarian so that my partner and I could sample more things that night (and maybe sample non-veggie apps ordered by our friends). This is what we ordered for VEGETARIAN dining at Swahili Village: - Tusker Lager (a bottled Kenyan beer) - Lentils/Ndengu entree with fufu/ugali and collard greens/sukuma wiki - Red Beans/Maharagwe entree with jollof rice and kachumbari The food was fantastic! This was the first time I had fufu. I think it went well with the coconut lentil stew. I liked the kachumbari side also because it's a temperature contrast to the hot food being diced tomato, onion, cilantro, lime and habanero pepper (like a pico de gallo). Our waiter - who was really cool and friendly - asked if we wanted hot sauce. Ask for the hot sauce! Even just to try, but forewarning - the hot sauce packs a punch, so add conservatively at first. But it adds to the food by enhancing the flavors - it's worth a try. Inside Swahili Village is gorgeous. They really took time with the interiors. It's a really large space, and they offer a variety of dining areas inside. I can't remember how they host described them to us when we arrived - but there's three or four (the dining room, one with high top chairs, one with tables and standard-height chairs and booths, and one other by the bar). The artwork, the wood cutout wall dividers, the elephants, candles on the tables, etc.; they created a sleek, cool ambiance. Plus they pump great music through their PA system. It's got a vibe. I'm not sure about wait time. We made reservations ahead of time, so we were promptly seated once we arrived. We were able to have dinner there before crossing the street to NJPAC without any time crunch. This was a special occasion, so we splurged with a dinner at Swahili Village, but I had a fun time dining there with friends and made great memories. So if you're looking for something like that kind of experience, I would recommend Swahili Village for sure.

My first visit here I was very excited because I heard great things. I was disappointed in the food because it was delivered to us cold as if it was sitting for a while. I asked the bartender for a specific white wine she poured me red wine. I didn't want to be difficult knowing red wine gives me an instant headache. I started to drink some and I instantly got a headache so I ordered another drink. I also noticed the menu says no gratuity added to the bill but we were charged 20% gratuity. The service could've been better and the food could've been warmed before presenting it to me and my husband.

Hands down one of the best restaurants in Newark! Service: A+! The staff always have a friendly demeanor and professional delivery. Decor: elegant and detailed. Great incorporation of the African culture with a modern twist. Food: well seasoned, made fresh, great portion size, and has never disappointed me. I have tried almost every item on the menu and my tastebuds have danced each time. Starting Thursday night until Sunday, they have a live DJ so the vibes are always lively. Only critique is the lack of parking. Recommendation to take an Uber or park in a garage. Street parking is extremely limited.

So I wanted to try this place out a few times before I could gave it a thoughtful, honest, review. I've gone at different times (dinner, happy hour, late night vibes) and most recently, brunch. I will start by saying there are a few gems here who've held me and my guests down on several occasions. There are some who could use some training on customer service but that won't be the focus of the review (which is why I wanted to go a few times during different shifts). The ambiance is upscale African restaurant with Afrobeats on regular rotation. The food and drinks are on the pricier side but I think it's a gem that opened in the beginning of Downtown Newarks rejuvenation. The city is filled with professionals looking for a safe and comfortable place to vibe to afrobeats around the grown and sexy. The reataurant is broken up in several different areas which include the main bar, main sit down restaurant area, outdoor seating, and back room dining area. The bar packs up and when they don't have a DJ spinning the dopest tunes, they have their own playlist on shuffle. The music alone remains a strong draw. Franco the manager, Maria & Madhai at the bar, and Kwasi the server have all been great to work with. Very pleasant, personable and always went out of their way to make each visit great. Most recently, Machai was the day time bartender/server during brunch and was great! He took care of my larger group and made the sangrias to perfection. The restaurant is conveniently located within walking distance of several residential buildings/office buildings in the downtown Newark area, and they have parking options available - which include valet parking (I believe). Now, for the food. In my opinion, the best things on the menu = the wings (with the sweet sauce), the jollof rice, the nyama suyo (beef cubes), and the plantains. All so delicious and filling. Had the Indaba wine - which is a local Kenyan wide. Very good. I'd highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in the Downtown Newark area looking for after work or night time vibes.

Came here all the way from Brooklyn to give this place a try on Christmas Day. Of course we were a table of two, and there were only surrounded by three other tables that were occupied in this huge restaurant for Christmas lunch. It was fine with us. even though the restaurant was big being there with not a lot of people inside, gave it an intimate feel and the food came out quickly, the waiter seemed very relaxed and attentive, and we were not rushed. We will definitely come back at night to check the vibe at the bar and hopefully to have dessert as the dessert we wanted was not available and that is the reason I'm taking off one star. Besides that go here if you're looking for a Kenyan meal and you can't make it to Kenya!

Food was on point.. place was nice only bad thing is finding parking. Would come again to try a different dish