Zweli's

Restaurant · Durham

Zweli's

Restaurant · Durham

905 W Main St Suite 19C, Durham, NC 27701

Highlights

Zwelis in Brightleaf Square is a vibrant Zimbabwean restaurant serving up flavorful dishes like piri piri chicken and tender oxtail in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

905 W Main St Suite 19C, Durham, NC 27701 Get directions

zwelis.com

@zweliskitchen

$$ · Menu

@eater

"The long-awaited reopening of Zweli’s is here, with the popular African restaurant having recently relocated to new digs in Brightleaf Square. Customers at this new iteration of Zweli’s can expect the same classic Zimbabwean cuisine that helped put chef Zweli Williams on the map. Piri piri chicken, spicy stews, jollof rice, and more are available in the restaurant and as catered meals. A full wine and cocktail program complementsthe food, but a nice cold pilsner might be the best bet to pair with the punchy Zimbabwean flavors." - Matt Lardie

13 Hottest Restaurants in the Triangle, April 2024

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@infatuation

"Zweli's bills itself as the only Zimbabwean restaurant in the country, serving up dishes like braised oxtail, piri piri chicken, and jollof rice with sadza, a starchy, cornmeal-based staple used to scoop food with your hands. It’s in a strip mall just off the highway, with a casual feel that makes it perfect for a big group meal. Whatever you do, make sure you finish your meal with the magwinyas, sugar-coated doughnut balls that are perfectly bite-sized and the ideal companion to your otherwise savory meal." - eric ginsburg

The 13 Best Restaurants In Durham

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@infatuation

Zweli's - Review - Pickett Crossing - Durham - The Infatuation

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@eater

"Durham residents can shake up family meals with to-go platters from Zweli's, the only authentic Zimbabwean restaurant in the country." - Jenn Rice

North Carolina’s Food and Beverage Industry Needs Your Help Now - Eater Carolinas

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J Cianca

Google

This location seems to have undergone a very nice remodel. The old photos don't look anything like what it looks like now, it's much nicer. The staff was super friendly and helped us navigate the menu (which is minimal which I like). They said that in order to foster the tradition of family style sharing, you can pick two sides to be "bottomless" for the whole table. I like the idea of not just saying the food should be shared around the table, but actually helping make that happen by providing bottomless sides. Now to the food - what an experience!! I haven't had food like this before, and was instantly in love with each thing I tried. This is a must visit for anyone who wants to expand their tastes. Located just a few blocks from the bus station there's easy access. We hopped on the bus station near our house and took it to the terminal (I love Durham's free bus system, it's so easy) and then walked a few minutes to Zweli's. I recommend this restaurant for anyone who wants a unique experience and wants to support a great local restaurant doing things right!

NSA

Google

came here for lunch meal was decent but we never got our sides we didn't get comped for it either ( could have canceled our soda) our chips were first burnt and then replaced at the end when we were done if we got our sides maybe I'd consider coming back but the dish was imbalanced without it. liked the peanut shrimp

Phil A

Google

I had my first experience with Zimbabwean cuisine recently. The vegan options were clearly marked on the menu, which was a plus, and the portion sizes were satisfying. However, the food itself was just okay—nothing that really stood out. I might consider coming back if I were in a pinch, but it's not a place that left a lasting impression.

Isaiah Hyman

Google

This was a nice place for authentic African cuisine. The atmosphere was nice and intimate and the service didn't disappoint. The oxtails were tender with a nice Au jus-like broth. You must try the Veggie Samosas, Piri Piri Chips and Plantains.

James Kempski Your Triangle REALTOR 919-308-7597

Google

The food was fantastic. I was a little shy on the goat, but I was very surprised. The food was amazing. You must have the plantains also. The service was great also. They made you feel wanted and were happy you were there. Thank You all. Oh by the way they do add on the tip automaticly with an option to tip more when you pay.

luther kincade

Google

Step into Zwelis, the South African gem nestled in Durham’s Brightleaf Square, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to a vibrant Johannesburg eatery. The aesthetics are nothing short of stunning – think warm hues, rustic charm, and a dash of African flair that makes the entire dining experience feel like a mini-vacation. The location itself is excellent, boasting plenty of room for gatherings big and small. Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the food. The rotisserie chicken at Zwelis is, hands down, the best-seasoned bird I’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring. Each bite is a symphony of spices, making it clear that the chefs here know their craft. While the prices might seem a tad high for the portions, the taste more than makes up for it. You’re not just paying for a meal; you’re paying for an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you craving more. So, if you’re in Durham and looking for a place that offers both a feast for the eyes and the palate, Zwelis is your go-to spot. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Anthony Henderson

Google

There were great vibes from the moment we entered the space. Quick seating, engaging server who explained the inspiration behind the restaurant, and exciting menu options all contributed to an overall excellent experience. And dinner was delicious. Favorite items included the oxtails, curried cabbage, beef samosas, jollaf rice, and 'The Mayor' signature bourbon drink.

Nortorious Coleman-Taylor

Google

I REALLY wanted to support and like this place but most of it just fell below the mark. The presentation and atmosphere are beautiful but the food leaves MUCH to be desired. I’m use to African food having spice, kick and full of flavor. The jallof rice was bland dry and hard. There was no flavor whatsoever almost as if someone just spritz color on top of some day old left out to dry rice. The chicken skin was nice and flavorful but the chicken underneath bland. Found myself rubbing the meet on the skin to try and get some flavor to no avail. My wife had the tofu. She didn’t even bother to bring it back home and ate half a piece of one. There’s no hot sauce. No seasoning on the tables. The collard greens are on. We got a sample but because the restaurant had no hot sauce we opted out of them but that was a mistake because the cabbage was hard and bland as well. The food seems to be catered for people with bland pallets. I wasn’t impressed. The “bill” came which is just the waiter with a screen never showed what I purchased or a breakdown so I have no idea why I paid $60 for this with a discount. The gratuity is automatically included and I’m fine with that but the blurb on the menu makes it seem like my obligation to pay it to ensure they have a living wage. Where is the owners responsibility to ensure they have a living wage? My wife waited 25 min for her Pepsi to come and had to ask for it. I won’t return.

Christopher P.

Yelp

The food was great. I really enjoyed the piri piri chicken. The curry cabbage had a good flavor.

Daniel K.

Yelp

First time having Zimbabwean food and it did not disappoint! We ordered beef samosas for appetizers and oxtail, goat stew, dovi shrimp, and piri piri chicken for entrees and all were really good! The rice and dessert donuts felt like they were missing something and our server wasn't that attentive to us. The interior was nice though!

Nortorious C.

Yelp

I REALLY wanted to support and like this place but most of it just fell below the mark. The presentation and atmosphere are beautiful but the food leaves MUCH to be desired. I'm use to African food having spice, kick and full of flavor. The jallof rice was bland dry and hard. There was no flavor whatsoever almost as if someone just spritz color on top of some day old left out to dry rice. The chicken skin was nice and flavorful but the chicken underneath bland. Found myself rubbing the meet on the skin to try and get some flavor to no avail. My wife had the tofu. She didn't even bother to bring it back home and ate half a piece of one. There's no hot sauce. No seasoning on the tables. The collard greens are on. We got a sample but because the restaurant had no hot sauce we opted out of them but that was a mistake because the cabbage was hard and bland as well. The food seems to be catered for people with bland pallets. I wasn't impressed. The "bill" came which is just the waiter with a screen never showed what I purchased or a breakdown so I have no idea why I paid $60 for this with a discount. The gratuity is automatically included and I'm fine with that but the blurb on the menu makes it seem like my obligation to pay it to ensure they have a living wage. Where is the owners responsibility to ensure they have a living wage? My wife waited 25 min for her Pepsi to come and had to ask for it. I won't return.

Lakisha D.

Yelp

I had great customer service. The food was seasoned very well ,very good size portions, and I really appreciated the atmosphere.