Coming to African Paradise was such a new experience! This restaurant was packed at the time I visited! Parking was difficult to find because of the way the plaza is set up, so I definitely suggest carpooling if it's a busy day. The restaurant is divided into two parts based on the cultural norms, one side has all men, and the other side has women and their family/friends. I went with my co-ed group of friends so we sat on the women's side. When we sat down we were served right away, the servers were kind and helpful explaining the menu. The menu doesn't have prices, so be sure to ask before you order. You also get a banana (for the rice), lentil soup, and some mango juice! I ordered the Roasted Lamb with curry rice and honestly this was one of the best meals I've had in a long time! The lamb was so juicy and cooked perfectly and the seasoned rice went so well with it, the salad on the side as well as the green hot sauce brought it all together. Overall, I wish I could give the place 5 stars because the food is so amazing. However, the appearance of both the restaurant and menu could use some up-keep. I will definitely be going back soon! read more

African Paradise Restaurant - Roasted Lamb with curry rice - African Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Excellent food. From the Sambusa to the Biryani. Nice, quiet atmosphere as well. Wood recommend if you enjoy Somali dishes or if you just want to widen your palate by trying something new! read more

I first heard of this from a guy at work who said they served camel, but I didn't see that on the menu. Anyway, Sweetie is out of town, and although she cooked a ton of food for me I am also trying out some places she would not be interested in. I didn't think she would like this, and I was positive as soon as I pulled up out front. It is in a run down strip mall off Morse, and the whole mall was packed when I came on a Saturday afternoon. Inside the restaurant, it was only moderately busy, and I was seated quickly and got quick and friendly service. They bring a complimentary bowl of soup, a thick vegetable curry which was excellent. Since everyone else suggested the mango juice and I like it anyway, I went with that, and it went well with everything. This is Somali food, which I have had before, but not this good. Another way I know Sweetie would not be into this is that there is a menu item called "Foul." (It's beans, nothing weird.) There's a lot of interesting stuff here, and I will have to come back to try more, but today I went with roasted goat. It. Was. Amazing. Tender, savory, inspired involuntary noises... Man, it was good. There were a few bones, so be careful. It was mixed with some onions and paired with a fresh green salad. You can choose your side- bread or rice, basically. I got curry rice- a hint of curry, jasmine rice cooked just right, and, uh, french fries? Whatever, it worked. They also brought a side of hot sauce, moderately spicy and apparently house-made. It all adds up to a ton of amazing food at a great price. The decor... could be better. But the food and service were perfect. And I ate onions and curry and didn't bug anybody but our animals, who smell worse than me anyway. read more

African Paradise Restaurant - Roasted goat with curry rice. Yes, there are french fries in the rice. No, I don't know why. - African Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

The food here is absolutely delicious. And the environment was really welcoming. First time trying Somalian food. The place is really kept as a low maintenance establishment but you get like an authentic feeling from the place. It's not your fancy go to restaurant. If you want to try authentic delicious Somali food then you take a seat and dine here. I personally ordered the lamb with curry rice as the waiter told me that was their most popular dish. I loved it. The seasoning on the meat and rice were full of flavor and cooked nicely. They give u a banana to eat with the rice which was something cool to try out. Overall a nice flavorful meal. Loved it loved it. I would like to try more things - If ever back in Columbus. read more

African Paradise Restaurant - Lamb meat with curry rice - African Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Food is way pre-made, cold and not to report. Lots of rice in the plate. No goat after 4:00 PM

May not look like much but it smells absolutely delicious in here. My daughter and I ordered a family platter of spicy salmon chicken steak, spaghetti and spicy rice. I'm so excited for this meal. read more

African Paradise Restaurant - African Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I tried African Paradise for the first time tonight. A former coworker and good friend has a group that tries new foods from different countries once a month. Tonight we went Somalian. The food was amazing. The staff was exceptional, polite, funny, and very helpful. It was nice to go to a place where the meal is more of an event. And good lord it is inexpensive. 6 adults cost a mere $59 and there was so much food left over. There were a few courses. We started off with soup that seemed to have a potato and onion base, but it was not heavy at all more of a broth. Then there was a flat bread with a tomato and olive oil sauce with just the right amount of spice. There were a few beverages with a mango drink, water, and the most amazing tea. The tea was dark amber, sweetened with honey and had a blend of ginger and cinnamon. The main course was roasted goat with rice. The goat was good. The rice was nicely seasoned and blended well with all the other spices throughout the evening. It was never overwhelming or too much of any one thing. We sampled each others dishes and the chicken will be my next dish. They have a an amazing hot sauce. So good that it gets its own paragraph. It starts out sweet - kind of like sweet barbaque, but it was not barbaque. Then after you finish the bite the heat comes on slowly, like an old man easing into a warm bath. Then it heats up and lingers in the center of your tongue like a first kiss. Your second and third bite of food after sampling this sauce and spice is still there to flavor your food. Too much of it will cause a light sweat and a little watering of the eyes, if you are not careful. And like a hard liquor too much too early and it will hurt you. The approach to this hot sauce should be the approach to a long and happy life. All things in moderation, savor, and only take what you need - do not over indulge. I expect to return many more times. I really like the idea of slowing things down and enjoying food. The atmosphere is a very nice place to relax and enjoy your food. I really liked the wide array of flavors from sweet to spicy. read more

African Paradise Restaurant - a free wifi internet sign - African Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

I will refrain from writing a review to the tune of "Gangster's Paradise," but it's a near thing. African Paradise is located in a strip of Somali shops along Morse Road. It's very traditional, with separate dining areas for men, women and families (there is a section cordoned off for "women only"). AP is loud, and nicely decorated, as most African restaurants are, with music and TVs and people speaking into cell phones. Mango juice here is like water - they bring it to your table automatically. They have a menu, but like most African places, it's best to ask "what is good here?" - since they tailor their menu based on what is available in the butcher shop. We were in luck - roasted goat was on the menu. The spouse got the goat, I got chicken, and we chose to have it served up "family style" (i.e., all on one plate). YAS. The goat was tender and super-spiced and marinated. Probably some of the best I've had. Marinated and tender chicken, too - very nice. About five pounds of rice and a small side of iceberg lettuce salad with Italian dressing. We ate until we could not eat any more, then picked at the rice until we got the check. HUGE meal, mango juice, tea, water = $13 each. AP shoots straight to the top five African restaurants on my list. read more

African Paradise Restaurant - Goat and chicken. I'll be a vegetarian again. Tomorrow. - African Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

"What?! You've never had somali food before?" And so I hopped in the car with my two somali friends and slowly approached the back alley of a tiny strip mall. I followed confused as to what was happening. We walked through a slightly cracked, door and BOOM- restaurant. My friends informed me that the back section was for people who wanted to dine in privacy (for families, or for groups of ladies) as the front section was more of a social, chatty atmosphere. For the three of us: a large platter of spaghetti, rice, goat, fish, and chicken, complete with bananas, soup, and mango juice totaled to $20. Score! Would I be back? Yes! Maybe next time I'm in town, I'll brave the curious eyes of guys lounging about near the restaurant's entrance. read more

African Paradise Restaurant - plate of goat, fish, chicken - African Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

Luckily, I went with my friend, otherwise I might have been a little confused. This food is so good that I needed to write a review so that more people go. It wasn't empty at all, but I wish I had known about this place before. When you go in they will seat you according to your group (there is a section for only men, one for women, and a mixed section). When you walk in you will smell the food right away. The spices used are strong and it's not spicy like hot sauce spicy, but it's very flavorful. I even loved the rice and I'm not a huge rice person. I will post some pictures because it's the best way to see what I mean. I highly recommend this place if you want something new and very delicious. read more

See all

As others have written, this is a funny little place. Menus without prices, a not-so-great neighborhood, people loitering around outside. Nonetheless, the staff is friendly, seating is adequate, and while I don't know much about Somalian cuisine, the food was good. I had the grilled chicken steak, which was well-done and tasty, and came with rice, which was good. Would have asked for their goat dishes, but they were out of goat that day unfortunately. read more

This is my second time going there. I am only rating the food and friendliness of the staff. First time I was impressed with the lamb dish. I don't know what it is called. Tandoor baked lamb pieces with rice. Sounds simple? Yes. Looks simple. But the flavor is just enough to ask for more. It is not spicy nor hot, but just enough to make it a great lamb dish. Rice is the same. After 4-5 pm no more lamb dish. They run out of it. The establishment is very low looking, Mainly Somalian guys. Does not smell good but remember you are there for a great tasting food. If you can't stand the looks or the smell, make it a take out but make sure to eat from there. read more

Stopped here on a Friday night. We saw the dining room and decided to do carry out because the dining room was filthy. All tables sat unattended and dirty, the floor was covered in mess as well. They advertise and their menu has boldly printed on it "vegetarian dishes." When I didn't see any vegetarian actually on the menu, I asked and was told they just have rice. We also got the feeling they didn't want to help us in general. The person at the counter was short with us and uninterested in any questions we had. I can't be sure if it was discrimination or not, but my boyfriend (a Kenyan man) and I (a white woman) just got a weird feeling from the whole experience and we left. read more

I had the goat stew with rice and salad. It was amazing! Definitely would recommend it! They were friendly and my food was ready on time.

This is a wonderful Somalian restaurant. Check out the pictures. You'll have many options for delicious slow cooked and well spiced meats, pasta dishes (Somalia was under Italian rule for a time), Indian style flat bread (India not far by boat), basmati rice dishes, and sweet drinks. Other good Somalian options in town include Hoyo's, Durbo's, and Banadir, plus probably others I've never tried. Give it a shot! read more

Camel? Roasted Goat? Indeed! Awesome food, and enough to feed a village... The rice is a goid meal in itsself - the tea is the best tea I've had anywhere. The only thing that was a bit of a drawback for me: as we were leaving there was a fight breaking out in front of the restaurant. My tip: go there during the day or early evening, not late Saturday night.... The food is well worth the excitement, though. read more

Stopped into African Paradise for lunch yesterday and had an absolutely wonderful experience. I ordered the soup and mango juice as an appetizer (Both of which were delicious) and then ordered the roasted goat and curry rice, both of which were extremely tender and well-seasoned. The portions were massive for $11 and although it was very busy inside the service was quick and friendly. Loved the traditional feel inside and will be returning soon to try out the rest of the menu! read more

African Paradise Restaurant - African Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

The best! Delicious every time. I always get half rice, half pasta, with chicken. Very affordable and awesome portions. So good!

Get the family plater! Loved the chicken steak, spaghetti, and spicy rice! Amazon no food and we got it to go.

Amazing, amazing food. Pretty damn affordable too. No liquor though, as this is a relatively traditional Somalian restaurant, and Somalia is something crazy like 99% dry (because of the religions the citizens tend to follow). But, honestly, you'll forget all about not having a corona when you taste the roasted goat or chicken. I mean, damn. This food is no joke, very very very good. It caused African food to supplant Italian as my second favorite (only behind Chinese). Smoothies here are quality as well. Strawberry, Mango, Guava, etc. You should be aware, it is on Morse Road, tucked away in a strip mall, so you're not exactly walking into Polaris Town Center. Morse Road is very ethnic, so just be prepared to be surrounded by Somalian people. I had no problem, but I thought I would mention it so you guys wouldn't have crazy culture shock or anything. Highly recommend. read more

First time for me & my friends to try Somali food and it was amazing ! We ordered the family plate and it was enough for 4 people .. The dish was so delicious and the service was good. The waiter Ali was very nice to us :) I recommend this restaurant for whoever wants to try Somali food .. read more

First off, thanks to all of the previous Yelpers for your reviews. I read them all. All the 4 & 5 stars described the place perfectly! Thank You. I went in, I was the only non-African in the area (including outside). Don't judge the book by it's cover. Inside, they seated me and made me feel welcome. I had the waiter give suggestions. I had the cubed beef and the rice. Mango juice to drink. I told him it was my 1st time there. Before my dish(s) came out, he gave me a cup of vegetable soup, very good. The food came out...ON 2 LARGE PLATES. Very good and a lot of food. He also brought out some Somolian Tea. I would go back just to sip on tea. Holy Crap! That is the best tea I have ever had! I forgot to ask for the hot sauce. I will go back tomorrow if I can. Oh yea, all of that...Juice, soup, 2 plates of entree and hot tea...$10 read more

The food was delicious.... Service was fast and courteous. Myself and a friend went together. We ordered the family platter. Lamb... Chicken... Spaghetti and a stew came with it. We also had tea and a mango juice. I would recommend! read more

African Paradise Restaurant - Family platter... Lamb chops... Chicken.. Spaghetti and Stew - African Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Arrived at 5pm on a Saturday and was sheepishly told that they are only providing food to go until 9pm. That's right. No dinner served before 9pm. Not impressed. Probably won't return. read more

This food is amazing the veal and rice tasted better than I thought definitely a good choice

So much food! Their rice is seriously the best. So flavorful. The chicken and salad that came with were great too. I can't wait to come back. read more

Great Somali restaurant! Kind of out of the way, kind of small. Very friendly staff and a nice atmosphere, located right beside a Halal grocery store and a Somali Entertainment Center. I went with a group of 10 people and we got an incredible Somalian-style tea (with a lot of sugar and maybe a hint of cayenne pepper), some bottled waters, and a couple of pitchers of lightly iced mango juice while we waited for our entrees. The entrees were generous in proportion and flavor styles. Several members of my party tried to order the goat, but goat was out at the time. I got the beef Zigle, which is a wonderful mix of small grilled beef tips, grilled vegetables, rice (optional), curried vegetables, a little bit of salad with (I think) a light ranch dressing, a bowl of rich, spiced gravy with a boiled egg inside, and a curious bread that I have never encountered before. It's like a cross between a crepe and a tortilla, but it comes rolled up. I cut off chunks of the pancake (that's what I'll call it for now rather than doing research) and dipped it in the bowl of gravy. If that isn't the correct way to utilize it, all I can say is it worked for me. I also tried rolling up some of my tiny beef tips into the pancake, which was very tasty (after I dipped it all in gravy). Don't go expecting beer or wine, of course. But I say this as someone who likes his beer, especially at a social meal; sometimes it is nice to take a break from that and just enjoy a nice spicy Somalian-style tea, water, and mango juice instead while talking with your friends and/or family and waiting for your delicious food. read more

I came to visit Columbus over the weekend to visit family and friends. I lived in Columbus pretty much my whole life until I moved 2 years ago. Apparently the restaurant that I grew up around is under new management. First off let me say this; I own countless retail and small restaurants throughout the east coast so I'm definitely familiar with the food service industry. These new people who bought African Paradise are rude and very conniving and unprofessional. So let me get into what happened, I ordered and specifically told the person who picked up the phone at the restaurant that I needed a big order consisting of 5 orders of rice that should be able to feed about 20 people. Mind you I sent out a delivery guy to go pick it up and pay, then I would give him cash when he drops it off. I knew the order would be passed $100 or more which was fine especially for the amount I needed. The delivery guy didn't know Somali so he just told the cashier that he came to pick up five orders of rice wit 3 chicken steaks and 1 goat meat and salmon. The boy came and drop off the food which was two aluminum pans consisting of rice and meat totaling 70 dollars. I called the store to tell them I am missing items, the cashier guy/owner literally told me its your problem not mine. The food that the delivery boy dropped off, literally fit only 2 people mind you I had a guest of about 21 folks. I tried going back but the cashier guy was yelling obscurities that made no sense whatsoever. He told me to go to McDonald's because we don't give refunds nor admit any wrongdoings. I mention money wasn't an issue but the customer is the driving force of your restaurant and I kid you not he said "then I guess you'll have to share that amount that we gave you for your guess, I don't care" then he threw the receipt at me. The previous owners were totally different and knew "the customer is always right" That is not a good way to keep customers happy, it's like he was trying hard to finesse the situation making it seem like I was in the wrong. The new management need a course in customer satisfaction, wish the old owners never sold their company to these uneducated , unsympathetic neanderthal. Please consider some other takeout if u have more than 10 guess because I guarantee they will mess the order up then put the blame on you. Happy eating And avoid this place read more

African Paradise has always been a great dining experience. My boyfriend said that he wanted to try something new and some how I remembered how good this restaurant was and thought he would like it. It is located right next to the Somali community hang out so it is easy access for them to grab a bight to eat. The staff was warm and welcoming upon entering and asked us to take a seat where ever we would like. The decore is decorated with African trinkets and it doesn't feel like you are in Columbus. Our server gave us drink options and also suggested the vegetable soup. We decided on the mango juice. He brought out a pitcher for our to share. When ordering our server couldn't have been nicer, was welcome to all questions and was truly wanting us to have a great dining experience. As for our entree, we decided on the chicken kalankal. It is chicken with onions and carrots cooked with spices. It was great! It also came with a little salad and a huge mound of wonderfully flavored rice. We shared and also got two orders of jabati. Jabati is the Somalian bread. It is almost like naan, but not as fluffy and more flaky. When ordering our server asked if we wanted the spicy sauce or the mild. We chose one of each. This was something I was not offered before when ordering the jabati in the past. The spicy sauce was not overpoweringly hot and had a hint of curry flavor. The mild sauce was also good, except I didn't know meat was in it, so if you don't eat red meat, order the hot sauce. Over all the meal was great. My boyfriend said that next time he is going to eat with his hands like the Somali diners and was glad we went there for dinner. It was plenty of food to share and it only cost $12!! If you are looking for a new experience, this is the place to go!! read more

I love this place!!! The food is wonderful. I had goat and rice! A somali staple :) There is a north side location and i'm happy there's one closer to me now! read more

I have yet to be disappointed. Great staff, great food, and extremely convenient. Personal favorite: rice with chicken steak. Try the tea!!

Great Somalian cusine. You get lots of food for $8 or so. I would recommend trying the beef or chicken steak with rice. The rice is absolutely delicious and so much TLC behind the making- it makes you want to smack the chef becase its that good. Its very flavoral, and has sesonsings like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, garlic etc... Something you normally wouldn't expect in rice, but it is a masterpiece, and a hidden gem.The chicken drumsticks are good too. One may think its not up to par when it comes to decor, or cleanliness, but don't walk out. Stay calm, and eat! I promise you won't regret. read more

I can't believe this restaurant does not get more reviews. After patronizing this restaurant for a while, and other African restaurants in the same vicinity, I should say that they have the most savory and flavorful rice that is delicious enough to be eaten alone without any meat. But add the goat curry and you have one excellent meal that leave you wanting more. Enuf said. read more

Large portions, the rice is perfectly seasoned and cooked. I have been here twice and loved the food each time. The staff is friendly and helpful with suggesting menu items to try. The hot tea is delicious! I will definitely be back. read more

We stopped by right before closing time and the waiter was very accommodating. They were out of a few dishes but we were able to try the beef stew with jabati flat bread. The beef stew had tender pieces of potatoes and carrots, melded with lots of spices and flavor. The jabati flat bread is similar to nan but less greasy. They also served us a entire pitcher of mango juice. read more

This is by far my favorite place to go for Somali cuisine. The environment is clean and comfortable, the service is friendly, and the food is delicious! I usually get goat meat and rice, which is also served with a banana, soup, and a drink (mango juice or chai). I would also recommend the fish. A note though: this is a traditional Somali restaurant, so there is a separate section for men. Women and mixed parties have a space at the other end of the restaurant. read more

Friendly tasty filling clean authentic generous potion, choices of lots of feebies mango juice free somali tea free potato soup free bannana free. Tea hot mmm spicy and sweet. read more

The neighborhood can be discerning, but this is a gem of a place to eat. When we had difficulty with the menu, the owner came out and we let him order for the table. The food was fabulous and the staff friendly. One note to be aware of -- they do not allow alcohol (I know I should have figured that out, but I didn't until I asked) and the bottled water is more expensive than the actual food. read more

Great food and awesome service. The lamb and goat are extremely tasty. Their teff is amazing.

I tried this place and phoned in my order to go. I had the roasted goat and rice. The rice was really good but the goat was a little more tough than I expected. I had an order of the bread that came with a side of dipping sauce. The sauce looked like a mixture of the meat stock with onions and carrots in it. The mango juice you cannot get to go but he let me try some anyway. This stuff is grand! read more