Every item hits the spot. The meatlovers calzone was hands down the best calzone I've ever had. Served fresh from the oven with the super soft dough... Scrumptious read more

My family and I stopped by for lunch and were pretty hungry so we ordered a few dishes: The salmon, one of each, chicken and lamb gyro and beef and chicken kabobs. I was not courageous enough to substitute the rice for spaghetti as the menu offered, but was glad as the rice was plentiful and delicious. It had a sweetness to it I had not tasted in Indian or Middle Eastern dishes. My reason for the rating is based off of the fact that we were charged $14.99 for the salmon vs the $12.99 posted on the overhead menu. The waiter's reasoning was that the price had recently changed and they had not had the time to update the overhead menu. That's inexcusable in my opinion... and I know it's untrue based off of older reviews for the restaurant. Also the meat in the other dishes was scarce. The kabobs for both the chicken and beef were smaller than we have had in the past, where as the price for the plate was similar to other restaurants, as was the actual quality of the meat. In my sister's half of the chicken gyro, there was barely any meat! There was meat at the start of her gyro, but after the first few bites, she said it was mainly only salad. Very disappointing. Parking was easy to find, free and in a private lot behind the restaurant. read more

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went inside. tried to overcharge me. that was corrected. then someone else came out and tried to overcharge me again. that was corrected when the initial person who accidentally tried to overcharge me took care of the register instead of the guy who was purposely trying to overcharge me (lol). the menu prices are all wrong. atleast a $2.50 to $6 upcharge on everything on the menu. so the menu needs to be updated. i appreciate the amount of food since i believe that is how full plates should be. but the best thing on this is the banana and the basbaas sauce. no joke. the tilapia look seasoned but somehow taste like nothing. the salad isnt a full salad. and the baasto has sauce which is cool but the noodles are dry and overcooked and not the pasta im used to having from Somali restaurants. kinda disappointed honestly. plus , my stomach hurt now. read more

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I ate at the restaurant shop for my second time last night. Once again lamb. So much food is provided for a reasonable price. This out of the way, culturally different, for me, place is at least a monthly go to for dinner read more

Fatuma's Restaurant - Lamb. Saffron rice w East African raisins, salad, pita and hummus. Somalian soft drink can and bottled water - African Near Me - San Diego, California

Great customer service and the food is amazing!! Parking is available but make sure to pay. Only issue : I was hassled by a tow truck guy that trolls the area (mind you... no one called him). read more

Goat was quite fatty and tough and there wasn't very much edible meat. I ordered half pasta, half rice. Pasta was super dry and tasted old. Plate also came with salad that contained iceberg lettuce that was pretty brown. Only thing that was tasty was the rice. Service was cool but I know I won't be back. After reading the reviews, I was very excited to try this place but they seriously let me down. I'm glad this wasn't my first Somalian food experience because I would've been very disappointed. read more

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Highly recommend Fatuma's the banana with the sauce was so good had nice employees would recommend

I discovered this restaurant during African restaurant week in San Diego back in October, and I have been stopping by every time that I am around that part of University Ave. My friend Nima had been taking several paid cooking classes, so I convinced him to go with me to this one where we learned how to make sambusas. Sambusas are like the Indian samosas but mostly filled with grounded chicken or halal meats. We were around 20 people and learned a bit about the Somali culture (as the restaurant in question catered that food). The owner, a refugee living in San Diego for some years now, was very nice to all of us, serving tea and telling fun stories. Mostly Somalis go to this restaurant, although more food-curious are open to new flavors. To me is just different enough. read more

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Don't let the location and the atmosphere fool you, the food is DELICIOUS! And for you Saudis in SD this is the closest thing to Kabsa you can find in this side of Mississippi :)) read more

Fatuma's Restaurant - Lamb plate GOOOOOOD ! - African Near Me - San Diego, California

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Just exploring Somali cuisine. Ordered tilapia, rice, spaghetti combo and small salad. The fish was a little overcooked, but to my liking. The rice was delectable and the spaghetti was a nice complement. The price was a mere 10.99 USD, a real bargain to say the least! The only suggestion I would make is to include a cup or glass with beverages, not everyone likes to drink straight from the can or bottle... I will definitely return to try other dishes on the menu. read more

Fatuma's Restaurant - African Near Me - San Diego, California

My first experience with African food, and I've got to say that I'm impressed! I ordered the beef steak with rice portion and the wait was not so bad. There's a very ethnic vibe in the restaurant which only adds to the appeal of Northeastern African culture. Their choice of drinks are mainly fruit drinks, and I got myself a Vimto, which came with the order. They also give out bananas and I found that they go splendidly well when mixed with the food. The cashier was very kind and enthusiastic, so I'll be back for sure! read more

1. The food is really good. 2. It's cold in the winter. I think their fixing the heat or something. Bring a jacket. 3. Read the menu up top first. It will save you playing 50 questions. 4. Customer service needs work. read more

Fatuma's Restaurant - Samosa - African Near Me - San Diego, California

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Great Somali restaurant and great place to eat. Brothers there are very kind and welcoming.

This is a great hidden gem in City Heights. What sticks out more than anything is the homey nature of the food. It tastes like an authentic ethnic meal prepared at a friends house. Make sure to slice up the banana and eat it with the rice, oddly satisfying. The customer service is great too. Very kind staff and good food. Large portions for a reasonable price. Can't go wrong with the lamb. read more

Good enough to merit 4 stars considering how slim the pickings are for Indian food in the area.

Fatumas is awesome. The last time i had Somali food was in December after my wedding. And since my Somali in-laws are sooooo far (Ottawa) and we dont have a big Somali population here in LA, i dont really have to much access to their food. But cruising through San Diego, they do. I had to take that opportunity to get some. Ofcourse i check yelp and found this place. The parking was a bit sketch, but thats just a parking thing. the restaurant isnt too big or small. Theres an extra room for over flow tables. I ordered the Lamb dish, with all rice (No greek salad). This is as home-cooked as i remember. The lamb was nice and soft, spiced and seasoned very well. The beris (rice) was fragrant, and tasty even on its own. The cashier looked at me awkwardly when i first walked in, but when i got down to ordering (throwing in little somali words and phrases) he couldnt stop giggling. All in all, pretty cool. but the food... oh my the food. I had enough for leftovers, and it was even better the next day!!!! Next time im trying the steak or chicken! read more

Awesome food , very tasty. Food...... The people are nice and courteous. ......They give you a free banana and bottled water with a plate of entrée. One of the best experience of Mediterranean food in San Diego. Must have for Arabian/Mediterranean food lovers. read more

I've never had African food until today, The customer service was perfect, staff were very nice. We ordered a plate of rice combination plate. The combination plate had 3 types of Chicken, beef and fish . The hot sauce was delicious. I definitely recommend this place if your starving and want a big plate of food. I will recommend this place to everyone. read more

Visited here during African Restaurant Week. Came to a free cooking class where the owner and a couple other people showed us how to make Sambusas. The best part was tasting them afterwards, good stuff! Large portions of food, and I finally got to try goat meat. It was surprisingly tasty. I hear the pizza is good here, too, but I didn't try it. Parking on the side and behind the building is convenient. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

*A mix of Lebanese and Somalian all in one..* I always drop by here when I'm in the area and feel like a big serving of food. If anything I have to moderate the amount of times I come in because of how plentiful the plates are here. Utterly amazing what you get for what you pay. Not to mention all of it is 100% halal which is a must for most practicing Muslims. You can't go wrong with this place. read more

Kafta kebab plate with rice is Soo good! The place is very low key and unassuming by the flavors of the food is very explosive and bright. Thoroughly enjoyed the plate and tried the spaghetie option side which is how I like it not to sour and not bland just right. The meat is coord perfect and came with spicy green sauce . The onions abd peppers that accompanied the meat was the perfect touch The gentleman at the cashier was pleasant The Somali Mediterranean fusion works ! read more

Rice and meat are always good here. Complimentary banana and water. Happy to eat from here anytime. read more

Fatuma's Restaurant - African Near Me - San Diego, California

I visited this restaurant with a friend for dinner and came about an hour before they closed. The staff was very nice, knowledgable and very helpful. I ordered the number 14 and two sambusas. Both dishes were well prepared and delicious. My friend also enjoyed his dinner as well. The man helping us also threw in a few extra items and was very kind and easy going. I really enjoyed eating here and will for sure be back again. read more

Excellent food, great service. Felt like a good home cooked meal. Wonderful prices and good portions. Very flavorful. I got the fish plate. read more

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The steak and chicken plate are delicious. Suggested half rice and spaghetti is a must try. read more

Great food - lamb and goat are great. Affordable - menu under $13. Clean and friendly read more

Decent food. Looks like a hangout for the local Somalis which is a good sign. i think the address on yelp is noted incorrectly. it's actually a few blocks further east. Very friendly staff. read more

Here you can find a great home cooked meal! Because it was my fiancé and I first time dining there the chef was very patience with answering all our questions on the variety of entree options that are offered. My fiancé and I were very indecisive because there are so many good options the chef made a special for us. We were able the tried both the rice and spaghetti (the spaghetti is amazing!) with both of our entrees, and with my fiancé he was able to have both the chicken and beef steak. I ordered the goat entree; the meat was very tender and filled with flavor. Before our entrees were served we were given a fresh salad. You must try their green sauce. It is spicy, but filled with flavor. I am excited as the weather gets cooler to try their soups. We will be back again! read more

Fatuma's Restaurant - Good ol' home-cooked meal! - African Near Me - San Diego, California

Had my first Somali meal today! A large and tasty plate of tender goat meat, rice/banana/hot sauce, and salad with a drink for a very reasonable price. Try something new and support a small San Diego business. Definitely worth a visit! read more

Fatuma's Restaurant - Large portion of goat, rice (mix sliced banana and the hot green sauce into rice, trust me, just do it), and salad. Very tasty! - African Near Me - San Diego, California

As the previous post said don't let the location and the atmosphere of this place fool you. This restaurant may not be fancy and good looking, but I can assure you that once you go you will want to comeback. The food here is very delicious their meat is so clean and pure that I never have any digestive problems. The rice they serve is so good that you will keep asking for more. This is a Somali restaurant but the food is similar to Arab/Mediterranean food. The place gets very full, and there is a lot of loud talking so if you are the type of person that likes a quiet place to eat this may not be the place for you. Overall the place has great customer service and you will enjoy eating here. read more

Had the quarter chicken, excellent flavor!! Was in and out within a few minutes. Epic food, epic service, epic price

Haven't had much experience with African food so I took up on my Somalian classmate's suggestion for a good African cuisine spot. I ordered a combo plate consisting of pasta, rice, chicken, and goat. I was trying to figure out which meat would be the leanest option between lamb shoulder and goat. The cashier was kind/flexible enough to put in a request for me to get the lean cuts of goat meat void of chunks of fat. The food was very good and portions were great. The goat was so tender that each bite seemed to just melt in your mouth and required minimal chewing. The pasta was outstanding as well. I should have just gotten a full portion of pasta instead of half pasta with half basmatti rice. The combo plate came with a water bottle, salad, and a bananna as well. Was not a fan of the salad though as it consisted of purely iceberg lettuce. You have to try the goat and pasta here! read more

Amazing food, friendly staff. My favorite is the lamb. The rice is also very tasty. And the white (or light green) sauce makes it even more delicious. Just remember, it may be too spicy for some people. read more

Goat plate was amazing. We had good service. Food came out fast and the sports plate feed up to 3 fully. read more

Fatuma's Restaurant - Sports plate. - African Near Me - San Diego, California

I never tried Somali food. I thought of giving this a try and it was awesome. The portion of the food was generous enough to fill you up. The hot salsa on the side also very unique. They include banana and drink with their meal. I alway come by whenever i can to taste their great ethnic food. Also it is family owned place and i was very impressed by Mohamed the cashier and family member of the owner. Highly recommended. read more

We came to San Diego for a family vacation and looked all over for a good flavorful place to eat. Finally, we found this gem. The food was amazing!!! Perfect amount seasoning and the service was fantastic. In simple terms, we loved it!! read more

Horrible experience. Learn to do your business right. I called in asking if a specific dish was there and drive there 20 minutes just to be told no that's not true. And while I'm talking to the waiter he just walks away cause another customer is more important. Improve your respect to all customers. It seems like there waiters are day dreaming . If someone invited me here again will take that very offensive read more

Never had this kind of food. Was first time eating it and loved it, they're chilly especially nice and spicy. Definitely will be come back again. read more

The food was ok, but the people there (customers?) are rude. Full of people not eating, either talking or on computers. I was waiting for my food and someone there mutters something at me and my boyfriend in another language which my boyfriend understood. Basically said we are going to hell because we don't believe in their religion. The food wasn't good enough to go back and feel that uncomfortable. read more

Maybe the decoration and the location isn't that fancy, but the food is for sure worth it. Also their prices are unbeatable for the amount and the quality you get read more