As a DMV African restaurant connoisseur, I take pride in discovering spots I've never heard of. So…read moreimagine my surprise driving past Flora Restaurant, a place that has apparently existed for over 20 years, and I had no idea it was there. Naturally, I had to stop in for lunch, especially since I've been wanting to try cassava leaves for the first time. Let's start with the space. The decor is simple, small, and honestly a bit dated. Very much giving 90s era gaudy with a slideshow playing above the bar highlighting the owner's credentials and accomplishments. Not terrible, just... okayyyy. Now let's get into the experience. When I walked in, there was NO ONE there to greet me. No host. No server. Nothing. I sat alone for a full 10 minutes. Completely alone. Eventually, I heard movement in the back and had to call out for someone. The owner finally came forward. I recognized her from the slideshow. She told me she saw me enter... which immediately made me wonder: why didn't you greet me then? Customer service was essentially nonexistent. My presence felt more like an interruption than a welcomed potential customer. She explained she was finishing a large catering order, which I can respect, but acknowledgment costs nothing. I asked what type of African restaurant it was, which somehow seemed to offend her. Instead of simply answering, she directed me to her slideshow and began referencing her international training and experience. For context, Africa is a continent, not a country. Asking for clarification is a normal question. I told her I had read good reviews and was excited to try cassava leaves for the first time. I asked if the dish was spicy. She responded, "All African food is spicy." That is simply not true. She then said the cassava leaves might be too spicy for me. I asked if I could taste a small sample to see if I could tolerate the spice. She refused and said she doesn't give samples. At that point, I expressed that I had specifically stopped in because I was excited to try something new. Instead of meeting that curiosity with warmth, she continued emphasizing how long her restaurant has been open and how it outlasted the business next door. Impressive longevity, yes. But hospitality matters. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to try the food. The interaction left me feeling more like a nuisance than a guest. As much as I wanted that cassava leaves experience, the cocky energy and lack of basic customer service made it hard to stay. So, no food review this time. Just an experience review. Will I return... for the plot? Closure? Maybe. Because one thing about me, I will find out if that cassava leaves is worth the attitude.

I loved the food here, it reminds me of back home. The guy was helpful and nice. Even gave me a…read morebowl to try some of my food before I went home. I will definitely come back and try the rest of the menu. Price is actually better than some places I've been to.

I now understand why this place had no customers. 1. The…read morefood is overpriced. 2. The rice tasted old--its texture made that obvious. (Came back to add the rice tastes like the pan was dirty). 3. The plantains had a strange taste and texture. They were dry and completely flavorless. 4. The beef--oh my. It was tough, bland, and served in a ridiculously small portion. I need to emphasize the portion size again--it was tiny. When I cut the beef in half and took a bite, I immediately realized it wasn't good. I went to the counter and politely asked if I could swap the beef for fish instead. I was told "No."--unless I paid for an entirely new plate. The reason? Because I had already taken a bite. Well, yes, I had--how else would I know it was bad? Overall, this place deserves zero stars. They didn't have any drinks available either. The customer service was poor--they simply didn't care whether I was satisfied or not. They got their $35, and that was the end of it. We won't be back, and we'll make sure our friends and family know this place is not worth their time or money. As for the ambiance--it was clean, but it was clear they don't get many customers. Now I understand why.

Food was nasty and when I called to return they tried to tell me it was a smoky flavor I've had all…read moretypes of hollow rice I know the difference it was burnt bottom of the pan tasting rice couldn't eat two bites and they offered a discount next time. Do not go to this spot. As soon as I walked in I should've cancelled a customer called in and I heard on speaker phone of him complaining and they disregarded him. Stay far away from this spot.

Ah ah so THIS is what we are doing now in the DMV? A whole WEST AFRICAN BUFFET??…read more Listen ehn, I have been to Jollof Etc before for regular dinner so I already knew the standard of food there is not play play. But seeing them attempt this buffet concept for Valentine's Day, Easter Sunday (when I went), and now again for Mother's Day this Sunday? I actually respect the initiative Everybody is always shouting rubbish this ____, and rubbish that ___ meanwhile OUR OWN cultural foods are sitting right here in Silver Spring looking delicious and full of flavor. When I say all the staples were THERE, I mean THEY WERE THERE Amala Moi moi Pepper soup Jollof rice Fried rice Everything hot, fresh, flavorful and tasting like somebody's mother entered that kitchen with warning And can we discuss the drinks please?? Non alcoholic but SWEET, refreshing and pairing perfectly with all the food. Very family friendly atmosphere too. You can bring auntie, uncle, cousins, everybody Now let me tell the truth small because you know I don't lie for reviews The wait time? Hmmm. Table organization? They can improve that one too because people were kinda just standing around confused at moments. BUT no wahala this is still a new venture for them and honestly I can already see the vision. The most important thing for me? Their service was AMAZING and they accepted feedback very well instead of doing attitude. That part matters. I actually want to see this succeed because we need more innovative African food experiences in the DMV that push our cuisine to the forefront instead of acting like only tacos and burgers exist outside Jollof Etc Silver Spring, Maryland

Terrible service. No greeting, rude staff, and $32 for mostly rice with only three tiny pieces of…read moremeat. Not worth it!

I called in for my order. Appetizer of suya, side jollof rice, side of egusi (2). Total: $37…read more 20 min later I arrive. They had me wait 5 more minutes. The suya was about $13 & in a VERY small container. It is not worth it. The side of jollof rice was ample as most African dishes, the rice is plentiful. The egusi had NO flavor at all. I felt like it was for the diabetic..it just tasted spicy. I even tried putting a lil salt... I do not recommend the egusi.

KOF Sports Café is where great vibes meet thrilling games! With its sleek interiors and lively…read moreatmosphere, it's the perfect spot to kick back with friends. Whether you're into soccer, cricket, or basketball, the massive screens ensure you won't miss a moment of the action. The menu? Absolutely mouthwatering! From juicy burgers to crispy nachos, every bite is a win. Pair it with their signature mocktails, and you've got a match made in heaven. It's not just a café; it's a full-blown sports experience! Follow my IG account for Curated Google Maps list for brunch, happy hours, rooftops, parks, wineries & more in the DMV area: @yourdmvbestie

Dark, flickering lights. We couldn't tell if the place was open or not. We were the only customers…read morefor a minute and felt very weird. Not very welcoming and the food was garbage. This was our first experience at an African restaurant and needless to say, it fell short. We still tipped and took the food in to-go bags to be respectful but we'll need another experience to make up for this one. We ordered: Fried eggs (was out so we didn't taste it) Puff Puff (was out so we didn't taste it) Meat patty (ok but cold) - only one came when the picture showed 2 Shawarma (cold slaw with weiner in...yuck ) Egusi soup (nothing special, no flavor) Fried rice with fried chicken (hard chicken, rice was good) Jollof rice with baked chicken (chicken was really good, rice was good)

IF U ARE HUNGRY DONT GO HERE. This wait here is unbelievable even when the restaurant is empty…read more Most times u walk in and there is no one to take ur order or seat u or welcome you until 15mins later some will eme from the back kitchen. Ask you what u want then disappear for another 10 mins only to return to tell u she is still checking if they have the food u want. And ask for ur patience while she goes away for another 10 to check again if they have the food. Then return to tell u they don't have it. After 35 mins wait. SO BASICALLY IT TAKES 35min to find out if a meal the put up in the menu is available. You have a menu and don't have the food available and need 35 to check and tell the customer it's not available in a restaurant with only four customers and almost empty. IF U HUNGRY STAY AWAY FROM HERE.

great services............... the meat pie and joffor rice was so good, would be ordering again soonread more