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    Maandeeq East African Cafe

    4.0 (21 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    MAANDEEQ EAST AFRICAN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    The decor is a Chinese restaurant
    Clement C.

    I like to try different ethnic restaurants and found Maandeeq on Yelp. It is Somali instead of Ethopian. When I walked into the place, it seemed kind of odd as the decorations on the wall were all Chinese. Anyway, a sign said seat yourself so I sat down and there was a colorful menu on every table. The funny thing was the menu had pictures but no price list. A waiter came by to take my order, he was quite friendly. I ordered the fish of the day lunch and a chai. A couple minutes later a small bowl of lentil soup and a banana were brought to my table. I was not quite sure what to make of the banana. The fish of the day was fried tilapia with a red sauce on top, a side salad and plate of basmati rice. The food was okay. The lentil soup was a little watery. The fish was slightly overcooked and therefore a little dry and the sauce also made it a a bit less crispy. The rice was good and tasted kind of similar to Indian spices. Anyway, all that including the chai was exactly $12, quite a good deal. This restaurant must be authentic because all the customers except me were African although I cannot say if they were from Somali.

    Goat w rice & chicken shawarma w spaghetti, winning!
    MJ L.

    Solid, delicious, plentiful food for pretty good price! Dining experience here is like being transported to a bustling Somali market side eatery that may, at one point, have been a Chinese restaurant. Euphemisms aside, the food here is freaking delish! Have I had better Somali/Italian food? Yes, but that place is in another state so I'm pretty darn happy with this place. The food is fairly authentic which means spaghetti here is not going to be anything like your canned/jarred stuff. That really a surprise? Somali food, as I know it, is a unique blend of Indian, Mediterranean & oddly enough, Italian flavors & gosh darn it, it works! Give it a go! As for a poor review that remarked on one demographic of patrons here, omg, this is 2017, embrace the beauty of it & the fact that what you observed means the food is authentic. I hope you go back often until you become a part of the community. Peace, love & good eatin'

    Goat dish (taken after attacking it first!) Plates apparently included from former Chinese restaurant at that location. Adds to the charm.

    This place is definitely one of the most underrated restaurants in the area. Went there today for the first time, and before leaving the restaurant, I was already looking forward to my next visit! Ordered the goat and lamb lunch dishes and both were delicious. The spiced chai is really good also, as mentioned in other reviews. On top of it all, the prices are very reasonable. In other words, this place is now part of the rotation.

    Fried fish Wrap (in Chapatti) for Lunch

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    3 months ago

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

    I liked the great traditional food they have with amazing service. It is place which reminds me home and it is my favourite in Montreal.

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    11 years ago

    What an interesting place! No alcohol, good chai, only white person in there, amazing food!

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

    The chai tea is amazing! Also really enjoyed the fish! The flavors are unique and delicious and the prices are very reasonable!

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    12 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Maandeeq East African Cafe

    Review Highlights - Maandeeq East African Cafe

    I love enjoying the African delicious entrées from Mandeeq and looking at the ceiling tiles with lots of Asian influence.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Barwaaqo Restaurant

    Barwaaqo Restaurant

    4.7
    (6 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    Amazing Somlai food really authentic and good would definitely come back. The food was fresh the…read moreservice was amazing. The whole atmosphere was phenomenal.

    My daughter and I were running errands and decided upon this little restaurant because it was very…read moreearly in the morning and they were the only one with their open sign lit up. The small place was a little dim with chairs still stacked on top of tables. The owners had such a look of shock that we were there. We explained that we love food and wanted to try them out. After a lot of awkwardness and very little English, we got some food. It looks like the woman cooks in the back and the man helps at the front. Their menu only has one item on it and depending on how many people, the dish can be made bigger to serve more people. However, after talking to the guy, he became more relaxed and very passionately told us about his food and their country. They're from Af Barwaaqo, Somalia and they have diverse food just like the U.S. He explained that their restaurant is mainly only known to the Somalian community and the patrons know what they want to order so they don't need a menu. He said they eat/make everything from injera bread to fufu. In the early mornings, they eat chapati. Looks like we missed out on that. Although, there is not a lot of English, I feel food unites us all, if we're open. We didn't get to talk to the woman but I feel like they both have so much to offer and next time when I have more time, I would love to just sit and chat. To explore their journey to the U.S and what they love about their food. Besides two other Somalian males there, finishing up their breakfast, we were the only other patrons. We got goat soup, rice and beef. The yellow bottle contains their hot sauce and it's so delicious. This dish was so good. Next time, I will not ask for their menu. I will ask him to just bring me whatever they want to cook. He was very welcoming and even ask that I post his restaurant to share with others. I love these mom and pop shops. To me, it's the American dream. To share your passion with others and be your own boss. In this country, we need more love and understanding, especially right now.

    Photos
    Barwaaqo Restaurant
    Barwaaqo Restaurant
    Barwaaqo Restaurant

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    Ifka Cafe

    Ifka Cafe

    4.4
    (13 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $

    This place reminds me of one of my favorite Ethiopian cafes/restaurants. Per one of my friend…read moreElites, this is a Somali place. Well, I love African food in general so when this place came up in my search (even though I wasn't necessarily looking for that specific cuisine), I wasted no time to rush to it. I just needed a late morning cup of joe and something light to eat so that's what I got today. First of all, this place is not for coffee in my opinion. I asked for a cappuccino but the guy behind the counter made me a coffee (with cream; I could call that a latte maybe??) He did put some sort of a spice in it which definitively enhanced the quality of it and it didn't taste bad to be frank but it definitely wasn't a gourmet coffee or super delicious. I wasn't unhappy or anything. However, I let it sit for about 15 min or so as it was super hot when I got it, it tasted a bit better. Like a wine has to breathe a bit after opening its bottle, my coffee had to sit until the spice was well mixed in it. Now let's move on to the sambusas. Both Beef and Veggie ones were delicious. I couldn't remember which one but one of them had a little kick in it so the spiciness lingered in my mouth for good 10 minutes after I ate it. Also, the menu had some delicious looking food on it so next time I go here, I'll definitely get a lunch plate (and it looks like they can serve you quickly so if you are looking for a quick/yummy Ethiopian food, this might be your place.) Overall, today's visit was pretty good.

    Came in for some sambusa's they were only $1.00 each I got a few of the chicken and beef they were…read morejust making them so I got them fresh. They were so good. I will warn you a little spicy but I like it also a little heavy on the onions so if you don't like onions you won't like these.

    Photos
    Photos of the menu items (exterior)
    Photos of the menu items (exterior)
    Inside the Veggie Sambusa
    Inside the Veggie Sambusa
    Beef (left) and Veggie sambusas - Yum!!

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    Beef (left) and Veggie sambusas - Yum!!
    Eatopia Ethiopia Food & Coffee

    Eatopia Ethiopia Food & Coffee

    4.7
    (57 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    Still the best Ethiopian in town. Chef Seble brings authentic flavors and care to every dish. The…read moreAwaze Tibs are always excellent whether ordered with lamb or beef. The vegetarian combo is an incredible dish that will satisfy any appetite. And the Quanta Fir Fir is one of the best things you will ever find in a breakfast menu. I also love being greeted by the smell of traditional Ethiopian coffee as soon as you open the door.

    Thanks to one of my side hustle shifts I worked yesterday. Had I not gotten the shift assignment,…read morethis restaurant would have forever been unknown to me even though the long stretch of Havana Street has so many unique restaurants on both side and yet, past the 6th Ave where the restaurant is located had still been an unknown territory for me. I was definitely overdue for a good Ethiopian food so when I found it, I got excited. I intentionally left the house early enough so I could stop here and get me some food before my shift. And it all worked out well. Yesterday's takeout experience was met with so much goodness. I... -Was warmly greeted upon entering the restaurant by two women. -Was the only customer during the non-rush hour time between lunch and dinner. -Was able to place my order immediately as I had the full attention from one of the ladies upfront. -Waited good 15+ minutes and yet, this meant that the kitchen carefully prepared my food. -Received thorough explanation from the same lady (who took my order) as she opened each container to explain what I got. Service was top-notch here. Once I got to my car, I opened the two containers to take a close took at them. I also wanted to take some photos of my beautiful food. What I got were.... -Vegetarian Combo ($19.99) that comes with red lentil stew, split pea mild stew, powdered chickpea stew, carrots and cabbage with potato, collard greens, beetroot and salad. This whole dish was covered with extra layers of injera fermented bread that are/were gluten free. The whole container was so heavy. This was easily way more than what I paid for. And it was probably the best Ethiopian vegetarian plate with all sorts of delightfulness in this massive dish. -Two pieces of Veggie Sambusas (lentil based); this came with a mini salad. Deep-fried sambusas were nice and beautifully brown. And they were so crispy. The heat from the cooking was still felt when I ate them about 10 minutes later. Let's not forget to mention. The restaurant looks very unassuming on the outside. Although the front of it had a colorful green and red signage with restaurant name on it, once inside, it looks small and yet you will be surprised how spacious inside is. Although it's not fancy or modern in any way, it's clean with simpleness. And here and there, there are Ethiopian art decors on the walls which will (I'm pretty sure) capture your attention. You should take the time to look at them as they are quite beautiful. Not to mention, ample seatings are seen in the dining area; the bar is quite large as well. And they do serve alcohol. This is definitely and by far the best Ethiopian restaurant in the Denver metro area (in my opinion). The welcoming host (is this a woman owned business??) that will truly appreciate your business but most of all, the quality and hearty food that will entertain your palates..all sorts of goodness will mesmerize you for sure. This place will justify the miles you will drive to get to it even if you live a bit far from it. Give it a try!

    Photos
    Overview of the restaurant interior
    Overview of the restaurant interior
    Veggie platter
    Veggie platter
    Looking over the entrance

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    Looking over the entrance
    Africana Cafe

    Africana Cafe

    4.0
    (101 reviews)
    4.8 mi
    $$

    Delicious and filling authentic Ethiopian food. The best Injera was the foundation for Aziffa and a…read moreVegetarian Combo, the red lentils were my favorite, then so were the curry lentils a favorite. My friend had the meat and said it was great. Oh and the potatoes and carrots melted perfectly and helped calm the spicy side for me. The staff were super friendly and welcoming. Was too hungry, I did not take a photo, trust my words that the food looked beautiful and tasted amazing. Highly recommend

    Yikes. I hate leaving negative reviews but there is no choice here. I am leaving this review to…read moreprotect another potential customer from becoming extremely ill. I entered and it was a drab environment and I was the only customer. I visited yesterday at 4 pm. Upon arrival I was brought a water with a lemon (which was molded). I said ok I just won't drink the water. Well I ordered the vegetarian combo. It was delicious. I left and woke up today and am violently ill. Throwing up the entire day unable to leave my house. I called the restaurant and informed them so they can rectify the situation and stop it from happening to someone else. Their response was "I'm sorry this happened it's never happened before". I haven't ever been so ill from food poisoning in years. And no I didn't eat anything else yesterday this IS the culprit. No question.

    Photos
    Ceiling art
    Ceiling art
    The bar is probably blowin up at night.
    The bar is probably blowin up at night.
    Tibs and veggie combo

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    Tibs and veggie combo

    Maandeeq East African Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated August 2026

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