Amazing! I enjoyed everything about my visit. The service was fast, welcoming, and attentive. The…read morerestaurant was beautifully decorated and designed with a large bar when you enter, seats towards the back adjacent to kitchen, and plenty of upstairs seating as well. The food was fantastic! The oysters were mixed in this delicious hibiscus and hot sauce which gave them a nice sweet and spicy kick. The pork belly was also delicious. They have a great cocktail, wine, and whiskey list. I'm looking forward to coming back and trying more of their extensive menu - everything sounded great and what I had certainly more than lived up to the descriptions.

There's no way you'll ever leave Elmina still hungry! My family definitely over ordered, as the…read morelarge plates are a shareable size for 2 to even 3 people depending how hungry you are. The Smashed Avocados with plantain chips were a table favorite. The waakye had oxtail that contained a good amount of meat. The oysters were good however the hibiscus mignonette was a bit overpowering which took away from the oysters natural taste. The decor and layout of this restaurant is beautiful. It's great for a dinner reservation.

I absolutely love this store! *Insert Big Hearts* I saw this store when I came into the mall for…read moreother purposes. I decided to go in and check it out. It was worth it. There are some gorgeous pieces of beaded jewelry, artwork, clothing, and more in this store. This is an authentic African collection store so you can find just about anything that you'd like that will relate to your African roots. Mr. Kwame was really pleasant, friendly, he engaged his customers, and he just innately knew what we liked or what he thought would be pretty on us. Blue is my favorite color and he picked out this wonderful dress and I fell in love with it instantly. It fits well, has pockets, and a belt to match. My daughter came into the store and before she could begin to browse, he took one look at her, pulled the mannequin inside, and removed the dress from it. He gave it to her with a humble, rather gorgeous smile, and said, "This was made just for you." She turned to see that it was the dress from the mannequin and once again the words, "I love it!," were squeaked into the air. She went to the fitting room to try it on and it fit very well. So we bought it! She wore the dress right out of the store. I changed into mine later and pinned my hair up with the beaded hair pin. Mrs. Sandy got the orange and yellow dress with a bracelet. She absolutely loved that too. You cannot go wrong in this store. I really thought that he was not going to have anything to fit me because I have such large bosoms, however he did. It surprised me. I highly recommend this establishment. Tell Mr. Kwame that the "Shawn, Lady in Blue" sent you. LoL! 5 Stars.

Stopped by Swahili Village with a group of five after taking a pottery class at Moonlight Studios…read morenearby and it turned out to be the perfect way to end the evening. It's only about a five minute drive away, so the location worked out great. This was everyone's first time trying Kenyan food and we were all blown away. The flavors were rich, comforting, and beautifully balanced. We ordered several appetizers to share and then entrees including the salmon, oxtail, goat, and snapper. Everything at the table was delicious. Our server Diamond was wonderful. She was warm, helpful, and really guided us through the menu since we were new to the cuisine. Her service made the experience even better. Such a great introduction to Kenyan food and a really fun group dinner. We will absolutely be coming back.

Several reviews were mixed for Swahili Village so we decided to give it a try. Stopped in the Rhode…read moreIsland location. Unfortunately, it was disappointing. Started with a Margarita cocktail which was $16.00 and terrible. Low grade tequila and store bought margarita sour mix. Service was very slow and one of the mangers was drinking and having a long conversation with the bartender. We decided to try the Jollof Rice and Suya bites. The rice was very bland. The Suya had some flavor but seemed to be missing something. I decided to take the leftovers home but unfortunately the Suya bites got very hard overnight so were not enjoyable the next day. Since eating out is pricey you may want to choose a different restaurant to try.

Finally got an opportunity to dine here. Ive had the food catered before and this time I was able…read moreto try in house. The establishment itself is quite dated. The awning outside needs refurbishment and inside furniture is not updated. It's dark inside, almost like a night club. Perhaps it is sometimes. I did not like the decor, it was a little run down and honestly did not match up to the prices. The service was also disappointing. I felt that staff lacked a bit of professionalism and they rarely checked on us. The plates are huge. That is a plus. My partner ordered the goat and I tried the red snapper. I think one plate is big enough to share. I like the spinach, but everything needed a bit of salt. While the red snapper was coated in a lovely tomato and red pepper gravy, I felt it made the crispyness of the fried fish disappear and it was kind of soggy. Maybe you can ask for the gravy on the side. The food is not bad, but given the physical establishment and the service I wouldn't return.

The sheer ambiance and service of this restaurant pushed this from a 3 to a 4 star. This is…read moredefinitely, more on the fine-dining end- which I was not aware of. Our waiter was so charismatic, helpful, and kind. He even turned up the music in our corner of the restaurant upon request! The food was generally good, just a bit on the drier end. Even the stew wasn't really soupy. So if you were trying to mix some rice with some stew, you basically got cake on your plate. Regardless, everything was seasoned to absolute perfection. Also, don't know if this matters but it may matter to some- though this is an East African Restaurant, the menu is slightly more Kenyan than Ugandan. Something to keep in your expectations when visiting!

Parking is scarce in this area and valet parking with the hotel is a pricier option…read more Reservations are strongly encouraged. If you are running behind, a 10 minute grace period is given. If a card was left on file, you may be charged if you're a no show. Dimly lit inside with multiple seating areas. There are alcoholic options available with the bar on site. Food may arrive to the table out of order, so allow some patience and consider ordering all items upfront. Located within "The Potomac" formerly known as The Salamander, Dōgon is one of three fine dining restaurants curated by Chef Kwame Onwuachi. Our visit coincided with restaurant week and had a pre-fixe menu for $65/pp. Our server was gracious enough to tell us about the other specials available but I decided that I would be fine with the restaurant week menu. For my starter, I enjoyed the oxtail patties and a mango basil smash. The entree was shrimp creole with focaccia bread that I graciously used for sopping up the delicious sauce that hugged the shrimp. Rounding out the meal, I chose the rum cake. None of my items disappointed. I found each to be an appropriate serving and shareable. The coco bread was complimentary and the flecks of salt were satisfying. I enjoyed a second cocktail and chose the Sorel Rickey. It was a hibiscus flavored, rum enhanced, and kissed by lime kinda drink. The manager made her rounds and was very personable. The other guests were watching the dishes being presented to the various tables and you could tell that it made one, a bit eager for their own food or a return visit. Our server was top notch and we enjoyed talking with him and his energy. This restaurant supports solo dining, group events, and date night dining. The bathrooms were well maintained and there is an open kitchen concept where you can see what's going on if you're seated nearby. An overall positive dining experience. I would recommend & dine here again. Check out Chef's other ventures, Maroon (Las Vegas), and Tatiana (New York).

I recently visited Dogon to celebrate my partner's birthday, and overall, I left feeling a little…read moretorn about whether I'd return. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted and his birthday was acknowledged at the hostess stand, which was a nice first impression. The atmosphere is easily one of the highlights of Dogon. The moody lighting, modern decor, and especially the playlist create such a fun, intimate vibe. The music was jamming the entire time and honestly played a huge role in making the experience enjoyable. We ordered quite a few dishes, and there were definitely some standouts. The crab hoe cakes were delicious and probably one of my favorite things we ordered. The Wagyu ribeye was another standout, incredibly tender and seasoned beautifully. I initially came in wanting to try the Ma Dukes shrimp, but they had recently revamped the menu and replaced it with a Creole shrimp dish. Unfortunately, this was probably my least favorite item of the night. There was a very odd, pungent flavor that I couldn't get past, and the dish was overwhelmingly spicy to me. The oxtail patties were good but nothing that really stood out. The rum cake was delicious, although personally, I would have loved a little more rum flavor. The drinks, however, were all very good and definitely worth trying. The service was just okay. While we were greeted at the hostess stand, there wasn't really any acknowledgment afterward that we were celebrating a birthday, even though the occasion was included on our reservation. I wasn't necessarily expecting anything extravagant, but a simple "Happy Birthday" or candle with our dessert would have made the experience feel a bit more special. Ultimately, I'm 50/50 on whether I'd return. The music and atmosphere are a huge draw, and there were definitely some really good dishes. However, considering the price point and some of the portion sizes, I'm not completely convinced the overall experience matches the cost. I'd definitely recommend Dogon for the vibe, drinks, and a few standout dishes, but whether it's worth the price is where I'm still undecided.

I liked the vibe of this place, but overall it was just too expensive for the quality/quantity of…read morefood. The wild mushroom gnocchi was tasty, but the presentation was not up to par. The premium ribeye was cooked well, but it cooled very quickly since it was served pre-sliced. I really liked the cauliflower rice side though! The creme brûlée was much too dense, and I felt like the whipped cream on top defeated the purpose of the crust.

3rd year in a row,we have come for my birthday on Christmas Eve. we were 8 people. Took awhile for…read morea server to take our orders as they were very busy. My entree(boneless ribeye with crushed garlic spread) was luke warm,so I sent back for another one. It was cooked the way I like it. Two orders of Onion Strings came and they were luke cool and had to be returned and new ones were sent out. Overall was a pleasant experience and the food was good,everyone in the our party were pretty happy,although we did ask for separate checks,but everything was put on one check.

I have been here a few times mostly for work related events. This is an African owned and inspired…read morevenue. The owner was motivated by his mother and grandmother. The menu has a mix of African and soul foos options. All the dishes I have had have been flavorful and cooked so good. Drinks have been hit or miss and are on the pricey side. The venue has 2 floors. The first floor has an outdoor patio in the back. The second floor is smaller and has a Speakeasy.

Lydia on H is a cozy Afro-Caribbean restaurant in Washington, D.C., offering a unique fusion of…read moreMalawian and Caribbean flavors. It's a small but quaint spot with a mix of booth and table seating, making it a nice place for a relaxed dinner with friends. As a picky eater visiting for the first time, I kept my order simple with wings and rice. The wings were the highlight of the meal--crispy, flavorful, and well-seasoned. The rice, however, was disappointing. It was dry and lacked seasoning, and I found myself wishing it had at least a little butter and salt to enhance the flavor. The mocktails were delicious and complemented the meal well. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. The music was at the perfect volume--easy to enjoy while still being able to carry on a conversation without shouting, which made for a pleasant evening with friends. Our server was attentive, friendly, and made us feel welcome throughout the meal. One small note: the ladies' restroom was clean but very small and narrow. It had a hook-and-latch style door but no place to hang a purse, which would be a nice addition. Parking on H Street is always a hit or miss, so plan accordingly if you're driving. Ratings: * Food: (3/5) * Atmosphere: (3/5) * Service: (4/5) * Dinner with Friends: (5/5) Overall, Lydia on H is a pleasant neighborhood spot with friendly service, tasty wings, and excellent mocktails. While the rice missed the mark for me, I enjoyed the company, the conversation, and the relaxed atmosphere. I would consider returning to try other menu items.

Beautiful decor & fun layout for events or people watching. I tried Nigerian staples and was my…read morefirst for these. The suya here might've looked tough but it was so juicy, tender, and not salty. The red stew with oxtail and jollof were nice but salty. I've had better jollof. The Nigerian fruit mocktail was great it has a unique flavor. The bathroom was so pretty as well I enjoyed snapping pictures in the mirror. The service was great. We were served quicker than they expected given I requested a seat in a different area. Go check it out!

3/5 stars My…read moreboyfriend is Cameroonian and we love trying different African restaurants around the DC area. I'd heard great things about The Continent, so it felt like a must-try especially since Swahili Village is one of our go-to favorites for comparison. The space itself was great, nice interior, well-decorated, and service was solid throughout. They also had two distinct vibes going: one side had a bit of a DJ/lounge energy, while the other was more elegant and laid-back, better for actual dinner conversation. We sat on the calmer side. Drinks were good. We had a sangria and a tequila-based cocktail, both solid. For appetizers, we got the shrimp and the beef samosas. Unfortunately, the beef samosas just didn't hold up compared to Swahili Village's. I've had Swahili Village's beef samosas multiple times and they always come out hot, crispy, and consistent. These didn't quite match up, and that was strike one for me. The shrimp appetizer was nice, good sauce, though it could've used a bit more depth of flavor. I also ordered the pepper soup, which was excellent and genuinely spicy (more than I could really handle, but I still finished it). For entrées, my boyfriend got the Suya with jollof rice, and I got the red snapper with jollof rice as well. He really enjoyed his. The beef was cooked well and flavorful, and the jollof rice was good. My fish was also cooked nicely, though the sauce needed a bit more flavor. The bigger issue: they were out of plantains. That was strike two, and it stung more because it was my boyfriend's birthday dinner and plantains are his favorite. It's rare for an African or Caribbean restaurant to run out of them entirely. Overall, a decent experience, but with the high expectations going in, a couple of misses kept it from fully living up to the hype for us. I'd go back for the pepper soup and give it another shot, but I'm hoping for hotter, fresher samosas and actual plantains next time.

Went to Nando's with my sister and had a really good experience! The food is always fresh,…read moreflavorful, and delicious. Everything tasted great, and it's one of those places I'm always happy to come back to. The only downside is that the wait can be pretty long on weekends, especially when it's busy. However, the staff is always really nice, friendly, and welcoming, which definitely makes the experience. Definitely recommend Nando's!

We walked in from the lake side and step in line. We get told we have to talk to the host. There…read morewas no signage saying as much and inexplicably there's no host at the patio lake side where all the guests walk in but, ok sure.... I walk to the front with my SO. The patio is empty but every table has very clearly been dirty and left for an indiscernible amount of time. The inside also has tables scattered all over that need to be clear but have been sitting for who knows how long. There's maybe 6-8 people TOPS between the 2 tables inside and a couple people at the register,in the whole place. I go to the front, the woman asks if we need a table, I said yes and we would like to sit on the patio. She tells me it's going to be 15-20min. I let her know there's nobody currently on the patio and tables are open. She tells me that not for a wait, that's how long it will take TO CLEAR A TABLE--15-20min to clear and reset a single booth on the patio. Keep in mind, places like Guapos down the way, that are packed to the brim, have 25min wait if you Specifically want patio seating but that's because it's literally full and the inside has a 10-15min wait because it too, is literally full but here we are, in a place that was probably busy 40+ minutes ago, now with just over a half dozen humans in the building, tell me it's gonna take 15+ minutes to walk over with a bus tub, throw everything in, wipe a table and wipe the seats...on a party of 2. I had even offered to clear my own table (hell, I'd have cleared one for the other couple, too) and was told "it's necessary to wait 15-20min" I glance over at the waiting area and there's a single 2 top who I assume was also just told the same thing and they look to be debating on just leaving. We start debating on leaving. I watch the host go back to standing at the podium, no guests in line, she's not getting anyone to clear anything and again, that's abundantly clear that nobody has been clearing tables for at least 30+ minutes, she's not personally going to start helping clear which is standard in restaurants when there's no rush at the door. We decide this is a sh*t show and leave. This is also right up there with 2x I've ordered for pickup, waited the 30-60min, come to pick it up and not a single aspect of the order was done....why?....im told "we ran out of chicken"--no call to see about changing the order or cancelling, nothing. We enjoy nandos food. That isn't the issue at all. The service has gone WAY downhill over the past few years. As someone in the industry,currently in a 1Star fine dining venue in DC, and someone attempting to be a patron, it's disgusting to have a sea of tables left sitting for what is very clearly long periods of time. It's ridiculous that it would take anyone 15+ minutes to clear people's trash and wipe/reset a single table--that wouldn't be acceptable if it was slammed to the gills, so for the place to be empty as it was, it's either incompetence, laziness, lack of leadership leader or any/all of the 3. Extremely unimpressed and further reinforcing why I had avoided nandos since the 2 prior times, my orders were left for me to discover....a chicken place....had no chicken and let me come in at my pickup time to discover I have no food. Last night was my "give another shot" moment. I have literally overseen A "charity diner" comepltely run by kids 12-15 and with 30minutes training and the fact they've been out to eat with their parents, managed to run the diner for ~80 cover without a hiccup at the host stand or the entire FOH and BOH. So why grown people in nandos struggle with this, is perplexing. I think places get way too comfortable resting on their name recognition and in trade, throw anything resembling service out the window. I expect that from monopolistic mega-corporations and banks not a restaurant. The economy is bad, times are weird, people are choosing how to spend their finite time and dollars--if you can't clear the most basic bar that anyone from French Laundry to Waffle House or the random roadside diner all clear, you are failing and need to do better.

Came here last night and it took an hour and a half for our entrees to come out. There was no…read moreapology or acknowledgement at all. The place was emptying out by the time we got our meals. They tried to appease the pair of diners next to us with free shots of something, but nothing for us because we went an acquaintance and his sister who are regulars, so they knew it didn't matter if we were happy or not. Food was terrible. I had the rainbow trout which seemed like it might have come frozen. Topped with dull brown gravy and canned mushrooms. Got a large dollop of bland mashed potatoes with it and a few green beans. TLDR: this place is for senior citizens who take comfort in familiar cafeteria level food. I'm perplexed how it's in business with high ratings. I've come here numerous times because the person I know (who's about 25 years my senior) comes here every Friday night.

This was my second visit to this restaurant. My companion and i ordered from the happy hour menu…read morewhich is on the back of the full menu. It is a $24.95 flat price offering an appetizer, entree and dessert for that price. (Only available Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 5-6:30 pm). There were about 6 choices each for appetizers and entrees and 3 for dessert. My companion had a mussel appetizer and I had French Onion soup. My soup was a great example of the classic preparation. Bubbly and browned cheese over a deeply flavorful broth of onions and a slice of French bread. My companion loved the mussels. As to the entree I had what was called Beef Diane, a twist on the classic Steak Diane. It consisted of tips of filet in a delicious gravy flavored with cognac. My companion had Rainbow Trout and was very happy with it. For dessert we both had cheesecake with strawberry sauce. A good example of a New York style cheesecake. Both entrees were served with well cooked mixed vegetables. The portions were not a scaled down size but normal size. The meal comes with fresh baked toasted bread served warm. Delicious. The service was attentive which was to be expected because there were only 3 tables occupied. A complimentary shot of a what I think was kahlua was served at the end of the meal. The atmosphere is lots of dark wood and a classic bar. Great food and a great experience. Don't pass up this great value!!