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    Swahili Village

    4.1 (221 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 3:00 AM (Next day)

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    SWAHILI VILLAGE ATMOSPHERE

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    Samosas
    Eloy Y.

    Time to break out of one's culinary groove and explore a cuisine loaded with flavor, history, and a diversity of textures and ingredients. African cuisine holds quite a range, depending on the country and culture it originated from. Across the US, from vibrant food markets to trendy fusion cafés and transmigration-owned restaurants, one cuisine is rising fast: Kenyan food. It's not as globally mainstream as Thai or Mexican yet, but in 2026 it's becoming one of the most talked-about international food experiences, especially in multicultural cities like New York, Chicago, or LA. My partner, our friends, and I made a reservation at Swahili Village off of Center Street in Newark before the Saturday night performance at the nearby NJPAC. A reservation was easily made hours in advance via OpenTable. Upon arrival as first-timers, we were greeted by the host at this husband-and-wife-owned establishment. We were promptly seated at a high table by the bar in one of the three spacious dining rooms blending traditional elements paying homage to African heritage with modern touches; Afrobeat music enhances the festive atmosphere to create a warm and welcoming vibe. The menu is built around East African dishes influenced by the region's historical ties to Arab traders, Portuguese explorers, British colonizers, and Indian immigrants. As a starter, we opted for the Samosa. For our main meal, we decided on Suya-Nyama Choma (Beef), Lamb Chops, Grilled Chicken Breast-Kuku Choma, and Oxtails. They came with two sides and got Jollof rice, Mokimo, Sweet Plantains, and Spinach. Our drinks (Flaming Margarita, White Sangria, The Motherland, and Heaven's Nectar Martini) were strong enough and tasted great, with some unique options. One reason why we fell in love with Kenyan cuisine was its balance of flavors. Instead of being extremely spicy or very mild, Kenyan dishes were aromatic, warmly spiced, and tastefully rich & savory. The portions were healthy. We didn't have room for dessert. The service was impeccable. Our server, Fabrice, took the time to explain everything on the menu & recommended drinks and entrees. Overall, it was an amazing experience. Hands down the best food we've ever tasted!

    Oxtail Stew, Mokimo, Pilau Rice

    Delicious delicious delicious. Service is awesome. Will 100% be back! Conveniently located across from NJPAC.

    Grilled Goat-Mbuzi Choma
    Michael O.

    Eh....stopped in for dinner mid week. Host sat me at the bar right away and that was the best part of evening for me. There were 3 other patrons, but he was busy talking to fellow servers. Once I was given the menu still took several minutes to come back to take my drink order and no water dropped off yet. Really wanted the Tusker Lager (Kenyan beer) but they were out. Then ordered an old fashion. It was ok, but they used the wrong cherries and no other garnish. Then ordered the grilled goat appetizer. When it came (see picture below) did not appear freshly grilled. More like steamed or nuked and not a lot of flavor. While I had intended to get a main. Opted not to as getting the staffs attention to further order was most difficult. Overall very disappointing. Really wanted to like the place and come back. But with my experience I do not think I will.

    Mike J.

    Was asked to try this place with one person from Kenya. I am not a heavy spice guy. But I am all for new first. There is no parking for this place. And street parking is horrible in Newark. I asked the hotel next door could I park their. Amd the attendant said no even though it was a pay to park. So if you give this place a try. Be prepared to ride around looking for parking. The decor is nice, warm and inviting. I notice they have table clothes on tables in the back, but not all tables - unsure why this is? I had a issue with my silverware sitting on the table and not on a napkin. So I asked for a glass of HOT WATER to place them in. The menu is not large. Choices are limited. But decent. I should have gotten the Lamb chops like I planned to. But I went with the Samaki Wa Nazi Whole deep-fried tilapia, seasoned in Kenyan spices and finished with a coconut sauce. I am not going to trash it. But I will say I did not care for the Kenyan spices so much. I will go back and try the lamb chops. When I saw it on other plates that passed by me. They looked really good. But again I would think there be a different flavor with Kenyan spices. But I'll try it.

    Salvatore V.

    Across the street from the NJPAC. Came with a friend for a performance and was in the mood to try some African cuisine. Such a little gem. The food was mouth-watering and definitely asked for a to-go box! You get a lot even with sharing the platter ! Definitely will be back

    Barnie J.

    I came with a group of 8 because I wanted everyone to try African food. We were warmly greeted and seated in the back room near the bar by two very kind ladies. The atmosphere was welcoming, and service started off well. Our waiter took our food and drink orders, but unfortunately, there were a couple of issues. I ordered the grilled goat based on the waiter's recommendation, but I was served the stew goat instead. Since I had an event to attend afterward, I didn't have time to send it back. The dish was okay, but not what I asked for. Also, one of my guests ordered a drink that never arrived during our meal. When we noticed it was still on the bill, I asked the waiter about it, and he ended up giving it to her to go. Overall, the staff was friendly and the vibe was good, but the service could use some tightening--especially when it comes to order accuracy and follow-through.

    Mango mojito
    Elena S.

    This place is really just wonderful! Great and friendly service, delicious food and a really fun vibe. More pics added. If you haven't tried, you really should.

    Lamb Chop Special w/ Shrimp. Sides Jollof Rice and Fried Sweet Plantains.
    Cici M.

    Meal was honestly a solid 9. It lost points on the flavor in the lamb unfortunately - good but I've had better. The rice *chefs kiss* and the fried sweet plantains top tier. Why I did not give 5 stars was because the service / staff. When we arrived at our reservation time we were ignored. We waited in the lobby close to 15mins after several servers / staff members came to the counter to address other issues EXCEPT the 6 people staring at them. Finally we spoke up and we were taken to our seats. Once at our table we continued to wait YET AGAIN this time 10mins before we were even greeted. Truthfully this type of service would make me not want to come back - but the food was good and I'd probably try to come next time maybe not on a Saturday night.. Word to the wise expect to wait, but you'll enjoy the food.

    Goat
    Jas S.

    The food was absolutely delicious and great portions. If you have never had Keenan food, you need to come here try this place out.

    Salmon
    Latoya L.

    Came here on a Saturday evening after a show at njpac. We walked right in and was satat a table. Thr place was really packed. Services was a bit slow but it was expected due to how many people where there. The music was good, food was good, and vibez were on point. I got the salmon with jolof rice and plaintain, my partner got the chicken with jollof rice and plaintain. The salmom wasnt what was described. It didnt come in a butter sauce. It was dry but well seasoned. The jollof rice wasnt my favorite but it was ok. My partner liked his food.

    Samosa

    First and foremost this has nothing to do with service. The bartender was very very nice. Went in today around 1pm 04/26. Super nice and welcoming guy. Music was good and ambience was nice. I ordered a passion fruit mojito and it was good. Ordered samosas and they were good.. wish there was a dipping sauce with that. Also ordered the oxtails with joloof rice and cabbage. Rice was great, cabbage was aswell... the oxtails were a disappointment. They were predominantly fat. Like literally most of it was fat that was given. Not enough meat and for $40.. I wanted meat.. sauce was good but kinda not my thing to eat just fatty part.... So therefor this place gets a 3stars. For $40 give some meat! lol

    Front entrance
    Che C.

    I can't believe it's been 2 years since I've been here. Happy to report the customer service and food remain on point. I had the wings again, sweet plantains and chapati. The food came out hot and fresh. It was a Friday around 5pm and it was kind of empty but I'm guessing I got there before the dinner rush. Everything clean, organized and welcoming. I will continue to support this place whenever I'm in the area

    Mocktail
    Kimberly G.

    I had heard about Swahili Village for a while, so when my friend, who is Kenyan, suggested we dine there for dinner, it was a no-brainer. The restaurant is absolutely stunning and has very beautiful African artwork that creates a really lovely aesthetic. The pan-African music also added to the vibe and wasn't overpowering. The prices certainly align with the ambiance as they are certainly on the high-end. The bar is bustling and quite a scene, which is the reason that I would return. The evening weekend rush might have impacted my dining experience. For starters, each person at my table ordered their own Swahili basket which had one samosa, 3 bhajia (fried flattened potato) and one sausage. We could not fully enjoy the starters as the entrees were served less than 5 minutes after the starters arrived at our table. For my entree, I ordered the goat stew which was accompanied with a thick tomato sauce on top. For my sides, I had the mokimo (similar to mashed potatoes) and sauteed spinach with coconut milk. The goat was quite tender and the spinach was tasty, but the rest of the elements of the dish were underseasoned. However, I did taste the grilled chicken with pilau rice and both of those items were flavorful. While my Tamu cocktail (coconut rum, melon schnapps and peach puree) was really sweet and strong, I found the non-alcoholic version of one of their gin-based cocktails (the first drink on the cocktail menu and begins with a C) to be the star of the evening. I would like to return to Swahili Village the next time I am catching a show at NJPAC to enjoy a drink at the vibrant bar and enjoy the wonderful music.

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    Food could be way better for the price point. It has flavor but I've definitely had better

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    4 months ago

    Delicious food. Loved the oxtail and goat stew. Service needs improvement! Waiters need training on how to provide good service.

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    Ask the Community - Swahili Village

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    There is street parking and garage parking

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    The Ghost Drinks

    The Ghost Drinks

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    (10 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    Introduced to The Ghost Drink about 1 year ago at the…read more Latinx Heritage Month Kickoff Yelp Elite event! So impressed with our hosts and Mixologists Mario & Jace! My most favorite cocktail ever is the Ghost's signature expresso martini "Cafe de la Tierra"!! My second event- Attended the Ghost Drink Christmas in July with my hubby and daughter! My favorite cocktail that night was the Snowballada!! So excited for the Ghost Drink's new location, inside the brand-new Newark Culture Club, at 563 Broad St, Newark, 07102. This past Sunday attended Mario and Jace's Ghost Guide Cocktail Class with my husband, son and future daughter in law! Absolutely loved learning to make 3 cocktails and get the history of how the cocktails became so infamous! Margarita Mojito Old Fashioned Bonus: introduction to the VIP signature shot- The Ectoplasm. Oh my goodness!! Pistachio in my favorite new mode!! Cheers!! Highly recommend! Mario is the ultimate Spirits Educator, Host & The Ghost Guide!! Love the post cards too! The Ghost Drink with pay for the postage and mail it for you! Thank you for a fantastic experience!! Can't wait to return when the Stand Up Comedy and entertainment venue is up and running!! Of course, The Ghost Drink will be curating the drink menu!! You must register for Sunday Spirit Classes and Monthly Ghost Takeover events with unique & fun themes via instagram. Transportation Ride Sharing apps are best utilized Limited Street Parking Closest garages:          20 Atlantic St. Newark, NJ          25 New St. (609 Broad St.), Newark, NJ 5 Minutes Walk from NJ Transit Broad St. Station 10 Minute Walk from Newark Military Park Light Rail 15 Minute Walk from Newark-Penn Station Various Bus Routes to NJ Transit Broad St. Station What are you waiting for! Register for a class or event! Next event: GHOSTIVERSARY November 9

    Came here for the month of November and drinks were impressive per usual!…read more The service is always spectacular! Ambiance is chill , this place needs so much more recognition!

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    Consigliere

    Consigliere

    4.4
    (16 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Went here for after dinner on Valentine's Day .... I lived the vibes! The bartenders were dope and…read morereal mixologist! My drinks were very tasty, will be back!

    I've been to this bar 3 times. Once when it just opened and twice within the last month or so. The…read morelast two times were not good experiences. Most recently was last night and that was my last straw. The music was incredibly and unnecessarily loud which they knew because they told us they'd turn it down before we got the chance to ask. Next, there was one waitress on the floor, clearly overwhelmed. Told us she would be back with water but came back almost 20 mins later. We ordered our wine when she came back because who knows how long it would take to receive it. Another 20 mins, maybe more. We watched her seat several groups and I literally had to scream across the room to get her attention and to remind her of the bottle we ordered, which she had the nerve to appear annoyed about. We asked her if we could move from our tables to a nearby couch which she said yes. Before we had a the chance to finish the bottle the GM comes over and tells us to move our seats and that he would take care of us (NEVER DID NOR DID HE CHECK IN). This is the same GM who asked me to give the place another try after the last issues we encountered where they screwed up our checks due their own carelessness. I should've raised more of an issue and questioned him more. But nevertheless we move to these two musty smelling seats. At that point we left and decided that would be the absolute last time. Go at your own risk!

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    Consigliere
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    Swahili Village - african - Updated July 2026

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