There are some restaurants that are almost a substitute for traveling to another country, and Juba is definitely one of those. It's located in a rather shady looking strip mall (it's next door to Friction Massage, for example) in what is apparently the Somali neighborhood of Phoenix. We spent a bit over an hour eating lunch and we were the only people eating in the restaurant who weren't cab drivers (at least 10 ate while we were there). Also, as my wife pointed out, she was the only women we saw in the area not wearing a burka or headscarf. There's no atmosphere to speak of, and a TV played Somali news the whole time (the cab drivers were all glued to it). Service was good and our waitress was friendly and helpful, even bringing us a sample of one of the dishes when we asked her what it was. The menu is a mix of Somali, Ethiopian, and typical Mediterranean food. We got both Somali and Mediterranean dishes and everything tasted good. I got the goat in the spirit of experimentation. It's definitely not my favorite but that's saying more about the nature of goat than it is about the food here. The sample our waitress brought was of some sort of polenta-like dish that was really tasty and interesting. I honestly can't remember what our other dishes were called but everything was solid. One stand out was the spiced iced tea, which everyone should get. It's one of the most unusually, intensely flavored and delicious drinks I've ever tried. Overall, I would say 3-4 stars for the food (5 for the tea), 2 for atmosphere, 5 for service, and 5 for the cultural experience. read more

WAAMO is closed during daylight hours for Ramadan, come back at night. Loved the lamb shanks, chicken biriyani, samosas, and Somali iced tea. Eat the banana with your meal, like you would have bread. Great flavor and not spicey hot! read more

Waamo Restaurant - Juba now is WAAMO - Mediterranean Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This is a dive located in a strip mall. There were two of us, so we decided to split the "Healthy Eater" (two chicken dishes with two vegetable dishes). It came with injera. We ordered cabbage and mushrooms as our veggie dishes. Injera was good, nothing special. The chicken was very dry. The waiter said they were out of three popular items (lamb shank, a chicken dish and a beef dish). We received the cabbage, but our mushrooms did not arrive. Instead, we were given a different veggie dish which was so-so. I asked if he could bring us the mushrooms. Instead, he brought the check which was discounted. I think there was a language miscommunication. Oh well. Food was ok. I probably won't eat here again, unfortunately. read more

Previously the "Blue Nile" Restaurant (which I believe has just moved to another location, but is still open), this place may not be elegant... but what it might lack in elegant surrounds (and it's actually really cool looking inside), it DEFINITELY makes up for in the food taste and quality!! If you've never tried Ethiopian food, you're seriously missing out! Give it a try... bet you like it! read more

Service friendly, food was tasty, especially given the low price. Had camel meat (served saturdays), which was tasty, though I hear their goat is the main draw. read more

I've eaten here a few times in the year since I moved nearby. Just came across some of the other reviews and want to set a few things more current (accurate). While not a fine dining 5 star restaurant for authentic Mediteranean and Red Sea (no not Ethiopian~ Africa has over a dozen other countries nor is it really 'middle eastern either') at a good value and flavor this place is GREAT! I'll have to look again but I don't recall chicken biriyani being on the menu, that's an Indian dish so maybe the other reviewer was thinking of the restaurant across the street. Yes the place is dated and such but the tables have always been clean and I am the type that looks at the floor too~ no complaints! My first visit was simply amazing! I was nervous about the menu (had just come back from Turkey and was craving lamb tho) as I have friends who have spoken of not liking 'african' foods when visiting various countries there, and the waiter was great about explaining the different dishes that the menu didn't already explain. We were given what we asked for and took some suggestions which turned out wonderful as well. My first time I ordered the Lamb Shank and it was falling off the bone tender and juicy. We had the Sambusa, the Hummus, I can't recall what my companion had but he too was happy. Talk about Well Fed? Portions are large and unless you absolutely don't like anything other than food from a box (American) I strongly encourage you to come and experience something new and delicious! My last visit about a month ago was great as well. My companion at that time was terrified of trying 'african' cuisine until I explained it's not really just that, the mediterranean is a big sea and includes areas like italy and greece. He ordered the gyros and was quite happy. Again good food, good price and I happen to like that the service there is low key and not in your face rushing you out the door. I will be returning of course! read more

I tried to order from them through postmates but I don't think they understand what the process entails. I paid for my food through the app but when the delivery driver got there they would not give her the food because they did not believe they received payment. I told them it goes through the app and it was already charged to my card but they barely speak English so I don't think they understood. I had to cancel my order and find another place. Too bad. read more

If you are looking for Somali cuisine in Phoenix, Waamo is the place to go. If you do not know about Somali cuisine but want a fun experience and delicious food, Waamo is the place to go. It is an unassuming restaurant in a strip mall which has Somali shops, etc and which is bustling at dinner time. Great sambusas and lamb. Lots of different Somali and Indian Ocean dishes. Friendly service read more

My husband must always have their food when we are in Phoenix visiting (from L.A.). The front counter person, who was a sweet young man, had such a friendly attitude that I actually felt happy around him. The lamb shank was perfectly cooked and my usually picky husband said it was totally what he was hoping for. I could have done without the chicken samosa, but the beef ones were so delicious, I should have order 5 and made a meal of just them! Overall, such a great food establishment. read more

Awesome Somalian food. Had the oven-roasted goat (Halibi). Perfectly done and not over-seasoned at all. The rice will also make a non-rice eater eat rice. Dining companion had the lamb shank, which I sampled and was great. Man, they have the food dialed in here. Best part was being given the banana at the beginning. I was thinking "early dessert"? No, you cut the banana up and put it in your rice, which makes it even more awesome. Also had the sambusas that were off the charts. Love this place that's just over the hill from tony Scottsdale. read more

Dont let the location fool you about the food, located in a small shopping area. The customer service was great, the guy who took my order was patient with me since I had questions about the different food. He gave me some some small samples without me asking for some. The best part was I got a banana with my meal. I wanted goat meat but since they were out I had lamb, rice, salad, samosa, and a banana. I gave it 4 stars because of the location. read more

Waamo Restaurant - Mediterranean Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

This is my favorite places to eat. The goat is absolutely amazing and tender. The flavor is exceptional. I cannot resist ordering when I'm in the area. It's a must try. read more

All goat and lamb dish are out, so I decided to try something new. I ordered Sukuaar and it is delicious. The steak are cut in small pieces and well cooked, very flavorful, also served with salad and a plate of rice. read more

I got the waamo plate and it was delicious! As I carried out the take out box, the aroma spread immediately from the restaurant and to the car. The broken noodles were cooked just right and the chicken was so tender! It was extremely flavorful! I can't wait to eat back here once I'm in Arizona again! read more

AMAZING food! I'd never tried Somalian before going here but it was really good. The service was great and they were extremely friendly. The area was also very clean. I will definitely be coming back! read more

Waamo! Open invitation to all my friends to check this place out! Come in for Coffee, special blend of anise, ginger and cinnamon...Unbelievable! Breakfast from 7AM!!!!!Everything on Menu is prepared Fresh daily...Great place..Just Come and Discover for Yourself!!! read more

Food is very tasty and cheaper than comparable food venues. My advise is to judge the food not the people because apparently there are two pricing for orders one online and then indoors. Once they see you are a regular they'll automatically charge you the cheaper price. Don't feel offended if they overcharge as most others do. Best price and best service. Unbiased. read more

When we entered the restaurant, we were greated immediately by a super friendly host. We were seated and the waiter asked if we needed help with the menu, we were excited to try something new and different to us, so we picked off the pictures! The young waiter gave us complimentary hummus and bread because it was our first time in. We asked for some of their hot tea that we've read about on other reviews and he went to get it.....turns out they ran out of it and he went to his aunts store in the plaza and brought it back to us. I couldn't believe it, great customer service! He brought us our food and it was amazing and fresh looking! I loved my waamo plate, my boyfriend had the euro plate. Both were huge helpings! Our bill was arou $25. I truly feel the food was under priced. Thank you for a great visit! read more

This is an incredible place. The food is great, the people are the kindest! This place is a gem of Somalia amid the busy Phoenix city!

Need Somali Flat bread for my daughters Social Studies project. Found this place , super friendly and everyone that came in spoke, thought I was in the south again! Bread was great and a hit for her class. I will be back again! read more

The food is delicious and the portions are very generous. Everything I tried was tasty.

Strip mall, taxi cab armada parked out front, not knowing exactly what your getting into. That is fine dining hole in the wall style. Basically that sums up of the reviews of Juba on Yelp. But I wanted to throw in my two cents because I now have a new favorite place to eat near my new apartment. While I never tried to ice tea, I was glad that I read up on this place on Yelp before going just so that I dont come off as a Sudanese restaurant noob. Since I knew not to ask for lamb at dinner (since they run out around 3) and that they will be out of your first pick so have a second one lined up when your order. All of which happened when I went to Juba. I went with the exotic sounding "Number 10" which turned out to look like Sudanese hamburger helper but tasted nothing like that crap in the box with the talking oven mitt. Huge portion of "rice pasta" (still not sure if misprint or what) covered in a delicious red sauce with chicken and vegetables. Oh and it was served in a Texas sized portion so I had plenty for leftovers. My dad had the lamb shank. Which was tasty but a little too fatty for this fat kid. But the rice and the bread were amazing and the owner who was hilarious. When asked if he took credit cards he said (and I quote) "Of course I do, this is America!!!" (image a small Sudanese man channeling his inner Broadway diva with a smile to boot). And it was cheap like wicked cheap. Plus when we went there was a soccer game (I mean, football match). And the place was filled with Newcastle fans from Sudan. Which was just great hearing trash talk in a language you don't hear often. I am guessing they were Newcastle fans since that is the only word I understood. Though since I don't know Arabic, Newcastle could mean something incredibly dirty that one should not say to a loved one. So take your pick. Anyway, go to Juba. Try the food and enjoy because not many places in America have a local "Sudanese place". So you better feel lucky that you do, Phoenix. read more

When we pulled into the parking lot, I got really excited. The menu got me even more excited. Eating here took me back to my time in Kenya and Tanzania, goat meat, ugali, chipatis, heavenly! The food was really good, although be ready to share, the portions are huge. We had the hummus platter, goat meat, Ugali, Samosas and other items that I'm forgetting at the moment. The service was great, people were friendly and we had a great time. Looking forward to going back. read more

WOW! The food was great! the only problem with this place is that it is dirty!!! so if you do not mind that and love food... then this is the place to be.. The chicken Shawarma(not the sandwich) was delicious... and there lamb is exceptional!!!!! The place is always full of hungry Somalians and Ethiopians... and that my friends is a sign that should tell you that this place has yummy food!!!! read more

If it weren't for the tea this place would probaby have gotten 2 stars. Kinda dirty, just ok food... Although maybe something not as safe as the chicken and my experience may have been totally different. We will probably never know though. read more

It wasn't for me. I generally like middle eastern food. I got the sampler to go ; babaganesh, falafel, taheni, humus with pita. Everything was very bland. The pita and falafel were chewy. I ended up throwing most of it out. read more

It's a strip mall hole in the wall and the place was pretty run down, but the food was tasty. Haven't had too much African food (just Ethiopian) before, so this was a fun new experience. Had the lamb shank with chipati flat bread. Very tender. There's this spicy sauce they keep on the tables in yellow mustard squirt bottles. Don't know what was in it, but it was really good on my lamb. Also, had samosas and tried my boyfriend's chicken dish mixed with flat bread strips. Forgot the name. Those were both really good. The samosas weren't like Indian samosas. Reminded me of Filipino beef empanadas with a flakier crust. The ice tea was really good. It was like a mix of chai and hibiscus tea. Maybe a bit to sweet, but I wish I took it to go because it was almost addicting. Yum. read more

Mediterranean plate was good they were out of falafel so they gave us 2 Sambusa. That was nice substitute. The #4 qutulaash was good with beef. And the #12 Lamb shank was my favorite the meat fell off the bone and was juicy too. The Ice tea was delicious and the hot tea was a great finish. Definitely will be coming back for more soon. Awesome flavors and tastes are amazing. read more

I worked with Africans in KC and ate a lot of their great food. This is the best. I LOVED it. Tastey and worth the trip from Ahwatukee. Seriously, if you want great taste go for it. It doesn't get any better from Africa. read more

The food here is delicious - we had the sambusas and a wonderful main course that included layered flatbread, chicken, and a lightly spiced sauce. One entree and one appetizer is plenty of food for two people. I would give their food four and a half stars. Unfortunately, I have to take off a star for how dirty the place is - make sure you sit down exactly where you want to be sitting in the booth, because unsticking yourself will take some effort. The first time I went, I asked the server to wipe off our table for us, but he used such a dirty rag that it only marginally helped. Neither of us got sick either time, and the food's so good I'll probably be back, but I wouldn't recommend this to anyone too worried about sanitation. Also, please note, the restaurant is now called Waamo. read more

Gotta try the goat!! This place is as authentic as it gets! If you like Legit cultural foods this place is for you!! I literally felt like I was in a different country inside...I would recommend take out seeing as it's not nicely decorated or anything but the goat is amazing!!! And I love places where they tell you "what they have available today" super cool and a great overall experience!! read more

Fantastic first time here! We picked up some food for take-out and were promptly treated to papaya drinks on the house! The food was cooked quickly, and we were asked if we needed any help with the menu. The food was amazing. I had the chicken shawarma over rice with hummus, while my wife had a delicious vegetarian dish. Will definitely be returning! read more

The ice tea is amazing!! They didn't have it today, so I tried something different and it was good as always. Fantastic custimer service.Love this place. Always a pit stop when I'm in the area. read more

Amazing food. Full of flavor. Would recommend the goat. Owners were nice and house tea was great too

The owner of the restaurant does not have enough knowledge how to service for the customers. Even he does not know how to talk and smile for the customers. He always has frown face and bad attitude toward the customers. He upset easilly and fight or insult with the customer easilly. The prices of the foods and drinks are not fixed.The foods is not that good and most of the foods are spagatty and dry rice. The owner of the restaurant really needs for some customer services's trainning classes. He does not need to bring his personal problem to his job. read more

I don't know how this place has ANY stars. I've tried this place twice, and as a huge fan of Ethiopian food, I've been nothing but disappointed and disgusted BOTH times I have been. I typically love little hole-in-the-wall places but this spot is legitimately GROSS. We dined in, which was probably our biggest mistake. The floors, tables, walls, everything you touch is sticky and appears to be covered in some sort of film. I asked our waiter to clean our table (yeah I had to ask for a clean table and there wasn't another patron in sight), and it took him 10 minutes just to find a rag. He didn't use any sort of cleaning supplies just water which just kinda spread the stickiness and film, instead of actually cleaning it. I had to keep my hand at my sides just to avoid touching the nasty table. They were out (both times) of lamb shanks and shawarma, which was pretty much the reason we came. My glass of water had some sort of mucus or slime on the side of it and when I asked for another glass of water I was ignored. They never brought it so I went and bought a bottle of water from the neighboring Somali market. My food was pretty bland and what flavor I did notice was just hints of dirty, stale grease. We only ate a small portion of our food and just left the money on the table because we were so disgusted with the unsanitary conditions and lack of attentive, responsive staff. I got sick the last time I ate here, and I am not suprised! If the dining area is in such horrendous conditions, I cannot IMAGINE what the kitchen looks like! Save your health and do not eat here! read more

Juba Restaurant is by far one of the best restaurant ive ever been to! Their service is fantastic and dont get me started on their food! I had the most delicious rice i have ever tasted, the goat meat, the iced tea, and the sanbusa is mouth-watering! WOW! If you ever have a chance, go stop by Juba Restaurant, you will absolutely not regret it! read more

Great place awesome first time this type of food and the waiter helped us and the food was amazing highly recommend the qutulaash

I was looking for Tariq's and found Juba's (with recommendation of Somali taxi driver in parking lot). I did not find it to be dirty, but it was a bit basic in decor. However, the food is that north African stuff that I love, and the people were very friendly. And yes, for dinner, they were out of goat meat. I'll go back for lunch, and get it next time. read more