Safari Njema Restaurant

Reviews

• Muneeb M.

  star star star star star 13 June 2026

  this is a textbook "hole-in-the-wall" establishment. I was lucky enough to come here while visiting family in Seattle. I let my cousin do all the ordering, but I was not disappointed.
  
  We got the whole fish (5/5) which was seasoned perfectly and lip smacking. We also got the beef, which was also spectacular along with cabbage, spinach and roti.
  
  FULL DISCLOSURE: Call your order ahead of time because this place can get slammed.

• Sharon K.

  star star star star star_border 9 June 2026

  My hubs spent some time teaching in Kenya when he was a youngin', and was excited to discover this authentic, charmer of a restaurant, tucked in next to a small brew pub and Full Tilt Ice Cream in a small strip shopping area.
  
  We ate super early on Saturday eve, first ones in, and the owner/chef with the million dollar smile greeted us like old friends. She even gifted us a shared bowl of simple but tasty soup while we were waiting.
  
  I'm not much of a goat lover (except the real fuzzy kind, while they are still frolicking around) nor so much meat in general, so we shared the deep fried whole fish, accompanied by Ugali and Sakuma, the white maize cake, and luscious greens (collards and spinach i think), and the mixed sauteed cabbage and onions, which were velvety and melt in your mouth tender. The fish came with a little cup of coconut curry sauce. The fish, while beautiful, golden and crispy, needed a bit more flavor for my spice hungry palate, but that is likely not the traditional way to serve it.
  
  We passed on the Chai and desert fried beignet type doughnuts, but next time we are IN! What a wonderful experience! The only thing that could have been improved was our young server, who seemed checked out and kind of oblivious to checking back, clearing the table, or even to remember to smile. All that said, this was a tremendously beautiful meal and fun experience. Thank you!

• Suzi B.

  star star star star star 8 June 2026

  Absolutely delicious food and super nice chef and wait staff. This tiny place attracts everyone from retirees to goth girls. If you're looking for a hearty meal with great flavor for very little money get here early.
  Kenyan food is a rare find in any city. We're fortunate to have it here in Seattle.
  Make sure to have the yellow sauce on the side. I think it's scotch bonnet or piri piri. ‍

• Sebastian T.

  star star star star star 5 June 2026

  This is by far the best hidden gem I've found in 2019 by a landslide. The food is cheap (Columbia city is usually pricey), amazingly delicious and authentic, while sporting huge portions. The service was warm and welcoming, and the staff & customers were mostly African with their local accents - great sign the food was about to be amazing. I tried a variety of dishes & drinks and they were all so unique in it's own way.
  
  Goat: 5/5 Super flavorful and moist, but the only caveat was the meat to bone ratio was poor - standard for goat
  
  Fried tilapia with curry on the side: 4/5 The tilapia had a great crisp shell and it wasnt dry, with a citrus heavy flavor on the coating.
  
  Pilau: 5/5 this side starch dish had a surprising amount of flavor, it reminded me of Indian biryani.
  
  Ugali: 2/5 this side starch had a really odd texture, dense moist flavorless cake. Doesn't really fit the menu description and its nothing like cornbread.
  
  Sukuma mix: 5/5 this side veggie is a combination of spinach and collard greens, with a faint citrusy & cumin-y note.
  
  Cabbage (not on menu): 5/5 this house side veggie was recommended to us by our server and I was not disappointed. It's like an African Cole slaw without the mayo.
  
  Uji brown health drink- 3/5 this funky drink is fermented dough that ends up with a plum tasting thicker drink served cold. Interesting and worth a try!
  
  Supu-mteta soup: 5/5 this is a savory goat soup served in a mug. This stuff is so flavorful I would totally make a soup out of this with some noodles, meats and veggies.
  
  Overall, this spot is my favorite restaurant in the area so far, and I'd highly recommend checking it out! I'd definitely come back to try the other offerings on the menu!

• Levi T.

  star star star star star_border 4 June 2026

  Definitely a must-visit. The owner is very charismatic and will gladly help guide you through the menu and give recommendations. Her hot sauce is also incredible! The portions are huge as each entree comes with your choice of two sides. Very reasonable prices and they have a handful of vegetarian dishes as well.