Afra Grill | African & Somali Cuisine

This was my first time trying this spot and I see why the hype is there…read more I ended up getting the Safari chicken with some toppings and it was incredibly delicious. The chicken was seasoned perfectly and even the rice had a lovely taste. I got some of the garlic sauce and it was so good on it. Definitely check this place out.

So much flavor and so much food! Fantastic meal that tasted authentic and fresh. The injera is very…read moregood too with the classic sourdough fermented taste. Highly recommend this stop in the market! I'm so full right now!

At Hoyo's Kitchen (Somalian food) -- inside North Market

Mango chicken bowl, injera - IG @bougiefoodieboi

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Darbo’s

4.4(69 reviews)

1.4 mi•Linden

A friends and I stopped in on a voyage to eat more internationally. Our first crack at Somalian…read morefood and it was A1. You have to go in here and leave behind your American standards.... You are given a styrofoam cup full of a delicious vegetable soup, pineapple juice and a banana, yes, a banana. The soup alone is worth a trip back. After staring around at other diners we realized the banana was to be eaten with the main dish. It really cools your mouth after using the spicy red sauce. We got the lamb dish and the goat dish, both were awesome! The one complaint we have is the flies. There are just too many options to get rid of the nuisance. Other than that, friendly service, good food, we'll be back.

Finally found "their new location" 3612 Cleveland Avenue. No name signage on street or building. A…read moretotally empty and apparently seldom used parking lot. I finally noticed a small crooked "Open" light off the one side of the door and some faded out food ads/pictures in a window to the other side of the door. Tried the door and found it unlocked. Wend down a long, barely lit hallway with many closed doors. Everything painted black. Eventually came to an open room with a few tables and chairs, a bar with some stools, and a lone man sitting on a low couch/bench smoking a Hookah. He never got up, nor said anything. There was no staff, no signs, nor odors of cooking, food, activity... After a short time I decided that even if it was actually open it was no longer what I was looking for and left. Sadly, they once served some awesome goat curry with sides and dumpy ambiance that was an enticing dining adventure. Last one and done there for me

Moved to 3612 Cleveland Ave.

Soup

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Curry goat salad

African Paradise Restaurant

4.2(49 reviews)

0.9 mi•Maize-Morse

This is my second time going there. I am only rating the food and friendliness of the staff…read more First time I was impressed with the lamb dish. I don't know what it is called. Tandoor baked lamb pieces with rice. Sounds simple? Yes. Looks simple. But the flavor is just enough to ask for more. It is not spicy nor hot, but just enough to make it a great lamb dish. Rice is the same. After 4-5 pm no more lamb dish. They run out of it. The establishment is very low looking, Mainly Somalian guys. Does not smell good but remember you are there for a great tasting food. If you can't stand the looks or the smell, make it a take out but make sure to eat from there.

Coming to African Paradise was such a new experience!…read more This restaurant was packed at the time I visited! Parking was difficult to find because of the way the plaza is set up, so I definitely suggest carpooling if it's a busy day. The restaurant is divided into two parts based on the cultural norms, one side has all men, and the other side has women and their family/friends. I went with my co-ed group of friends so we sat on the women's side. When we sat down we were served right away, the servers were kind and helpful explaining the menu. The menu doesn't have prices, so be sure to ask before you order. You also get a banana (for the rice), lentil soup, and some mango juice! I ordered the Roasted Lamb with curry rice and honestly this was one of the best meals I've had in a long time! The lamb was so juicy and cooked perfectly and the seasoned rice went so well with it, the salad on the side as well as the green hot sauce brought it all together. Overall, I wish I could give the place 5 stars because the food is so amazing. However, the appearance of both the restaurant and menu could use some up-keep. I will definitely be going back soon!

The women's dinning room

Rice and spaghetti

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Lalibela Restaurant and Bar

4.5(187 reviews)

9.0 mi

this is the exact type of place I expect to get amazing Ethiopian food and Lalibela never…read moredisappoints! not your typical "restaurant" as there's a little dance floor bar area when you first enter, but as you progress through the space there is plenty of restaurant sitting - feel free to seat yourself wherever! we ordered to-go so we took our seat at the bar, placed our order with the nice young lady, which let us know our food would be about 10/15 mins. portion sizes are definitely worth the price which isn't too expensive (we got the vegetarian combo). I'll snap some pictures next time ha

Best Ethiopian food in Columbus! It's so flavorful and they can reduce spice levels if needed. I…read morelove getting their platter that comes with a bunch of veggies and you can choose either beef or lamb. I love their yellow lentils and beef! It's absolutely amazing! The first time I tried this platter I was over the moon. It was a 10/5 tbh and absolutely perfect. I just went there recently and got the lamb which unfortunately was a different experience. It tasted good but was really gummy and I felt like it was not as good as the beef. I would rate this a 3. I'm definitely looking forward to going back! I like that the majority of tables are family style, they offer coffee service and I've always felt the staff to be very friendly and accommodating. When you first enter there's like a bar and dance area but if you keep walking to the right then it turns into a restaurant with tables. I really enjoy this place and can't wait to show other friends and family!

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Inside restaurant

African Paradise Restaurant

4.6(11 reviews)

9.9 mi•Hilltop

Okay, short review because I can't explain my experiences inside the African Paradise…read more I have been there four times and each time I have been by myself and ended up being asked to sit with a group of Somali men. The conversations have been so nice and I have walked away it's time feeling like a good man. There are a lot of things that I don't understand about the Somali culture and some foods but I do know without a doubt that I have been so accepted so welcomed and have had so much fun at the African Paradise on West Broad Street. So I have enjoyed a breakfast consisting of liver onions potatoes a couple other things that I'm not sure what they were and this pancake-like crepe-like bread that you use to eat the food rather than silverware. The Crepe-like bread... I've had both the Savory and the sweet. I really like the Savory and I have taken it home and just eaten it throughout the day. I'm not sure which part of me has had more fun on each of my four visits to the African Paradise. Is it the fact that each time I believe that I'm learning more and gaining as a true human being learning the Somali culture? Is it because I'm discovering foods that I would have otherwise never had the privilege to taste and enjoy? Is it because there are others in there from the country of Somalia by origin and birth that just make me feel alive? Oh, I have had their Somali tea can't explain it don't understand it I just enjoy it. I hear that there is something similar by a different name in the North Linden area for the heavy Somali population that lives there. There is such a heavy Somali population on the west side that this truly is there Home Restaurant.

Goat. Lamb. Rice. Delicious!!!…read more That's my whole review. These are just wasted words. I'm adding because Yelp wants my review to be longer. So, go to African Paradise and enjoy some delicious food.

Grits/Soor & Spinach with grilled chicken

A Somali Breakfast... Notice no silverware. Liver, onions, potatoes?? AMAZING

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Doro wat (lamb) and kitfo (goat, center)

Ethiopia & Somalia Restaurant

4.0(8 reviews)

1.2 mi•Maize-Morse

Delicious ethnic food! Yum! Try the camel meat if you're feeling adventurous. I didn't see it on…read morethe menu but I had read they have it. We asked and you can either have it fried or roasted. We opted for roasted and were not disappointed. Goat and camel were both cooked to perfection. Both meats were wonderfully tender and flavordul. It's a no frills place with pictures on the wall with prices crossed out serving as the menu. Its location isn't the greatest but it's fine during the day. You could also get takeout. Food comes out quickly. I will be back!

The chicken is really good, there is a lot of different kind of meats offered, even lamb! I had…read morerice on the side also.

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Fish, goat, beef, and salad served with spaghetti and rice... a lot of delicious food!

Calanley Restaurant

3.8(9 reviews)

2.0 mi•Linden

The food is always fantastic here. You can get beef or chicken and pick between rice, pasta or…read morebread!!! If you are very picky about seating arrangements or ambiance I would take it to go because it is not a fancy place. You literally go there for good home cooked affordable food!

Simplistic menu. I would not say that anything particular stand out as unique. It literally is…read morechicken that's cooked in BBQ sauce and they serve it to you with a bunch of vegetables and rice with a banana. The chi Ken I got was also a bit dry, but I heard the leg is a lot more tender so I might go for that next time. They do give you w lot of food for the price though. I came with a large group and we were separated from the rest of the restaurant. We were placed in a room which allowed us to have privacy but they kept closing the door which felt kinda odd since it was like we were trapped haha. The ranch sauces they provide goes quite well with the bbq chicken. There is a spicy one and a regular one. The yellow bottle is spicy and the red bottle is regular.

We got the goat and chicken with rice it was delicious!! It even came with this really good soup and a banana!

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Ginevra Cafe

3.8(24 reviews)

0.9 mi•Maize-Morse

If I can give a 0 I would. Ate chicken that was uncooked. Just disgusting.Just ridiculous. Wasted…read moremy Money.

This was my first time going to a Somali restaurant and I immediately fell in love. The people were…read morenice and friendly and the portions were a good bang for the buck. The food was so good I was crying tears of joy as I ate it everything was seasoned and flavorful. On a whim I tried the ginger tea, it sent my tastebuds on a wonderful flavorful journey. I walked out of the restaurant full, and angry. Angry that I hadn't tried this place before and that the rest of Columbus doesn't know about this lovely place. My friend and I were talk about this place weeks later it was so good.

Family Dining Room

#6 Beef Suqaar with Anjera

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Entrance

Hoyo's Kitchen

4.5(29 reviews)

7.7 mi

Heard nothing but good things and everyone was correct. This place is delicious. You can make your…read moreown bowls and they have so much flavor and are super fresh. They also had lemonade which was so refreshing. Cant wait to go back

Both the Hoyo's at the North Market in downtown Columbus and this location, up in Dublin, are…read morepretty delicious. Goat and injera is a good combo, at least for me, along with the veggies offered as the choices. Have to say that the goat I had at the downtown seemed to be a skosh ahead of this one, and the vibe at North Market in downtown Columbus is a bit different than Dublin-- more bustling with the two-story layout downtown, more low-key here in Dublin.

Mango chicken bowl with Somali rice, lentils, and chickpeas.

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7 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Taylor C.

124

1 year ago

From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with such warmth and kindness, it honestly caught me off guard in the best way possible. This was my first time eating at a Somali restaurant, and I didn't know what to expect, but I was thoroughly impressed. The staff went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. They kindly walked me through the menu, allowed me to sample different items, and helped me decide what to order. I've never experienced service like this before genuine, patient, and incredibly kind. Let's talk about the food: the oxtails were absolutely amazing! Meaty, tender, flavorful, and not fatty at all. Every bite felt worth it, and I'd gladly pay for it again. This was a five-star experience from start to finish. Delicious food, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere. I will definitely be back! read more

Mary S.

6 years ago

I've been hoping to get to Afra Grill ever since I read the glowing review in the Columbus Dispatch. Oh my goodness! I could happily eat this food every day. It was wonderful. I had the chicken Afra with Somali rice, the potato sauce, mixed vegetables and tomato salsa. The restaurant was clean; the staff, masked and gloved, was friendly and helpful. (I think this is the first time I've had Somali food, so I needed some explanations.) I will go back often. read more

Ramatu B.

2 years ago

The atmosphere at Afro was super warm and friendly. They had traditional music playing, and the decorations were colorful and full of African culture. The food was fantastic, and the customer service was amazing - they really went out of their way to make sure everyone felt welcome and had a great experience. read more

Yonis A.

6 years ago

Food was excellent! It was better than I expected! Fair prices for a good portion of food. Staff is very friendly! Would recommend for you to try. read more

Jared G.

6 years ago

These bowls are great! Super tasty, tons of great options and a great price. New favorite!

Joshua S.

6 years ago

Just saw this place. Excellent delicious food and friendly staff. Will be back!

Sarah W.

6 years ago

I absolutely LOVE this place! The food is amazing and full of flavor.

Afra Grill | African & Somali Cuisine - african - Updated October 2026

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