THIS PLACE IS TERRIFIC. 5/5 Service & Food all the way!…read more I don't usually try new plates without being pushed to do so but this place really attracted my attention. The cassava was cooked to perfection and after eating I felt energized, not too full and completely satisfied. The portions are large!

Amazing Lamb Dibi, Shawarma and peanut butter soup it's a must have. The hospitality is always on…read morepoint

Excellent service! Good food. Great location. LOVE the educational map of Africa!…read more The only reason for docking a star is the jollof was not the best and the lamb was a bit less juicy than preferred. We were an odd party of 5 and it was packed inside - they played Yahtzee with a couple parties who didn't yet have food and were seated at larger tables for their small party just so we could sit. Then, moments after a table left they moved us and merged tables so we could comfortably dine. This was so intelligent and comforting imo. Most managers/owners would be afraid to do that, but when you're dealing with mom & pop cultured businesses they make you feel a part of the village so make it work for everybody to eat & enjoy. They handled it professionally and with respect to the customer as we listened in to how they managed. They were fast, helpful, on it from entry to exit! I appreciated the cushioned seating. The fresh ginger juice was amazing especially after all the singing we'd done. They were helping us pronounce the dishes and the presentation was nice. The portion was large enough for leftovers. While they were out of most menu items and handling a large catering order, it seems they're popular for a reason and I'm happy they're doing well. Go, enjoy!!

Found parking in front and went inside during peak dinner hours. The inside was dimly lit and has…read moreplenty of seating. The dining area was packed and there were lots of people. The ambiance was loud and there were also tv playing. Once we sat the waiter came over and gave us menus. everything looked great and prices were awesome. We got their recommendations: the dibi lamb and dibi chicken with our choice of a free side. we got white rice and vermicelli The lamb was cooked good and the hot sauce was fantastic. The Chicken was a bit burnt but very juicy nonetheless. It was my first time trying Senegalese food and i am looking forward to coming back here! Very flavorful and nice staff i really like it! Come here when you're in the area A+

Every dish tells a story about care and attention. This place creates a cozy feeling in spotless…read moresurroundings. Every employee was extremely flexible. Their food offers surprising flavor profiles that delight. I fully expect to visit again!

I have been coming here for years! And I'm confused about why I haven't reviewed hdfe…read more Walking in, the decor is simple, but also cozy and homey. The people who work there are always helpful and smiling. You can either dine in or take food to go it's up to you. Now I want to say I only come here for one thing......The Dibi (seasoned lamb from the country Senegal). I normally get the Dibi and white rice and it. Is. ELITE. The portion is Great and I easily can break it up into two meals! The flavors are all there and you really can tell that the chef always puts love in the food. I took my brother and his friends here tonight and they all absolutely loved it! Sidenote I've done takeout orders of Dibi from here Until I come again ‼ which I will be.

Food is fantastic! No real ambiance but the servers were kind. Super tasty. I wish they gave more…read morefish with the theibou djen. But I will always good back. That jollof and mustard sauce will hook you!

Thieb and bissap both delicious!! We were on the hunt for the best Senegalese on 116th and were not…read moredisappointed. The fish was fresh and the portion was generous. For lunch we shared 1 dish of thieboudienne and 2 bottles of bissap was $30 total

It's a spacious restaurant. It's clean the menu is big. Never so far are there a lot of people in…read morethere maybe because it's new.

Cashier girl was very pleasant and the Dibi was really good. Definitely would return.read more

I was on my way to the Schomburg and remembered this little gem was close enough so I planned to…read moremake a pit stop. As I only had 45 minutes, I knew based on previous experience that I wasn't going to have enough time to properly savor and enjoy an entree. Chez Jacob is busy and their service is very lax, so it is best if you are in no rush. Don't expect warm and fuzzies. I've previously had a taste of their fried fish with traditional Senegalese sides and enjoyed. This time on a crunch, I ordered the fish pastelles/fish pie (appetizer). This is definitely what my people call a "pastelito." It was filled to the brim with stewed fish which had a really nice kick to it and served with a red (tomato based?) sauce. It was good and not very spicy. I loved that the pastel did not feel or taste oily. I imagined I would get two, but the order was for four. At $2 a pop, it was a hearty appetizer at a great price. I ended up taking half home and they were great later. In any case, what I really knew I couldn't leave without is their heavenly ginger juice. I crave it often and have yet to find a ginger juice that competes. Homemade to perfection, the spice of the ginger will linger and clear up any ailment you may have with the absolute quickness. My sinuses revere this juice. It's in the fridge next to the register for $4. All in all, Chez Jacob is a winner in my book, and I look forward to tasting more of their dishes when time permits!

Here's the Scoop! After attending a concert at a church in…read moreHarlem we decided to get some dinner and I was hungry. My husband's long time friend trombonist Craig Harris said let's go to Chez Jacob's for dinner. Upon entering its small but space utilized well. Seats about 15 people. 2 large booths and 1 small booth. It gets crowded quickly. The lighting is medium strength and there's a counter to order to the right of the entrance. Many delicious sounding items on the menu. Large screen TV showing African music videos. I ordered the seared Tilapia with Salad & sweet plantains. My husband ordered the lamb slices with white rice and veggies. Hot bread/butter was given while we waited for our meals. Our meals came and the portions were large. Large piece of Tilapia and beautiful salad. Some back heat seasoning on the Tilapia and I thought I wouldn't be able to handle it but the salad and plantains help put out the fire. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Check my pics. I will definitely come here again to enjoy another tasty meal. My fellow Yelpers come and check it out!

I've never had a bad experience here. I'm a big fan of lamb so it's what I normally order. Unlike…read moresome restaurants in Harlem that could be very intimidating this is not one of those. They have a staff knowledgeable of the food/menu and they will make suggestions. The restaurant was recently renovated. The customers here are also friendly. Believe me when I tell you I stand out from a crowd I do and no one here has ever been judgmental. Service is super fast. I love the food !!! I always come at night when the neighborhood is bit more quiet. Many food delivery drivers and taxi drivers frequent the restaurant.

Excellent! First time trying Senegalese food and it was amazing! The portions are huge, and the…read morefood is very flavorful. It was very busy and people were coming in non stop to pic up orders, and there was a line to order when we walked in. The tables were all occupied and we were worried that we wouldn't be able t to eat in. Luckily one table opened up and we grabbed it while the one of us stayed in line to finish ordering. The food came out quick and the service staff were delightful even though they were extremely busy. I can't wait to take more of my friends and family to go and try this gem.

I ordered take out from here and the Senagalese flavors did not disappoint. I ordered the thiebou…read morejen which is my favorite Senegalese fish and it was really good. I also got a side of the onion confit which is typically served with the yassa and it was also really good on the jollof rice. I got it delivered and it was hot and as ordered. I'll definitely make sure to get food from here whenever Im in the area since I cant regularly get Senagalese food at home.

The good: - food is INCREDIBLY delicious, like out of this…read moreworld good. We tried the beef empanadas and mushroom croquettes for apps, dibi senegal (grilled lamb chops with rice and plantains) and the mafe (peanut stew with beef)-- nothing was left on our plates at the end. The things that can be improved: - the service was quite chaotic- we had made this reservation days in advance and were seated and had already placed our order for appetizers (or so we thought) when the waiter regretted to inform us that we'd have to be moved to a different table. The table we were moved to was right in the middle of the restaurant but by the door and it felt like we were being bumped into all night - as it turns out, the waiter moved us but never did place our appetizer order. So we waited, and waited, and no food came. They even served a table who came in after us! We did find it super strange but figured maybe our food was taking longer? Anyway eventually the waiter realized what happened and came over to take our order for the apps and also our entree (as at this point we had been seated closer to 45 mins). He also offered us each a free drink "on the house" if we wanted as an apology for the wait. Two of the three of us took him up on the offer and ordered two mocktails. As it turns out, at the end of the night when we got the bill, both of these mocktails were added on to our bill, despite what we were told that they'd be "on the house" - my friend ordered a dish to go - which she wanted to take for her mom- and they forgot to add it to the bill or place the order so at the end of the night my friend had to leave empty handed and disappoint her mom who was very excited to try the dish. Overall: The food is phenomenal. The service can be significantly improved.

You must visit if you're in the area…read more Enjoyed the okra stew with Joloff rice. For appetizer, small fish pastries. Everything was lovely. The space inside is warm and inviting. They already appear to host community events as well. I noticed a small stage and projector.

Really tasty and a nice variety of vegetarian options. I had mafe tofu, which had a spicy and…read morerichly flavored peanut gravy on top of potatoes, carrots, and peanuts. The joloff rice on the side was also tasty - aromatic and the perfect texture. The dish came in at around $18 after taxes, and the portion was quite generous. I loved the opportunity to try Senegalese food for the first time!

Solid effort, authentic food. Was expecting a little bit more "heat". There are tables there, but…read morethere's is more of a takeout spot. Parking on Gramaton is also tight at times as we know. However, I will definitely get food back from them again one way or another!

Omg!! First off, I'm shocked that I didn't know this place has been around this long. The…read morerestaurant is super clean and the gentleman at the counter was really understanding when I ordered the drink for my kids. This is the Jollof with vegetable and goat meat. I definitely will be back SOON!!!