We were greeted and seated immediately. Our server, who I think was the owner, was delighted to find out that this visit was our first one to the restaurant. He brought us a menu and excitedly described the lunch options. Once we made our decisions, he brought us hot Chai tea to sip while we waited for our food. My sister ordered the lamb shank while I ordered the chicken stew. Both dishes came with basmati rice (that was brown with spices and flavor) and a salad. We thoroughly enjoyed the scrumptious food. The meat fell off the bone of her lamb shank and my chicken stew was beyond delectable. At the time of this review (March 2025), the restaurant had only been in operation for about 4-5 months. So, the minimal decorations and decor are probably because the restaurant is so new. I'm sure the owners will make the place look a little nicer once they are able sustain and stay in business. Because the food was so tasty, I didn't remove one star for lack of good decor. We enjoyed our meals so much that we plan to return when we are in the area. read more

This is a little hole in the wall featuring, I think, Somali cuisine. I'm writing as a vegetarian - I really should stop searching for "Vegetarian-friendly restaurants" as the algorithm has no clue. The clerk and I had some language problems (which was fine, that's what the internet is for) and although he was surprised vegetarians exist, we found something I could eat: full - a beans/gravy type dish with a flatbread and salad and a big glass of Vitmo, a tasty nonalcoholic fruit cordial. Literally all the other dishes on the menu that aren't bread include meat (which again, is fine, but doesn't work for me). Food came very fast and portions are indeed very generous. I wouldn't call this vegetarian-friendly, but I was hoping for tasty ethnic cuisine, which is what I got. Lots of seating. read more

Food- HUGE portions. The menu is simple and not complicated. I got the lamb with rice and it comes with a side salad. The meat was tender and well seasoned. The rice was sublime. It was seasoned with spices so it was fragrant and flavorful. Service- They were quick and friendly. No frills. Locale- This place is a no frills hole in the wall. It looks thrown together and empty. Don't expect lavish decoration or upscale furniture. However, what you can expect is a place that is loved by the community and they have a closed off section for prayer (for my Muslim friends) they are kind and welcoming. I would 100% come visit again. Price- it's a little pricey but on average with the local market and $18 for the amount of food I got is good. read more

East African Restaurant - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

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We were excited to try something new, especially after seeing all the great reviews, but we couldn't even get seated because the host didn't speak or understand much, if any, English. We asked for a table for 3, and it was clear he had no idea what we were saying. We ended up just leaving because it was so awkward. read more

Amazing food! Super kind and friendly people! Large portions of delicious new things to try! Highly recommend you visit! read more

East African Restaurant - Chicken and Beef Stew - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

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Tries this place out because some coworkers recommended the place online and since I was in town and didn't want regular American fare I tried it out alongside 2 of my other coworkers. Place is a hole in the wall and at all impressive inside, but the staff was kind and very accommodating, especially after one of my coworkers said she was a vegetarian and we found out the didn't have many offerings for her diet, they went out of the way to make something just so she could have something to eat. Top notch service there. I ordered myself a sambusa and goat meat with rice and both were tasty, though we did have to ask for some in-house hktsauce for the rice to add a bit more flavor. The portions served were also very large and filling, with only myself able to finish all of it, while the others had to het to go boxes. Overall a good find and one I would come back to in future visits to the area. read more

East African Restaurant - Goat with rice - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

We are always looking for food with great flavor. This place was awesome and we will be back. My favorite dish was the Samosas.. appetizer suggested by our waiter.. very friendly and i reactive service. He was really helpful with helping us order. We liked everything so he did a great job. To be honest I didn't enjoy the noodles due to some spice but my husband loved them.. I can't wait to go back for the samosas. I gave our kiddo a leftover crepe with whipped crème and berries and then a different one with the chicken and she loved them both read more

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I want to say this is a no frills hole in the wall. But they are so kind and hospitable that saying that just wouldn't be true! I've been here a handful of times and each time is even more delicious that the last. I'm not sure what the savory goods are. But I've had the savory muffin with a hard boiled egg cooked inside and I think about it all the time! I went today and had something similar to a large samosa and it was stuffed with savory and spiced potato and onions. I always get the salmon and rice which comes with a small side salad. And a chai of course! Such a wonderful place with kind people! I love it :) read more

The customer service and team. Food was super good and well prepared and served at a timely manner read more

East African Restaurant - 10/10 Chicken and rice plate - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

Went here with a friend to try Somalian food, I've never tried it before. I ordered a watermelon juice drink with the beef suqar and my friend ordered chicken suqar. The food took a while to come out, we were waiting for about 20 minutes, when the food came out we thought it would be hot but it wasn't. My beef was almost not even warm, the rice was warm and of course the salad was cold. The beef didn't have a lot of flavor, the rice was okay and the salad I wasn't a fan of. I also tried my friends chicken and it wasn't dry which was good and the flavor was okay. The one thing that I did love ablut this place was the hot sauce. It was good! Another thing I didn't like is the gentleman at the register was taking the order of someone who has never been there , he started talking to the guy, then answered a phone call while the guy was standing there looking around and waiting ,then he took his order. I thought that was rude. read more

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Thank you for the tea. I'm dining in and enjoying chicken stew with rice. I also have a to-go order for chicken steak with rice and another for goat meat with rice. Here's my receipt. read more

East African Restaurant - Goat meat with rice - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

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All I can say is wow! I was looking to try something new in the area and stumbled upon East African Restaurant, I've never had East African food before so I was excited to try. I tried their tea with milk and it was SO GOOD!! Spiced so well without it being overpowering. I also had their sambussa (ate that before I remembered to take a picture) so crispy and again so well spiced, hot spicy but in the best way. Okay so not trying to say "spiced well" 5000 times but when I dug into the beef suqar, it was just SO GOOD!!! For me the star of that dish was their rice!! O.M.G!!! The dish as a whole was great, the beef was delicious but the rice! I can totally eat a whole dinner of just the rice! First timer here, but definitely won't be my last! read more

East African Restaurant - Beef suqar- huge portions and very delicious! - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

We're up for trying new things yesterday and this place popped up on my Yelp search. We've never had African cuisine before so I thought, hey... why not?! I walk in and at first glance I thought they had already closed. There's no menu on the wall and I couldn't see any printout either. This very hospitable guy greets me and I told him that I found his business on Yelp so we'd like to try it out. But I have no clue what they have since I don't see any items listed. He offered us a clean table and told us "not to worry about it." Meanwhile, a bunch of dudes are huddled up in fascination over something that's showing on TV. My littler kid walked up to check what they're watching. We all thought maybe it some kind of sport of something. Kiddo came back and said, "Mom, they're watching something like a National Geographic where birds are killing birds". Lol! We just got immersed in an entirely different culture as we're sitting in there! Anyway, back to the food... this dude (I assume he's the owner) came back with a small menu and told us there's only a few items on there that they had left for the night. He also gave each one of us bottled waters. I asked if their food is spicy and he said yes. So, I told my kids we'll just have to get them something from a fast food later and my hubby and I will go ahead and try their food. The dude (I'll just call him that, lol) finally said that he will pick out the food for us and to "not worry about it" (I'm seeing a pattern here and I don't know if I should worry or not, haha)! As we're waiting, he comes up and gives us chai tea as he's telling us to "try it, you'll love it"! And he was right, that thing is delish! Shortly after, he brings in 2 massive plates of chopped up chicken with rice and salad. It was a LOT of meat on each plate! Then he brings in a plate of Jabati (I hope I spelled it right) and another plate of beef and chicken (lots of meat again) and he said to dip the Jabati - texture is so much like crepes except it's more greasy than how I make mine. He said that plate is a kids' favorite. The kids tried it and since they're not cut out for spice, they didn't eat the rest of it. But they chowed down on the "crepes" with no problem at all. Dude then comes back again and gives the kiddos each a cup of the pink and deep purple juice drinks. The pink one is watermelon. The other one is some type of berry. "Dude" said he doesn't know how to explain it but just that we need to try it too. Lol! Well, older kiddo took a sip and then said it's the best juice he's ever had. Dude comes back again with a plate of samosas and told us to try it too. At this point, I'm thinking, I'm going to get into a food coma with all that he's been bringing to our table! Well, he wasn't quite done yet because as we're eating, he comes back and asked if we needed chai tea refill! Of course we said yes! Everything is so delish! It's actually not as spicy as I thought it's going to be - at least for my liking! My kids just couldn't handle the spice though. Come check out, I'm thinking.. boy, this is going to be a hefty bill! Well, turns out he only charged us for the 2 giant plates of chicken and rice m; and the samosas. It rang up to about $43. The rest he just threw out for us to TRY! Overall, it was a very unique and pleasant experience. We loved this dude so much that hubby came back in today to get more of the "crepes", chai tea, and the purple juice. "Dude" wasn't there today but the guy rang in $2 each for the drinks and $4 for the "crepes". read more

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I stayed at a hotel in the area and this is probably the healthiest food within walking distance. Staff were friendly and approachable. Basic interior but they do offer seating and it looks like the majority of their business is takeout. The menu is small but what they offer, they make well. I prefer the stews over the meat and rice plates. Sambusas were great, reminiscent of Indian Samosas but with meat filling. read more

Yummy! We entered this restaurant feeling a little curious. As I looked at the menu, I felt a little overwhelmed by not knowing what some of the menu items were. The owner took us to a table and promptly brought out samosas. He then looked at us and said "I'm going to bring you the chicken stew and the beef stew and you will love it". He was not wrong. We loved both dishes. The food was delightfully seasoned. The rice was tender. The salad was lightly dressed with an oil vinegar dressing. The owner also brought out chi tea which was a perfect fit for the spice of the stew. We will definitely go back to try other dishes! read more

Great food with friendly service. My husband and I randomly decided to eat here and couldn't be more satisfied. We had tea along with the chicken and beef suqar. Big portion sizes and tons of flavor! The spicy sauce they serve on the side was both spicy and flavorful. We highly recommend this restaurant!! read more

East African Restaurant - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

I had the best beef stew I've had in many years--maybe ever. Service was terrific, friendly and helpful navigating the Somali menu. One of, if not my favorite restaurants in Florence, KY. read more

This time trying this restaurant I love the rice and half lamb and half goat meat Plus I enjoy the pasta Definitely be back to try another item read more

East African Restaurant - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

This is not a flash place. However, the sincerity and kindness AND pride of the owner makes you feel welcome. As far as the food, the most flavorful food that I believe I have ever had while dining out. The meat was so tender, the rice and salad was perfect. I'm going to try to stop by tomorrow to try the samosa. Highly recommend. read more

Very good food. The chai is amazing. The inside is pretty plain but the food makes up for it.

I was craving something different for dinner and stumbled onto this place. My husband and I went on a Tuesday evening. It was not busy at all. The host greeted us when we came in and was very friendly. He seated us and gave us a menu. I wanted something vegetarian and he said they have beans and rice. My husband ordered the beef suqar. Pretty soon he brought two huge platters of food and also some malawa, which is kind of like a crepe. Everything was delicious. The "beans and rice" were seasoned perfectly and came with a little salad, a nice touch. The malawa was yummy along with everything else. My husband really enjoyed his dinner and loved the rice. I like the music (African music of some sort I guess?). Overall great experience and something different from hum drum food options around here. The service was excellent also. read more

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This place is a gem. The first time we got to it by accident and it was love from the first sight. Food tastes amazing, portions are enormous, stuff is very very friendly. Definitely deserves 5 stars. read more

East African Restaurant - Chicken with rice - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

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The food here is a 10. I was waiting to catch a later flight at CVG and read a review that recommended East African Restaurant. So glad I did! The place is new and not really done yet. They do have tables and chairs, but it's bare bones. Please don't let that stop you or you'll miss out. Even our teenagers said the food was sooooo good. We had the salmon, goat and chicken dishes. They all were something you will crave later. Omar and Zaq made us feel like we were at their home for a delicious meal. Friendliness 10 food 10. Heads up they do have a menu but not the signage above the register or on the front yet ( it's empty). The sign says "Taaj" on the windows. Come for the food and owners. read more

East African Restaurant - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

I've never eaten African food before; so as this is the new, happening African place, I decided to place an online order for some food. The menu was small, which was a good thing for me, as I didn't really know what to order and had to google a few of the breads to know which one I would like to try. Some people have said this place is hard to find, but I had no trouble; its in the strip mall with the Lee's Chicken out front, just off of KY 18 and Turfway, across from Remke and Big Boy. However, online ordering wasn't the best method to get food; they're just starting out and had trouble locating my order. They did find my food without much trouble or wait, but I would recommend placing an order by phone, as it is easier for them to keep track of. As for the food itself, I ordered the Goat with Rice, some Jibati bread, and a drink. I'm not sure that I got Jibati (one guy said they were out of it), but the bread I did get was very good: flat and floppy, chewy and slightly sweet- like a firmer crepe. The Goat was well cooked, falling off the bone, with that savory, unctuous Goaty flavor. The Rice was killer, spiced just right, and oiled with a tasty dressing. I ate it up, but not before I remembered to get a picture. I'll definitely return to the East African Somali Restaurant, but I'll make sure to call if it's for carry-out. read more

East African Restaurant - Goat with Rice and Mixed Greens (and piece of bread) - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

The food here was exceptional. The gentleman at the bar recommended my order since it was my first time eating African cuisine. If I was from here I would come all the time! read more

The food was delicious and the service was delightful!! We highly recommend this restaurant and go with what Jaq says you should order. read more

East African Restaurant - Beef stew and chicken stew - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

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Wonderful opportunity to try something new and, at the same time, help this new business. The food was delicious. We tried the chicken and rice. Very unique flavors. Very nice owners. The atmosphere is bare bones, but don't let that stop you! read more

Their beef is liver. It cost me $20. I wanted to like the place but i can't justify that. The spice was good but it's little cubes with a lot of gristle and looked very similar to dog food. I would have ordered the chicken if I would have known but who knows what that is. read more

My son & I stopped in out of curiosity. We were delightfully surprised with the tasty food. I had the chicken and rice. It was a big healthy portion. It was chicken breast sautéed with onion slices & tomato cubes. It had a yellowish color like tumeric. It was a tiny bit spicy with the volume of black pepper. My son had the beef stew with rice. Which looked just like mine except with beef cubes instead of chicken. Although we did not order any appetizers, the gentleman brought out 4 samosas. They were very tasty & I would recommend them. But I was a little shocked they were on my bill when I did not order them. I just paid for them because the gentleman was super nice & trying to make the American dream come true. He's an immigrant from Somalia trying to make an honest living. Best of luck with success!! read more

East African Restaurant - Chicken & rice - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

The beef stew and rice was excellent, very friendly people. The chef was very helpful and and prepared us a delicious appetizers and main course! Highly recommend. Must visit when attending Ark Encounter and Creation Museum. read more

Wow...had no idea what to expect when we walked in. Just happened to be driving by, saw the East African Restaurant sign and said let's try it. We were blown away. The restaurant itself is very simple and underwhelming, however, the FOOD was FANTASTIC! Service was wonderful; very attentive. Highly recommend. read more

Looking for something yummy???? This place is AWESOME! I liked the Suqar oh and try the Somalian Tea.

I found this place on Google and decided to try it out based on the high reviews- great decision! Very friendly and helpful owner. I was immediately brought hot chai tea followed by a combo beef/chicken suqar with rice and salad, and two samosas with an onion/meat mixture. All was delicious. There is plenty of seating inside to dine in. Will come back!! read more

East African Restaurant - Hot chai tea brought as soon as I sat down - African Near Me - Florence, Kentucky

They were very nice but struggled with understanding English. My food was just ok but I'm glad I tried it.

Oh my, I travel for a living and have only given a few reviews ever. But East African restaurant deserves this phenomenal review. Driving through Louisville, I found this restaurant on Yelp. The owner was so generous. He gave me a a cup of Chai tea that was one of the best I have ever had. He gave me a few other samples, all were so yummy. His wife makes the spicy sauce that was incredible and I loved the rice and goat. If you are ever close by, stop by. This hidden gem is in a basic strip mall location with a plain and simple set up, but It is well worth the stop. read more

I really didn't want to write this review but I feel that I need to given that another reviewer wrote that the same thing happened to her. The server was VERY "hospitable". Unsolicited he dropped off an appetizer and tea as I sat saying: "try this." Wow! Halfway through my huge rice and chicken platter (the only food that I actually ordered) he dropped a crepe in front of me. Then soup. I tried to eat a bit of it all so as not to offend him. Well.... At the register all of the unasked for food is added to your total. Do you start an argument now with this super "nice" guy? Went from a 5 star experience to a 1. Walked out feeling hustled. Stay away. read more

Came here by accident while looking for a bereavement card at the Dollar store in the same strip mall. Having lived in East Africa for three years, I was curious of the authenticity of the food. Whilst the Somali proprieter has a printed menu, they will make East African dishes not on the menu upon request (like sukumaweeki). I had the beef Samosas, Beef Stew and Chapati. They will make goat (mbuzi) stew, also. Portions were large and the Chapati could feed two people! While I waited, I had a delicious Somali spice Chai. All that was missing was the over the fire, in the desert, smoked flavor! The restaurant ambiance is very utilitarian and there was a steady stream of Somali and Sub-Saharan customers, the women dressed in traditional Muslim attire, the men in business casual blazers, very typical for East African businessmen. My server was from Dakar, Senegal. Several Somali men were served food and watched a 55" flat screen TV that carried European football via DishNetwork with Iberian Spanish sports commentators. Somali men were vocally loud at their table, which is typical. Food quality - As with any food vendor in East Africa, food taste varies restaurant to restaurant, and this was the same. Over all, food was good, flavorful, spicy, (two pepper scale) and served hot. Price- $$ In East Africa, this would have cost $5-6 USD, at the most. Here in Kentucky, $21 USD total, slightly higher than I expected, but not bad considering the personal service. The Somali mama who took my food order was surprised when I ordered in Kiswahili and was very helpful. This mzungu had a good time and the food was good. read more

Please do yourself a favor do not eat here not very clean I ordered one of those spaghetti dishes spaghetti tasted like it was five days old they did not have lids or forks to give me at with my order. Zero stars. read more

Tasty cheap and very friendly stop in if you are in the neighborhood I hope to go back real soon read more

I ordered the Lamb/Goat meat combination and a mango juice. While waiting, the gentleman who took my order, served me Samosa. I had a confused look on my face, but he said its free. So I ate the samosa. My food was brought in at a descent time. My plate had loads of rice, a small lettuce/onion combination with dressing and on the opposite side of the plate is the meat.....only lamb meat and no goat meat. I was also served a green hot sauce, a banana and a bottle of water. The food was descent. When it was time to pay, I was charged for the Samosa!! I hate to be confrontational so I just paid it with a typical amount of tip. The restaurant is also a store. Shelves lined the entire opposite wall with products. Most products are still in their boxes so I'm unsure whether they just opened and dare not to take them out. The experience is not earth shattering. It's not highly recommend it. Perhaps my expectation of their food was too high but it's not an earth-shattering experience. read more