We happened to be in this part of Brooklyn for the concert in a small park by my son's band, and happened to notice that there was a Senegalese restaurant nearby. Since we've never had Senegalese food, the decision to go there was no brainer. The interior of the restaurant looked like an art gallery, with paintings, carvings, handicrafts and photos from Western Africa. An old man (the owner?) received us. He recommended several vegetarian options for me, but I already had my heart set on the Okra stew. He then asked if I wanted Okra Tofu? I asked him if people in Senegal consumed Tofu? He said no, but customers had requested it, so they put it on the menu. (Who comes to a Senegalese restaurant and asks for Tofu?) I told him to not give me anything outside an authentic Senegalese diet. A few minutes later he came out of the kitchen to tell me that there was not enough okra stew left to form a main dish, but he'd offer whatever was there as a free side dish for me. So I went with his suggestion of Mafe Legumes (vegetables stewed in peanut butter sauce), while husband asked for the Senegalese national dish of Tiebou Jeun (baked fish). For the accompanying starch, I chose Funio, the Western African staple grain (again introduced by this wise old man). We also ordered Nem Legumes - vegetable spring rolls (I'd call them samosas :-)). Husband asked for a ginger drink. The ginger drink tasted like pure ginger juice (sweetened a bit of course) - it would certainly cleanse one's palate and warm one's stomach. The Nem Legumes were nice, but the winner was the stewed tomato dipping sauce that came with them. Our main dishes were served on large dinner plates. The portions were so substantial that I ended up packing half of my stew home, after stuffing myself unusually full already. There were chunks of yam, carrots and cabbage on my plate, flavored in a creamy and well-seasoned peanut butter sauce. But the winner was still the Okra stew - spicy, tangy, tasty. I also stole some Joloff rice off my husband's plate. It was another surprisingly delicious treat! His fish looked like a portion of a big carp, with quite a bit of bones to pick out (we don't mind fish bones, having been well trained in certain Asian cuisines :-)) Our bill, presented by a young waitress, came in a little basked covered by the broad hem of an African lady in a beautiful dress. The old man passed out table and said "oh yes she collects for us." For a meal of one appetizer, two mains, and a drink, the price was super reasonable! read more

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You must visit if you're in the area. 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. read more

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Really tasty and a nice variety of vegetarian options. I had mafe tofu, which had a spicy and richly 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! read more

I've walked by Joloff Restaurant more times than I can count, and I'm kicking myself for not stepping in sooner. This Senegalese spot in Brooklyn is truly a neighborhood gem. I finally made my way inside, and wow--what a pleasant surprise! The vibes are warm, the space is inviting, and the food? Absolutely phenomenal. The joloff rice is hands-down some of the best I've had--perfectly seasoned, rich in flavor, and paired with fish that was tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Every bite felt like a celebration of West African culture. If you live nearby or are just visiting the area, do yourself a favor and stop by. Joloff Restaurant is serving serious flavor with a side of hospitality. read more

Joloff - Senegalese Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Went with a friend and we both really enjoyed our dishes. Lots of vegetarian/vegan options to choose from, which is always exciting. I got the yassa tofu, and my friend got the yassa chicken. I look forward to coming back next time I'm in town! read more

Joloff - Yassa Tofu with joloff rice - Senegalese Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Food was super good. I got the ginger drink and peanut sauce chicken with joloff rice. It was so so good. Service was totally fine. Ambiance is quirky and lovely. read more

Joloff - Entrance - Senegalese Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I really love this restaurant. This place is by far the best Senegalese restaurant in NYC. The food is fantastic, and the beautiful, intimate atmosphere is incredibly inviting. The service is impeccable. I've been coming Joloff for almost 20 years and will continue to dine at this wonderful establishment. Today, I treated myself to delicious plate of Yassa Ganar, fataya jeun and sorrel. So good!! read more

Joloff - Senegalese Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Had never had Senegalese joloff. It was so delicious and comforting. And the portions were huge! read more

Joloff - Fish in tomato stew and okra with joloff rice - Senegalese Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Had a craving for African food and so happy I made it to Joloff. You can tell they're big on family here. Our waitress was attentive and helpful in recommending dishes. I was in the mood for fish but definitely didn't want tilapia so I was happy to hear that they had red snapper. My boyfriend enjoyed his lamb. Everything was delicious, fresh and filling. We had fish patties for our appetizer. I would return. read more

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Delicious food with huge portions. Came here on a Thursday night and had no trouble getting seated. The decor is very cute and the overall vibe is homey. I ordered the tiebou jeun, which came with a huge pile of jolloff rice and vegetables. The fish was soft and tasty, but I was unprepared for how boney it would be. Eating around the bones was a bit of a challenge, so the next time I come I might try ordering something from the expansive vegetarian menu instead. I definitely see myself returning! read more

Joloff - Tiebou Jeun - Senegalese Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Went here for brunch with ten of my sorority sisters for our monthly brunch gathering. The restaurant was very accommodating to the 11 of us. I started with their ginger drink without sugar. It was tasty, and oh, could you really taste that fresh ginger? I ordered the chicken in peanut sauce with white rice, but they brought it out with joloff rice. I was a bit annoyed by this because I was literally the last person to get her food, and now this was an added delay. I purposely didn't order the joloff rice because I wanted something not too spicy because, due to my cancer treatment, I can no longer handle spicy food. Once it came, I dug in and didn't put my fork down for about 10 minutes. It was that good. It was way too much food for one meal, so I happily took home a to-go bag. I think the traditional African decor definitely adds to the experience one has at this restaurant. This restaurant should definitely be added to your must try list. read more

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The food was extremely bland and flavorless, nowhere near being authentic Senegalese food... We asked for the food to be made spicy for us and there was absolutely no spice in anything. Ordered jollof, fish, lamb, and chicken.. they all tasted like tomato sauce. Didn't even touch the plantains... they were pale. Soggy. Really disappointed.. trusted these reviews. Waste of money... but the interior was cute. read more

I've been wanting to try this restaurant for ages and I got to try it finally. I had the Jollof and the Dibi for delivery (Via Seamless) and I wasn't disappointed. The packaging was great and there was no spillage. There were utensils packed as well. The portion of Jollof rice was perfect and it wasn't too spicy. The Dibbi was grilled and seasoned well, and the portion was decent. The onions and the mustard-based sauce they used were tasty (per usual). For a takeout dish, it was done very well and I can only imagine how it is when you dine in. I was savoring my meal for hours. read more

Joloff - Dibbi - Senegalese Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Highest level of service. The workers are pleasant and responsive. Joloff maintains their high standards. Though well-prepared, the food wasn't the best example we've had. The restaurant delivers satisfaction reliably. read more

I love it is food Africa attention many time They is good cook food is good health is Africa culture read more

This place operates at a level that's hard to comprehend. I notice how businesses treat people, and this place is remarkable. Joloff offers reasonable costs and good vegetable portions. This spot gets the fundamentals right. This establishment shows professionalism. read more

Amazing little Senegalese restaurant family run by a mom and her sons. It doesn't get more authentic than this. I felt like my own mother was there getting ready to yell at me for playing with my food. read more

Joloff - Mafe Yapp Joloff Rice - Senegalese Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Your expectations will be met and then exceeded. The staff performed at the high level this restaurant demands. The food is wonderful. The dessert menu here confirmed my usual preference. This spot satisfies all dining requirements. read more

EVERYTHING GREAT. Love this place always good! My grill lamb is the best... authentic well cooked food! read more

Joloff - Senegalese Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

2023 review: I've been coming here a long while and haven't been happy with Jollof for several months. The price went up and the portions VISIBLY got smaller. The portions and the nutrition I got from this very same meal was worth it but, I cant keep paying over 20 dollars for continually shrinking portions. First photo was a 2022 review Second two are 2023. read more

Joloff - Senegalese Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Jolloff was amazing!! The inside was cozy, and everyone was really friendly, welcoming us into the space and taking the time to explain the menu! I don't remember the exact names, but we got the chicken with peanut sauce and the fish with okra and I would order both again. The portions are pretty big, each dish made me feel so cozy, I felt like I was eating a home cooked meal! Would definitely come back. read more

Joloff - two plates of food on a table - Senegalese Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This place earns total marks. Great food without the high markup. The dish maintained freshness while incorporating lemon. The employees work quickly and respectfully. Joloff stays among my preferred eating establishments. read more

The food here is always absolutely amazing. There is so much love out into these recipes. The service is warm and friendly each and every time. The space is relaxing and carries a homie vibe. Stop in if you're ever in Bed-Sty. read more

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Unfortunately Joloff has been lacking flavor. The few times I've been there this year the food was bland, portions smaller, prices higher. One time the joloff was partially cooked. The service remains good. read more

The food tasted like a hearty homemade meal. Really enjoyed the flavors in the joloff rice. We tried the national dish (baked fish in tomato sauce) and the vegetable legume (really just potatoes) with peanut. Both were well flavored and the joloff rice tasted differently because the rice is made with the respective sauce. The fried plantains were fresh and not greasy. Also tried the vegetable fataya (bite size fried dough filled with veggie puree); these were ok. Highly recommend the food! read more

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Delicious vegan options here. Service is friendly. Classic good food here at reasonable prices. Sat outside and enjoyed the slightly chaotic but fun vibe of Nostrand. read more

TERRIBLE FOOD TERRIBLE SERVICE DO NOT eat HERE ORDERED AT 8:20 food came to table at 9pm whattt ? Ordered appetizer spring rolls they gave me 3 box frozen rolls from target. terrible also ordered my kid fries and received them 30 min later. bill was 65$ ordered snapper fish was old and lamb has mostly bones they did great job hiding the lamb bones under salad see pic wow God help us. Oh and joloff rice was extremely stale! read more

Joloff - They tried to hide the lamb under the salad so we don't see it was mostly bones wow fooled me - Senegalese Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The food here is always great. The seasoning is very flavorful in every dish that I have ordered; I have yet to be disappointed. I have been eating here since they were located on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. The owner, known as "Pape" is often there when I visit. He is very kind and personable as is all of the staff. Joloff relocated to Bedford Avenue in 2011. They should replace the business awning that displays the business name. It is in very poor condition and partially covered by a tree. If you are not looking for this business you will not know it is there. The business has an A rating from the department of health. The prices are unbelievably reasonable and fare, considering how much prices have increased at almost every other restaurant that I patronize. If you are looking for a different taste, something new, you will definitely not be disappointed at Joloff. read more

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I've always seen the colorful location while walking and in ubers and I finally decided to try it. It is truly amazing. It's a family owned establishment, the staff is friendly, portions are large and the prices are reasonable. I had the fish pastels. The sauce was not that good but the pastel itself was yummy. For the main meal, I had Tiebuu Jeun, thanks to the suggestion of my server. (National dish of Senegal. Baked fish with vegetables and joloff rice.) The fish was beautifully cooked, the joloff was full of flavor. I will be going back to this place for sure. If you are looking for fresh, authentic Senegalese cuisine, look no further. You have found it. read more

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The last time I came to Jollof was 20 years ago and it was simply amazing! Between the fresh vegetables and tasty peanut fish I had fond memories. So when I went back recently with expectation, I was pleased that the quality of the food had not missed a beat! I had Mafe Jeun cooked to perfection in a tasty peanut sauce. My companion has the lamb shank with fried sweet plantains. This place is a must if you are in downtown Brooklyn and are craving Senegalese cuisine. read more

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A night in BK for a great collab, we couldn't let the vibe end so a friend introduced me to some of my "peoples dem". Ok so not exactly my people since my roots are Ghanaian and this is more Senegalese cuisine, but hey they had me @ Joloff. As we enter I enjoyed the vibrant colors and the amazing artwork adorning all the walls. We were promptly greeted and seated. There was so much to take in I almost forgot to peruse the menu. Not particularly hungry I wasn't exactly sure what to get. Ultimately I was encouraged by friend whom came here with a taste for something specific (Dibbi) to order anyway. After a personal debate on what seafood dish I should order I went with, Tiebou Jenu/National Fish of Senegal- Baked Red-snapper Fish with vegetables and Joloff Rice ($15). It was very tasty and tender. Well seasoned and flavorful I wish I had a bigger appetite because I wanted to eat more. Nonetheless a doggy-bag never hurt anyone, especially me. My friend order her Dibbi/ Marinated grilled lamb chops- w/ vegetables and Joloff rice ($15). If her dancing is an indication, then that Dibbi was Bomb. Lol. Overall a wonderful dinning experience with well seasoned, great portions, made to order cuisine for two under $35. Definitely well worth, my extended stay in BK. Just A Note: Food is made to order so it may take a few... just, enjoy the colors, Art and the vibe! read more

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A cozy chic cultural hub. Joloff sneaks up on you on a small unassuming homey block in the heart of Bedstuy. From the outside the decor pulls you in. It's authentic and intentional from the tablecloths to the utensil ties, the art , the altar and every item on the menu. It's done right. Currently on display all throughout the restaurant is a dope collection by a local artist Moses. The pieces beg for understanding and delivers potent amounts of cultural awareness. We snuck into Joloff on a rather rainy/ grey day. It was empty and we had the place all to ourselves. It was a made for tv moment. We met Mara the co-owner who is just the sweetest. We talked about business and gentrification, Senegal and Jamaica...the similarities that existed in food and culture...our love for Mama Africa. We spoke about our love for food. As we dined a hearty mix of Afrobeats and reggae played that was the perfect balance to an already amazing dining experience. The menu is vast and chock full of tasty ideas but since I'm a pescatarian I had strewed fish with Joloff rice, steamed veggies( cabbage, carrots), yuca and plantains. The man had a fried snapper with salad and plantains and we both had bissap (sorrel). We were nourished with every single bite. Something about the space just produces this joy. We laughed the entire meal. When you go to Joloff it's not just dining,it's a cultural/ spiritual experience. It's not just dinner; it's fellowship. read more

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I had the highest hopes when I went into this restaurant in smelled the delicious things that took me back to a country I visited 20 years ago. The employees were fairly friendly, but the information online is inaccurate. There is no dining or dining outside due to the changes in weather in lack of additional wait staff. So if your hoping to eat in , call 1st period we decided to order anyway. Being torn between a lot of different options, I went with the fish pastels for an appetiser and the fish jasa as my main. I was a little taken aback with the difference in prices in person in on the menu. They claim the $5 difference was because it was a whole fish as opposed to a fillet. Everything was cooked to order so we waited about 25 minutes for food to be prepared. We ended up having to walk to a local park with a table to eat our food. I opened the bag to take a look. The fish pastels were tiny! It was like they took one pastel in cut it into 4 pieces for $4! The red sauce was pretty much on par. Then the main dish. Once I got the platter open, the $15 plate that cost $20 was quite the shock. The fish was really small, as were the rest of the portions! It was slathered in the famous Yassa onion sauce in a side of jollof rice in salad. The jollof rice was OK, the salad was very fresh, in the fish was well-cooked, grilled to perfection. But The Onion sauce was overpowered with lumpy mustard! I've had this dish in so many places New York, DC, Virginia, New Jersey, Senegal, etc in I've never had Yassa so full of mustard! I ended up having to scrape most of it off. For $31 still being hungry, I am not sure if I returning for take out. read more

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Excellent Senegalese place, large portions Poulet yasa is the best I will comeback soon read more

Delicious flavors! I've never eaten inside, but the space is nice, too. Quick delivery.

Wow. What a pleasant surprise. I went here because the New York Times ran a story about how the owner us financially struggling. We went here as soon as they opened, and the woman who took our order was nice enough to explain their more popular options. We had a baked fish with joloff rice meal that was the national dish of Senegal, and it was perfect. I've had dreams of that fish. We also had some chicken with peanut sauce and white rice, and it was also impressive. We also had some delicious fish fritters. I'd love to go back and taste more of their menu. read more

Food here is absolutely amazing! More authentic you can't possibly find. If you are lucky enough the get there (worth the visit) you won't be disappointed - at all!! read more

The food was delicious, the portion generous, and the service was excellent. I enjoyed my meal and sorrel ginger beer combination. I had enough to take home. The restaurant I s spacious yet cozy. Easy to get to driving or on public transportation. Great for a solo date or with others. read more

Its not a pretty place but the food is delish! The staff is not super friendly to start but they warmed up after talking to them a bit. The veggie side dish of carrots and cabbage is amazin! read more

Food- yummy. Service- slow and all over the place. I'd order delivery next time as they really had problems with Getting my order together (I waited 45 minutes in store for 2 entrees). read more