The food was excellent. The service was very good a little pricey, but worth every dime. I would go back again over and over.

The only African /Liberian spot i frequent . Service is always cool and pleasant . I absolutely love the sweet potato greens with chicken , I wish I could eat it daily ! read more

POOR POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE! TAKE YOUR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE! I went to purchase 4 bottles of ginger lemonade and decided to order wings and corned beef rice. I asked the cashier if the wings were fried with flour and she said "no we don't use flour". Ok, so I decided to order the fried lemon pepper wings instead of the grilled wings along with the rice. I paid for my order, took the lemonades (that the cashier placed in a bag and placed on the counter). I took the lemonades and went to wait in my car since she told me it would be about a :15 wait. While in my car, I reviewed my receipt and noticed that I was charged for the food only and not charged for the lemonades. When I went back in to pick up my food order, I informed the attendant that she did not charge me for the ginger lemonades ($7) each, then she sheepishly acknowledged and accepted my HONEST payment. I then waited another 5 min for my food to come out..... the place was empty and definitely not busy. Before my food came out, I suddenly began to smell something burning (as in burnt food). A few minutes later the cashier came out with my order, tied up in a bag. I thanked her and left. When I got in the car, I decided to open my bag of food to at least taste a wing before I continued running errands for the day. I noticed the 5 wings had a burnt crusting on them. I bit into one of the wings only to find out they weren't fried as I ordered. I went back into the restaurant and told the cashier that I ordered lemon pepper fried wings not grilled wings. She debated with me, and told me that I ordered grilled wings. After I reminded her about our earlier discussion when she said they don't use flour on their fried wings, she walked back into the kitchen and began talking very loud, informing the cook that I wanted fried wings even though I ordered grilled wings ( LIES)!. I could hear the cook yelling about my order and came out of the kitchen along with the cashier and told me I couldn't get a refund because I bit a piece off of ONE chicken wing! Granted ,I NEVER ASKED FOR A REFUND... just wanted what I ordered! She and the cashier began yelling at me aggressively as if I stole something! I could not believe this was happening! I reiterated what I ordered and was shockingly surprised that she kept yelling that since the chicken was bitten off, I could not get it switched out. So was she going to give the chicken to someone else who may come in and order grilled chicken. I could not understand that logic. So instead of arguing with her, I returned to my vehicle and brought the lemonades in to return them for a refund. Why did they tell me I couldn't return them because I left the store already. I have Again, I thought I was in a whole different country where the rules are very different when it comes to customer service and hospitality. I have supported this restaurant with business for the past year and today was the LAST DAY! If you're looking for good customer service and the expectation to receive what you ordered, ZANZIBAR CAFE IS NOT WHERE YOU WANT TO GET YOUR AFRICAN CUISINE. The cook was ANGRY, RUDE and DISRESPECTFUL. The poor cashier ( who was initially nice) was trying to save herself by joining in and learning rude behavior from the cook. AND TO THINK, I CAME BACK IN THE RESTAURANT AND POINTED OUT THAT SHE HADN'T CHARGED ME FOR THE LEMONADE! I guess it doesn't pay to be overly honest ALL THE TIME! read more

The food was freshly prepared and delicious! They put the perfect spice level in my meal! read more

Zanzibar Cafe - African Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I have the potato greens with beef. The sauce was very flavorful. Service was good for dine in. I can around 2pm it was pretty quiet in there but people did come in for take out orders. Parking lot can get packed due to many business in the location. I will definitely one back again for their evening when they DJ and dances. read more

Food was good, customer service is poor. I recommended this place to 3 people, ordered and paid for everyone. They mistakenly omitted my order when the food was picked up. No big deal...I called and was polite in explaining what happened thinking it was an easy fix. Instead, the younger woman on the phone was rude from the moment she answered the phone stating "and what do you want us to do about it...you didn't order that...it's busy here we can't help you." Then she put me on hold but didn't know I could still hear her lying to her manager about why I called and what was stated. She eventually put the manager on the phone, who then apologized and offered a refund that he never gave. I called and texted the next day to check up on it and got no replies. My moms' not here so this was my only means of getting African food but I will not be returning and will not recommend...I will actually encourage people not to patron. I don't like supporting companies with liars and rude workers as the face of the business, dealing with customers. read more

This is one of my go to spots for good Liberian food! I went yesterday and had one of their signature dishes, Palm Butter and Rice. It was absolutely DELICIOUS!!!! It had so much flavor! I was extremely satisfied with this dish, and it was very fulfilling. The cassava fries are also one of my favorites from here! The staff and the owner are all excellent! I love this place! read more

What a hidden gem on North Tryon Street in Charlotte. We already know the best food comes out of a small place in a strip mall, but this little African cuisine restaurant really impressed us. The food was outstanding. We tried things we have never had before. The Fufu (dough) was amazing, we dipped it in Palava Sauce. We also had a side of Cassava Fries. All the flavors were just amazing. Next time you pick a restaurant, try something new! I promise you won't regret it! read more

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Food, mediocre at best. The service is terrible. Makes me ashamed to call myself a Liberian. read more

Awful customer service. Staff was rude and unfriendly. You need nicer people to greet your customers as I won't be back because of that. Food tasted good, but was drowning in oil! read more

The food is always delicious. The serving sizes are gracious. The interior was recently renovated with mounted widescreen tvs, a fire place and they still have a fully equipped bar. The chef made ginger beer is soooo good. Customer service is minimal but I come for the food so I'll be back. read more

Zanzibar Cafe - Palava sauce and fried plantain. - African Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

AFRICAN FOOD IS MY NEW FAVORITE!!! This was my first time trying potato soup and omg omg OMG soooo good !!! It taste like regular collard greens but with authentic flavors , the fufu is tasteless but it's sooooo good when you dip it in the soup. The plantains are nice and juicy and really sweet. My total was $20.27. read more

Zanzibar Cafe - Potato Greens, Fried Plantain, fufu - African Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

My first time dining in this small cozy place for lunch. The customer service was great and informational but I had my mind set on the okra sauce and rice. My colleague and I didn't have to wait long but my food tasted like they burnt the sauce on the oven top was not good at all but i was hungry. My colleague had a fish plate which she ate and enjoyed. read more

The customer service is straight garbage. The woman that works the front doesn't greet you, she will carry on with a conversation to her friends before asking can she help you. When asking about meal options without meat she had am issue with telling me and she constantly spoke under her breath as of she didn't want to be at work. Also her overall appearance was unacceptable for work. Her hair was all over her head and appeared to look very unkept. I will mot be back to visit nor will I recommend this establishment. read more

Very good food! I had the Cassava Leaf with rice and fufu for the first time! Everything tasted sooooo good! I wasn't aware that African food was so oily, but besides that it was delicious! Their customer service was subpar and they may want to put someone else at the front. read more

I ordered jollof rice via GrubHub and let's just say I am not disappointed at all! It's enough for 2-3 people so I definitely got my money's worth. The rice is delicious and has plenty of chicken and shrimp. It also came with a pepper sauce and another sauce but I can't remember what kind. I decided to try the ginger lemonade and it's really good as well. This is my first time trying Zanzibar and they've just won over another customer. read more

Came in to check this place out and try something different and I immediately felt unwelcome by the employee in the front. She continued her conversation with her friend for 5 minutes before offering to ask if I wanted a seat or even a menu. I decided to just get the food to go since it didn't feel like they wanted me there. The menu looked great so I decided to order a few items and when I was repeating me order to the lady she continued to say they didn't have that item and gave me a look like I was crazy for asking for items on their menu. At that point, I just cut my losses and left. I'm sure the food is great, but the way I was treated from the moment I walked in to the moment I left just left a bad taste in my mouth. If you wanna try their food order takeout because customer service is not their forte. read more

This was my first time trying fufu. The staff was very nice, helpful, and even charged my phone. I recommend getting the potato soup. It was delicious. 10/10 for sure‼ read more

One of the best cassava leaf rice I've tasted in my life I recommend it to anybody of any race

The BEST African food in town!!! I love that the food is always hot and fresh. The Jollof Rice and Potato Green are my favorites on the menu. read more

Best African food I've eaten thus far. I drive 1 hr away only to get take out. My last visit I ordered on line and 40 minutes later my food wasn't ready, I had to show Mrs. Pat my order. She was very nice and prepared my order within 20 minutes. Yes I recommend this place. read more

I don't write reviews often, but my food was perfect!! I wasn't hesitant to try, but hesitant to use GrubHub for my order. Being that I did, I called the restaurant beforehand for questions and clarity on the order I'd be placing. They were very receptive and they even called back as they progressed with my order. It was obvious they wanted to make sure they followed my preparation notes. Most restaurants don't do this and when your delivery arrives, it is what it is. :-/ Back to the GrubHub fiasco, they were super late in picking up my order and Zanzibar called to inform me of that as well! I appreciate the extra care, not to mention food seasoned to perfection! Even the sautéed vegetables were as I like!! Thank you guys!! read more

I was looking for something different to eat and this restaurant was suggested. This was one of the best suggestions all week. I received Potato Greens, Jollof, and Ginger Lemonade. Everything was beyond what was expected. To add to the greatness, the portion sizes were enough for 2 people. I will be ordering from here again the next time I am in town. read more

I chanced upon this place when I was looking for vouchers on Restaurant.com. This place is small, and the menu is small - but bear in mind that everything on the menu is a delight to your taste buds. The food is very unique and while I've only never been to Africa mmyself, i would trust this to be authentic since the food was rich in flavor and I honestly hadn't experienced this before. Off all of my favorites were the Rotisserie chicken, the Fish, the fried yuca (was v v good) and this other green sauce with turkey and chicken served with brown rice. I strongly recommend this place. read more

A must-try! The food was soooooooo good, flavorful, and KID-APPROVED! We had the jollof rice (which was everyone's absolute favorite) and if you like spice, I really enjoyed the okra soup. Portion sizes were great and customer service as well. I placed my order online and received a call immediately to let me know they were out of one of the items I ordered. I was able to choose a different option and my order was ready for me when I arrived. I live in South Charlotte, but it is worth the drive for me! read more

Sent my husband for African food off N Tryon and he past my go to and found this restaurant instead. Cassava Leaf stew did not have the same consistency as the other restaurant and the chicken and turkey parts were far from tender. Fish was very good. read more

As a Liberian and a chef, I highly recommend this restaurant. I had the torborgee on Monday and it was delicious! Keep in mind that it's SPICY and I eat ghost peppers in everything. I went back on Wednesday and got the fufu & Palm butter and beef kabobs. The Palm butter was once again great and I'd eat it again. The kabobs where nothing to remember though. I don't live in Charlotte, but I'm definitely be back the next time I'm in the area. read more

My 3-star rating is based on the customer service. The cashier who was working the counter was not the most welcoming. Looked me up and down and barely opened her mouth to greet me. It was an awkward encounter. I contemplated walking out the door but really wanted to try the food so I proceeded with my order. I'm glad that I did because the food was really good. I ordered the salmon and veggie rice and it was absolutely delicious. Seasoned perfectly. I would have given this review 5 stars on my meal alone. However, it is not enough for a return visit as I value great customer service. A simple, warm greeting goes a long way! read more

First he wouldn't honor my restaurant.com coupon I paid for. Says he don't use them.yet he does nothing for them to stop. Food was a bit salty and was suppose to have red palm oil in both leave dishes but seems to be alot more vegetable oil. Chicken tasted like it was rotisserie so it lacked the true seasoning from the stew. Hope I find a different african restaurant before I leave read more

Jollof Rice Day fell on a Monday, so I stopped in at Zanzibar when I remembered Mama Gees isn't open on Mondays. Expecting disappointment (Ghanaiian jollof rice is supreme), I was pleasantly surprised. The spot is clean and modern though tiny, the specials are clearly listed with a good explanation for the uninitiated and the service was friendly. Food is cooked to order so expect about a 10-minute wait, but the big screen TV is always on the news so you can argue while you wait. The jollof is plentiful, full of chicken and veggies and has that yummy home made taste and is NOT dry. Love it, and will be coming back for my fix whenever the jones hits me. read more

Great food. Fish and plantains were excellent. We had a large party of 20 people however the food came in short time and was well-prepared.

Great customer service! Rich was at the front counter and he was very pleasant, welcoming and professional. The food was hot and fresh and the atmosphere was great! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone. read more

Originally im from Congo - Kinshasa...and was excited to learn about Zanzibars opening...while eating a dish i felt the authenticity...Zanzibar is official... read more

My low score is only because I was delivered the wrong food. What I received turned out to be very good, just not what I wanted. I finally got my food and it was good. Worth going back, I'll just pick it up myself. So food wise, very good. read more

Went to order in store and the cashier was extremely rude. Had her headphones on and I had to yell to tell her my order, when she finally took her headphones out she had an attitude. Tried to get the lunch special for 6.95 but she tried to charge me $8. Says the advertisements they have up are wrong. Y'all need to get your staff straight and drop the attitude, took my money across the street to the Caribbean joint where they don't bs you, food is bomb too. read more

ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!! I had never had African food but am willing to try anything once and boy I am glad I did. I wanted a little of everything on the menu!! The Potato Greens are a must have!!! If you are in the mood for African, this place is a must try. And everyone is so friendly, they definitely have the spirit of their country!!! read more

Great food. Awesome service. I've become a regular!!

The food is awesome-a masterful healthy and delicious choice. Try the fish and rice, and you must order a side of plantains. I like the al fresco option. We'll be back. read more

My favorite restaurant in Charlotte thus far. I'm Nigerian so naturally I enjoy most African cuisine but this was my first time trying Liberian food. I literally order the same thing every time: Grilled Whole Tilapia with corned beef rice and plantain. Their tilapia is HUGE and grilled to perfection and the rice and plantain is pretty perfect as well. Their spicy sauces are amazing and their cassava stew is as well. Would highly recommend. :) read more