Idrees Khan

Because of Safari, Somali food has now become one of my favorite cuisines ever! We ordered the Beef Suqaar, Mango Curry Chicken, and Hilib Ari. Literally everything was absolutely delicious! The owner was extremely hospitable and I honestly cannot wait to go again. Make sure to ask for bananas to enhance the experience with your rice!

+1

Rhoda Kanaaneh

Really delicious food! From appetizers through desserts, from juices to desserts, everything our party of five ordered was special and tasty (and reasonably priced). Even the cinnamon sprinkled on the dessert was super! The ambience is lovely and you can choose between tables or beautiful floor seating area. Staff was friendly. We will definitely be back!

InTheName OfFashion

We stopped into Safari in Harlem for lunch, and at first, the completely empty dining room made us question our choice—but I’m so glad we stayed! Service-wise, our waiter wasn’t the friendliest or most attentive, but honestly, the food was so good it didn’t even matter. We started with the Chicken Sambuca—perfectly thin, flaky dough wrapped around juicy, flavorful meat. Light, tasty, and a fantastic appetizer. For mains, we had the Goat (Hilib Ari) and the Lamb Shoulder. The lamb was a little on the dry side, but the goat was absolutely sublime—so tender it melted in your mouth, with amazing flavors and seasoning. The accompanying rice was aromatic and beautifully spiced, pairing perfectly with the meats. Next time I’m in NYC, I’ll definitely be coming back!

Seth Borden

Delicious food and fantastic service! Definitely recommend the sabaayad as an appetizer, and there were great dessert options.

Gregory Ainsley

We had a wonderful experience. The food was tasty and the service was friendly, warm, and excellent. The restaurant decor is very cute and cozy. We will be back!

Gabriella Nicole

I was skeptical at first. I heard good things about this restaurant, but it was empty when I came in. Don’t be fooled by that though, the food is AMAZING. My friends and I barely spoke while we were eating. Just silence and the occasional joyful giggles because our bodies were in heaven. Please come in and make sure you try the chai, hibiscus juice and mango lassi. Also come with friends so you can get the full experience.

Betty Chen

The seating in the back is really traditional and cozy. Server was so nice and keep our chai tea warm all the time plus we got extra chai on the house. Food is well seasoned. The sauce was super delicious.

+6

Alijah Anyagwosi

Wonderful location to get your Somali cuisine and enjoy with family. Safari has Nice food, neat and welcoming scenery and most especially good music. The dessert was awesome.

Tarajee Rayya

I have been here more than a few times and have enjoyed every meal. The customer service is always great. I’ve had the sorrel, some mango punch I think it was, beef sambusas (which comes with amazing side green sauce; so good I wanna drink it lol ), side Alfredo pasta, chicken suqaar, and my favorite is just to have traditional Shaax Somali Tea there and get work done. They keep it hot with a little tea candle just underneath the tea pot. So clever and cute. The tables could use some updating, but besides that the environment is very welcoming.

ReedH

This was my first time trying Somali food and I was impressed! First off, the place is nice and the gentleman serving us was so kind - offering suggestions on what to order and later bringing out some ginger tea and bananas to try with the food. And the food was excellent. We started with the sambusas as a starter and they were amazing - crispy shell giving way to pillowy interior and a delicious meat filling. The chicken and braised goat were also very good - the goat being my favorite - seemingly braised for hours and soooo tender and full of flavor. It’s a relatively small menu but I’ll definitely be back to try some of the other options.

Alperen Tuzuner

Had dinner here with a group of friends. We ordered the mixed plate for 4 and some apps. The favor of the food was amazing. I would highly recommend for anyone interested in Somali cuisine. You can ask them for bananas as well, they will give on the side. Only gave 4 stars as the cups for water were placed upside down on all of the tables which doesn’t seem very sanitary…

E. A.

I was glad we found this Somali restaurant! Between two people, we ordered one appetizer and two mains, which was more than enough quantity. ✅ Sambusa (Veggie) - deep fried patties made with aromatic herbs, seasoning and served with spicy bisbaas dipping sauce ✅ Hilib Ari - Most popular Somali dish, roasted goat served aside with Somali basmati rice and bizbaz sauce. ✅ Grilled Veggies with Rice - yellow rice with a side of roasted carrots, spinach, potatoes. The service was slow but we weren't in a hurry. There are limited vegetarian options, but the grilled veggie with rice was delicious!

+1

Abdula Greene

I had the mango chicken, and the other diner had the Hilib Ari. We shared each other's food. Very tasty and filling. Laid back atmosphere. We went during restaurant week. But prices are still very reasonable even without restaurant week.

Tracy Wu (Yu-Lun)

The food is good, but I suggest not going without a reservation. We came in on a Friday night around 7 p.m. There was a huge group and a few other tables. Sadly, we were unable to get our starter until 8:30 p.m. and our entree at around 9 p.m. We were very frustrated to see that the staff was busy serving other tables and ignored us. However, the food is delicious and authentic. If we can revisit this restaurant, we will definitely make a reservation.

+1