The tomato chicken stew was rich and delicious (and very spicy, just like i asked!). Will definitely come back. My only complaint is that the hibiscus and ginger drinks were a bit too sugary.

I’m not gonna lie at first I was a little scared reading the bad reviews, but I’m really glad that I went. The food was fantastic and the customer service was above and beyond. The cook went as far as coming out herself and advising me on what to try after hearing it was my first time. They were very polite and again the food was FANTASTIC! I got the tomato stew with goat and fufu.

I love African food, particularly Ethiopian and Somalian food. Recently I started branching out and trying other African cuisine. Meat pie - good but dry. Was premade then not heated very warm. It still tasted good but maybe I'd ask them to heat it up more. Tomato stew with goat - spicy - came with fufu - delicious. We soaked up every last drop. To the guy who was challenged by the texture of fufu, maybe you ate it just by itself? It's much better soaked in stew. Tastes like mashed potatoes with sauce instead of gravy. I think that, like white rice, it's meant to be a base for your entrees, not a side dish to be eaten alone (correct me if I'm wrong). Plantains - delicious - crispy and dry rather than moist as you would get in Caribbean/Latin food - but in a good way (I like both styles). Suup! soursop soda - reminded me of the solution kids use to blow bubbles, only sweet instead of soapy. I don't understand the complaints about small portions. The portions may look small by volume, but like Indian food, it is deceptively filling. The above was enough to make both of us full, and we have big appetites. Plus we had not eaten all day so we were starving by dinnertime. Update: 8 months later: Takeout only after 6:50pm if not earlier. Egusi here is better than others I've had in the Bay area.

Delicious food, excellent customer service. One of my favorite places.

The food was super delicious and the staff so nice. We tried a variety of dishes and all were reasonably priced. I wish we had taken pictures. However, we inhaled everything before thinking about pictures. Next time.

We were waiting for my kiddo and decided to pop in for some sweets. Unfortunately they were out but we decided to get something small since we were only waiting a little by it. The rice was AMAZING. Next time will definitely get a full plate. Service was great!

First time here and not disappointed. Ordered food with ease. Asked question to which the she was more then happy to answer and give input. We went during lunch and the take out orders were none stop.

My fish west African food, and it was delicious. Order the tomato sauce with chicken. Fufu comes with it.

Was inspired to try this place after seeing the Nigerian food episode of Taste the Nation, so I tried the same dishes mentioned in that: beef suya, and egusi soup with fufu. I also had the Suup! soda (made from soursop and cane sugar juice) which is lovely. The beef was tender and spicy - delicious. I struggled with the fufu, from a technical point of view, but the egusi was rich and spicy. More practice needed with the fufu so I'll definitely be back, and try other dishes on the menu. The staff are all lovely and welcoming, recognizing this was my first experience with Nigerian food, they were happy to explain anything I needed.

The food here is tasty and fresh. That are a few vegetarian options that are really nice. You should try the moi moi, it's really delicious! The atmosphere here is casual, friendly and chilled. The service was good. The place is clean. It feels like a typical Nigerian hole in the wall. There are not many authentic African places around here, and this is definitely a good representation!

Wish Kane

Eaten at Golden Safari a few times and it's always very very good. I always get a Egusi with chicken, fufu, okra soup with chicken as well and jollof rice but this time I also got plantain and every single thing was spot on. I'm so happy that it's halal food and I can enjoy the deliciousness of other cultures.

Jordan Mcmiller

First time trying Nigerian cuisine. Amazing. Waiter was helpful in guiding me to order Ebo Riro soup when they heard me order Fufu with nothing to dip it in. The GOAT was amazing. The Jollof rice was so flavorful. The chicken was also good but the GOAT was the star. Everything was so flavorful not overly salty just seasoned to perfection. I would definitely return here and am so glad I gave it a try.

misty a

We were waiting for my kiddo and decided to pop in for some sweets. Unfortunately they were out but we decided to get something small since we were only waiting a little by it. The rice was AMAZING. Next time will definitely get a full plate. Service was great!

Ben Perry

First time here and not disappointed. Ordered food with ease. Asked question to which the she was more then happy to answer and give input. We went during lunch and the take out orders were none stop.

Sean Corfield

Was inspired to try this place after seeing the Nigerian food episode of Taste the Nation, so I tried the same dishes mentioned in that: beef suya, and egusi soup with fufu. I also had the Suup! soda (made from soursop and cane sugar juice) which is lovely. The beef was tender and spicy - delicious. I struggled with the fufu, from a technical point of view, but the egusi was rich and spicy. More practice needed with the fufu so I'll definitely be back, and try other dishes on the menu. The staff are all lovely and welcoming, recognizing this was my first experience with Nigerian food, they were happy to explain anything I needed.

Ravid Lazinsky

The food here is tasty and fresh. That are a few vegetarian options that are really nice. You should try the moi moi, it's really delicious! The atmosphere here is casual, friendly and chilled. The service was good. The place is clean. It feels like a typical Nigerian hole in the wall. There are not many authentic African places around here, and this is definitely a good representation!

Caleb

First time trying this cuisine and I'm a fan. We got the Puff Puffs as an appetizer I could eat a whole box as a snack. And we got the Egusi with fish and goat with Fufu.

First time trying Nigerian cuisine. Amazing. Waiter was helpful in guiding me to order Ebo Riro soup when they heard me order Fufu with nothing to dip it in. The GOAT was amazing. The Jollof rice was so flavorful. The chicken was also good but the GOAT was the star. Everything was so flavorful not overly salty just seasoned to perfection. I would definitely return here and am so glad I gave it a try.

Eaten at Golden Safari a few times and it's always very very good. I always get a Egusi with chicken, fufu, okra soup with chicken as well and jollof rice but this time I also got plantain and every single thing was spot on. I'm so happy that it's halal food and I can enjoy the deliciousness of other cultures.

Again, your food is so DELICIOUS! We saw the owner on KTVU Morning News recently being interviewed regarding Hatward Restaurant Week. Her presentation was fabulous. Its important that food be created by those who represent the food; culturally speaking. Although the spices, meat and vegetables are not directly from home, what is imported makes the dishes delicious. My husband and I had Jollif, Egusi and Efo-Riro w/Goat. NO COMPLAINTS FROM US. We loved the food, the hospitality and the cleanliness of the location. We will be back.

SO EXCITED to have found this restaurant! Their egusi soup and fufu are super tasty and my friend got the stewed goat and jollof rice - also delicious. It's the most authentic and flavorful African food I've had in California. The staff is helpful and friendly, and there's lovely African art on the walls. Can't wait to tell my friends and go again!

I never leave google reviews or review anything but LET ME SAY this food was AMAZING , I was intrigued by Nigerian food and wanted to start with fufu and egusi and it did not disappoint !!! I called around 6 placed and order and they were so accommodating!! They held my food until 10 minutes before closing and were so kind about it , prices are very reasonable egusi includes fufu and very well portioned , more than enough to make you full !! The piece of beef in my egusi was so tender loved it , yea this is the place .

My son and I drove 45 mins to try this spot out and it did not disappoint!!! Everything was so good! We had the fufu and egusi soup and a side of goat meat it was delicious! We will definitely be back!

So friendly and the food is so good! BTW, best parking is across the street next to the Chase bank and Quizno's(remember them?!)

Mrs. NuNu H.

Again, your food is so DELICIOUS! We saw the owner on KTVU Morning News recently being interviewed regarding Hatward Restaurant Week. Her presentation was fabulous. Its important that food be created by those who represent the food; culturally speaking. Although the spices, meat and vegetables are not directly from home, what is imported makes the dishes delicious. My husband and I had Jollif, Egusi and Efo-Riro w/Goat. NO COMPLAINTS FROM US. We loved the food, the hospitality and the cleanliness of the location. We will be back.

Samantha Segretto

My son and I drove 45 mins to try this spot out and it did not disappoint!!! Everything was so good! We had the fufu and egusi soup and a side of goat meat it was delicious! We will definitely be back!

Fernanda Ruiz

I never leave google reviews or review anything but LET ME SAY this food was AMAZING , I was intrigued by Nigerian food and wanted to start with fufu and egusi and it did not disappoint !!! I called around 6 placed and order and they were so accommodating!! They held my food until 10 minutes before closing and were so kind about it , prices are very reasonable egusi includes fufu and very well portioned , more than enough to make you full !! The piece of beef in my egusi was so tender loved it , yea this is the place .

Donna Wooldridge

The food was super delicious and the staff so nice. We tried a variety of dishes and all were reasonably priced. I wish we had taken pictures. However, we inhaled everything before thinking about pictures. Next time.

Made a quick stop for some Ayamase stew and it was so worth it. Order ahead though, it does take a while for the food to come out of the kitchen

Great Nigerian food in the Bay Area! Makes me miss home a little. I wish they delivered to the South Bay. Advice for folks doing takeout is to call way ahead of your pickup as food takes a while to get ready (40mins to 1 hour). My Favorite dishes here are Abula, Ayamase and Puff Puff. Friendly staff

Fantastic food and people in a little restaurant. But authentic, favorable and interesting food that was new to me. The ginger beverage was fabulous and the goat stew-ish (Egusi) dish I had was great!

I went to go try the egusi soup. It was a good but the fufu was a little sticky/wet. The egusi soup was very good. There were people sitting in there that were really loud and their voices were echoing, so it made it extra loud in there. Not really service with a smile, but the food is good .

Yick Doy

Golden Safari Nigerian Restaurant offers flavorful, authentic dishes that delight the palate, showcasing the vibrant essence of Nigerian cuisine. However, the portion sizes feel modest relative to the price, resulting in moderate value for money. Service, while adequate, lacks warmth and engagement, with staff appearing somewhat distracted. As an observer, I suggest the restaurant enhance the first-time diner experience by proactively introducing signature dishes, such as jollof rice or egusi stew, to highlight their culinary strengths. Improving portion generosity and training staff to provide more attentive, welcoming service could elevate the overall experience, ensuring customers leave satisfied and eager to return.

Terrica M

I went to go try the egusi soup. It was a good but the fufu was a little sticky/wet. The egusi soup was very good. There were people sitting in there that were really loud and their voices were echoing, so it made it extra loud in there. Not really service with a smile, but the food is good .

Corey Foster

Fantastic food and people in a little restaurant. But authentic, favorable and interesting food that was new to me. The ginger beverage was fabulous and the goat stew-ish (Egusi) dish I had was great!

Golden Safari Nigerian Restaurant offers flavorful, authentic dishes that delight the palate, showcasing the vibrant essence of Nigerian cuisine. However, the portion sizes feel modest relative to the price, resulting in moderate value for money. Service, while adequate, lacks warmth and engagement, with staff appearing somewhat distracted. As an observer, I suggest the restaurant enhance the first-time diner experience by proactively introducing signature dishes, such as jollof rice or egusi stew, to highlight their culinary strengths. Improving portion generosity and training staff to provide more attentive, welcoming service could elevate the overall experience, ensuring customers leave satisfied and eager to return.

+1

I was excited to learn about Golden Safari from a Nigerian coworker. I spent my early childhood in Nigeria, West Africa and grew to enjoy the food there. I visited again in 2015 for my brother's wedding and the food was just as delicious as I remembered it to be! I was familiar with many of the food options at Golden Safari from Suya to Moin Moin, Puff Puff to fried plantain, and Egusi soup to Jollof Rice. Perhaps because the restaurant advertises itself as "West African" (and not specifically Nigerian) and is catering to a broader American palate their food was not as bold and flavorful as it could have been. I quickly noticed the portions were rather small for the price point. My Egusi Soup was a little too soupy (needs more Egusi seed I think). The FuFu was very good. The plantain was spot on! The Suya was also good, I wish I had ordered it full spicy rather than medium spicy though... could hardly taste the spice. If I may also make a recommendation, serve the Suya with freshly chopped cabbage... delicious! So far this the closest thing I've found in the SF Bay Area to what I had growing up. If you are looking for West African cuisine, try it out! I'm still giving it 3 stars for now, but I'm willing to give it another try.

I got the egusi soup with beef , and fufu. I had high expectations looking at the reviews, the fufu was good but the soup and beef was tasteless, expensive for the price. Also, the waiter is not welcoming at all !

Portions are way too small for the price. With the tomato stew has more rice than stew itself. Portion should be equal or you might as well just order white rice. Grilled fish platter was good.

Sometimes, an experience isn't just about the food. First time trying Nigerian food. Was so looking forward to it. The food was good, but they would not provide plates, was provided 1 napkin per person (mind you that you eat w your hands), asked for silverware, was given 2 settings for a table of 4. The staff acted as if they didn't understand what we were asking for. My recommendation is to order your food to go and enjoy it at home.

I only order Nigerian food from here because it's the one place that my husband really likes. I placed an order the last time, they close at 7.30pm and I get off work almost at 8pm. I was able to get a quick 30minute break to go pick up, I called and verified the time and they said the food would be ready. When I arrived they told me to wait another 20minutes ( I had a 30minute break only and it's 10-15minute drive one way). When I reminded them that I had called to confirm that the food would be ready the lady to me she would "do me a favor only this time"and get my food ready then. I ended up getting back to work late from my break.

Loved the look (grass wall and everything) and the service too! But this is not egusi soup. Waaaaay too watery.

C Ogoke77

Loved the look (grass wall and everything) and the service too! But this is not egusi soup. Waaaaay too watery.

Des

Portions are way too small for the price. With the tomato stew has more rice than stew itself. Portion should be equal or you might as well just order white rice. Grilled fish platter was good.

Take out portions are ridiculous. Ordered the egusi and there was hardly anything in the container. So disappointed because I would have returned to patronize again the next day. Perhaps portions are better when dining, but not gonna return to find out.

Janell Phillips

Take out portions are ridiculous. Ordered the egusi and there was hardly anything in the container. So disappointed because I would have returned to patronize again the next day. Perhaps portions are better when dining, but not gonna return to find out.

Edit: We ate at Golden Safari a couple of months ago and this time it took a long time for us to get our food. Like at least 30 minutes. That just took all of the enjoyment out of our meal. And the spice was gone. We asked for it spicy and it wasn't spicy at all this time. I don't know what happened because the first time was so good but, now, I don't think I'll be going back. Original Review: Spice lovers! It can be hard to find a place that will give you truly spicy food. Golden Safari brings the heat! The lady that took our order was nice and did not mind answering our questions about the menu. Very kind and welcoming service. The meat was delicious and we tried some new things we hadn't had before. I would recommend the Beef Suya, Egusi (see photo below) and Goat Pepper Soup. Also, the meat pie is delicious! You have to get this on the side.

I’ve heard really good things about this place so I finally decided to try. The egusi stew I received had almost no beef in it (there were 2 pieces) despite me selecting it when ordering. then the meat i did get was super chewy/ not tender and had to be eaten with a fork. I’m extremely disappointed as others have raved about this place 🥹

Got there at 2:15 with my parents after an appointment. Got a menu and sat. The lady explained the dishes asked about. I read to call ahead an hour, but you can't do that if you never had that type of food. The restaurant is decorated nice. Clean, nice art on the walls. Simple, but perfect. 2 televisions to watch while waiting. We ordered the egusi with beef, comes with fufu, jolloff, beans(black eyes peas), small side of plantains, goat. We waited at least an hour, if not more. They give you napkins, forks and forks and spoons. Cost us a whopping $82 + change for 3 people. We get the food home. We went here because the rave my son gave it. The egusi, good, I got mild and my parents got spicy. Thank God for a place that offers that. Everyone called eat spicy. The beef in the egusi was tough. My parents confirmed it was spicy. Jolloff rice was good. Now, had we know how much you get in the container, we would have been good with 2, as the price was expensive. The beans....mom hated it. I didn't care for it either. No seasoning, definitely no salt and didn't seemed cooked all the way. Previously, my son raved about them. Guess we went the wrong day. Small container. After the next day, after heating up and little seasoning, definitely tasted better. The goat- I thought it was good, my mom didn't like it. Just got a side. The plantains-They were terrible. Didn't even share with my parents, they were so bad. Didn't taste fresh AT ALL. Tasted like cooked the prior day and maybe under a heat lamp, if that. I felt not even a airfryer could help. In the end too expensive for what we got. As long as we waited, should have been been fresher.

Kimberly Alford

Got there at 2:15 with my parents after an appointment. Got a menu and sat. The lady explained the dishes asked about. I read to call ahead an hour, but you can't do that if you never had that type of food. The restaurant is decorated nice. Clean, nice art on the walls. Simple, but perfect. 2 televisions to watch while waiting. We ordered the egusi with beef, comes with fufu, jolloff, beans(black eyes peas), small side of plantains, goat. We waited at least an hour, if not more. They give you napkins, forks and forks and spoons. Cost us a whopping $82 + change for 3 people. We get the food home. We went here because the rave my son gave it. The egusi, good, I got mild and my parents got spicy. Thank God for a place that offers that. Everyone called eat spicy. The beef in the egusi was tough. My parents confirmed it was spicy. Jolloff rice was good. Now, had we know how much you get in the container, we would have been good with 2, as the price was expensive. The beans....mom hated it. I didn't care for it either. No seasoning, definitely no salt and didn't seemed cooked all the way. Previously, my son raved about them. Guess we went the wrong day. Small container. After the next day, after heating up and little seasoning, definitely tasted better. The goat- I thought it was good, my mom didn't like it. Just got a side. The plantains-They were terrible. Didn't even share with my parents, they were so bad. Didn't taste fresh AT ALL. Tasted like cooked the prior day and maybe under a heat lamp, if that. I felt not even a airfryer could help. In the end too expensive for what we got. As long as we waited, should have been been fresher.

Do not try the cow skin unless you like chewing on leather...I couldn't even cut it with the knife...and it didn't smell too well...

We ordered the meal and it seemed to charged extra for the yam. It didn’t give us the meat instead of bones with less meat and beef stomach meat was not washed and smelly. They didn’t give us a taste and meat and stomach meat.

I tried the Egusi soup with chicken and the sauce was very bland, no taste. Definitely did not taste authentic. Will not order from here ever again. The guy server was also rude and was like an empty vessel.

Ordered fufu n goat, but the goat had no soup and the portions were ridiculously small for $17+. Never again!!

customer service needs to be worked on. They are not the best Africa restaurant. I have received the wrong order with a couple bugs on it With no honor refund or new plate.

If I could give negative stars, I would! Customer service is bad as always. But the food really ruined my day. Spent $49.38 on food and was very lacking. The ingredients, food quality and presentation are cheap yet the food is expensive and lacking protein. I was appalled by the food I received and just can't shake off the feeling I got robbed. No wonder the restaurant is always empty and no refunds! Best to spend your money anywhere else.😭

Chisom14

If I could give negative stars, I would! Customer service is bad as always. But the food really ruined my day. Spent $49.38 on food and was very lacking. The ingredients, food quality and presentation are cheap yet the food is expensive and lacking protein. I was appalled by the food I received and just can't shake off the feeling I got robbed. No wonder the restaurant is always empty and no refunds! Best to spend your money anywhere else.😭

My philosophy is simple. If the chairs r empty dont eat there. I come 1ce every other week to order food to go but while my food is being cooked, i order another meal "for here" to eat while I wait. I even order puff puff. For 1 person I can say I spend quite well. They brought me my food to eat at my seat by the glass entrance door. 10 mins later i finish my food but my to go meal still isnt ready. I wait. 5, 10, 15, 20 mins and i start to get uncomfortable. From my table by the entrance, Im looking at the slim tall girl at the counter who took my order waiting for her to give me a cue that it's ready since they didn't call but she kept avoiding eye contact. 🤔 U cannot make this up. The air wasn't right. After bout 25 mins wait, still no food. I see some1 come from outside, walk up the counter, pick up their food and walk out then I said let me go to the counter and ask about my food and they tell me.....my food has been there...but they refuse to inform me. They know I'm in the restaurant, they knew where I was but refused to let me know my food was waiting for me at counter I spent $53 and my food has gotten cold, they didn't Inform me. I ask y???She said she didn't want to bother me from eating. I finished the food 20 mins ago. In my mind: how many mins does it take to eat. I was waiting for about 25 mins for my "to go" food and it was getting cold at counter the entire time. The owner went on to say "it's African culture for me to come pick my food". In my mind I'm like b.s. cause in thinking what shes really saying is African culture is "no traffic lights" just chaos and disorder. Im from east coast. I've been to many African spots. Even here in Oakland theres several including a Liberian spot, when your food is ready they alert u. What us this nonsense shes telling ne here. I spend too much for that kind of treatment. I broke 1 of my rules. After she said her part of the story I gave it a day or 2 but i still feel violated so I'm refusing her excuse or apology or whatever it is so I decided to share my experience. I refused to put my money into a place that what me to accept mediocre is African culture. Im not asking for exceptional,.I'm not a narcissist but just dont treat me bad.

They diluted my soup with so much water it ended up tasteless that you could tell right away. Recently tried RUTH BUKA in Oakland and it was definitely an upgrade. I will just make my food at this point or go to the Oakland one because this "restaurant" is always disappointing😔

Boo

They diluted my soup with so much water it ended up tasteless that you could tell right away. Recently tried RUTH BUKA in Oakland and it was definitely an upgrade. I will just make my food at this point or go to the Oakland one because this "restaurant" is always disappointing😔