Swahili Village - Washington, D.C.

At first, I thought this would've been a wonderful place to try. We were greeted by a nice gentleman that explained the menu in full detail and gave lots of recommendations. Once he left, we sat for 40 minutes with no one coming to check on us or even take a drink order. I walked over to the bar and noticed that our waiter was making drinks. I asked the manager when we were getting waited on and then someone came over a few minutes afterwards. The food was good but I would never pay $157 for two meals that are based on third world cuisine. My girlfriend is even from Kenya and she said it's not worth it. I wouldn't recommend this place unless you really want to scratch it off your list of things to try.

I really enjoyed my experience here. I am visiting and this was the best service I've received in the DC area my entire 4 day trip. Staff was so friendly the food was VERY good and the drinks were stiff. I have no complaints.

Our waitress Z was outstanding! Loved samosa and wing appetizers. So appreciate the birthday cake slice with candle. We will be back. Thank you!

The level of service and the cultural authenticity of the food has gone down considerably. The restaurant seems to be cutting corners on the food and the folks they have seemed to hang around while ignoring customers. On the day I had dinner the restaurant was not serving any alcohol, due to an issue with the authorization, that is a bad sign for a restaurant, not well managed. Having been there several times the decline is evident. I would not take anyone there for a cultural experience.

The food was pretty good, especially the goat stew. I didn't really like the sautéed spinach in the coconut milk. The portions were a bit small though. Overall it was good.

Service top notch. Food delicious Music too loud Would have loved to see authentic dessert items on menu

I've been waiting a year to eat at this awesome place! It was definitely worth the wait. See you on my next visit to DC!

We had a wonderful experience but our waiter Keith made it even better! He was a pleasure to have to with amazing customer service. The jollof rice, cabbage and lamb chops were great! It was my first time there and definitely will not be my last!

1st time here and boy oh boy was everything tasty. Pricy but food was of good fresh quality. So I would say we got what we paid for. I'll be back this time later for the music as well.

Overall our waiter Keith and food was great. It was a bit understaffed but the food and drinks came out quickly. It was also my mothers birthday and even though the dessert was on the house, there was no birthday song or candle which is definitely a first I've experienced at a restaurant. Not sure I will be back for a celebration but will be for the food.

I was hoping to not have to post this review since I have been to this establishment before and have been a huge fan. However, this does not excuse the lack of urgency or care I experienced when I ordered from here on December 13th and received what appears to be a stink bug in my food.
For some background, I had placed an order for my friend and I which included a salad. While eating said salad, my friend felt she tasted something odd that she never tasted before resulting in her spitting out her food. Upon spitting out her food, we found that there was a bug in her food.
After not getting far with Uber on receiving a refund, I called the establishment which returned back to me to let me know that they had contacted Uber and I should receive a confirmation email within an hour refunding me the portion of the food that I was unable to eat due to this experience. This call was made yesterday to which I have yet to receive any refund or communication back from. After calling again today, I was hung up on abruptly and was not called back.

Though I understand Uber is the middle man here between the restaurant and the costumer in refunding the customer their money, this is completely unacceptable from the restaurant.

I am no longer looking for any refund / compensation from neither Uber nor the restaurant and this will just have to be a loss but very unfortunate that this is the outcome to such a sensitive situation

The food was absolutely delicious, but unfortunately, the experience was overshadowed by the staff’s behavior as closing time approached. The employee with locs and a nose ring repeatedly reminded us about the restaurant closing, which felt rushed and uncomfortable. As someone visiting from out of town, this left a very negative impression. Sadly, I won’t be returning due to this unpleasant interaction, despite how good the food was.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Beef Samosa

An amazing dining experience!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is by far the best food I had since I don't remember when. I am from Chicago, I asked the owner to give us a taste of this in Chicago. Lovely atmosphere, great food and people.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I am not satisfied with the service. I ordered pick-up from this place a few times, and my food was never ready when I got there, no matter how early I placed my order. Today, I waited an hour, and my food was still unready. I called the restaurant, and they told me it would be ready in 10 minutes. I checked in with them, and all they asked me was if I had waited 10 mins; after receiving the answer yes. They said they gave the order to the delivery person, but the delivery person told me the food was not ready. The status still shows as preparing the orders. The delivery person also told me that this place often takes their time.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1