The food was very VERY bad. My mother and I came to try this place, and they didn’t have the snapper upon request so we settled for the chicken. The chicken was SO dry! It was nearly impossible to even chew. I also ordered a side of rice and vegetables. The vegetables were not fresh and they were the kind you get from the frozen section. You could clearly tell the food had been sitting around for days and it was not fresh at all. Definitely won’t be returning.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
iba Keita
Chez Jacob — Harlem’s Senegalese Gem
Chez Jacob is without question the best Senegalese spot in Harlem. I order there every single week, and it never disappoints. They have all the real dishes you’d want if you know Senegalese food — mafe, thiebu jen, thiebu yapp, domoda, borakhe, thiebu kethiakh, thiou, dakhin, mbaxalu saalum… the list goes on. And if you’re into grilled meats, the dibi and michoui are on point — perfectly seasoned, juicy, and straight up delicious.
What I love most is the authenticity. The food tastes just like home — rich, flavorful, generous portions, and cooked with care. Whether you want fish, lamb, chicken, or something saucy with rice, you’ll find it here.
This isn’t a place for “fusion” or watered-down flavors — it’s the real deal. If you want to experience true Senegalese cuisine in New York, Chez Jacob is the spot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Omar Jabbie
Very disappointing experience. When I walked in, there was nobody at the front desk. The only person I saw was sitting at a table on the phone, so I assumed no one was working the front. I decided to use the bathroom as I have done before.
Suddenly, the man on the phone started yelling at me in another language. I told him I didn’t understand, and then he switched to English, accusing me of not greeting him when I came in. I explained that I didn’t realize he worked there since he was sitting at a table on his phone, but he continued to raise his voice. I told him I would just leave, and he responded, “yes, leave.” He went right back to his phone, and I walked out.
I come here often, and to be treated this way was rude, unprofessional, and very disappointing.
Service: 1
Olivia Celice
I discovered new levels of food satisfaction during this meal. The menu features fresh ingredients in many flavorful dishes. The food here has character. Kind workers, good dishes, and lively vicinity! I'm grateful this restaurant is in my area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Mimi Raymond
The food is amazing but the customer service is ridiculous horrible. Especially the light skin lady with the glasses she’s supper rude and it’s sad.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Lee F
It was decent. But not memorable. The meat was good but not tender enough.
Average not spectacular
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Caro Geffroy
Each element of this place contributes to a perfect whole. The menu deserves top evaluation. Every worker at this restaurant is pleasant. This spot keeps drawing me back. This restaurant is worth checking out.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Ceciletravelinfo
Harlem buffet with soulful, comforting dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fatoumatta Ceesay
I had high hopes for Chef Jacob African Restaurant, but unfortunately, it was a huge letdown. First off, the food was way too salty—every dish we ordered had an overwhelming amount of salt that made it inedible. I tried to speak to the server about it, but she just brushed it off. Horrible customer service! Cashier is so rude to customers!
The worst part, though, was when I saw a rat scurrying around the dining area! This was incredibly off-putting and completely ruined any chance of me ever returning. Cleanliness and food quality should be a priority, and I really hope the management addresses these serious issues. Definitely not coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Michel Nee
Amazing seasoning that brings dishes to perfect harmony. The restaurant gives off calm energy. The guest care here exceeded all expectations. Delicious meals served by friendly staff in a pleasant space. This spot never fails me and won't fail you.
After a long day of work, I went to this place to buy Debbi. It was all burnt. if you’re grilling and your food is burned, Why not throw it in the trash instead of putting it on someone’s plate??? It is disgusting!!!! and then charging them!! I didn’t realize it until I got home hungry as hell just open my plate ton find out my whole food was burnt
Food: 1
Fatou Kane Ba
Good food. I’d recommend.
Food: 5
ABee producedIT
$19 and just 1 small piece of meat is really disrespectful.
rokhaya gueye
My husband bought c’est bon from there and the rice was extremely hard like it wasn’t cooked. very disappointed and horrible food experience
Food: 1
Issaka Maiga
It's been a longtime i having stop by this place i use to love this restaurant like crazy till today I was so disappointed with the costumer service very poor I call them 1hr to place my order before i go there i don't even know if they write down people oder us i get there I said hi Am here to pick up my order I gave her my name then she say we don't have your oder i was like how I made a call 1hr ago from now I think if I should go back to this place again I'm good for good we african i always say we are not ready for business
The food was very VERY bad. My mother and I came to try this place, and they didn’t have the snapper upon request so we settled for the chicken. The chicken was SO dry! It was nearly impossible to even chew. I also ordered a side of rice and vegetables. The vegetables were not fresh and they were the kind you get from the frozen section. You could clearly tell the food had been sitting around for days and it was not fresh at all. Definitely won’t be returning.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Chez Jacob — Harlem’s Senegalese Gem
Chez Jacob is without question the best Senegalese spot in Harlem. I order there every single week, and it never disappoints. They have all the real dishes you’d want if you know Senegalese food — mafe, thiebu jen, thiebu yapp, domoda, borakhe, thiebu kethiakh, thiou, dakhin, mbaxalu saalum… the list goes on. And if you’re into grilled meats, the dibi and michoui are on point — perfectly seasoned, juicy, and straight up delicious.
What I love most is the authenticity. The food tastes just like home — rich, flavorful, generous portions, and cooked with care. Whether you want fish, lamb, chicken, or something saucy with rice, you’ll find it here.
This isn’t a place for “fusion” or watered-down flavors — it’s the real deal. If you want to experience true Senegalese cuisine in New York, Chez Jacob is the spot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very disappointing experience. When I walked in, there was nobody at the front desk. The only person I saw was sitting at a table on the phone, so I assumed no one was working the front. I decided to use the bathroom as I have done before.
Suddenly, the man on the phone started yelling at me in another language. I told him I didn’t understand, and then he switched to English, accusing me of not greeting him when I came in. I explained that I didn’t realize he worked there since he was sitting at a table on his phone, but he continued to raise his voice. I told him I would just leave, and he responded, “yes, leave.” He went right back to his phone, and I walked out.
I come here often, and to be treated this way was rude, unprofessional, and very disappointing.
Service: 1
I discovered new levels of food satisfaction during this meal. The menu features fresh ingredients in many flavorful dishes. The food here has character. Kind workers, good dishes, and lively vicinity! I'm grateful this restaurant is in my area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
The food is amazing but the customer service is ridiculous horrible. Especially the light skin lady with the glasses she’s supper rude and it’s sad.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
It was decent. But not memorable. The meat was good but not tender enough.
Average not spectacular
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Each element of this place contributes to a perfect whole. The menu deserves top evaluation. Every worker at this restaurant is pleasant. This spot keeps drawing me back. This restaurant is worth checking out.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Harlem buffet with soulful, comforting dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had high hopes for Chef Jacob African Restaurant, but unfortunately, it was a huge letdown. First off, the food was way too salty—every dish we ordered had an overwhelming amount of salt that made it inedible. I tried to speak to the server about it, but she just brushed it off. Horrible customer service! Cashier is so rude to customers!
The worst part, though, was when I saw a rat scurrying around the dining area! This was incredibly off-putting and completely ruined any chance of me ever returning. Cleanliness and food quality should be a priority, and I really hope the management addresses these serious issues. Definitely not coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Amazing seasoning that brings dishes to perfect harmony. The restaurant gives off calm energy. The guest care here exceeded all expectations. Delicious meals served by friendly staff in a pleasant space. This spot never fails me and won't fail you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
After a long day of work, I went to this place to buy Debbi. It was all burnt. if you’re grilling and your food is burned, Why not throw it in the trash instead of putting it on someone’s plate??? It is disgusting!!!! and then charging them!! I didn’t realize it until I got home hungry as hell just open my plate ton find out my whole food was burnt
Food: 1
Good food. I’d recommend.
Food: 5
$19 and just 1 small piece of meat is really disrespectful.
My husband bought c’est bon from there and the rice was extremely hard like it wasn’t cooked. very disappointed and horrible food experience
Food: 1
It's been a longtime i having stop by this place i use to love this restaurant like crazy till today I was so disappointed with the costumer service very poor I call them 1hr to place my order before i go there i don't even know if they write down people oder us i get there I said hi Am here to pick up my order I gave her my name then she say we don't have your oder i was like how I made a call 1hr ago from now I think if I should go back to this place again I'm good for good we african i always say we are not ready for business
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