Tucked into the center of a roundabout in a quiet Northland neighborhood, Riziki Swahili Grill might be easy to overlook—but don’t be fooled by its modest appearance. The food is bursting with flavor, and the hospitality is truly exceptional.
We started with veggie and beef sambusas along with refreshing mango and watermelon drinks while we waited for our main courses. The sambusas were perfectly crisp and came with a flavorful dipping sauce that complemented them beautifully. For our mains, we had the beef ugali and the chicken chapati. Both were delicious, but the chapati dish really stood out—the pan-fried flatbread was so good we found ourselves wishing for more.
The owner and chef was incredibly warm and welcoming, taking the time to chat with us about the dishes and answer all our questions. Her passion and kindness made the experience even more memorable. I can’t wait to come back!
Shawntae Alexander
I took my sister to get some sambusas and asked for 10. I asked for extra sauce. They only tried to give 2 sauces for 10. And the sauce cups were not even half way full. I asked for extra sauce and of course I dont kind paying for it. But those sauce cups were the same. Literally not even half way full. I have pictures of the sauce because I LOVE to get this product and the sauce is very good. If you are going to charge for the sauce or even have sauce at all, why not fill the cup at least half way? I have been plenty of times before and I always get taken care of by the owner and I've never had this problem.
Amal Ibrahim
Because of my love for Tanzania, especially Zanzibar, I was looking for a Swahili restaurant near me. It was 2 hours from where I live, but I really wanted to try it. I loved my food and the people working there were lovely. What added to the whole vibe was having a Swahili playlist playing in the background. It wasn’t too loud making it a perfect atmosphere to sit and enjoy a meal with friends or family. Two hours away? No problem! I can’t wait to go again and try more food.
Frannie D.
Riziki was the absolute sweetest and so welcoming. I spent a bit of time in Tanzania and have been missing the food so much. I learned how to make chapati while on Zanzibar but was really craving ugali and some of the stews/curries. I ended up getting the chicken curry with cabbage and ugali with a side of chapati. Everything was absolutely delicious. I also had a couple of the most amazing, crispy, and flaky beef sambusas. 🤤🤤🤤 I wish I didn't live so far away, but I'll definitely be back whenever I'm in Columbus. Truly recommend this if you are craving (or want to try) East African. Riziki is so kind and will no doubt guide anyone who is curious about this food. ♥️
Nate Stevens
Incredible food! I was blown away. Hands down will be back. We tried several things on the menu and all of it was really good. I highly recommend the sambusas and anything with goat. The chapati was really good as well.
Nicole
The music set a great welcome vibe in the colorful, decorative space! The hospitality of the staff was truly a step above and we loved talking all things flavorful with Riziki. The Sambusa was crisp and the dipping sauce so good! We had the Zanzibar Special and the Zanjyro - chapati was so soft and fresh and all of the food is made to order but came to the table quickly! Finishing your visit with a hot chai is a must! Highly recommend checking out this hidden Columbus gem going 7 years strong!
Henry Chen
Went with two friends and met Riziki, the owner of the restaurant. She’s absolutely welcoming and passionate about food recommendations as well as her answering our questions regarding culture and foods of Tanzania - as we were curious about it.
Foods were DELICIOUS, and several of those cuisines were similar to what we used to have in East Asia and India (amazing comfort foods). The one that stood out was the Ugali - taste it for yourself for surprise! Keep in mind that this restaurant serves Zanzibar cuisines for their speciality mainly on Sundays.
10/10 will be back for more!
Khalid
The food was amazing and the service was somehow even better. Small family owned restaurant, a great spot to stop into if you ever have the chance!
Expected the food to be good and it was amazing. Truly a wonderful experience with the best food at that price I've had.
abdi ahmed
The food is 10 /10 Best customer service I will definitely recommend 💯
omar elhagmusa
Festive atmosphere. Food was delicious!
Pamela Feliciano
An absolute delight! Amazing savory & satisfying meals.. walk into Razikis and you’re not in Ohio anymore! A tropical joyous vibe. Music laughter kind open hearted owners, chefs & servers!
sophia Mburu
I have bought food a few times from them and it was really good. This time around the whole fish I ordered was raw on one side told the girl at front but nothing was done.
Food was top notch
Tucked into the center of a roundabout in a quiet Northland neighborhood, Riziki Swahili Grill might be easy to overlook—but don’t be fooled by its modest appearance. The food is bursting with flavor, and the hospitality is truly exceptional.
We started with veggie and beef sambusas along with refreshing mango and watermelon drinks while we waited for our main courses. The sambusas were perfectly crisp and came with a flavorful dipping sauce that complemented them beautifully. For our mains, we had the beef ugali and the chicken chapati. Both were delicious, but the chapati dish really stood out—the pan-fried flatbread was so good we found ourselves wishing for more.
The owner and chef was incredibly warm and welcoming, taking the time to chat with us about the dishes and answer all our questions. Her passion and kindness made the experience even more memorable. I can’t wait to come back!
I took my sister to get some sambusas and asked for 10. I asked for extra sauce. They only tried to give 2 sauces for 10. And the sauce cups were not even half way full. I asked for extra sauce and of course I dont kind paying for it. But those sauce cups were the same. Literally not even half way full. I have pictures of the sauce because I LOVE to get this product and the sauce is very good. If you are going to charge for the sauce or even have sauce at all, why not fill the cup at least half way? I have been plenty of times before and I always get taken care of by the owner and I've never had this problem.
Because of my love for Tanzania, especially Zanzibar, I was looking for a Swahili restaurant near me. It was 2 hours from where I live, but I really wanted to try it. I loved my food and the people working there were lovely. What added to the whole vibe was having a Swahili playlist playing in the background. It wasn’t too loud making it a perfect atmosphere to sit and enjoy a meal with friends or family. Two hours away? No problem! I can’t wait to go again and try more food.
Riziki was the absolute sweetest and so welcoming. I spent a bit of time in Tanzania and have been missing the food so much. I learned how to make chapati while on Zanzibar but was really craving ugali and some of the stews/curries. I ended up getting the chicken curry with cabbage and ugali with a side of chapati. Everything was absolutely delicious. I also had a couple of the most amazing, crispy, and flaky beef sambusas. 🤤🤤🤤
I wish I didn't live so far away, but I'll definitely be back whenever I'm in Columbus. Truly recommend this if you are craving (or want to try) East African. Riziki is so kind and will no doubt guide anyone who is curious about this food. ♥️
Incredible food! I was blown away. Hands down will be back. We tried several things on the menu and all of it was really good. I highly recommend the sambusas and anything with goat. The chapati was really good as well.
The music set a great welcome vibe in the colorful, decorative space! The hospitality of the staff was truly a step above and we loved talking all things flavorful with Riziki. The Sambusa was crisp and the dipping sauce so good! We had the Zanzibar Special and the Zanjyro - chapati was so soft and fresh and all of the food is made to order but came to the table quickly! Finishing your visit with a hot chai is a must! Highly recommend checking out this hidden Columbus gem going 7 years strong!
Went with two friends and met Riziki, the owner of the restaurant. She’s absolutely welcoming and passionate about food recommendations as well as her answering our questions regarding culture and foods of Tanzania - as we were curious about it.
Foods were DELICIOUS, and several of those cuisines were similar to what we used to have in East Asia and India (amazing comfort foods). The one that stood out was the Ugali - taste it for yourself for surprise! Keep in mind that this restaurant serves Zanzibar cuisines for their speciality mainly on Sundays.
10/10 will be back for more!
The food was amazing and the service was somehow even better. Small family owned restaurant, a great spot to stop into if you ever have the chance!
Delicious chapati and ugali.
Restaurantji Recommends
Expected the food to be good and it was amazing. Truly a wonderful experience with the best food at that price I've had.
The food is 10 /10 Best customer service I will definitely recommend 💯
Festive atmosphere. Food was delicious!
An absolute delight! Amazing savory & satisfying meals.. walk into Razikis and you’re not in Ohio anymore! A tropical joyous vibe. Music laughter kind open hearted owners, chefs & servers!
I have bought food a few times from them and it was really good. This time around the whole fish I ordered was raw on one side told the girl at front but nothing was done.
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