Winner of numerous awards, Jambo Cafe is proud to be named by the Santa Fe Reporter for the Best International Cuisine for 13 years running and Chef Ahmed Obo for “Best Chef” from 2015 – 2023. Jambo Cafe was featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in 2013 and 2023.
The exotic locale of Lamu Island, off the coast of Kenya, with its fusion of Swahili, Indian, Arabic, and European influences, is at the heart of Owner-Chef Ahmed Obo’s spirited cuisine. It was there, in his mother’s aromatic kitchen, that Ahmed mastered his homeland’s unique and fragrant cooking style, beginning a culinary adventure leading him to Santa Fe, New Mexico where, in 2009, he opened Jambo Cafe.
African homestyle fare includes jerk chicken, goat stew, plus wraps & pies in casual, colorful digs.
Keisha Ayanniyi
This restaurant is truly one of a kind. The flavors are distinctive and genuinely special—you can taste the care and artistry in every dish. The pecan pie is absolutely amazing and the perfect way to end a meal; I highly recommend it. The atmosphere is warm, cozy, and rich with culture, making the whole experience even better. The imports section is also really cool and adds to the uniqueness of the place- I was able to take some of the jerk chicken spices home! 10/10—would absolutely recommend!
… morejohn Fullbright
Excellent Gem of Santa Fe! The restaurant is also a wonderful furniture and artisan store. With practical crafts made from all over Africa by artisans compliments the food wonderfully. It’s like dropping into the subcontinent of Africa. The food was fantastic slow cooked meat with an incredible pomegranate barbecue sauce stuffed in a pita! I will definitely be coming back for dinner!
… moreTiffany Kimbrough-Garcia
Went here on NYE. Service was great, and the food was delicious. We tried the crab cakes, peanut chicken stew, chicken curry, and chickpea stew as a sampler. Also had the jerk wings and cinnamon plantains, cobbler, and flan. It was all really good. They had tons of gluten free options as well.
… moreAngie H (Roaming and Wandering)
Really good selections at Jambo Cafe! As a first timer, I was a little overwhelmed and wanted to try everything. Our waitress was friendly and patient. She recommended the combination plate, of which I had the luxury of choosing 3 out of 6 offerings. I went with the goat curry, lamb stew, and chicken curry. My partner had the oxtail stew. They all knocked it out of the park! Paired that with affordable wine selections and we had a great date night! Can’t wait to go back!
… moreDan Concannon
Very excellent food. Was neither looking for this kind of cuisine nor disappointed in the result. The tropical tea, unsweetened, was something unique to me. Would repeat if ever again in the area.
… moreLala Hathaway
Phenomenal food!!! The Caribbean Spiced Ox Tails were to die for. Full of flavor, seasoned perfectly, the mafongo was delicious. I think it’s generous to say it comes with collard greens as it was like a few sliced garnishes on top of the ox tails. The spinach and roti were also very delicious. The best ox tails I’ve had from a restaurant. I can’t wait to get back to try more of the menu.
The service was slow but ok. Overall I’d highly recommend.
… moreFredrik Schaubert
Great food! For main course we had the goat stew, chicken coconut curry, and barramundi (fish). Everything was really tasty, especially the barramundi. For dessert we had flan and flower-less chocolate pie, also both very good. The service was good and friendly. Can recommend this place.
… moreCasey
This is some of the best African cuisine I’ve ever had. My wife loved her Kenyan kebabs and my Moroccan stew was on point. The crab cakes were delicious. I absolutely loved the décor, which extended all the way into the bathroom. Giraffes are some of my favorite animals and they were prominent in the display. The service was good, as well.
… moreTalia R-K
the service and vibe were such that we had already decided we loved it before the food came, and we were so right! we ordered the coconut chicken curry, peanut chicken curry, goat curry, chickpea curry, beef kebab, and jerk wings and everything was amazing! We’re already planning out our order for next time, and will have to save room for dessert.
Update: we went back a second time and were equally pleased. The pecan pie was great and the flan was amazing.
… moreMeric Kutlu
I love this restaurant. What a joy to experience this unique cuisine with such good spice and flavor profile. Plantains are very delicious. Pomegranate chicken wrap and chickpea Berber dishes were fabulous ❤️
Thank you for warm hospitality and service
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