Swahili Village – Newark, NJ

  4.3 – 814 reviews   • African restaurant

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Swahili Village is your African home away from home. We are known for serving the best East African cuisine in America. Our food is freshly made from scratch with love by our chefs. Our menu offers something for everyone, making both meat eaters and vegetarians happy. Whether it’s your first time enjoying Swahili food or you are a returning visitor, Karibu (Welcome in Swahili).

✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery Swahili Village - Newark, NJ 07102

Address and Contact Information

Address: 2 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102

Phone: (862) 240-1051

Website: https://www.swahilivillages.com/

Menu Photos

Order and Reservations

Reservations: tripleseat.com

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Reviews

Eloy Yip
Time to break out of one’s culinary groove and explore a cuisine loaded with flavor, history, and a diversity of textures and ingredients. African cuisine holds quite a range, depending on the country and culture it originated from.

Across the US, from vibrant food markets to trendy fusion cafés and transmigration-owned restaurants, one cuisine is rising fast: Kenyan food. It’s not as globally mainstream as Thai or Mexican yet, but in 2026 it’s becoming one of the most talked-about international food experiences, especially in multicultural cities like New York, Chicago, or LA.

My partner, our friends, and I made a reservation at Swahili Village off of Center Street in Newark before the Saturday night performance at the nearby NJPAC. A reservation was easily made hours in advance via OpenTable.

Upon arrival as first-timers, we were greeted by the host at this husband-and-wife-owned establishment. We were promptly seated at a high table by the bar in one of the three spacious dining rooms blending traditional elements paying homage to African heritage with modern touches; Afrobeat music enhances the festive atmosphere to create a warm and welcoming vibe.

The menu is built around East African dishes influenced by the region’s historical ties to Arab traders, Portuguese explorers, British colonizers, and Indian immigrants.

As a starter, we opted for the Samosa. For our main meal, we decided on Suya-Nyama Choma (Beef), Lamb Chops, Grilled Chicken Breast-Kuku Choma, and Oxtails. They came with two sides and got Jollof rice, Mokimo, Sweet Plantains, and Spinach. Our drinks (Flaming Margarita, White Sangria, The Motherland, and Heaven’s Nectar Martini) were strong enough and tasted great, with some unique options.

One reason why we fell in love with Kenyan cuisine was its balance of flavors. Instead of being extremely spicy or very mild, Kenyan dishes were aromatic, warmly spiced, and tastefully rich & savory. The portions were healthy. We didn’t have room for dessert. The service was impeccable. Our server, Fabrice, took the time to explain everything on the menu & recommended drinks and entrees.

Overall, it was an amazing experience. Hands down the best food we’ve ever tasted!
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Kathy Rutherford
Wonderful evening and delicious dishes. Our host Mr. Clifton welcomed us and made sure we enjoyed our meal (which we did)! Great pre-show dinner for an NJPAC performance or even a night out. We will return!
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Shay Marie
OMG!!! Really sums up my visit at this amazing establishment. Went to the Boy Is Mine Concert, my friends went out after the concert and came back raving about the time that was had…. had so much fun we went for lunch the next day. Our waiter Asani 10/10, Cassandra I just love her . Food was chef’s kiss . My ONLY question is when y’all coming to Philly??????
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Halaina Davis
I had the snapper with collard greens and jollof rice. I originally wanted it fried without sides but they did not have that option available even though I was told over the phone by a worker. The fish was good but too much onions and peppers for me. The rice was cool, not spicy how I would like it and the greens were bland to me. Overall the food was a 6/10. The sides portions was small for what I paid. The drink I had was very good . The service was just slow and not enough workers.I just wish they had the option of fried Snapper alone please. I was really craving it
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JeNear Monts
A time was had at Swahili Village this weekend. Assani and Casandra (Mgr) were amazing! We had the samosas, jollof rice, wings, and the shareable tasting platter and EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING!! The peri peri sauce (spelling) was wonderful and took us back to a trip to Africa we took a few years back. PLEASE OPEN A LOCATION IN PHILLY!! We would welcome this atmosphere and amazing cooking with open arms and empty stomachs. If you are ever in Newark for a show make sure to stop by before and after. The restaurant closes at 3am and the DJ on Saturday after the concert was awesome. My husband and I had so much fun that we stayed until the lights came up and came back at noon the next day for lunch. IT IS JUST THAT GOOD.
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Ruth Jean
I had my birthday dinner at Swahili Village and it was absolutely amazing! The food was incredible and full of flavor, and the music was fire! DJ Onyx had us on our feet the entire night it was hit after hit after hit, we could barely focus on eating because the vibe was that good. The team also put together a beautiful menu for us and added personalized touches that made the evening extra special. For anyone planning to bring a large party, I recommend getting your orders in ahead of time it helps but honestly, the food is so worth the wait either way. I’m so happy I chose Swahili Village to celebrate my birthday. It was everything I could’ve hoped for and more. Can’t wait to come back again!
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Tod Parker
It’s a very nice place after you leave NJPAC.The staff is attentive.We had bar food wings and beer Yes they have Stella Clifford Mgr is an awesome Gentleman who looks after the guests as well as the assistant manager. Call for reservations and don’t forget the DJ on Saturday.Extensive selection of Wines and champagne.
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Curtis Barnes
Just had a fantastic dining experience at Swahili Village in Newark, NJ. The vibe in this restaurant was one point from the second we walked into the door. The service from our waitress was impeccable. She took the time to explain everything on the menu & recommended drinks and entrees. The Jollof rice was definitely the best I’ve ever had. We will definitely be back. I think next time I’ll book a little later in the evening to enjoy the DJ as well. SUPPORT BLACK BUSINESSES & TIP YOUR SERVERS!!
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Osvaldo Castro
Every time I come here, they never fail to impress. And I can always trust bringing new people here to experience authentic Kenyan and African dishes with such incredible service. Today’s visit was no different. All of the starters, entrees, and desserts impressed everyone. Such great flavors you cannot find elsewhere. Such great vibes and atmosphere to enjoy it all in. Literally one of the only few reasons to visit Newark.
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Zaniyah Stevenson
5 stars across the board! The food and customer service was fantastic. No complaints. The receptionist, Yakai, was very welcoming and personable. The waiter was patient and gentle; he checked on us frequently. Would recommend to any age group. 10/10
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