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Zanzibar is a casual full-service restaurant that features the best in southern cuisine and other specialties such as Walleye Cakes, Smothered Ribeye, BBQ Beef Shank, our Soulful Pasta, Macaroni & Cheese, Candied Yams, Collard Greens, over 50 Martini & Specialty drinks, and of course the famous Soul Rolls, Peach Cobbler and Sweet Potato Pie. Located in historical Shaker Square, in the heart of Downtown, Zanzibar Soul Fusion has a rich history that dates back to 1985, when some of these original recipes were born in the kitchen of the Carnegie Hotel, by the hands of Angie’ s Soul Food (Now Angie’s Soul Café) founder, Angie.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 627 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone: (216) 862-5772
Website: https://www.zanzibarohio.com/
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Reviews
Dina Gibson
My fiance and I were in Cleveland for Valentine’s weekend. Stopped here for lunch and the food was fantastic. Ordered off of the Valentine menu not the original one. Porter house steak mashed potatoes and asparagus is what my fiance got. I got the Marry me pasta with steak and shrimp. Sweet potato pie with ice cream was awesome. Must try. Our host was great and very friendly. I’ll definitely be back, the next time we visit Cleveland
… morePlainJane
Been hearing about this restaurant since I moved here about 4 yrs ago and finally got to go for my birthday. We went after 5, no wait time, took a minute before someone came to our table but seemed like people were scattered in different areas of the restaurant so no biggie. Food was good. I had bbq salmon, yams and corn. Love the huge 32 oz drink you get which is enough for 2 people and you take the container home with you. Will definitely be back again, the music was good and you could tell the wait staff enjoyed the music.
… moreDonald Tucker
I was excited to try this place only to be disappointed. I ordered delivery and if I had a car I would’ve took the food back.
I ordered the 1fried 1baked pork chops. The fried was super salty. The baked was good.
The sides the hopping john and the house side were great.
The shrimp and grits- the grits and the sauce were good. The shrimp was salty.
The mac & cheese. Awful, had a weird taste didn’t eat.
Greens- were okay
Apple cobbler- was completely cold. When I say cold, like they pulled it out of refrigeration and forgot to warm it up.
I will not eat here again
… moreI ordered the 1fried 1baked pork chops. The fried was super salty. The baked was good.
The sides the hopping john and the house side were great.
The shrimp and grits- the grits and the sauce were good. The shrimp was salty.
The mac & cheese. Awful, had a weird taste didn’t eat.
Greens- were okay
Apple cobbler- was completely cold. When I say cold, like they pulled it out of refrigeration and forgot to warm it up.
I will not eat here again
A Jones
I had to wait to arrive back home to Chicago to write this review.
My aunt arrived from Vegas and we attended the four Queens concert at the Rocket Arena. While there, we were looking for some good places to eat.
We first ordered from this place on Uber Eats. We arrived the day of the concert early but was too tired to go out for dinner. It was so slow, so don’t pay for expedited delivery. But when that food came, I understood why it was slow. The food arrived a few minutes later hot and very fresh. And boy was it good! I had the soul egg rolls and jerk wings, my aunt had the honey fried chicken with sweet potatoes and black eye peas. The food was so good, we agreed to go the next day to the restaurant.
Don’t let the construction at this location deter you from coming here. If street parking isn’t available, the have a parking lot where you can pay for a small fee. We came to the restaurant on Monday evening. It was crowed at all. It was a great spot with nice decor and good music. The have a full bar available as well.
The host greeted us warmly and even apologized profusely for pointing to the table. Once we were seated, Suzette came over and introduced herself as our waitress. She was kind and down to earth. She reminded me of one of my cousins. Suzette was fast and efficient. She explained the menu and the items we asked about. We ordered appetizers and soft drinks to start.
The collard green dip with the fresh pita chips was hitting! Man they were good. And of course we ordered the soul rolls again. For entrees, my aunt had the honey fried chicken again. And it was hot and fresh just like it was yesterday. I had the grilled chicken breast with corn and mac and cheese. As Usher said, this food was , “good good!”
We were good and full but we had to get a taste of the peach cobbler before we left. We shared a taste and took the rest with our leftovers back to the hotel. I must say this was one of the best restaurants I’ve been in a while. I hadn’t been to Cleveland in a long time but between this restaurant and the nice people, I can’t wait to come back.
… moreMy aunt arrived from Vegas and we attended the four Queens concert at the Rocket Arena. While there, we were looking for some good places to eat.
We first ordered from this place on Uber Eats. We arrived the day of the concert early but was too tired to go out for dinner. It was so slow, so don’t pay for expedited delivery. But when that food came, I understood why it was slow. The food arrived a few minutes later hot and very fresh. And boy was it good! I had the soul egg rolls and jerk wings, my aunt had the honey fried chicken with sweet potatoes and black eye peas. The food was so good, we agreed to go the next day to the restaurant.
Don’t let the construction at this location deter you from coming here. If street parking isn’t available, the have a parking lot where you can pay for a small fee. We came to the restaurant on Monday evening. It was crowed at all. It was a great spot with nice decor and good music. The have a full bar available as well.
The host greeted us warmly and even apologized profusely for pointing to the table. Once we were seated, Suzette came over and introduced herself as our waitress. She was kind and down to earth. She reminded me of one of my cousins. Suzette was fast and efficient. She explained the menu and the items we asked about. We ordered appetizers and soft drinks to start.
The collard green dip with the fresh pita chips was hitting! Man they were good. And of course we ordered the soul rolls again. For entrees, my aunt had the honey fried chicken again. And it was hot and fresh just like it was yesterday. I had the grilled chicken breast with corn and mac and cheese. As Usher said, this food was , “good good!”
We were good and full but we had to get a taste of the peach cobbler before we left. We shared a taste and took the rest with our leftovers back to the hotel. I must say this was one of the best restaurants I’ve been in a while. I hadn’t been to Cleveland in a long time but between this restaurant and the nice people, I can’t wait to come back.
Lawanda Clay
The catfish and yams was very very good, The greens wasn’t what I like they was sweet, the mac and cheese was dry. Needed more seasoning and more cheese, the soul rolls was not to my liking, but to each its own.
The cornbread muffins was delicious
… moreThe cornbread muffins was delicious
YourFavoriteYelperBunni
After a long day at work, I decided to stop in for the happy hour special at Zanzibar in Downtown Cleveland — and I’m so glad I did! My bartender, Tati, was amazing. She was professional, attentive, and her customer service was absolutely superb.
My drink was sooo delicious and had the most beautiful color. I normally never eat gumbo, but I decided to try theirs, and wow — it was magnificent! Very flavorful, not salty at all, and you could taste each ingredient perfectly.
I highly recommend Zanzibar. I’ll definitely be back!
… moreMy drink was sooo delicious and had the most beautiful color. I normally never eat gumbo, but I decided to try theirs, and wow — it was magnificent! Very flavorful, not salty at all, and you could taste each ingredient perfectly.
I highly recommend Zanzibar. I’ll definitely be back!
Saundra Denise
Harold was our server. I don’t know what was better, the food or the service. Everything was fantastic! The soul rolls were so dog gone good! We also had fried catfish, sweet potatoes, Mac and Cheese, wings, salmon. It was just amazing! Go eat here!
… moreTriphelia Hunter
First time here. Harold was such a pleasure! The food was piping hot, plated well, and DELICIOUS!!!! Did I mention the atmosphere? Very nice! You will not be disappointed! I’de give it a 20 out of 10!!! Go visit the downtown location!
… moreShane Cobalt
This is pure soul and comfort food. You need to eat here. But it most definitely is not an every day meal. This is stuck to your ribs, Kool aid and lemonade kind of excellent! Lovely staff. Food from the heart.
… morePrecision Timed Media Group
Zanzibar Soul Fusion – 627 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, OH.
On August 23, 2025, I stopped into Zanzibar while in Cleveland shopping across the street. I was warmly greeted by the host and decided to dine at the bar. My server, listed as Aaron D. on the check, started me off with water and later took my order for a Caesar Salad and the Chicken & Waffles with grits.
Food Experience
The food was absolutely fantastic. The Caesar salad was fresh and well-prepared, and the chicken & waffles were seasoned and cooked to perfection. The grits were creamy and flavorful, this meal was easily a five-star kitchen performance. The portion sizes were generous, more than enough to satisfy.
Service & Cleanliness Concerns
While the food was excellent, I couldn’t ignore some troubling observations:
1. Multiple employees were scooping ice into mason jars with their hands after the scoop didn’t fit properly. This happened on two occasions by two different staff members.
2. Employees stood over the ice while conversing, and none were wearing hair coverings.
Because of this, I specifically requested water with no ice.
Billing & Service Charge
My bill came to $35.67, which included a 15% service charge ($4.35) automatically added. When I asked about this, a female employee explained it was for the server “running back and forth” essentially a built-in tip. This should have been clearly communicated upfront, as I associate automatic service charges with larger parties, not solo diners.
When paying cash, I handed my server $40. Instead of returning the proper change, he asked, “Do you want change back?” After insisting, he first gave me four one-dollar bills, then reluctantly handed over another dollar when I reminded him I was still owed. His attitude soured what had otherwise been a pleasant dining experience.
Final Thoughts
Food: 5 ⭐️ – Flavorful, generous portions, beautifully prepared.
Service:1 ⭐️ – Lack of professionalism, mishandled change, and questionable hygiene practices.
Overall:3 ⭐️ – I’d return for the food alone, but management should address staff training, communication on charges, and sanitary practices.
… moreOn August 23, 2025, I stopped into Zanzibar while in Cleveland shopping across the street. I was warmly greeted by the host and decided to dine at the bar. My server, listed as Aaron D. on the check, started me off with water and later took my order for a Caesar Salad and the Chicken & Waffles with grits.
Food Experience
The food was absolutely fantastic. The Caesar salad was fresh and well-prepared, and the chicken & waffles were seasoned and cooked to perfection. The grits were creamy and flavorful, this meal was easily a five-star kitchen performance. The portion sizes were generous, more than enough to satisfy.
Service & Cleanliness Concerns
While the food was excellent, I couldn’t ignore some troubling observations:
1. Multiple employees were scooping ice into mason jars with their hands after the scoop didn’t fit properly. This happened on two occasions by two different staff members.
2. Employees stood over the ice while conversing, and none were wearing hair coverings.
Because of this, I specifically requested water with no ice.
Billing & Service Charge
My bill came to $35.67, which included a 15% service charge ($4.35) automatically added. When I asked about this, a female employee explained it was for the server “running back and forth” essentially a built-in tip. This should have been clearly communicated upfront, as I associate automatic service charges with larger parties, not solo diners.
When paying cash, I handed my server $40. Instead of returning the proper change, he asked, “Do you want change back?” After insisting, he first gave me four one-dollar bills, then reluctantly handed over another dollar when I reminded him I was still owed. His attitude soured what had otherwise been a pleasant dining experience.
Final Thoughts
Food: 5 ⭐️ – Flavorful, generous portions, beautifully prepared.
Service:1 ⭐️ – Lack of professionalism, mishandled change, and questionable hygiene practices.
Overall:3 ⭐️ – I’d return for the food alone, but management should address staff training, communication on charges, and sanitary practices.