+1 859-918-6002
Nestled in Florence, KY, East African Restaurant- Somali offers an authentic culinary journey into the rich and vibrant flavors of East African cuisine, with a special spotlight on Somali dishes. From the moment you step inside, the warm and welcoming atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve been invited into a close-knit family’s kitchen, where hospitality is as integral as the dishes themselves.
The menu is a treasure trove of mouthwatering specialties that invite exploration and indulgence. Noteworthy highlights include the tender and aromatic Beef Suqar and Chicken Suqar, each bite bursting with spices that are deeply satisfying yet perfectly balanced. The Beef Sambuusa offers a delightful contrast, crisp and golden on the outside with a savory, flavorful filling that keeps you coming back for more. Seafood lovers will appreciate the delicately cooked Salmon Fish with Rice and Pasta, a harmonious blend rich in texture and subtle seasoning.
If you’re seeking something hearty and comforting, the Stew Chicken and Beef Stew with Chapati embody home-cooked goodness, richly spiced and slow-simmered to tender perfection, served alongside freshly made chapati that’s flaky, fragrant, and perfect for dipping. Another standout is the Lamb with Rice dish, which combines fresh garlic, roasted red peppers, and mixed field greens dressed in a vibrant balsamic vinaigrette, all mingling with juicy tomatoes to create an explosion of flavor that elevates every mouthful.
The dining experience is complemented by their renowned Hot Chai Tea, warmly spiced and sweetened just right – a drink that customers rave about for its comforting depth. Juices and refreshing sides like the creamy Avocado Salad and hearty Quinoa provide fantastic balance and variety to the meal.
What truly sets East African Restaurant- Somali apart is the impeccable hospitality. Multiple guests have shared how the owner’s genuine warmth and eagerness to guide newcomers through the menu make dining here as uplifting as the food itself. Whether explaining unfamiliar dishes or ensuring every guest’s needs are met, the staff’s kindness feels deeply personal and inviting.
Reviewers consistently highlight the generous portions—perfectly sized for sharing or savoring over multiple meals—and the pristine cleanliness of the space, making it an ideal spot for casual lunches or relaxed dinners with family and friends. The pricing also reflects excellent value for such authentic, high-quality cuisine.
For anyone craving a taste of East Africa that is both adventurous and heartwarming, East African Restaurant- Somali is a culinary gem that deserves a top spot on your dining list. From the first bite of their meticulously crafted dishes to the last sip of their fragrant tea, this restaurant offers an experience that lingers, enticing you back time and time again.
So glad this popped up on Google Maps, and even more glad we tried it! We purchased a few things and shared them. The chicken and beef stews were so delicious, and the rice was so flavorful! The host and owner were so welcoming and kind.
A must try! You will feel at home in this restaurant. They service East African food, mostly Somali. The service is friendly and they treat you like family. The hot spiced tea had just the right spices and sweetness. The chapatis were a good portion size, fresh and flaky. Both the beef and chicken stews were very tasty. We also tried the chicken sambusas which were crisp on the outside with plenty of flavorful filling. We enjoyed our meal very much.
My lovely wife and I stopped and ate here Nov 1st. When we arrived, i believe it was the owner that welcomed us. I told him that we’ve never been here before. He showed us to a booth, and explained some of the menu. We had plenty of questions about the names of some of the foods. He was very courteous and explained everything we asked about. Cans of pop were the drinks. He brought us an appetizer in just a few minutes. It was really good! My dinner was lamb and rice, with an included salad. The lovely one had chicken stew. (It also had rice and a salad) both of our meals were very good and so filling. The rice was very good, but didn’t look like rice. It resembled the little noodles that are in cup-a-soup. But either way, it was excellent! After our wonderful meal, I went up to pay, and the owner was making a drink. I asked him what he was making, I think he said saah. But then said it’s a tea. He made me a cup of it while I was paying. We took it with us and after it cooled down a bit, we both enjoyed it. Another wry good thing they have. I’ve never had Somali food, or even met a Somali person. He was super and so was the service & food. We will definitely stop in when we are in that area and try some of the other menu items.
The owner/chef is so sweet greets you with the biggest smile and her cooking is very delicious. Be sure to get the tea. Also the restaurant has seen many improvements in the few years I have been coming here. Huge portions. Very clean. Very reasonably priced. Will be back again and again.
This is a hidden gem! First time in and it was beyond delicious- will be returning again. The plate was about $21 after tax but could I could have easily saved half and had it later (but it's so good, good luck stopping halfway through). The menu is simple too, we got Chicken & Rice and the Beef & Rice, both were outstanding. 11/10, will be back again!
Amazing, absolutely amazing! We got the beef and chicken stews and we had a hard time picking a favorite! Because everytime we would switch plates we would change our minds! Seeing the place at first sight it feels a bit underwhelming, but you should put on your big boy pants and just go in, you won't regret it! Walking in the owner told us to sit anywhere we wanted with a big welcoming smile! He makes you feel comfortable and gives you good suggestions on what food to get. Also if you like good food just based off of the spices and not the sauce, they hit it right on the nose! In the end portions were great, food was great and a little tip from me you should get a few Sambussa's to go!
Grabbed lunch here on a Thursday. We walked in and there was only one person working. It took a minute for our food to come out - which was fine considering the one man band in the kitchen. The sanbuz (sambuus or sambusas) were very good, the one-in lamb was great, but I was really in love with the simple yet delicious seasoned rice (bariis iskukaris). So good. So if you have the time, its well worth a stop. To be fair they do have quick bites as well. Either way, go.
We are always looking for food with great flavor. This place was awesome and we will be back. My favorite dish was the Samosas.. appetizer suggested by our waiter.. very friendly and i reactive service. He was really helpful with helping us order. We liked everything so he did a great job. To be honest I didn’t enjoy the noodles due to some spice but my husband loved them.. I can’t wait to go back for the samosas. I gave our kiddo a leftover crepe with whipped crème and berries and then a different one with the chicken and she loved them both