Safari – African
Safari transports diners to a world of vibrant warmth, where the air hums with the intoxicating scent of berbere, ginger, and slow-simmered stews. Communal platters become a canvas of rich colors and textures, inviting guests to tear off pieces of tangy flatbread to scoop up tender, spice-rubbed meats and earthy lentils in a rhythmic celebration of shared connection.
55, Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY, 10026 +1-646-964-4252 https://safariharlem.comRating: 4.6/5 (401 reviews)
Cuisine: African
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, juice-cleanse, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Safari
Dairy-Free at Safari
Safari in New York has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Beef Suqaar, Goat Stew and Somali Rice. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Safari
Safari in New York has 4 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Beef Suqaar, Goat Stew and Vegetable Curry. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Safari
Safari in New York has 10 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Mandazi, Ugali and Somali Rice. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Safari
Safari in New York has 2 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegetable Curry and Somali Chai. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Safari
Safari in New York has 3 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegetable Curry, Mango Juice and Somali Chai. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Safari
Safari in New York has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Vegetable Curry. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Safari
Safari in New York has 6 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Somali Rice, Vegetable Curry and Chapati. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Safari
Safari in New York has 9 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Mandazi, Ugali and Somali Rice. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Safari
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Curry | 60.5 g | 38.1 g |
| Chapati | 47.9 g | 19.7 g |
| Somali Chai | 100.5 g | 17.3 g |
| Ugali | 49.8 g | 14.2 g |
| Sambusa | 60.3 g | 10 g |
| Vegetable Curry | 6.5 g | 2.1 g |
| Kachumbari | 8.7 g | 2 g |
| Somali Rice | 12.5 g | 1.5 g |
| Soda | 4.3 g | 1 g |
| Mango Juice | 11.3 g | 0.3 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Tuesday - Sunday
- 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners celebrate Safari for its authentic and flavorful Somali cuisine, with many calling the food "sublime" and "heavenly." Standout dishes include the tender Hilib Ari (goat), Beef Suqaar, and Mango Curry Chicken, often enjoyed with aromatic spiced rice and fresh bananas. While service can vary from extremely hospitable to occasionally slow during peak times, guests appreciate the cozy, traditional seating and welcoming touches like warm chai and hibiscus juice. Despite quiet moments in the dining room, reviewers agree the exceptional flavors make it a must-visit destination.
Menu
Appetizers
- Sambusa - $7: Pastry shell filled with savory spiced beef or vegetables (2 pieces) Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, TLC, Renal
- Mandazi - $5: Sweet fried dough, similar to a donut but less sweet (3 pieces) Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Kachumbari - $8: Fresh tomato and onion salad with cilantro and lime dressing Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC
Main Courses
Served with your choice of Rice, Chapati, or Ugali
- Chicken Curry - $16: Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, spiced coconut curry sauce Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
- Goat Stew - $18: Slow-cooked goat meat with vegetables in a savory broth Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Beef Suqaar - $17: Sautéed beef cubes with onions, peppers, and Somali spices Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Soy Free
- Vegetable Curry - $14: Mixed seasonal vegetables cooked in a mild coconut curry sauce Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Grilled Tilapia - $19: Whole or fillet tilapia marinated in spices and grilled to perfection Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Macrobiotic
Sides
- Chapati - $3: Soft, layered flatbread Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Macrobiotic
- Somali Rice - $4: Basmati rice cooked with aromatic spices and raisins Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Macrobiotic
- Ugali - $4: Dense cornmeal porridge, a staple side dish Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Plantains - $5: Fried sweet plantains Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
Beverages
- Somali Chai - $3.5: Spiced milk tea with cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Carnivore, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC
- Mango Juice - $4: Freshly blended mango juice Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Juice-Cleanse, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Soda - $2.5: Assorted canned sodas
Frequently Asked Questions about Safari
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- Rated 4.6/5, Safari is celebrated for its authentic Somali cuisine, featuring "sublime" goat stew and beef suqaar in a cozy atmosphere.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- According to the provided data, the restaurant Safari has a total of 401 reviews from its customers.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking authentic Somali cuisine, communal shared platters, and a cozy atmosphere with extensive dietary options like halal, vegan, and keto will enjoy Safari.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- Safari supports 39 diets, including halal, keto, vegan, and gluten-free options like Goat Stew, Vegetable Curry, and Grilled Tilapia.
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include Hilib Ari (goat), Beef Suqaar, Mango Curry Chicken, Sambusa, and Grilled Tilapia, often served with aromatic spiced rice.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- 90% of the menu items, including Goat Stew, Vegetable Curry, and Grilled Tilapia, accommodate vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Rated 4.6/5, customers love the authentic Somali cuisine, specifically Hilib Ari, Beef Suqaar, Mango Curry Chicken, and cozy traditional seating.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Safari offers a casual dining experience with cozy traditional seating, communal platters for shared connection, and moderate pricing ($$).
- How can I contact this restaurant?
- To contact Safari, visit their official website at https://safariharlem.com which serves as the primary point of online communication.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- Safari features a vibrant, warm atmosphere with cozy, traditional seating and communal platters designed for a shared dining connection.
- Is Safari dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Safari has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Beef Suqaar, Goat Stew and Somali Rice.
- What can I eat at Safari on a dairy-free diet?
- Beef Suqaar, Goat Stew and Somali Rice carry the dairy-free tag, out of 7 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Safari have vegan options?
- Yes. 6 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Somali Rice and Vegetable Curry.
- Is Safari gluten-free?
- 4 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Safari?
- Chicken Curry, at roughly 38.1g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Safari
- Teranga — African
- Teranga — African
- Keur Coumba — African
- Sylla — African
- Accra — African
- Ginjan Cafe — African
- Africa Kine — African
- Kumasi Restaurant — African
- Amarachi — African
- Ce.DE.AO.Grill African Restaurant — African
- Lagos TSQ — African
- Buka — African
