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: high-protein, halal, dairy-free, nut-free, vegetarian, low-carb, vegan, gluten-free, keto, sugar-free, mediterranean, whole30, pescatarian, paleo, diabetic, heart-healthy, plant-based, low-fat, anti-inflammatory, south-beach, clean-eating, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, gerd, atkins, zone, volumetrics, tlc, detox, alkaline, low-fodmap, raw-food, aip, mayo-clinic, macrobiotic, slow-carb, pegan, candida, lectin-free
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
- Sambusa - $7: Pastry shell filled with savory spiced beef or vegetables (2 pieces) Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Mandazi - $5: Sweet fried dough, similar to a donut but less sweet (3 pieces) Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Nut-Free
- Kachumbari - $8: Fresh tomato and onion salad with cilantro and lime dressing Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Chicken Curry - $16: Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, spiced coconut curry sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Zone, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Goat Stew - $18: Slow-cooked goat meat with vegetables in a savory broth Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Zone, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Beef Suqaar - $17: Sautéed beef cubes with onions, peppers, and Somali spices Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Zone, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Vegetable Curry - $14: Mixed seasonal vegetables cooked in a mild coconut curry sauce Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Grilled Tilapia - $19: Whole or fillet tilapia marinated in spices and grilled to perfection Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, Zone, TLC, Detox, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Chapati - $3: Soft, layered flatbread Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Somali Rice - $4: Basmati rice cooked with aromatic spices and raisins Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Ugali - $4: Dense cornmeal porridge, a staple side dish Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, TLC, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Plantains - $5: Fried sweet plantains Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
- Somali Chai - $3.5: Spiced milk tea with cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon
- Mango Juice - $4: Freshly blended mango juice
- 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.