Swahili Village OTS

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1. CK

   CamilleK

   New York Area

   6 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall2food4service1ambience2

   Terrible service. Was there for dinner before a concert and waited 50 minutes for our drinks and an hour before any food came out. The appetizer and entrees were served at the same time. The server made no apologies for the delay in getting our food and drinks and they add an additional 20% gratuity automatically. Now I know why!! The food, once we received it was good (the appetizer was cold but tasty.) can’t see going back ever again!

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2. JC

   JoeC

   Chicago

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on March 23, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Food and service was terrific. Enjoyed tasting new dishes

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   1 review

   vip
   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 19, 2023

   overall2food3service1ambience2

   Unfortunately our experience was not good. My party was seated and an hour later we didn’t even have water! Once our food came out it was wrong and we never received our orders completely. The food was good but the horrible service made our experience very disappointing. As a result we missed the first act of our concert. I won’t be back!

   Report
4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 18, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Wonderful experience. Great food and amazing ambiance. Wish they had a dance floor..

   Report
5. S

   Shantella

   New York Area

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 18, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Once again the service and food was amazing!! Good eats and good vibes every visit!

   Report
6. JP

   JeannieP

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 17, 2023

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   This was my second time at Swahili and I had a great time. I ordered the lambchops which tasted very good. Drinks were on point. I started off slow that night with the Heaven Nectar Martini (sweet drink) and then went with the Flaming Margarita. Swahili is a vibe! I went on a Friday night and the DJ that was there had my friends and I up and out of our seats.

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7. TW

   TahmiaW

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 17, 2023

   overall5food3service5ambience5

   The server BRANDON was the very pleasant and attentive. Brandon recommended our meal and drinks.

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8. SK

   SlyK

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 15, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great esthetics, good food, service was good as well. Enjoyed my time there.

   Report
9. JL

   JulieL

   New York Area

   6 reviews

   4.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on March 14, 2023

   overall4food3service5ambience4

   My friend and I enjoyed our evening meal here. We ordered two a[appetizers, the Mbuzi goat bites and the Swahili basket. The bites were a little tough and chewy; in the basket were the potatoes chips (more like a harsh brown), they were spicy and crispy. My friend ordered Beef Stew/Nyama Mchuzi with spinach and Mokimo which was mashed peas, corn, mashed potatoes and sautéed onion. My friend liked her dish especially the Mokimo; I thought it was a bit overcooked. I had the Oxtail. The portion was generous. The dish did not impress me; the taste reminded me of some Caribbean dish I had before; not distinguish enough to make me want more. The side dishes I chose were collard greens and the corn fufu "Ugali". I did not like the Ugali; it was very bland and thick to eat on it's own. We had the mango mousse cake with Chai spicy tea which was a good ending to our meal. Our waiter was super friendly and helpful in helping us to chose the dishes. Food was served fast. The two managers came by to check on us to make sure we were good. The atmosphere of the restaurant were friendly and relaxing. We felt the price were a little pricy. It's a place to go if you are doing a special occasion, not a place to eat often due to the price.

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10. Q

    Queen

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Good was amazing. Server was amazing. Best birthday ever! I can’t wait to go back! Thank you Swahili Village.

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11. GK

    GenesiaK

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    This is a great place to go before attending an event at NJPAC. It is right across the street. The staff could not have been more welcoming and attentive and the food was very good. We would definitely go back the next time we go to NJPAC.

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12. BK

    BarbaraK

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3

    Service was scanty and no one came to our table for about 10 minutes after we were seated. The food was good but high priced. It's very presumptuous to automatically add 20% service fee, but I suspect that is because service is so bad that wait staff would suffer. They need to add additional team members.

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13. V

    Victoria

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Can't wait to return! Food was amazing and the server answered all questions and provided recommendations.

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14. RK

    RichK

    New York Area

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    We first went not far after their opening date and while the food was great(though parts were cold), service was friendly but jumbled. This time clearly they have their act fully together. Service ("Ivan"") was excellent, food and drinks continue to be delicious and came in the right sequence and timing. While it is a bit pricey, the portions are well sized and quality is strong. Highly recommend.

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15. J

    Jetta32696

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Celebrated my mother's birthday at Swahili Village and it was a wonderful dining experience. Food was tasty, service staff was excellent. The only thing I didn't like was the "mandatory" 20% gratuity added to my bill. I typically tip 20% anyway, but I like having the option to tip less if the service is sub-par. Not a big deal, but I think it's unnecessary.

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16. LA

    LATOYAE

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food. Great service. The salmon was enjoyed and the cheese cake was phenomenal

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17. RS

    ReginaS

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My experience at Swahili Village was great. From the Waitress (Cassandra) to the food served. I had the Lamb Chops with rice and collards greens. I will definitely return for another meal.

    Report
18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4

    My husband never received his steak after ordering steak and eggs and when we finally found our server she had to pay for it. This was our second time the experience was not good this time

    Report
19. CT

    CarolTJ

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience3

    It was entirely too loud for me. I don't enjoy eating in a restaurant where I can't speak with my companion without shouting.

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20. E

    Eater

    New York Area

    62 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    The food was very good. The menu was varied and interesting. The servers were friendly and accommodating. The service itself, though, was slow. We didn't receive our entrees until more than an hour after we sat down and, by then, we felt we had to rush to get to our show. We would have liked to have stayed and tried a dessert. We were disappointed that they were out of their popular specialty craft beer.

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21. OR

    OpheouseR

    Minneapolis

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Nice vibes, super Dj’s. Worth the visit. Nice combinations.

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Swahili village is a great vibe. The DJ was amazing. It’s very crowded on a Saturday night.

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23. I

    Ihuoma

    Unspecified

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great vibe, good food and music. Will definitely come back again.

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24. LJ

    LadyJ

    New York Area

    94 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    94 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience5

    Great vibe and crowd. The food was very tasty. Service was not great because I don’t think the restaurant was prepared for the large pre theater crowd for the NJPAC show. It took over 30 minutes for a waiter to take our order and received a cocktail. The food came out pretty fast considering how long the initial wait was and it was delicious!! The salmon, and collards were excellent. That being said, I would give the restaurant another try because the overall vibe was good.

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25. FT

    FirstTimeDiners

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience4

    My friend and I went here for the first time. We were a little taken back by the 20% gratuity added to all bills which wouldn't have been an issue if the service was "outstanding"!!! We asked our server for napkins twice and on the third ask, the manager himself brought the napkins. I ordered the snapper; however, I do not like "fish head" on my plate!!! I expressed this to my waiter and told him that if I even see it, I will not eat my food. Well, when I received the snapper dish, it was completely covered with vegetables and after I ate a good portion and removed the other vegetables, there it was.....THE FISH HEAD!!! I almost threw my food up! I immediately covered my plate with a napkin and that was the end of my dinner. They did not have much to offer for desert so that was that. If you are going to charge gratuity, make sure your service is impeccable!! I think the price point was very high but the food seemed fresh and the portion was decent. The only other thing that turned me off was the DIRTY MENUS. They should laminate their menu so it can be sanitized and cleaned. It was disgusting.

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26. S

    Spyke

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall2food5service4ambience3

    Made reservations for 615 show at njpac 8p Arrived and the line was out the door even though we had reservations still had to wait. Finally a staff member offers us a table at bar When I asked what was the purpose of making reservations magically a booth became available Once seated waited 17 minutes for server Was served the wrong food order twice When we finally did get the correct food ot was delicious

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27. SO

    ShellyO

    New York Area

    58 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    We went for dinner before a concert at NJPAC. Our server was nice, friendly but overwhelmed. It was extremely crowded, the music was fantastic. Our entrees were tasty but the salmon was slightly overcooked. Looking forward to going again.

    Report
28. W

    Will

    New York Area

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3

    The service was not good it took 1 hour to receive food and 30 mins to receive drinks to start with. And they don't honor reservations

    Report
29. C

    Charlese

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience4

    The waiter was absolute terrible and unprofessional

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    I love Swahili Village! It was my second time going and I plan to visit again. Service was just a little slow and I understand the occasion because it was considered a big holiday for restaurants so I will give some grace. I was a little disappointed because I ordered the Swahili Tini but it was sent in a stemless wineglass and it looked like stirred coffee. I was looking forward to the usual presentation which is what makes the drink appealing. I decided to get wine instead. The food was amazing as usual. Hopefully next time they will have a martini glass for the Swahili Tini 😆

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31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Swahili Village had the best ambiance I’ve ever experienced. The drinks are well portioned and strong. The food is tasty and authentic. The music played had the crowd moving and vibing. It was a great Saturday night and birthday celebration for myself.

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32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience4

    Our waitress was very nice, but wasn’t structured, missed orders, had to ask for waters etc. We probably won’t be going back.

    Report
33. MR

    MikeR

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Bass from the bar too loud

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall1food4service1ambience5

    I was waiting to be seated for over an hour. Which was fine because I wanted a table near the bar. However, as bar tables became available groups were just sitting themselves and nothing was done about that.

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35. A

    Alphanso

    New York Area

    26 reviews

    3.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience2

    The restaurant adds 20 percent to every bill, I think if you are going to add 20 percent to every bill, why not just include it in your pricing? Even better, if you are going to add 20 percent to every bill, don't turn around and ask for a tip on the final bill. I think this can easily trick people into overpaying for their meal. Additionally, they have a sign at the front that states that by agreeing to eat in the restaurant, you are agreeing that videos and/or pictures taken of you can be used for training or marketing. My wife and I had dinner at this restaurant once, and we both walked away, saying never again...!

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Went for my birthday, but I had heard good things about this place. Pleasantly, I was not disappointed! Food was great, ambiance and service too. My friends and I had dinner and decided to stay and enjoy the bar area afterwards, which had great music, high energy and was a lot of fun.

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience3

    Despite having a reservation, the host looked at me like I was inconveniencing her when I approached the host stand. It look about 10 minutes to be seated and after being seated, I waited over 20 minutes for a server to come to the table. After 20 minutes, I was able to flag down a server and ask if there was anyone assigned to our table. A gentleman came over, didn’t introduce himself and asked what we wanted to order. He took the appetizer order and walked away before we could order drinks. We were able to flag him down later to order entrees. The appetizers and entrees were good. The chicken wings and beef appetizers were my favorite. At the end of the meal, we were rushed out of the table as they said they had other reservations. If they have a seating time limit, I didn’t see it on their website. Overall, I respect that they’re trying to bring a higher end dining experience to the area, but the service definitely fell short. For an establishment that is automatically including 20% gratuity, I’d like to see a greater focus on service.

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5

    It was very crowded but good energy. Valet parking sucks. But great food

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39. R

    Rav4man

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Great vibe, convenient location. Nice robust drinks, very flavorful food. The greeters could be and should be a lot friendlier.

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40. MS

    MSGlamG

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    We had an amazing evening! The food was delicious!

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