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  5. Dupont Circle
Swahili Village The Consulate, Washington, DC
Award-winning

Swahili Village The Consulate

4.5
4.5
372 Reviews
$50 and over
African
Swahili Village Restaurant and Bar offers authentic Kenyan meals and Kenyan ambiance. Venture in and be transported to a city in Kenya. Karibu. We serve nyama choma, tilapia, samosas, imported beer, and beverages.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    African, Lounge, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–12:00 am Fri–Sun 3:00 pm–2:00 am
  • Phone number
    (202) 758-3384
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    Black/African American
  • Catering
    We can cater to private or corporate events of any size. Please contact 202-758-3384 and speak with a manager for more information.
  • Private party facilities
    Call today and speak with a manager about your upcoming event.
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Dupont Circle
  • Cross street
    19th St and M St NW
  • Parking details
    Street parking is available. Also there are 6 parking garages within 3 blocks
  • Public transit
    Less than 5 blocks from Farragut North, Farragut West, and Dupont Circle Metro Stations
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

  • Happy Hour

    Multiple dates available
    Sun - Sat - 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    Happy Hour takes place from 4pm-7pm Monday-Friday. Craft cocktails, champagne, sangria and mimosas specials!

What 372 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

372 Reviews
  1. MaurilleB

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    This is a restaurant that need to up on their customer services. The dining table for two was too small and can't even hold the plates nor the wine bottle ordered. Waiters was very slow and unresponsive to request. This is a restaurant I will not want to go again. The place is small and still they want to entertain many people.

    Is this helpful?

  2. PaulaC

    Montreal

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A fabulous evening. Food superb, music great, service good. I would highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Benji

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and drinks. Atmosphere was great for my night out with work associates.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated my daughter birthday with the family!! The food was delicious and restaurant was BEAUTIFUL love the wall art and like that someone takes pictures!!!

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing, service was great, the aesthetics were a straight vibe. Just be prepared to spend a few dollars on date night but other than that me and my wife left very pleased.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Forgot my servers name but he was sweet and very handsome if I may add . The dj was great. Made my 4 year old feel so special on her birthday . Thank you ❤️❤️

    Is this helpful?

  7. YolandaL

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    There was more staff than people and it was still delay in service due to on phones. I observed the bartender pretty much running the place, ringing orders, checking in on me and cleaning tables . The food was very good and that goat was the star of the show

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great experience. The food was excellent. The server was very busy. I understood why there was a bit of a wait at times when I wanted to follow up and order other items on the menu. Overall, it's a great place for dinner if you don't mind talking over the music.

    Is this helpful?

  9. DeeshaP

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience5
    Now we know why there’s an automatic 20% “service charge” (tip). Service was poor. At least three different people came to our table at some point, and yet the service was lacking. First, they didn’t want to honor the poster 4-8 pm cocktail hour at 7:15; they told us they ended at 7, but would (grudgingly) honor it. It took forever to just get water and enough place-settings/napkins for our group. We ended up grabbing stuff from nearby unoccupied tables. We had to repeatedly ask for water refills. The chicken wings, red beans, and creamed spinach were good. Everything else was meh. The salmon—$40!—was super salty, to the point of being inedible. Way too expensive for such a mediocre experience.

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Pooh

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My mother enjoyed her birthday there. Food was good and our waiter was awesome. Thank you

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience5
    I love Swahili village! I have been to the Maryland location many times. Excited to try out the DC restaurant, it had a great ambience with a live saxophonist, the food was delicious however the service was NOT up to par and slow. When I got the manager involved, she was apologetic however the waitress was even worse because she got reported on! The best part you have to pay a 20% service fee for such poor behavior. I don’t mind tipping, but I am all about great service. Thanks but no thanks!

    1 person found this helpful

  12. ILuvRamen

    Washington DC

    22 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience5
    Swahili village is great! The ambiance and energy is good, great place for a date night or just hanging out with friends. The music is LOUD. It’s a tiny space and the play the music very loud like a lot of African places. They also had a saxophone player walking around all night playing in your ears. It’s way too loud to talk or hear your dinner mates. You’ll be shouting all night. But the food is fantastic.

    Is this helpful?

  13. SumuQim

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We went 2 times while in DC. Our hotel wasn’t too far as we were staying at the Fairmont. The food was AMAZING!… because they make the food when ordered please be patient as it will be worth it. For example the samosas and farmers choice sausages was the reason we went. I miss these foods from Kenya. 🇰🇪 I def recommend it to everyone! Really good food cooked just as I recall - even the plantains and jollof rice were impeccable!!

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it! Staff were professional and as always, the food was delicious. Very nice vibe.

    Is this helpful?

  15. DeannaT

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Took a while to get my reserved table. Other people got in front of my party

    Is this helpful?

  16. Kingstonking

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall3food2service1ambience4
    Noisy .....slow service.food average. Ambience is good.

    Is this helpful?

  17. Konaguy

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and excellent service. We definitely will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Justagirlwholovesfood

    Washington DC

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best chicken wings I have had ever! Such a great meal

    Is this helpful?

  19. EricR

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fast and friendly service, plus delicious food -- this was our second visit here and already looking forward to our third!

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    We had a great time here! The samosas are fire so they are a must if you eat red meat. The music was bumping when we walked in plus around 9/9:30 there was an actual DJ that was playing Afro beats, Caribbean, a little old jam and more! My boyfriend who is African said the food made him feel at home so we will definitely be coming back and most likely with his parents!

    Is this helpful?

  21. RhondaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went to celebrate my birthday Friday. When I walked in I knew I was gonna love it. The food, staff and the DJ on Friday made it even better. You must try it

    1 person found this helpful

  22. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and amazing vibes in this restaurant that transports your tastebuds to another world.

    Is this helpful?

  23. MayaW

    Atlantic City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love Swahili village and can't wait to come back!!

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience2
    Food was delicious, but the place was very noisy. Also our waiter forgot to give us our drinks and still added it to the tab after we told him we didn’t want it again since we had already eaten. He took forever to give us water or even get our check. It really made the experience not good. The music was good though.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent and the entire vibe is f the place was on point. Can’t wait to visit again with a bigger party.

    Is this helpful?

  26. Elle

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on July 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    First visit. Went during happy hour. Was impressed with the staff, from the gentleman at the door to the bartenders and food runners. Vibe was a very interesting marriage of club and relaxed, classy dining experience. Photographer was friendly, accommodating and far from pushy. Live music was a nice added touch. Drinks were regular price, despite happy hour but very good. Happy hour food offerings were delicious and well portioned. Highly recommend, and look forward to going back again SOON.

    Is this helpful?

  27. NoLongerQuiteSoNews2DC

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was absolutely delightful, the atmosphere was quiet enough for a casual conversation without having to shout, and the food - the food was amazing! I had the red beans with two sides (spinach & mokimo) with a delightfully spicy sauce made from habanero peppers. SOOOO good. I look forward to going back and trying other items on the menu!

    Is this helpful?

  28. ProfBill

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 5, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Good food and wonderful service. Again, an over-the-top experience.

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    Great food, poor service. Maybe not enough waiters.

    Is this helpful?

  30. VeeGeePeeDeeCee

    Washington DC

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Curry chicken and collard greens were outstanding. lunchtime hours are great too

    Is this helpful?

  31. AaronW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    My new go to spot. The staff was professional, personable and seemed genuinely nice. I had Samosas(excellent) a beef dish (excellent flavor and seasoned, beef was too chewy), Homeland cocktail (Yeeeesss it was all I needed loll) and a tropical drink that was delicious. I'm mad at not knowing about this place long ago.

    Is this helpful?

  32. RhondaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every single thing was excellent. The food OMG! I will definitely be back

    Is this helpful?

  33. Kesha

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant is Awesome!! We came for date night and it was our first time trying the food it was great

    Is this helpful?

  34. natalies

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Food was good! The rice was a bit dry for my liking but paired with the spinach and lamb chops it was really good. Service was great as well!

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delicious cuisine! We have never eaten here before but we will definitely be returning.

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    1.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience2
    We heard about the resturant about 9 months ago and made sure that we would visit it the next time we were in town. The food was good but we were disappointed with everything else. We saw our server three times during our visit. He greeted us. He took our order and brought our check. He never nor did anyone come to check in with us. We paid $120 for 2 meals with no alcoholic beverages. The portion size was not worth the amount of money we paid or the service received. We did not experience "fine dining" but paid "fine dining" prices. Will we return? We will not be returning.

    1 person found this helpful

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Experience was good overall. Server was great but he forgot one of our orders. Chapati was not as good as it usually is. It was too dry with flour in the middle.

    Is this helpful?

  38. ParisC

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    Food is amazing but the service is extremely slow. We come back for the food, but the service is ALWAYS bad.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Maxx

    Washington DC

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Service, Great Food. Fun place to people watch and hear good music while dining.

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    One of the best dining experiences in a long time. The food is outstanding. I don’t normally eat African food so I tasted a little bit of everything to see what I like and nothing disappointed. The drinks are delicious and the servers have such a great energy and spirit. I will definitely be back if for nothing else the nyamachoma!!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Diner temperature check required
    • Staff is vaccinated
    • Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors
    • Proof of vaccination required to dine outdoors
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Swahili Village The Consulate using the Order Online button. Swahili Village The Consulate also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 758-3384.

Swahili Village The Consulate is rated 4.5 stars by 372 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Swahili Village The Consulate

1990 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    19th St and M St NW
  • Neighborhood
    Dupont Circle
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–12:00 am Fri–Sun 3:00 pm–2:00 am
  • Cuisines
    African, Lounge, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street parking is available. Also there are 6 parking garages within 3 blocks
  • Public transit
    Less than 5 blocks from Farragut North, Farragut West, and Dupont Circle Metro Stations
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Black/African American
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (202) 758-3384
  • Catering
    We can cater to private or corporate events of any size. Please contact 202-758-3384 and speak with a manager for more information.
  • Private party facilities
    Call today and speak with a manager about your upcoming event.
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