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Swahili Village OTS, Newark, NJ

Swahili Village OTS

4.4 (404)
$31 to $50
African
2 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 12 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for groups
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Neighborhood gem
Coming Soon!

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    African, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, East African
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed, Sun 11:00 am–1:00 am Thu–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 am
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Chef Alfredo Hernandez
  • Catering
    www.swahilivillages.com | 202.798.7701
  • Private party facilities
    www.swahilivillages.com | 202.798.7701
  • Neighborhood
    Newark
  • Cross street
    Corner of Center Street and Mulberry Street
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    NJ Transit, Light Rail, Amtrak
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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What 404 people are saying

Swahili Village OTS reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.1Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Essex

    Innovative

  • Essex

    Good for groups

  • Essex

    Hot spot

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Swahili Village OTS offers a vibrant dining experience with "delicious food," "generous portions," and a "stylish vibe." The menu features a variety of flavorful dishes, including standout grilled meats and vegetarian options. While service can be inconsistent, the "great ambiance" and "energetic atmosphere" make it a popular choice, especially before NJPAC events.
404 Reviews
  1. Tasha

    Washington, D.C. Area1 review

    4.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    The good was excellent but it took over an hour to receive

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  2. Ashley

    New York City17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Love it per usual. I think the waiter staff is declingbecause because the last two times I went I had horrible waiters. But the vibes were great and the music was amazing.

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  3. Kisha

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went there after my son’s high school graduation and it did not disappoint, food was good service was good my drink was delicious. I’m looking forward to going back again.

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  4. Barbara

    Phoenix / Arizona9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ate here before a show at Prudential Center. Short walk but worth it. Food was delicious. As a vegetarian I had a few options. Chose the lentils with cabbage and Jolloff rice. Excellent. My husband had a beef dish with spinach and flatbread. Also very good. Great service. Would come back.

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  5. Sunil VIP

    New York City4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food, wonderful service. Perfect pre-show dinner before an evening at NJPAC

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  6. Ashley

    New York City18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great experience! This was the first time I had a poor waiter. I don’t recall his name but he was bald. The food was great, ambiance was perfect and Thursdays are the best days to go! It was just the waiter that sucked. I’ve been going for years. When j go back, if I see him I’ll either change tables or go to the bar.

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  7. Simon VIP

    New York City9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went there for the first time and we absolutely loved it. We will go back soon! The service is so warm and attentive, and the food is delicious. For those like me who didn't know what Kenyan food was all about, it can best be described as a fusion of Indian and African. Particularly recommend getting the platter which allows you to taste lots of dishes. The grilled meats are fabulous, especially the goat. The creamed coconut spinach was also a hit - but in fact all the vegetables are delicious. Strongly recommended, and super convenient if you're going to a show at NJPAC, as it's right across the street.

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  8. Ederline

    New Jersey1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time visiting Swahili, I enjoyed the food and the ambiance.

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  9. Ysha

    New York City2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful staff!! We had the oxtails cabbage and the lamb chops with collard greens.. The oxtails were outstanding fell off the bone and the gravy it was in was delicious.. The lamb chops were just ok.. I got a really fatty piece and couldn’t eat it.. I actually put the oxtail gravy on the them and was satisfied… the staff was attentive it was very busy but they really tried to attend in a timely fashion.. decor was super cute

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  10. Roni

    New York City2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience! Food was great. Drinks was great. Service was quick.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Swahili Village OTS offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (973) 494-7379.

Swahili Village OTS is rated 4.4 stars by 404 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New Jersey
  4. Essex
  5. Newark

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 12 times today
Google Map for Swahili Village OTS

2 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Corner of Center Street and Mulberry Street
  • Neighborhood
    Newark
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed, Sun 11:00 am–1:00 am Thu–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 am
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    African, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, East African
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    NJ Transit, Light Rail, Amtrak
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Chef Alfredo Hernandez
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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