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Swahili Village OTS, Newark, NJ

Swahili Village OTS

4.4
4.4
376 Reviews
$31 to $50
African

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 11 times today
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for business meals
  • Good for special occasions
Coming Soon!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    African, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, East African
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Wed, Sun 11:00–01:00 Thu–Sat 11:00–03:00
  • Phone number
    (973) 494-7379
  • 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
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 376 people are saying

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
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Essex

    Great for fine wines

  • Essex

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Swahili Village OTS offers a vibrant dining experience with "delicious food," "a beautiful atmosphere," and "friendly service." Patrons rave about the "authentic African cuisine," including standout dishes like samosas and lamb chops. Conveniently located near NJPAC, it's perfect for pre-show dining, though service can be "slow during busy times."

376 Reviews
  1. JoeC

    New York City5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 2 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The wait staff was so helpful and nice. The food was outstanding. We had a goat appetizer and then had a beef stew with coconut milked spinach and a delicious rice dish. My dining partner had the grilled chicken. Both were delicious. The manager came by and chatted and shared stories and connections to Africa. Highly recommend this place and we can’t wait to try it when they open in NYC

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  2. DianeW

    New York City2 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    Went there for Valentines Day. I had reservations but still was told the wait was 1 hour! When seated we waited over an hour for our food. This place was recommended by 2 friends who said it was excellent! That wasn't my experience. I won't be returning

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  3. Solomon

    New Jersey1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a great time … good food , good entertainment great environment

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  4. Gary

    New Jersey1 review

    1.0

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    I had a reservation still waited an hour to be seated . Another another and a half for my food . I was so upset I just took my food to go and left as soon as I got my food . The music is loud in some areas not loud in other areas . They sat us at a table not clean then left for another 15 mins no menus nothing . Then waiter comes back take our drinks selection we didn’t get our drinks til our food it was genuinely a horrible experience . What I will say is the food was good . It smelt good . I enjoyed it when I got home.

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  5. Bisola

    New Jersey1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was amazing. Great customer service. I love the ambience. Great server and waiter.

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  6. Gamal

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food definitely exceeded expectations. Everything was flavorful and succulent. There was a DJ spinning live music and that added to the energy of the evening.

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  7. Karyn VIP

    New York City21 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 1 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our second time at this restaurant. The cocktails are great and the food is delicious and large portion sizes. Everything is tasty and has interesting spices. The service was attentive and the place has a stylish vibe.

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  8. Gary D. VIP

    New York City20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 1 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I enjoyed my dining experience! Upon entry, I was nicely greeted by the Hostess (apologies on not recalling her name). She guided me to a comfortable booth. The decor, music and images were delightful! My Waiter “Yordi” was courteous and professional. He made helpful suggestions and allowed time for me to make selections. Yordi was “present” but, did not “hover.” I’ve Valentine’s dinner reservations. I wanted to sample several items, before returning with my Lady. I’m a pescatarian and had the tasty salmon with shrimp meal. My two side dishes of sautéed spinach and “mokimo” (a blend of green peas/corn/potatoes) were delicious! All food items were pleasingly prepared and presented! The menu has something, for everyone! Before leaving, I asked to speak with the manager. “Kayla” approached my table and I commended her and the staff! She graciously accepted my compliments, on behalf of her Team! I look forward to returning, on Valentine’s Day! I recommend Swahili Village! G. D. Stubbs (2/1/25)

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  9. Val

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 31 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waiter Bradley was very attentive. He sat us down as soon as we walked in, introduced himself and was pleasant

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  10. Karl

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 26 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food in a nice ambiance served with a smile. Well-done Swahili Village.

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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 376 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 11 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Swahili Village OTS

2 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Corner of Center Street and Mulberry Street
  • Area
    Newark
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Wed, Sun 11:00–01:00 Thu–Sat 11:00–03:00
  • 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, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (973) 494-7379
  • Catering
    www.swahilivillages.com | 202.798.7701
  • Private party facilities
    www.swahilivillages.com | 202.798.7701
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