Looking for a tasty African meal near you? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top restaurants offering African cuisine around Minneapolis, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture for everything from roasted goat meat and camel burgers to lamb shank stew and gyros.
1. Afro Deli
Topping the list is Afro Deli. Located at 720 Washington Ave. SE in the University District, this African and Mediterranean spot, which offers sandwiches and more, is the highest rated African restaurant in Minneapolis, boasting 4.5 stars out of 166 reviews on Yelp.
On its website, the casual eatery says it "provides a delicious fusion of African, Mediterranean and American themed food in a fast, fun and friendly environment."
Look for menu options like Gopher Lamb Gyros served with onion, tomato and tzatziki sauce; the Afro Steak Dinner marinated in African spices served with lime, cilantro and bell peppers; and the Chapati Wrap, including choice of beef, chicken or lamb served with Somali rice and ranch dressing. The full menu can be seen here. Afro Deli also caters.
2. Safari Express
Next up is Safari Express, situated at 920 E. Lake St., in the Midtown Global Market. With 4.5 stars out of 82 reviews on Yelp, the African restaurant has proven to be a local favorite.
Expect à la carte menu options like roasted goat meat served with rice, chicken sandwiches and camel burgers. Other options include gyros, soups and samosas.
3. Moroccan Flavors
Also in the Midtown Global Market, Moroccan Flavors at 920 E. Lake St., Suite 126, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Moroccan spot 4.5 stars out of 77 reviews. Inspired by the Moroccan city of Chefchaouen, where every building is painted in a shade of blue, this offering has been open since 2016 and offers tagine, a traditional African stew, among other fare.
Expect menu options like lamb shank tagine served with root vegetables over couscous or turmeric rice; the marinated ground beef kafta sandwich with stewed tomatoes and Dijon mustard; and chicken couscous with veggies. The full menu can be seen here.
4. Safari Restaurant
Safari Restaurant, an African spot in Powderhorn, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 42 Yelp reviews. Head over to 3010 4th Ave S. to see for yourself.
This offering specializes in Somalian food. Menu options include Mogdishawi, which includes two beef and four veggie samosas; the hummus platter served with chickpeas, lemon juice and olive oil with pita bread; and the Foule Mudammes, fava beans cooked with special seasoning, topped with tomatoes, onions and jalapeños.
5. Dilla's
Finally on the West Bank, check out Dilla's, which has earned four stars out of 109 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Ethiopian spot at 1813 Riverside Ave. N.
Dilla's expansive menu includes salads, sandwiches, curry dishes, entrees and combos. Look for staples such as lamb or chicken curry; Kifto with Cocho, lean beef with spicy butter; and the vegetarian Miser Wot, split lentils cooked with fresh garlic, ginger and onions drizzled in with berbere sauce.
