African Paradise Restaurant

Coming to African Paradise was such a new experience!This restaurant was packed at the time I visited! Parking was difficult to find because of the way the plaza is set up, so I definitely suggest carpooling if it's a busy day. The restaurant is divided into two parts based on the cultural norms, one side has all men, and the other side has women and their family/friends. I went with my co-ed group of friends so we sat on the women's side.When we sat down we were served right away, the servers were kind and helpful explaining the menu. The menu doesn't have prices, so be sure to ask before you order. You also get a banana (for the rice), lentil soup, and some mango juice!I ordered the Roasted Lamb with curry rice and honestly this was one of the best meals I've had in a long time! The lamb was so juicy and cooked perfectly and the seasoned rice went so well with it, the salad on the side as well as the green hot sauce brought it all together. Overall, I wish I could give the place 5 stars because the food is so amazing. However, the appearance of both the restaurant and menu could use some up-keep. I will definitely be going back soon!

The food here is absolutely delicious. And the environment was really welcoming. First time trying Somalian food. The place is really kept as a low maintenance establishment but you get like an authentic feeling from the place. It's not your fancy go to restaurant. If you want to try authentic delicious Somali food then you take a seat and dine here. I personally ordered the lamb with curry rice as the waiter told me that was their most popular dish. I loved it. The seasoning on the meat and rice were full of flavor and cooked nicely. They give u a banana to eat with the rice which was something cool to try out. Overall a nice flavorful meal. Loved it loved it. I would like to try more things - If ever back in Columbus.

Food is way pre-made, cold and not to report. Lots of rice in the plate. No goat after 4:00 PM

I first heard of this from a guy at work who said they served camel, but I didn't see that on the menu. Anyway, Sweetie is out of town, and although she cooked a ton of food for me I am also trying out some places she would not be interested in. I didn't think she would like this, and I was positive as soon as I pulled up out front. It is in a run down strip mall off Morse, and the whole mall was packed when I came on a Saturday afternoon. Inside the restaurant, it was only moderately busy, and I was seated quickly and got quick and friendly service. They bring a complimentary bowl of soup, a thick vegetable curry which was excellent. Since everyone else suggested the mango juice and I like it anyway, I went with that, and it went well with everything.This is Somali food, which I have had before, but not this good. Another way I know Sweetie would not be into this is that there is a menu item called "Foul." (It's beans, nothing weird.) There's a lot of interesting stuff here, and I will have to come back to try more, but today I went with roasted goat. It. Was. Amazing. Tender, savory, inspired involuntary noises... Man, it was good. There were a few bones, so be careful. It was mixed with some onions and paired with a fresh green salad. You can choose your side- bread or rice, basically. I got curry rice- a hint of curry, jasmine rice cooked just right, and, uh, french fries? Whatever, it worked. They also brought a side of hot sauce, moderately spicy and apparently house-made.It all adds up to a ton of amazing food at a great price. The decor... could be better. But the food and service were perfect. And I ate onions and curry and didn't bug anybody but our animals, who smell worse than me anyway.

May not look like much but it smells absolutely delicious in here. My daughter and I ordered a family platter of spicy salmon chicken steak, spaghetti and spicy rice. I'm so excited for this meal.

Luckily, I went with my friend, otherwise I might have been a little confused. This food is so good that I needed to write a review so that more people go. It wasn't empty at all, but I wish I had known about this place before. When you go in they will seat you according to your group (there is a section for only men, one for women, and a mixed section). When you walk in you will smell the food right away. The spices used are strong and it's not spicy like hot sauce spicy, but it's very flavorful. I even loved the rice and I'm not a huge rice person. I will post some pictures because it's the best way to see what I mean. I highly recommend this place if you want something new and very delicious.

As others have written, this is a funny little place. Menus without prices, a not-so-great neighborhood, people loitering around outside. Nonetheless, the staff is friendly, seating is adequate, and while I don't know much about Somalian cuisine, the food was good. I had the grilled chicken steak, which was well-done and tasty, and came with rice, which was good. Would have asked for their goat dishes, but they were out of goat that day unfortunately.

I will refrain from writing a review to the tune of "Gangster's Paradise," but it's a near thing. African Paradise is located in a strip of Somali shops along Morse Road. It's very traditional, with separate dining areas for men, women and families (there is a section cordoned off for "women only"). AP is loud, and nicely decorated, as most African restaurants are, with music and TVs and people speaking into cell phones. Mango juice here is like water - they bring it to your table automatically. They have a menu, but like most African places, it's best to ask "what is good here?" - since they tailor their menu based on what is available in the butcher shop. We were in luck - roasted goat was on the menu. The spouse got the goat, I got chicken, and we chose to have it served up "family style" (i.e., all on one plate). YAS. The goat was tender and super-spiced and marinated. Probably some of the best I've had. Marinated and tender chicken, too - very nice. About five pounds of rice and a small side of iceberg lettuce salad with Italian dressing. We ate until we could not eat any more, then picked at the rice until we got the check. HUGE meal, mango juice, tea, water = $13 each. AP shoots straight to the top five African restaurants on my list.

This is my second time going there. I am only rating the food and friendliness of the staff. First time I was impressed with the lamb dish. I don't know what it is called. Tandoor baked lamb pieces with rice. Sounds simple? Yes. Looks simple. But the flavor is just enough to ask for more. It is not spicy nor hot, but just enough to make it a great lamb dish. Rice is the same. After 4-5 pm no more lamb dish. They run out of it. The establishment is very low looking, Mainly Somalian guys. Does not smell good but remember you are there for a great tasting food. If you can't stand the looks or the smell, make it a take out but make sure to eat from there.

Excellent food. From the Sambusa to the Biryani. Nice, quiet atmosphere as well. Wood recommend if you enjoy Somali dishes or if you just want to widen your palate by trying something new!