African Paradise Restaurant

Okay, short review because I can't explain my experiences inside the African Paradise. I have been there four times and each time I have been by myself and ended up being asked to sit with a group of Somali men. The conversations have been so nice and I have walked away it's time feeling like a good man. There are a lot of things that I don't understand about the Somali culture and some foods but I do know without a doubt that I have been so accepted so welcomed and have had so much fun at the African Paradise on West Broad Street. So I have enjoyed a breakfast consisting of liver onions potatoes a couple other things that I'm not sure what they were and this pancake-like crepe-like bread that you use to eat the food rather than silverware.The Crepe-like bread... I've had both the Savory and the sweet. I really like the Savory and I have taken it home and just eaten it throughout the day.I'm not sure which part of me has had more fun on each of my four visits to the African Paradise. Is it the fact that each time I believe that I'm learning more and gaining as a true human being learning the Somali culture? Is it because I'm discovering foods that I would have otherwise never had the privilege to taste and enjoy? Is it because there are others in there from the country of Somalia by origin and birth that just make me feel alive?Oh, I have had their Somali tea can't explain it don't understand it I just enjoy it.I hear that there is something similar by a different name in the North Linden area for the heavy Somali population that lives there. There is such a heavy Somali population on the west side that this truly is there Home Restaurant.

Fast service and friendly staff.I ordered the Grits/Soor with grilled chicken. The grits/soor was more like spinach puree with vegetables. The grilled chicken was like chicken breast cut into strips with some type of seasoned coloring. Somewhat dry but tasty. I will return to try other dishes.

We really enjoyed African Paradise on first passing. Right off the bat they offer medjool dates and a half gallon pitch of mango juice to enjoy while waiting on the meal - more restaurants should take note. We got a dish of goat kitfo and lamb doro wat with rice that was absolutely phenomenal. The rice was extremely flavorful and uniquely seasoned and the meats have tremendous flavors and texture. There is a lot more to explore but a great start so far!have an

I came to this restaurant with no expectations however this place is very good.The staff was very friendly and out going. The food is excellent! The Leoma was to die for. Technically the lamb did sacrifice itself. The chicken Shawarma was also top notch.

Amazing food with even better service. I love that they opened up here on the westside because we don't have to drive up north to get delicious Somali food.

African Paradise opened another location on the west side of Columbus a little over a year ago, and I finally had the chance to try it this past weekend. It is located in the building that used to house Dragon Palace (and Ding Ho before that), very close to the Route 40 Motel. The restaurant has a surprising amount of space, and more than one eating area full of tables and booths. At first glance, the restaurant itself could definitely use a makeover, but appeared relatively clean. I am assuming that most of their business is carry out, as their menu was a small pamphlet like the kind you'd stick on your refrigerator, and it didn't have any prices on it. All of the beverages here seem to be bottles or cans, so even if you order water you'll receive a bottle of it. Our server was nice and helpful when we asked him questions, but you can tell that being a server is not really his main job. That being said, the food here is GREAT! The portions are very generous for what you are paying- which turned out to be around $10 a person when we checked out. I had the chicken shwarma, which was a giant wrap with zesty chicken, lettuce, and a creamy sauce. My husband had a salmon plate that came with a side dish of creamy spinach and potatoes along with a giant piece of the bread (appeared to be the same as my wrap). Everything was very flavorful. The server mentioned that their main specialty is a goat dish, which we were excited to try but they had run out for the day. One of our friends had the chicken suqaar, which was so much food that she took it home for leftovers! Whatever the red sauce was on the table in the ketchup bottle was seriously amazing, and next time I'm going to ask if they'll sell me a bottle. It tasted like a hot sauce with cinnamon or cardamom or something... so so good. Next time, I'll order ahead for carry out. The food here is worth another visit! Don't be put off by the interiors or service, as the people are friendly and the food is totally worth it!

Goat. Lamb. Rice. Delicious!!!That's my whole review. These are just wasted words. I'm adding because Yelp wants my review to be longer. So, go to African Paradise and enjoy some delicious food.

I was very satisfied with the service and food served to my Son and I, I went to the one on Rte 161 and it was as good as the one on the west side. Go and get the Shawarma it is excellent as is all their dishes.

The family platter is amazing! We do the spicy biryani, chicken steak, goat, and noodles. It is always the same amazing quality and flavor!

Excellent food, generous portions. We had the 'family' meal, you can pick two proteins. The goat was especially good, the best I've had at any Columbus African restaurant. Rice was also exceptional. All very flavorful and VERY fast and good service.Parking is limited but there are other public lots nearby in case it's full.This was my first visit but I will be back.