Welcome to Swahili Village - Washington, D.C.
Swahili Village - Washington, D.C. is a vibrant culinary haven dedicated to celebrating the rich flavors and traditions of East African cuisine. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., this restaurant offers an authentic taste of Kenya through dishes like succulent Kenyan sausages and creamy coconut red beans. The inviting ambiance pairs beautifully with a delightful drink menu featuring tropical cocktails and fine wines. Renowned for its exceptional service and warm atmosphere, Swahili Village is more than just a dining experience; it’s a journey to the heart of Swahili culture, where every meal is crafted to bring joy and connection.
- 1990 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States Hotline: +1 202-758-3384
Welcome to Swahili Village - Washington, D.C., a culinary oasis nestled in the heart of the nation's capital, offering a vibrant tapestry of East African flavors. Located at 1990 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036, this delightful establishment is not just a restaurant; it is a journey into the rich culinary traditions of the Swahili coast. With an inviting atmosphere paired with warm, attentive service, Swahili Village is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for African cuisine enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
At Swahili Village, guests can indulge in a diverse menu that celebrates the bold and aromatic spices characteristic of East African cooking. Standout dishes include the Lamb Chops, marinated to perfection and grilled over an open flame, delivering a smoky and savory experience that is simply unforgettable. The Nyama Mchuzi, a tender beef stew slow-cooked in an intricate blend of spices, offers a comforting taste, evoking feelings of home-cooked warmth.
For seafood lovers, the Red Snapper is a must-try—a whole fish, seasoned and slow-baked to achieve an exquisite flavor profile that embodies the essence of coastal cooking. Pairing this with a refreshing side of White Rice or a hearty Dengu Plain Lentils guarantees a complete culinary experience that is both satisfying and memorable.
Located in a dynamic setting, the restaurant serves not only exquisite food but also a range of tantalizing beverages. The signature drink, Tamu, combines coconut rum, melon schnapps, and peach puree, making for a fruity delight that perfectly complements the rich meals. For beer enthusiasts, the Snake Dog IPA offers a bold and hoppy escape with a citrusy finish.
Guests rave about the remarkable staff, highlighting the exceptional service provided by individuals like Keith, who go above and beyond to enhance the dining experience—making your visit truly special. The ambiance, filled with laughter and the gentle buzz of conversation, creates an inviting backdrop, perfect for any occasion.
In the words of satisfied patrons, Swahili Village is not just a meal; it’s an experience—a celebration of culture, flavor, and community. With its perfect blend of vibrant dishes and warm hospitality, this restaurant promises a delightful journey through the heart of East Africa right in Washington, D.C. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to add Swahili Village to your list of must-try eateries. You won't be disappointed!

My favorite African restaurant in the DMV hands down, I love the service, food and atmosphere. I was in food heaven and enjoyed my coconut spinach, scrumptious cabbage and lamb chops, it felt like I was in my beloved Mzansi! May Swahili Village be a restaurant of first choice in the DMV and beyond!

We were terribly disappointed with the Continent at DC and went to the other major African restaurant Swahili. Wished I could had gone here sooner. The servers were nice and readily available. The food came out quick and were very good, worth the price. The atmosphere was nice and opening, despite being close to the bar side. Looks like Swahili is a great restaurant whether you go to their Newark or DC locations.

I’ve had Swahili Village on the list to visit for at least a year and I am so glad that I got to celebrate my birthdate at this establishment. It was such a good experience! The ambiance was given what I needed it to give to celebrate another year of life, the service was exceptional, and the food was absolutely delicious. Everyone at my lunch/dinner thoroughly enjoyed their meal, which made me super happy. I had the samosas and the red snapper with jollof rice and cabbage. The jollof was just how I like my jollof, flavorful and not dry. The portion size of each dish was a good amount and the food was seasoned well. I also sampled the suya which was cooked perfectly. Needless to say, I was not disappointed at all! Swahili Village made a fan out of me and I now know when I’m craving some good African food, just where to go!

If you're looking for a great dining experience, Swahili Village is a must-visit, and a big part of why the visit is so enjoyable is the exceptional service provided by Keith. From the moment you walk in, Keith greets you with a warm, friendly smile that sets the tone for the rest of the evening. His attentiveness and knowledge of the menu are impressive, offering recommendations that perfectly complement the flavors of Swahili Village’s authentic dishes. Keith is not just a server but a true professional, making sure every detail is taken care of, from refilling drinks to ensuring the meal comes out exactly as ordered. His genuine care for the guests makes you feel welcome and well-looked-after, elevating the overall dining experience. On top of that, Keith’s drinks were also amazing! Whether you go for a refreshing cocktail or a carefully crafted mocktail, you can trust that Keith will make sure your drink is just as great as your meal. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, Keith’s friendly demeanor and excellent service are sure to make your meal at Swahili Village memorable. Highly recommend both the restaurant and Keith as your go-to server for an outstanding meal and drinks!

Food was great and the atmosphere was great. Our hostess Gladys was AMAZING--organized, personable and efficient. I went on Saturday for a birthday party. I parked at a parking garage at 1850 M Street. I would have give 5 stars for the service except for the young waiter that ambiguously waved his hand when I asked him to show me where my party was seated. He did everything in his power to not help me until I barked at him and told him to escort me to my seat. He showed me to a party room, which I had NO IDEA existed as this was my first visit. He was 6'2 slim build, dark brown skin with shoulder length locs. Probably under 25 y/o. Please teach him better customer service for all people: Black, White, African, American, etc. OTHER THAN HIM, my experience was awesome, and I would definitely recommend!

This is a great spot for dinner. I had the salmon with plantains and jollof rice for my entree - delicious and the salmon was cooked perfectly! Chocolate cake was ok. The drinks are strong fyi. The whole vibe is really great though, good music and everyone is relaxed and having a great time. Also had excellent and friendly service. Definitely recommend.

Great delicious food! A true taste of Kenya! Though you should play some Kenyan music as well for people to have a full Kenyan experience. I was there for a whole hour and no Kenyan song was played, something to consider...

You need to try this gem! Amazing food. First time we went and tried Kenyan food. We tried the samosas and 2 entrees. The beef samosas were amazing. Please order the Mbuzi Mchuzi, Goat Stew. we almost drank the rest of the sauce. Truly a great meal. The Nyama Kaanga was also amazing. We ordered the fufu and Jollof rice, definite to try. The entrees come with 2 sides so worth the money. Not to spicy for those a big hesitant. Room was noisy, but otherwise a great meal.