Safari Restaurant
1424 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
i can't attest to this restaurant's authenticity, as i have never been to another somali restaurant, let alone been to somalia. but i can attest to its pleasant atmosphere and tasty entrees. i had their Shrimp Barryani (?) for $8, which i ordered "spicy," thinking that it might be a little too much to handle--but perhaps they've caved to american tongues' sensitivity to spiciness. i ordered "tea" before the meal and they brought out some really yummy sweet chai, much to my surprise and delight. it was friendly and bustling, and seemed to be a popular meeting place for the local somali residents. the prices were reasonable and the portions were almost large enough to split one dish between two people and still have leftovers for the next day.
interesting menu item: curry goat, and other dishes featuring this surprisingly tasty meat
why you should go: they serve bananas with your meal, as per somali dining custom, apparently
good for what occasion: if you're in the mood for something a little ethnically removed from normal american fare
turn a blind eye to: the fact that "spicy" might not actually mean spicy
ambiance: more spicy than the "spices"