Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » African Spices – San Diego
African Spices - San Diego
Photo from African Spices
African Spices at a glance
San Diego Mid-City
- 🥘 African Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 48 of the guests
#60 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#2 African Restaurant out of 3 in San Diego
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
310
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Friendly Service
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Order Problems
- Food Inconsistency
- Limited Seating
The African restaurant African Spices in San Diego’s vibrant Mid-City neighborhood offers a truly unique culinary journey. You’ll discover a welcoming spot where the rich flavors of Africa come alive.
This casual eatery is known for its delicious healthy options, making it a great choice for a nourishing meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dining experience, you’ll find a comfortable atmosphere here.
Overview: Introducting African Spices
African Spices offers a culinary journey with its authentic and delicious food, often praised for being perfectly seasoned. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and accommodating staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere that often feels like home.
This establishment provides a warm experience where service complements flavorful dishes. However, some experiences have pointed to occasional issues with online orders and unprofessional interactions.
While the food is generally well-received, a few patrons found certain items less than ideal, and portions sometimes felt small for the perceived value.
Excellent
8.8
out of 10
310
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
19
negative
9
neutral
282
positive
Overall, African Spices earns a strong 8.8 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction at an impressive 91%. This indicates a consistently positive experience for most diners.
The Food (9) stands out as excellent, receiving the highest marks and being the most discussed aspect. Service (8.7) also scores very well, reflecting the attentive staff.
The Ambience (8.2) is rated good, contributing positively to the dining experience, while Value (7.2) is also considered good, suggesting fair pricing for what’s offered. These assessments are based on a substantial 310 customer remarks, with 282 positive observations outweighing just 19 negative ones, painting a clear picture of general approval.
What people like
- Authentic, delicious food
- Friendly, warm service
- Good value portions
What people don't like
- Online order problems
- Inconsistent food items
- Limited seating space
African Spices comes highly recommended with a strong 8.9 score, making it a solid choice for those seeking authentic Somali cuisine. If you appreciate flavorful dishes, a welcoming atmosphere, and genuinely friendly service, this spot is certainly worth a visit.
It promises a satisfying and culturally rich dining experience. However, be mindful of potential hiccups with online ordering or limited seating, especially during busy times.
While the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, managing expectations for these minor points will ensure a smoother visit. It’s a place to enjoy the core offerings.
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Verdict: Our expert take on African Spices
Food (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 94.6% customer satisfaction. With 191 positive remarks out of 202 total, diners consistently rave about the amazing flavor, generous portions, and authentic African cuisine, often highlighting the fresh cuisine and home-style feel. However, a small number of 9 negative comments suggest some areas for improvement.
A few experiences mentioned issues with fufu not being good, disappointing side salads, or chapatis that were burnt and dry. There were also isolated reports of food arriving cold or looking unappetizing.
Food
202
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
191
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic African cuisine
- Generous portions
- Fresh, flavorful food
What people don't like
- Cold, inedible food
- Poor fufu quality
- Burnt, dry chapatis
Often praised
- foodI would give African Spice a 100/5 stars if I could for all of the above categories: food, service, and atmosphere. Since my first time trying it, I honestly can't stop thinking about the food. The sambusa was the star of my very first visit, being crispy on the outside and perfectly seasoned on the inside.
- fufuMy experience at this restaurant was truly great. I came to try fufu for the first time and was amazed with the taste. I definitely recommend trying their assorted fried goods too, as every one of them was delicious.
- riceThe sambusa to the rice to the ball of Donughts they have are delicious.
- sambusasI ended up ordering more of the barley soup and potatoes to go. I will definitely stop by another time to try their other dishes and can't wait to get home and try their sambusa!
- chicken stewtried the chicken stew... and ate every bite
- sambusaThe sambusa to the rice to the ball of Donughts they have are delicious.
- samosasThe food was very tasty, and the service was super friendly. I enjoyed delicious bhajia, samosas, and mandazi. I also got a pack of chapati that tasted as good as those in Kenya.
- African foodserving African food
- authentic Somali foodauthentic Somali food with a touch of Arabic fusion
- chapatipack of chapati that tastes as good as those in Kenya
Frequently criticized
- foodlooked like the food fell out of the bag and they repackaged the mess
- chapatisWorst chapatis ever. They are burnt ,dry and greasy
- beef and fufuplate of beef and fufu that looks like someone's left overs
- fufuThe fufu was not good
- same menuthey all have the same menu
- side saladI mainly gave three stars because the price felt too high for the portion sizes. For $20, I received only a single drumstick, an okay amount of swallow, and a very sad excuse for a side salad. I'm sure $20 could at least get me more than a single drumstick and an actual side salad.
If you're seeking authentic African flavors and generous, fresh cuisine, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few diners have had less-than-perfect experiences with specific items like fufu or chapatis, so perhaps stick to the highly praised dishes.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a fantastic score of 8.7 and customer satisfaction soaring at 88.2%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Many of the 67 positive remarks praise the "friendly" and "accommodating" "staff" for their "warm service" and excellent "customer service, " making every visit enjoyable.
However, its not entirely without a hitch. A small handful of 5 negative comments point to some frustration with the ordering system and describe a few instances as unprofessional or a waste of time, particularly concerning online orders and communication issues.
Service
76
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, warm staff
- Excellent customer service
- Accommodating service
What people don't like
- Ordering system issues
- Unprofessional conduct
- Wasted time
Often praised
- serviceIt's the best Somali restaurant and grocery in the city. The business is family-owned, offering great service and even better food.
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's one of the best African restaurants in the city, offering quality food and incredible customer service. The food is truly amazing every time I come here!
- peopleThe people here are so friendly and nice.
- staffI've never had a more delicious meal in my life; the flavors, the taste, and the spice combinations were a true work of savory art. The service was equally impeccable, with staff who were consistently kind and quick to greet us with a smile. I wholeheartedly recommend African Spices to anyone, anywhere in the world – they are absolutely worth it.
- AliAli helped us through such a big rush he is a very patient man
- great experienceOverall it was a great experience
- Google reviewsI placed a $50 order based on the strength of the Google reviews, and wow, it didn't disappoint. The experience was fantastic, with the food exceeding expectations.
- Ibrahimibrahim was the sweetest
- Nice peopleNice people working at the restaurant
- accommodatingWe ordered the fufu with lamb, chicken squash, and chicken sambusas, and each dish was a unique delight, served in generous portions. The gentleman behind the counter was very pleasant and accommodating, even turning off a fan that was making us cold. We're already planning our return visit!
Frequently criticized
- deliveryfood came 1 hours late
- orderI ordered food online via DoorDash and drove all the way from downtown to pick it up. Upon arrival, I was told the staff member didn't understand the ordering system, the boss wasn't present, and there was no order. The employee then proceeded to go to the back and eat food, refusing to communicate and just shaking his head.
- ordering systemdoesn't understand the ordering system
- unprofessionalvery unprofessional
- waste of timecomplete waste of my time and energy
Overall, you can expect a truly welcoming and attentive experience here. While there might be a rare hiccup with online ordering, the overwhelming sentiment is that the staff goes above and beyond to make your visit great. Definitely worth trying for their exceptional hospitality!
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and leaving 77.8% of customers satisfied. Many remarks, including 14 positive ones out of 18 total, highlight the warmth and unpretentious atmosphere that feels like home. Youll also appreciate the plenty of parking in their free parking lot, making your visit hassle-free.
However, a couple of opinions, specifically 2 negative ones, did note that the place smelled odd and that there are only three small tables inside. While these are minor points, theyre worth keeping in mind if you prefer a larger, scent-free space.
Ambience
18
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, homey atmosphere
- Ample parking
What people don't like
- Odd smell
- Small tables
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- company of friendsWhenever I'm there I feel like I'm in the company of friends
- feels like homeFeels like home
- free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- interiorIts nterior is quirky and unconventional
- placeVery small place with a BIG PERSONALITY!
- plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
- unpretentiousnice little unpretentious
- warmthAnother thing I love about African Spice is the customer service. It is family-owned, and you can feel the warmth as soon as you walk in. They are always giving me free samples to try of new dishes and desserts.
Frequently criticized
- small tablesthere’s only three small tables inside
- smelled oddthe place smelled odd
If you're looking for a cozy, unpretentious spot with a welcoming, home-like vibe and easy parking, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that the interior is quite small and some have noticed an unusual scent.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Youll be happy to hear that many customers find this place offers solid bang for your buck! With 10 positive remarks out of 14, diners frequently highlight the "inexpensive" and "affordable" food, often praising the "great prices & portions" that deliver "value for money. " This positive outlook contributes to a good customer satisfaction of 71.4%.
While the overall sentiment is strong, a few voices (3 out of 14) suggest theres room for improvement. Some felt the price didn't always align with the portion received, leading to disappointment over certain dishes. Despite these concerns, the value score still stands at a respectable 7.2.
Value
14
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Overpriced dishes
Often praised
- affordableThey have dishes like Chicken Stew, Maharagu curry, Spinach Amanda, Fufu, and Fish curry, which I haven't seen or eaten in any other Somali restaurant. The food is also very affordable and authentic. I've been to many Somali restaurants in the U.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- pricesGreat prices & portions
- good pricegood price
- inexpensiveThe food is inexpensive
- priceI found the best taste of Africa in San Diego. The food was like my momma cooked, and it was reasonably priced. The excellent food and great customer service made for a wonderful dining experience.
- value for moneyyou get a lot for your buck
Frequently criticized
- price38 dollar door dash order to pay for food that i wouldnt pay 8 dollars for
- portionit was 20 dollars but for just a single drumstick, an okay amount of swallow, and a very sad excuse for a side salad
If youre looking for a meal that wont break the bank, this spot is generally a great choice, offering good value and generous portions. Just be mindful that a few specific dishes might feel a bit pricey for their size, so choose wisely.
How are the prices at African Spices?
You’re looking at roughly 22 $ per person – reported by 48 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an African Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 22 $, many diners actually spend a bit less, with a good chunk falling into the $11–$20 bracket. There are also some options for those looking to splurge a little more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 48 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for an African Restaurant in San Diego. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those who might want to indulge a bit.
Customer Reviews: what people think about African Spices
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Consistently Fresh, Flavorful, and Delicious!
I've been coming here for 3 years, and every time, without fail, my meal has been fresh, flavorful, and fricken delicious. The food quality is consistently excellent, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience. I highly recommend this place for its outstanding food.
- meal10
- food quality10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Service and Food!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! The service was great and the staff were so kind. They even gave us free food, like the mandaz (I think that's how it's spelled).
The food was also excellent, and the atmosphere was wonderful.
- service10
- free food10
- mandaz9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We ordered the fufu with lamb, chicken squash, and chicken sambusas, and each dish was a unique delight, served in generous portions. The gentleman behind the counter was very pleasant and accommodating, even turning off a fan that was making us cold.
We're already planning our return visit!
- fufu with lamb9
- chicken squash9
- chicken sambusas9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Go-to for Sambusa and Delicious Donuts!
This is my go-to spot for chicken sambusa. Today, I had the honor of trying the african donut with a cream cheese filling, which was yummy. The cappuccino also tasted better than Starbucks for me.
- chicken sambusa9
- african donut8
- cream cheese filling8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Absolutely Worth a Visit!
I would give African Spice a 100/5 stars if I could for all of the above categories: food, service, and atmosphere. Since my first time trying it, I honestly can't stop thinking about the food. The sambusa was the star of my very first visit, being crispy on the outside and perfectly seasoned on the inside.
It is just packed with so much flavor and a must-have! You can tell it’s made fresh because every bite has that perfect crunch. It is definitely one of the best sambusas I’ve ever had.
Another thing I love about African Spice is the customer service. It is family-owned, and you can feel the warmth as soon as you walk in. They are always giving me free samples to try of new dishes and desserts.
Everything is done in a timely manner and made to perfection. Every time I went, it genuinely felt like they cared about making the experience enjoyable. If you’re looking for delicious East African food with warm service, then African Spice is absolutely worth a visit.
- sambusa10
- food10
- customer service10
What African Spices offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Healthy options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit African Spices?
When you dine at African Spices, you’ll find convenient parking solutions. There’s free street parking available, along with a free parking lot. You can usually expect plenty of parking, making your visit hassle-free.
Does African Spices offer accessible dining and various meal times?
Yes, African Spices is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot. You can enjoy a meal here for lunch, dinner, or even brunch, with seating and counter service available for your convenience.
What is the overall rating for African Spices?
African Spices holds a strong overall score of **8.8** out of 10. Its **Food** (9) is excellent, **Service** (8.7) is good, **Ambience** (8.2) is good, and **Value** (7.2) is also rated well.
What kind of food can I expect at African Spices?
You can expect authentic Somali food, including dishes like fufu, sambusas, chicken stew, and chapati, often described as delicious and perfectly seasoned.
Are there any common issues to be aware of before visiting African Spices?
Some customers have reported issues with online ordering systems and occasional unprofessional interactions. The dining area can also have limited seating.