Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » African Cuisine – San Diego
African Cuisine - San Diego
Photo from African Cuisine
African Cuisine at a glance
San Diego Montezuma Mesa
- 🍽️ Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 11 – 20 €
mentioned by 15 of the guests
#106 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#19 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
104
Reviews
87.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant African Cuisine invites you to discover a casual dining experience in San Diego’s vibrant Montezuma Mesa neighborhood. You can enjoy delicious meals for lunch or dinner, with convenient options for both dine-in and takeout.
This spot offers healthy choices, small plates, and quick bites, all complemented by a welcoming, casual atmosphere and the ease of a free parking lot.
Overview: Introducting African Cuisine
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
104
Reviews
87.5%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
91
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on African Cuisine
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.9 and an outstanding customer satisfaction of 94.1%, its clear diners are thrilled. Based on 64 positive remarks, guests consistently rave about the flavorful dishes, especially the barbequed chicken, generous portion sizes, and diverse veggie selections.
However, out of 68 total remarks, a couple of comments suggest theres room for growth. With only 2 negative mentions, some feel the menu could be expanded, especially when compared to other nearby options. But overall, the food experience is overwhelmingly positive.
Food
68
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful chicken dishes
- Generous portion sizes
- Diverse veggie options
What people don't like
- Limited menu variety
Often praised
- foodThe inside dining only had 3 small tables in the A/C, so we had to sit on the patio, which was a little warm. But the food was so delicious and a great value! I will definitely be back as there were a lot of vegetarian selections we were interested in.
- collard greensWe tried the 1/2 sweet jerk chicken (which had a very small kick but more BBQ sweet) and 1/2 chicken curry. We also had 1/2 curried lentils and 1/2 collard greens. We only paid $18 (I think) as we shared and were both stuffed!
- curry chickenThe jerk chicken and curry chicken was so good
- curry lentilssaffron rice, curry lentils, and 1/2 sweet and spicy jerk chicken
- jerk chickenThe curry, safari and jerk chicken are all tremendous
- lentilsI recommend the lentils if you're unsure about a side
- saffron ricesaffron rice, curry lentils, and 1/2 sweet and spicy jerk chicken
- sweet jerk chicken1/2 sweet jerk chicken (which had a very small kick but more BBQ sweet)
- Collard greens😋 My organization held our yearly Employee Mtg and I noticed the restaurant while walking to the venue near the SDSU campus. My friend and I ordered the sweet and the spicy Jerk Chicken, Safron and Coconut rice, plantains, and the Collard greens. Everything was very delicious.
- Jerk Chicken😋 My organization held our yearly Employee Mtg and I noticed the restaurant while walking to the venue near the SDSU campus. My friend and I ordered the sweet and the spicy Jerk Chicken, Safron and Coconut rice, plantains, and the Collard greens. Everything was very delicious.
Frequently criticized
- American restaurantsmediocre American restaurants nearby!
- menuThey need to expand the menu
If youre looking for delicious, flavorful food with generous portions and great vegetarian choices, this place is definitely worth a visit. Youll likely leave satisfied and full, though don't expect a massive menu.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a solid 82.4%, its clear guests are happy. Out of 17 total remarks, 14 rave about the "workers, " "staff, " and "customer service, " often highlighting how "sweet, " "friendly, " and "helpful" the "girl at the counter" and "young lady" were, creating a truly welcoming vibe.
However, its not entirely without its bumps. A few of the 3 negative remarks mentioned a server being disrespectful and a desire for more professional servers. There was also a note about the Open sign being lit when the place was actually closed, which can be a bit frustrating for potential customers.
Service
17
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Welcoming customer service
- Knowledgeable team
What people don't like
- Disrespectful server experience
- Inconsistent professional service
- Misleading "Open" sign
Often praised
- serviceFantastic service and excellent food!
- staffAnd the staff is pleasant and cheerful too!
- StaffThe restaurant has simple decor and they don't serve alcohol, but they do allow customers to bring in their own alcohol at no extra charge. The Staff is very welcoming and I am adding this restaurant to my Fav List. 😊
- customer servicethe food and customer service is top tier!
- food and servicefood and service went above and beyond
- girl at the counterI was not disappointed! The girl at the counter was so helpful. She offered samples and even split up our servings so we could try everything.
- servingsThe girl at the counter was so helpful. She offered samples and even split up our servings so we could try everything. We tried the 1/2 sweet jerk chicken (which had a very small kick but more BBQ sweet) and 1/2 chicken curry.
- staff memberThe person working at the front was also super sweet and funny
- workersThe workers are super sweet
- young ladyyoung lady who helped my fiancée and I was very sweet and knowledgeable
Frequently criticized
- Open signyou are closed with the "Open" sign lit
- professional serversNeeds more professional servers
- serverserver was so disrespectful
Overall, you can expect a genuinely warm and helpful experience from the staff here. While there might be an occasional hiccup, the overwhelming sentiment points to excellent customer service, making it a place worth trying if friendly interactions are important to you.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at a good 72.7%, many folks appreciate the clean, open space and nice dining area. It's often highlighted as a great spot, especially for local SDSU students, boasting plenty of seating inside and even free parking, based on 8 positive comments out of 11 total.
However, not everything is perfect. A couple of comments, 2 out of 11, pointed out some minor issues with the inside dining, specifically regarding limited air-conditioned seating. This sometimes led guests to sit on the patio, which could be a bit warm, suggesting that while the overall experience is good, comfort can vary depending on where you sit.
Ambience
11
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, open space
- Plenty indoor seating
- Free parking available
What people don't like
- Warm patio seating
- Limited AC seating
Often praised
- SDSU studentsgreat place for the local SDSU students
- amazing restaurantAfrican Cuisine is an amazing restaurant
- dining areathe dining area is really nice
- experienceOverall great experience
- parkingFree parking lot
- restaurantVery nice comfy restaurant 👌🏼 open space
- seating insideThere is plenty of seating inside
- spaceSpace is clean with big windows
Frequently criticized
- inside diningEverything was delicious. The inside dining only had 3 small tables in the A/C, so we had to sit on the patio, which was a little warm. But the food was so delicious and a great value!
- patiohad to sit in the patio that was a little warm
Overall, the ambience here is generally positive, especially if you snag a good spot inside. While the patio might get a little warm, it's a solid choice for a comfortable dining experience, particularly for the student crowd. Just aim for an indoor table if you prefer cooler temperatures!
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, many folks feel theyre getting their moneys worth here, especially with perks like a student discount and the option to bring in their own alcohol at no extra charge. Customers often praise the great prices and delicious food, noting it's a good deal. With 5 positive remarks out of 8 total comments, the sentiment leans positive.
However, the overall customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 62.5%, and the score for value is a good 6.8, suggesting a bit of a split. A couple of voices express concern over a recent price hike, indicating that what was once a fantastic deal might now be less appealing for some.
Value
8
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Student discount available
- Great value perception
- BYOB option
What people don't like
- Recent price hike
Often praised
- bring in their own alcoholEverything was very delicious. The restaurant has simple decor and they don't serve alcohol, but they do allow customers to bring in their own alcohol at no extra charge. The Staff is very welcoming and I am adding this restaurant to my Fav List.
- money's worthYou get your money's worth plus some🎯
- pricesgreat prices!
- student discountyou can get a student discount
- valueThe inside dining only had 3 small tables in the A/C, so we had to sit on the patio, which was a little warm. But the food was so delicious and a great value! I will definitely be back as there were a lot of vegetarian selections we were interested in.
Frequently criticized
- priceWith their recent price hike, I wouldn't really recommend this place anymore.
If youre looking for good value, especially with a student discount or if you plan to bring your own drinks, this spot could still be a solid choice. However, be aware that recent price adjustments have left some customers feeling its not quite the steal it once was, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at African Cuisine?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 15 diners. That puts it in the 11 – 20 € category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
The prices here are pretty consistent, with everyone spending right in that 11 – 20 € sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 15 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a restaurant of this type. Its a solid mid-range option that wont break the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about African Cuisine
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was very nice and comfy, with an open space. The food was delicious and flavorful; it was my first time trying it, and I was satisfied. I ordered the large plate which included coconut rice, sweet chicken, curry chicken, plantains, and collard greens.
They give you a lot of food, so you definitely get your money's worth, plus some. I highly recommend this place and will be going back with my family.
- food10
- plate10
- restaurant8
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing. I was nearby looking for food and decided to give this place a shot, and I'm so glad I did. The service was excellent and welcoming.
Between my girlfriend and I, we tried a variety of dishes, ordering two of the big plates which included two meats, two veggies, and rice. Everything was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the jerk chicken and curry chicken; they were so good that I can't wait to return.
The drinks, specifically the mixed berry and mango, were also perfect. We also had our dog with us, and they were accommodating, allowing us to dine inside. The dining area is really nice.
If you don't visit this spot, trust me, you're missing out.
- service10
- big plates9
- jerk chicken10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Flavorful Jollof and Welcoming Staff
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely delightful. The jollof rice was incredibly flavorful, and the staff created a truly welcoming vibe. Every visit is a delight thanks to the excellent food and service.
- jollof rice10
- staff10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Food, Great Value!
Dropping my daughter off for school, I wanted a quick bite and stopped in here. I was not disappointed! The girl at the counter was so helpful.
She offered samples and even split up our servings so we could try everything. We tried the 1/2 sweet jerk chicken (which had a very small kick but more BBQ sweet) and 1/2 chicken curry. We also had 1/2 curried lentils and 1/2 collard greens.
We only paid $18 (I think) as we shared and were both stuffed! Everything was delicious. The inside dining only had 3 small tables in the A/C, so we had to sit on the patio, which was a little warm.
But the food was so delicious and a great value! I will definitely be back as there were a lot of vegetarian selections we were interested in.
- sweet jerk chicken8
- chicken curry8
- curried lentils8
- inside dining3
- patio4
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Amazing African Cuisine with Generous Portions
My experience at African Cuisine was truly amazing! They used to be at the SDSU farmers market and have since opened this restaurant, maintaining the same great food. What stands out is how they always pack the plates full.
The chicken is consistently moist and flavorful, and all their sides are incredible. I particularly enjoy their saffron rice, which is more flavorful and often includes a piece of potato. While I always opt for the spicy jerk chicken, I caution that it can be quite spicy, so order with care.
For those unsure about a side, I highly recommend the lentils. The restaurant offers plenty of indoor seating, and they also provide convenient saran wrap for takeaway orders.
- amazing restaurant9
- amazing food10
- great food9
What African Cuisine offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at African Cuisine?
At African Cuisine, you can enjoy a casual atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. You have the flexibility of choosing between comfortable dine-in service or convenient takeout options, making it ideal for any schedule.
What amenities and accessibility features does African Cuisine offer?
African Cuisine provides a free parking lot and is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking, seating, and restroom. It’s also a great spot if you’re dining with kids, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.