Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New Jersey
  4. Essex
  5. Newark
Swahili Village OTS, Newark, NJ

Swahili Village OTS

4.3
4.3
370 Reviews
$31 to $50
African

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
  • Good for business meals
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for special occasions
Coming Soon!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    African, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, East African
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed, Sun 11:00 am–1:00 am Thu–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 am
  • Phone number
    (973) 494-7379
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Chef Alfredo Hernandez
  • Catering
    www.swahilivillages.com | 202.798.7701
  • Private party facilities
    www.swahilivillages.com | 202.798.7701
  • Neighborhood
    Newark
  • Cross street
    Corner of Center Street and Mulberry Street
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    NJ Transit, Light Rail, Amtrak
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 370 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.1Food
  • 4.1Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Essex

    Great for fine wines

  • Essex

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Swahili Village OTS offers a delightful dining experience with its "great food" and "amazing service." Guests are captivated by the "grown and sexy ambiance," while the delectable dishes and creative cocktails leave a lasting impression. Although some service issues were noted, the restaurant remains a popular choice for many.

370 Reviews
  1. Gamal

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food definitely exceeded expectations. Everything was flavorful and succulent. There was a DJ spinning live music and that added to the energy of the evening.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Karyn

    VIP

    New York City

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our second time at this restaurant. The cocktails are great and the food is delicious and large portion sizes. Everything is tasty and has interesting spices. The service was attentive and the place has a stylish vibe.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Gary D.

    VIP

    New York City

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I enjoyed my dining experience! Upon entry, I was nicely greeted by the Hostess (apologies on not recalling her name). She guided me to a comfortable booth. The decor, music and images were delightful! My Waiter “Yordi” was courteous and professional. He made helpful suggestions and allowed time for me to make selections. Yordi was “present” but, did not “hover.” I’ve Valentine’s dinner reservations. I wanted to sample several items, before returning with my Lady. I’m a pescatarian and had the tasty salmon with shrimp meal. My two side dishes of sautéed spinach and “mokimo” (a blend of green peas/corn/potatoes) were delicious! All food items were pleasingly prepared and presented! The menu has something, for everyone! Before leaving, I asked to speak with the manager. “Kayla” approached my table and I commended her and the staff! She graciously accepted my compliments, on behalf of her Team! I look forward to returning, on Valentine’s Day! I recommend Swahili Village! G. D. Stubbs (2/1/25)

    Is this helpful?

  4. Val

    New York City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waiter Bradley was very attentive. He sat us down as soon as we walked in, introduced himself and was pleasant

    Is this helpful?

  5. Karl

    VIP

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food in a nice ambiance served with a smile. Well-done Swahili Village.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Sybil

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food quality: Taste, presentation, freshness, portion sizes, special dishes. Service: Friendliness, attentiveness, knowledge of the menu, responsiveness to requests. Atmosphere: Ambiance, decor, noise level, seating arrangement.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Dwaynne

    New York City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The ambience of the restaurant is very cordial. Our waitress was Cynthia. She was very attractive and very knowledgeable. Our drinks were brought out in a timely fashion as was the delicious food. As far as libations go, we had a pitcher of red sangria and it was fantastic. If you haven't had a meal at Swahili Village, I highly suggest that you try it. You won't be disappointed

    Is this helpful?

  8. Ebi

    New York City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great ambiance. The young woman hostess at the front wasn’t warm, but the rest of the staff absolutely was. The server was attentive, friendly and consistently checked in on the table. The place has such a grown and sexy ambiance and vibe. Every plate that touched the table was delicious and the drinks were worth it! My 2nd time being here and won’t be my last.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Ellen

    New York City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always such a great experience! Food, service and ambience!!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Crystal

    New York City

    8 reviews

    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    This is my 2nd time here and my last. Food took awhile to come out in an empty restaurant. When it did come out the plates were hot but the food was barely warm (including one of the appetizers). I decided to give the place another try after not being too happy the first time but I'm done. Between paying for parking and the check it's not worth it AT ALL!!

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Swahili Village OTS offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (973) 494-7379.

Swahili Village OTS is rated 4.3 stars by 370 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Swahili Village OTS

2 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Corner of Center Street and Mulberry Street
  • Neighborhood
    Newark
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed, Sun 11:00 am–1:00 am Thu–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 am
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    African, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, East African
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    NJ Transit, Light Rail, Amtrak
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Chef Alfredo Hernandez
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (973) 494-7379
  • Catering
    www.swahilivillages.com | 202.798.7701
  • Private party facilities
    www.swahilivillages.com | 202.798.7701
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo