• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Welcome to East African Restaurant

**Our Story: East African Restaurant**

Nestled in Florence, KY, East African Restaurant invites you to explore the rich tapestry of East African cuisine. Open for just a few months, this charming eatery is dedicated to bringing authentic flavors to life with dishes like tender lamb shank and flavorful chicken stew. Guests rave about generous portions and the delightful aroma of seasoned basmati rice. The warm hospitality is evident from the moment you arrive, as the owner shares his passion for food with every customer. Whether you enjoy savory appetizers like samosas or indulge in comforting entrees, East African Restaurant promises a memorable culinary experience that warms the heart and soul.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to the East African Restaurant, a culinary gem nestled in Florence, Kentucky, at 7277 Turfway Rd. This delightful eatery specializes in authentic African breakfast and brunch dishes, offering a unique dining experience that will transport your taste buds straight to East Africa. Known for its warm hospitality and community feel, the restaurant is a breath of fresh air for those seeking a break from the ordinary.

As soon as you step inside, you’re warmly greeted by the staff, who are as passionate about the food as they are about excellent service. Customers have raved about being seated promptly, often by the owner himself, who takes pride in guiding you through the menu with enthusiastic descriptions of their offerings. Whether you're looking for a quick takeout or a leisurely meal with outdoor seating, East African Restaurant has something special for everyone.

The menu is a showcase of rich flavors and generous portions. Standout appetizers include the African Beans at $8.95, which set the stage for the main courses that highlight beautifully cooked proteins. The Lamb Shank and Chicken Stew (both $18.00) are crowd favorites that leave diners raving about the tenderness and seasoning. One patron described the lamb as falling off the bone and the chicken stew as "beyond delectable," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor.

For those with a penchant for sandwiches, the Shawarma Sandwiches (both chicken and beef at $14.00) come loaded with an array of fresh, vibrant ingredients that balance harmoniously—a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Another rave-worthy item is the Sambusa, a savory pastry that past customers have described as unforgettable.

While East African Restaurant may not boast lavish decor, it makes up for this with an inviting ambiance; a "no-frills hole in the wall" that instills a sense of comfort. The kind and accommodating staff go out of their way to ensure each guest feels at home. Unique touches, like a closed-off section for prayer, reflect its commitment to the community it serves.

In terms of pricing, the restaurant strikes a balance with dishes priced at $17-$18, a fair exchange for the quantity and quality of food served. Customers have praised the huge portions, making it an excellent choice for those looking to indulge without breaking the bank.

If you're in the Florence area and searching for delicious and hearty dishes steeped in authentic flavors, look no further. East African Restaurant will not only satisfy your cravings but also leave you excited for your next visit. With a glowing reputation and a passion for its culinary heritage, this restaurant is indeed one of Florence's best-kept secrets.

For inquiries or to place an order for takeout, don't hesitate to call (859) 918-6002. Come savor the warmth of East African hospitality and embark on a flavorful journey that’s sure to become your new favorite brunch spot!

START YOUR REVIEW OF East African Restaurant
Aleeta P.
Aleeta P.

We were greeted and seated immediately. Our server, who I think was the owner, was delighted to find out that this visit was our first one to the restaurant. He brought us a menu and excitedly described the lunch options. Once we made our decisions, he brought us hot Chai tea to sip while we waited for our food. My sister ordered the lamb shank while I ordered the chicken stew. Both dishes came with basmati rice (that was brown with spices and flavor) and a salad. We thoroughly enjoyed the scrumptious food. The meat fell off the bone of her lamb shank and my chicken stew was beyond delectable. At the time of this review (March 2025), the restaurant had only been in operation for about 4-5 months. So, the minimal decorations and decor are probably because the restaurant is so new. I'm sure the owners will make the place look a little nicer once they are able sustain and stay in business. Because the food was so tasty, I didn't remove one star for lack of good decor. We enjoyed our meals so much that we plan to return when we are in the area.

Suzana M.
Suzana M.

The customer service and team. Food was super good and well prepared and served at a timely manner

Laura R.
Laura R.

Food- HUGE portions. The menu is simple and not complicated. I got the lamb with rice and it comes with a side salad. The meat was tender and well seasoned. The rice was sublime. It was seasoned with spices so it was fragrant and flavorful. Service- They were quick and friendly. No frills. Locale- This place is a no frills hole in the wall. It looks thrown together and empty. Don't expect lavish decoration or upscale furniture. However, what you can expect is a place that is loved by the community and they have a closed off section for prayer (for my Muslim friends) they are kind and welcoming. I would 100% come visit again. Price- it's a little pricey but on average with the local market and $18 for the amount of food I got is good.

Candace E.
Candace E.

I want to say this is a no frills hole in the wall. But they are so kind and hospitable that saying that just wouldn't be true! I've been here a handful of times and each time is even more delicious that the last. I'm not sure what the savory goods are. But I've had the savory muffin with a hard boiled egg cooked inside and I think about it all the time! I went today and had something similar to a large samosa and it was stuffed with savory and spiced potato and onions. I always get the salmon and rice which comes with a small side salad. And a chai of course! Such a wonderful place with kind people! I love it :)

Robin P.
Robin P.

Yummy! We entered this restaurant feeling a little curious. As I looked at the menu, I felt a little overwhelmed by not knowing what some of the menu items were. The owner took us to a table and promptly brought out samosas. He then looked at us and said "I'm going to bring you the chicken stew and the beef stew and you will love it". He was not wrong. We loved both dishes. The food was delightfully seasoned. The rice was tender. The salad was lightly dressed with an oil vinegar dressing. The owner also brought out chi tea which was a perfect fit for the spice of the stew. We will definitely go back to try other dishes!

David S.
David S.

I had the best beef stew I've had in many years--maybe ever. Service was terrific, friendly and helpful navigating the Somali menu. One of, if not my favorite restaurants in Florence, KY.

Keith W.
Keith W.

Tries this place out because some coworkers recommended the place online and since I was in town and didn't want regular American fare I tried it out alongside 2 of my other coworkers. Place is a hole in the wall and at all impressive inside, but the staff was kind and very accommodating, especially after one of my coworkers said she was a vegetarian and we found out the didn't have many offerings for her diet, they went out of the way to make something just so she could have something to eat. Top notch service there. I ordered myself a sambusa and goat meat with rice and both were tasty, though we did have to ask for some in-house hktsauce for the rice to add a bit more flavor. The portions served were also very large and filling, with only myself able to finish all of it, while the others had to het to go boxes. Overall a good find and one I would come back to in future visits to the area.

Jennifer I.
Jennifer I.

We are always looking for food with great flavor. This place was awesome and we will be back. My favorite dish was the Samosas.. appetizer suggested by our waiter.. very friendly and i reactive service. He was really helpful with helping us order. We liked everything so he did a great job. To be honest I didn't enjoy the noodles due to some spice but my husband loved them.. I can't wait to go back for the samosas. I gave our kiddo a leftover crepe with whipped crème and berries and then a different one with the chicken and she loved them both