Great food at an affordable price! We went for a family style option, choosing chicken with rice. We also received an appetizer that was absolutely out of this world. The green chili and onion sauce provided just the right amount of kick to satisfy both of our appreciations for spice! We plan to return for a lamb lunch on a Friday or Saturday. We strongly suggest you check this place out!
Overview
Walking into Red Sea Cafe & Deli - Somali Restaurant feels like stepping into a neighborhood kitchen where everyone already knows your name. Located at 1784 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43229, United States, this spot has become a regular stop for locals who want food that’s comforting, bold, and made with care rather than shortcuts. I first stopped by after a friend insisted I try their sambusas, and that one visit quickly turned into a routine lunch habit.
The menu leans heavily into traditional Somali cooking, and that’s where the place really shines. You’ll see familiar staples like rice dishes layered with slow-cooked meats, flatbreads, and stews that simmer long enough to build real depth. One of the cooks once explained how their goat and chicken are marinated overnight using a spice blend common in East African homes, a method that matches what culinary historians from organizations like the Oxford Symposium on Food & Cookery describe as essential to Horn of Africa cuisine. That patience shows up in every bite.
What stands out most is consistency. I’ve ordered the same rice and beef plate on busy weekends and quiet afternoons, and the flavors never drift. According to food service research published by the National Restaurant Association, consistency is one of the top factors customers associate with trust in independent restaurants. Red Sea Cafe & Deli seems to understand that instinctively, sticking to methods that work rather than chasing trends.
Beyond the main dishes, the deli side deserves attention. The sambusas are crisp, lightly spiced, and clearly made in small batches. The tea, often served with warm spices, reflects a cultural ritual more than just a beverage. Somali tea traditions have been documented by food anthropologists as a social anchor, and here it plays the same role, encouraging people to sit, talk, and slow down. More than once, I’ve seen strangers strike up conversations over shared tables, which says a lot about the atmosphere.
Reviews from regulars often mention portion sizes and value, and that’s accurate. Plates are generous without feeling sloppy, and prices stay reasonable for the quality. Online reviews frequently highlight the welcoming staff, and from personal experience, questions about the menu are always met with patient explanations. That kind of transparency builds trust, especially for diners new to Somali food.
The location itself is easy to reach, tucked into a stretch of Columbus known for diverse dining options. While parking can get tight during peak hours, the steady flow of customers is a good sign rather than a drawback. One server once mentioned that weekends bring families from across the city, which aligns with local dining data showing that ethnic restaurants often become cultural hubs beyond their immediate neighborhoods.
There are a few limitations worth noting. The menu doesn’t rotate often, so frequent visitors might notice repetition. However, that also means the kitchen focuses on doing a core set of dishes extremely well. For anyone expecting a modern fusion twist, this may not be the place, but for those seeking authentic Somali flavors, that focus is exactly the point.
In a food landscape where authenticity is sometimes diluted, this restaurant holds its ground. The cooking methods, the welcoming service, and the steady stream of positive reviews all point to a place that knows who it is and serves its community with pride. For anyone exploring Somali cuisine in Columbus, this café and deli isn’t just an option, it’s a reference point.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entranceOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Halal food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ CasualCrowd
✓ Family friendlyPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ On-site parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 113 reviews
Incredible food! The best lamb and rice I have tried in Columbus! The appetizer of the hand pies are life changing! Everything was delicious and the people working were helpful and very sweet.
Absolutely wonderfully fresh and delicious food! I ordered the chicken & rice, it came with a small salad. My daughter ordered the goat & rice (small salad also included). Everything was wonderful! The service was superb — friendly, thoughtful, and the waitress took time to discuss the food varieties. The bread for the wraps / sandwiches is made in-house; I’m looking forward to trying those! 10/10! Adding this place to my return list!
Hidden Gem! The food was deliciously varied to be shared and enjoyed. The staff were welcoming and sweet.
I absolutely love this restaurant! And my review is long overdue. Everyone I've encountered here is super friendly and polite. And you get a ton of food. The price is great. The foods ALWAYS fresh. Quality ingredients. It's definitely worth every penny and every minute. Call ahead if you're in a hurrying. I love the banana and drink served with the meal. My favorite lunch spot, hands down.
This restaurant is truly one of the best, if not the best. Have you ever visited? Try their Friday Dheylo, a tender meat with pasta, is simply out of this world. I still catch myself craving for that flavor... wow! So yummy, incredibly delicious, and just melts in your mouth. The customer service? Unbeatable. The staff are warm, attentive, and make you feel like royalty from the moment you walk in. Highly recommended for anyone looking to treat themselves to something unforgettable!
WOW….I can now attest to the reasoning for positive reviews !!! The gentleman working immediately invited me on and was very welcoming !! The food was (in this case - the goat with noodles was tender ) fresh and flavorful with generous portions at good price for all that you receive!! TIP/ADVICE: There is no online formal menu with many choices that nearly overwhelms as many of us are familiar , however this is menu simpler and has more practical process: Choose protein- goat, chicken , beef, fish (no pork products). Then choose- Noodles or rice . Although Somali restaurant , they even offer Ethiopian injera dishes where you choose your protein! I believe the side salad and banana are complimentary, which are tasty and healthy offers common with Somali dishes. The environment interior is very calming and cozy. What an amazing restaurant and kind family !! Please try and see for yourself , and support this small , family owned restaurant!!! My photos do not do justice , as meat had much large pieces that were already enjoyed (!) , and the bones were removed . I guess you will note from the Tupperware , there was plenty!
This resturant is perfect for adventurous people that are comfortable with different experiences. There is NO menu. The waitress was nice but didn't really speak English well. The options are goat, chicken, fish, and beef. Then rice or noodles. We asked for goat with rice with it being one serving for both of us, soup, a bottled water, and can of soda. We were given a small bowl of soup that was very tasty. The meal came with a salad (no dressing). We were provided with 2 squeeze containers of sauce with no explanation. We figured they were the choices for the salad. Turns out the green one is a very hot pepper sauce and the white sauce reminded me of a yogurt sauce. The goat and rice portions were huge! The flavors were so unique and amazingly good!! I couldn't identify the spices but I ate way more than I should have- just couldn't stop eating it! We had enough to take home for a whole other meal. When we paid I couldn't believe how inexpensive it was. $30 for all that food. Be aware if they push all the buttons for you, they will whiz by the tip. Sadly we are just passing through but will come again if the opportunity arises.