Ngoma

Eating at Ngoma is a rare dining experience. The food flavors are unlike anything I've eaten before anywhere, ever - and incredibly tasty. Likewise the ambience makes you feel like you've somehow been transported to Africa for a meal, even though it's in the middle of Miracle Mile. Just one small warning - if you plan to eat there, make sure to call in advance to make sure they're open. Their hours tend to be sporadic. more

Features cooking from all over Africa and has a simple decor, casual, clean. Tried Beef Sambusa (fried thin, tri-shaped wrapped pastry stuffed... more

Ngoma is a treat for people who want to try something different and exotic. The African food is unlike any food I've tried anywhere, ever. It's great food, with unusual flavors. And I also love the restaurant's ambience. You feel like you're stepping into Africa for a couple hours, even though it's located in Miracle Mile. Definitely a great dining experience for people who like to try out new things! Pros: Unlike any other restaurant I've been to in LA. more

I've been going to Ngoma since I discovered it in 2004, it was great, I'd make my way there and share with my friends this absolute great dining place, the food was slow to come but worth the wait. Unfortunately, the service has gotten worse especially towards African patrons! However, recently, July 5th, 2008, I was given the worst treatment by the waiter and the owner; not a smile or greeting from either one of them but when the other people walked in...both of them rushed helter skelter to the new people's service! It was quite unfortunate that my sister and I were treated like scam yet we were paying as much as the other people! Unfortunately, only Caucasian patrons get excellent service. I am Kenyan and do like to enjoy the African cuisine. When I went there with my White friends, we got good servive because of my friends' presence; Unbelievable. I would not recommend this restuarant to anyone since they obviously have preferrence for other people besides their own. how sad! i drove from San Diego to LA to have dinner there but I don't think I will ever again. I'd rather go to the Stabucks across the street form Ngoma or to the Ethiopian Rests on Fairfax . What a Shame, I left them a note with my bill, hope they take heed. Pros: African food always good Cons: you get the worst service if you are african! more

I found Ngoma on restaurant . com. It's a site that allows you to buy $25 gift certificates to restaurants for $10 or less. So, I bought one and tried it out with a friend. The place was essentially empty at 6:30 on a Wednesday. But the service was good, the menu was full of interesting options to try including wine from Africa, the food was great, and overall we just enjoyed it! Parking can be very, very difficult though as most of the street parking is closed after 6p.m. The meals ranged from about $10-15 in price. Wine was around 5 or 6 per glass. So, with one appetizer, two entrees, and two glasses of wine, and the tip, we spent around $55. But, with the $25 gift certificate that I bought for $3, it was a good deal! Pros: Interesting food options Cons: Parking more

I loved this restaurant. The East African dishes are a wonderful change from the usual Ethiopian food I eat on Fairfax. The portions are huge, the flavors are complex and incredible, each dish tastes distinct from the other, and you get to try something relatively unusual in the U.S. (like a goat curry). I told them I liked spicy food and they brought out a little bowl with this amazing sauce - it made my night. The sambusa is also delicious as an appetizer - with a wonderful green sauce, a choice of chicken, beef, or veggies, and a perfectly flaky crust. The chapatis were also surprisingly good. And the main entrees are so wonderful conceptually - with a white carb, flavored meat curry, and a great side of vegetables. Try this place - you won't be disappointed, especially because it's so cheap, given how much food you get. Pros: Unique flavors, variety Cons: none really more

What makes this place good is that the menu consists of foods from different parts of the continent. It's not an Ethiopian restaurant which is what most people think of when they think of African food. It's a shame that they don't open for dinner on Sunday evenings. The menu could be more descriptive; fortunately I went with someone from Africa who had an idea about the cuisine. It would be nice if they created sampling plates for groups to try the different dishes. Pros: Filling food Cons: Parking can be difficult on a Friday night. more

This restaurant offers something different in LA. The staff is very friendly, and the prices very reasonable. The food is great too. It i... more

This restaurant is right around the corner from where I live and is one of the better restaurants i've eaten at. They are very hospitable and even wash your hands for you at the table. The food is very good with a menu subdivided into Eastern and western african foods. I'm more partial to the eastern side but I would encourage all to try anything! The tables are made so that you can have a semi-private dinner by untieing the curtains at the sides of you. Overall a great restaurant! Pros: friendly staff Cons: n/a more

Apparently the US continues to think that Ethiopia is the only country in Africa. I went to Ngoma on Saturday night, after going to the Congo room. The food was excellent. The curried chicken fell off of the bone, and was simmered in a flavorful brown sauce. The potatoes were tender and spicy, and the greens were incredibly fresh. I could not disagree more with the reviewer below. Our waitress was incredibly sweet. I recommend this restaurant to people who want to see what the rest of Africa has to offer. Pros: Inexpensive, Great spices more