Welcome to Rafiki Restaurant and Lounge
At Rafiki Restaurant and Lounge, located in Kent, Washington, our story is a vibrant tapestry woven from the flavors of Kenya and the warmth of community. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of East Africa, Rafiki offers a welcoming atmosphere where every dish is crafted with care. From the slow-cooked goat soup to handmade samosas and flavorful kid's meals, each bite transports you to the heart of Kenyan cuisine. Our attentive staff ensures a memorable experience, making every visit feel like a celebration. Whether dining with friends or family, Rafiki is where delicious food and friendly service meet, creating a unique and enjoyable culinary adventure.
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226 1st Ave S, Kent, WA 98032, United States Hotline: +1 253-981-3550
Welcome to Rafiki Restaurant and Lounge, nestled in the heart of Kent, Washington. This vibrant eatery offers an authentic Kenyan dining experience that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also immerses you in the warm, welcoming atmosphere characteristic of East African culture. Located at 226 1st Ave S, Kent, WA 98032, Rafiki is the ideal spot for those looking to explore a rich tapestry of flavors.
As you step into Rafiki, you are greeted by a cozy environment that complements the friendly service provided by the attentive staff. Patrons have noted the unique charm of the space, often describing it as welcoming and inviting. This restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a community gathering spot where meals are enjoyed with friends and family.
The menu is a culinary adventure with highlights that include:
- Supu Ya Ambuzi (Goat Soup) - A slow-cooked delight, this dish is rich in flavor and comfort, priced at just $3.12.
- Rafiki Basket - A tantalizing assortment featuring mandazi, samosas, and sausages for $10.39, perfect for sharing.
- Handmade Samosas - Stuffed with seasoned ground beef and fried to crispy perfection ($7.28), they are a must-try for all meat lovers.
- Fried Tilapia - This dish, available in both fried and wet varieties, showcases a delightful seasoning that even non-fish enthusiasts adore.
Customer reviews overwhelmingly praise the food quality and the speed of service. For instance, a recent diner shared how pleasantly surprised they were by the seasoning and tenderness of the goat meat, a significant feat for those who generally shy away from it. Another customer highlighted the extraordinary flavor profile of their Kenyan curry and the remarkably attentive service that made their dining experience memorable.
For families, Rafiki offers a Kids Menu that includes favorites like deep-fried chicken wings and nuggets, ensuring that even the little ones have delicious options to enjoy. Reviewers appreciate the restaurant's ability to keep all generations satisfied.
In conclusion, Rafiki Restaurant and Lounge stands as a beacon of Kenyan cuisine in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're indulging in their signature goat soup or enjoying a festive gathering with a DJ, the eclectic menu and inviting ambiance make every visit an experience worth repeating. So gather your friends, savor the shared dishes, and let Rafiki transport you to the heart of Kenya with every delightful bite!
Went here with a friend on a Thursday afternoon, found a few patrons in the establishment. The atmosphere is welcoming, the waiters are polite and courteous and the food is very good. We ordered chapatis and some pinto beans, and were pleasantly surprised at the speed and deliciousness of the meal. I recommend this place highly, it is best visited with a friend in tow. We didn't go to the club area but I can see how that would be fun. Will visit again.
A Kenyan friend took our family of 9 people out to eat here around 2pm on a Saturday and we were blown away by what a great experience it was! We started off with the samosas and sausage— ask for their habanero sauce if you like a little bit of extra spice bc it added such a nice touch to everything we ate. Then we had the fried talapia, wet talapia, chicken curry, two beef dishes, two goat dishes which came with plenty of starch and veggies. Everything was extremely well flavored and came out so quickly. I don’t like goat meat but was surprised by how well seasoned and cooked it was. It wasn’t gamey or chewy at all! I also ordered their Kenyan tea which was similar to chai masala tea that I’ve had at Indian restaurants. Our server was so attentive and professional bringing us everything we needed in a very timely manner! Cannot wait to try more dishes :)
Absolutely delicious food! Service was great and the atmosphere was a totally great vibe. Would highly recommend!
The food was so delicious and testy compared to other kenyan restaurants in seattle.. Excellent customer service and I myself as a chef I 100% recommend....
definitely coming back. Phibi gave friendly service and the food was amazing. The goat soup was creamy, warm, and flavorful. Also loved their tripe and goat entree.
This was my first time trying out Kenyan food and this was such a good experience. Loved the menu, I was surprised that Kenyan food has so much Indian influence. Samosa, roti, chapati just sounded super familiar. I went for fried Tilapia and it was delicious. I don't have the necessary skills to eat the fish cleanly but I still enjoyed the meal. The green that came with it was also superb. This was my first time trying corn based ugali. Unique experience. Highly recommended place to expand your flavour profile.
This kenyan restaurant is amazing from the atmosphere to the welcoming staff. We were so hungry so our food felt like it took forever (1 hr) but when asked We were told the food is made fresh there's no preheating going on. The food was so delicious. Definitely going back when in town again. Ken was our waiter and he did an amazing job.
My wife organized a birthday celebration here for me. I was expecting something low-key. Little did I know my wife worked with the server to organize a surprise with the DJ. Staff went above and beyond for us, and the food was excellent! Will definitely be coming back!