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Restaurant

Safari Restaurant

159 Union Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032, Australia

Recommended by 73 people

Updated

Find Safari Restaurant

159 Union Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9372 7175
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Plan your visit

About Safari Restaurant

Ascot Vale’s hub for Somali home cooking serves up fragrant spiced rice platters piled high with fall-off-the-bone lamb mandi. The hospitality here starts before you even flag down a menu—staff hand over cups of complimentary spiced lamb broth while guiding first-timers through the lineup. Platters arrive loaded for sharing, flanked by tender cuts like slow-cooked camel meat, chapati, and fiery house chili sauce. Pro tip from the regulars: drizzle that lingering cup of hot broth directly over the seasoned rice.

  • Complimentary Spiced Broth: Every meal begins with a complimentary cup of hot, tangy spiced lamb broth.
  • Specialty Meats & Mandi: Tender slow-cooked lamb mandi served on hot platters alongside regional specialties like camel meat and chapati.
  • Generous Shared Platters: Generous rice and meat platters tailored for sharing, supported by patient staff recommendations.
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What's On at Safari Restaurant

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Dine at Safari Restaurant

Discover what sets Safari Restaurant apart, from comforting East African home cooking to warm hospitality.

  • Slow-Cooked Spiced Meats and Mandi Rice

    Signature mains like lamb mandi feature fall-off-the-bone, juicy spiced meat served with fluffy, herb-infused rice.

    The tender and succulent lamb was perfectly cooked, and the aromatic blend of spices used in the dish created a burst of flavors with every bite.

    Mohammed Khan

  • Authentic Regional Specialties Like Camel Meat

    Alongside tender lamb and chicken dishes, Safari prepares specialty regional offerings like seasoned camel meat cooked with traditional care.

    The camel meat and rice are so delicious, it's just cooked with pure love and passionate.

    Abdulkadir Abdullahi

  • Nourishing Comfort of East African Home Cooking

    Meals deliver rich, comforting home-style cooking prepared with genuine warmth and heart.

    Both were amazing, offering a flavorful journey into the comforting taste of East African home-style cooking.

    Nina Lin

  • Cosy and Heartfelt Dining Atmosphere

    Guests regularly return for the unpretentious warmth and heartwarming familiarity of the dining experience.

    Safari is our regular place for a cosy and comforting meal.

    Fathima Nuha Mubarak

  • Patient and Welcoming Menu Guidance

    Staff take the time to explain dishes and offer helpful recommendations for newcomers exploring East African cuisine.

    The restaurant staff was very patient with me, explaining the menu.

    Mardhiyyah

  • Complimentary House Lamb Broth With Every Meal

    Diners receive a hot, spiced lamb broth on the house, perfectly balancing and pairing with their rice and meat mains.

    Loved the complimentary lamb broth, hot, spicy, tangy.

    Jodie Lee

Authentic slow-cooked spiced meats and traditional Somali favorites

  • Lamb Mandi

    The standout dish of the evening was undoubtedly the Lamb Mandi.

    Mohammed Khan

  • Rice with Chicken

    Both were amazing, offering a flavorful journey into the comforting taste of East African home-style cooking. The rice and spaghetti were packed with rich flavors from the spices and herbs, while the lamb and chicken were perfectly cooked—juicy and tender, not dry at all.

    Nina Lin

  • Camel Meat and Rice

    The camel meat and rice are so delicious, it's just cooked with pure love and passionate.

    Abdulkadir Abdullahi

  • Chapati and Shuqar (Beef)

    I had Chapati and Shuqar (beef) and it was really good.

    Mardhiyyah

Before you head over

Practical advice to make the most of your meal at Safari Restaurant

  • Ask Staff for Menu Guidance

    First-time diners can ask the front counter staff for dish recommendations, as they will patiently walk you through the Somali and East African menu options.

  • Plan for Generous Portions

    Diners frequently note that portions are very generous; for groups or smaller appetites, consider sharing platters or taking leftovers home.

  • Pair Your Rice with the House Broth

    Meals come with a complimentary cup of spiced lamb broth—locals recommend sipping it as a starter or pouring a bit directly over your spiced rice.

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