Mate's Table
Subscribe
Create
Share with the community

What would you like to make?

Add a recommendationShare a place worth gathering around.Create a guideBuild a useful list for your city.
For business

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.
RestaurantAfricanRestaurant

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How generous are the portion sizes?

Portions are notably generous. Diners note that sharing a set meal or platter easily feeds extra companions, and main dishes often leave leftovers.

Does the restaurant serve complimentary soup or tea?

Yes, meals come with a complimentary house lamb broth or soup, which guests frequently highlight as hot, savory, and great to pair with rice. Free tea is also occasionally provided.

What are the standout dishes for a first visit?

Popular dishes include the slow-cooked Lamb Mandi served with fragrant spiced rice, Federation chicken, and traditional specialties like camel meat or beef suqaar with chapati. Adding house chili sauce or mayo is widely recommended.

Can I order takeaway?

Yes, takeaway is available and prepared quickly, making it a reliable choice if you are pressed for time or prefer dining at home.

Explore more places in Melbourne

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Melbourne.

Discover more in Melbourne

Explore another side of the city's food and drink.

Browse all Melbourne venues