Menu of Red Sea Cafe & Deli - Somali Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, USA

Menu Overview

Red Sea Cafe & Deli - Somali Restaurant offers a vibrant palate of East African flavors woven seamlessly into each dish. Located in Columbus, OH, this gem welcomes diners with a menu that strikes a perfect balance between tradition and approachable creativity. The culinary experience here feels both authentic and deeply satisfying.

Starting with the appetizers, the Samosa Sambusa stands out as a crispy, golden delight. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of spiced meat and vegetables enrobed in a flaky crust that crackles under the teeth. This dish alone sets the tone—bold, well-seasoned, and impeccably textured.

The main courses are where the heart of Somali cuisine shines. The Barbeque Chicken arrives tender and infused with a mélange of herbs and spices, resting atop a flavorful bed of rice or pasta complemented by fresh vegetables. It’s a dish that feels both hearty and refined, with grilling that locks in juiciness. The Lamb and Rice is a particular standout, earning rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth lamb pieces meld effortlessly with seasoned rice and vibrant vegetables, creating a dish that is as rich in flavor as it is generous in portion.

The Beef Steak and Rice exemplifies slow-cooked perfection—beef that dissolves into a sumptuous stew, imparting deep, robust notes with every forkful. Meanwhile, the Chicken Chapati and Steak Chapati Wraps offer a portable, excellent option for those craving seasoned meats wrapped in freshly made flatbread, highlighting the care taken in even the simplest menu items.

Accompanying sides like Collard Greens and a Simple Salad bring balance and freshness to the plate, while elements like the Miso Soup, Okra, and Yakisoba hint at global influences artfully integrated into the menu.

What truly sets Red Sea Cafe & Deli apart is the full sensory experience—the warmth of the staff, the savor of dishes packed with nuanced spices, and the unbeatable value. Diners frequently praise the generous servings and thoughtful, flavor-forward sauces that accompany each meal, such as the fiery green chili and cooling yogurt sauces that awaken the palate without overwhelming it.

In my experience, the food here feels like a culinary journey—inviting, authentic, and deeply satisfying. Whether you're a first-time visitor or someone seeking the soul of Somali cooking in Columbus, Red Sea Cafe & Deli delivers a memorable meal that lingers long after the last bite.