Somali · Phillips / Lake Street

Mama Safia's Kitchen

★ 4.8 · 251 Google reviews · $$

Authentic Somali cuisine. Waslad (lamb shoulder), biryani rice. Heart of Lake Street Somali community.

The Room

What it's actually like

Overwhelmingly positive experience with authentic, freshly made Somali and East African cuisine at very reasonable prices. Reviewers consistently praise the warmth and kindness of staff and owner Mama Safia, the generous portion sizes, and the home-cooked quality of the food. The relaxed, clean atmosphere and excellent value make it a beloved community gem that attracts both first-time visitors eager to try Somali cuisine and loyal regulars.

warm and welcominghome-cooked comfortcommunity-focusedclean and peacefulfamily-friendly
Diners keep mentioning
sambusas (beef and chicken)rice with goat meatSomali teamalawaxcanjeeromango drinkbeef suqaar
Ambiance
casual
Noise level
quiet
Dress code
casual
Outdoor seating
No
Good for
family dining, solo dining, lunch breaks
Reservations
Walk-in friendly

Wait reality — Food can take a while during busy periods, but generally service is quick during quieter times. Counter-order style with flexible seating. Best to visit outside peak dinner hours if time-sensitive.

Derived from 81 recent Google reviews — not marketing copy.

Hours

When to go

Menu

What's cooking

Appetizer

Bread & dipsvegetarian$4.50
Sourdough bread accompanied by hummus, beetroot & whipped feta dips
Tuna sashimidairy freegluten free$4.50
Seared fresh tuna, fresh herbs, and a touch of chili

Salad

Green saladdairy freevegetarianvegan$5.50
A garden-fresh salad with seasonal greens and roasted almonds

Pasta

Hand-made raviolivegetarian$6.50
Artisanal hand-made ravioli, filled with a blend of cheeses in a basil pesto sauce

Entree

Classic burger - Beefdairy free$9
Our classic burger with lettuce, pickles, heirloom tomatoes, served with a side of fries
Classic burger - Chickendairy free$7.50
Our classic burger with lettuce, pickles, heirloom tomatoes, served with a side of fries
Classic burger - Mushroomvegetarian$7
Our classic burger with lettuce, pickles, heirloom tomatoes, served with a side of fries
Schnitzel$4
Crisp and golden on the outside, in a herb and parmesan crumb
Tofu skewersveganvegetariandairy free$7.50
Grilled tofu skewers, marinated in a blend of soy and sesame with seasonal roast vegetables

Steak

Peanut crusted steakdairy free$8
Juicy, tender steak cooked to your liking, served with steamed vegetables

Dessert

Browniedairy freevegetarian$5
Fresh out the oven brownie filled with dark chocolate chips & walnuts
Carrot cakevegetarian$5.50
Lightly spiced carrot cake layered with cream cheese frosting
Chocolate moussevegetarian$7
Our delicate, yet rich signature chocolate mousse dessert
Classic cheesecakevegetarian$6.50
Topped with a layer of raspberry jam & sliced strawberries
Lemon meringue pievegetarian$5.50
Zesty lemon meringue, a pistachio crumble, served with a chantilly cream
Sticky date & ice creamvegetarian$7
Served with vanilla ice cream, toffee sauce & a peanut crumble

Cocktail

Cocktails$1.50
Aperol Spritz, Gin & Tonic, Mojito

Wine

Wine$2
Choice of red, white, or rosé

Non alcoholic

Coffeeveganvegetariandairy freegluten free$2.50
Locally roasted coffee, brewed in-house
Fresh juiceveganvegetariandairy freegluten free$4
A refreshing blend of freshly squeezed orange, watermelon, carrot, and ginger
Healthy smoothievegetarianvegandairy free$3
Nourish your body with our selection of healthy smoothies
Soft drinkveganvegetariandairy freegluten free$1.50
Soda, Sprite, Pepsi & Diet Coke

Seafood

Fish of the daycontains shellfish$8
Fresh catch of the day paired with asparagus & a cream of sweet potato
Details

Find it

Address
720 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
612-353-6322
Restaurant group
independent