Harambe Ethiopian Restaurant
| Address: | 2006 Senate St, Columbia, SC 29205, USA |
| Phone: | +1 803-764-5510 |
| Site: | harambesc.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | Closed 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 12–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 16
AL
albinotatertot
The location is tucked away, the staff is friendly, the place is quiet, but my meal was rather a surprise. I ordered the tibs, which comes with highly seasoned rib eye tips, which was alright not really my cup of tea, but I cant complain on that regard; where I can complain is the mistake that I made in ordering the dinner plate instead... to me the tibs are akin to a spicy stew meat, so on white rice (comes with lunch special) it probably would have pretty good, but I bought the dinner special which cost like double the price, it comes with "flat bread" instead... huge mistake. They had the flat bread wrapped around the meat, almost like a saggy diaper; to me it looked like a pitted grey pancake (my friend describes it as looking like car interior or frog skin), it was bland and essentially structurless and basically dissolved from the juices/grease of the meat. Totally not what I expected, couldnt eat it. "I felt Harambe sama cry a single tear in heaven over this travesty."
SU
Susan Sanders
I was looking forward to trying something new, a new cuisine for me. I tried this place with a smallish group of around 10. It was a Saturday night around 5:30-6:00. There were 3-4 people at tables and perhaps another 3-4 at the bar during our visit. Not a great experience.! Restrooms werent clean or well maintained. Service was "confused" at best. Great aromas , but food was somewhat mediocre. Not a single order out of the 10 arrived as requested. The desert ordered with the meal by a number of people had to be requested repeatedly. The "Special presentation" of making the coffee was a half-hearted attempt at best and wasnt even done in view of the person ordering it. Out of frustration, our groups teacher paid on behalf of the group so we could get back to our training in a somewhat timely manner. We were there about 1 1/2 hour. I really have no desire to ever return.
PU
puertoricofamily
Delicious food ! We visit the restaurant often and have always enjoyed great food at Harambe. The samosas are tasty and any of the main platters with a side of injera (flat bread) are our favorites. The restaurant is a hidden gem with an unassuming building exterior and is located tucked away next to a shopping center; however, it is well worth a visit if you are willing to try something new. This is one of our favorite Ethiopian restaurants when compared to others we have visited in major cities like Atlanta, NY, and DC. Dont be fooled by the location and if you are searching for a new dining experiencing full of flavorful food then this is a great choice !
MR
Mrs. Britnay Ellis
So I decided to go from the reviews and my personal experience was not the best. When we arrived it was friendly. I then ordered and they brought back my boyfriends glass of water with particles in it and very visible. The waiter didnt have a straw either. Our orders came out at complete different times. I ordered the meats platter and the meat was not tender and it was not the same experience I had at another Ethiopian restaurant in another area before. 15 mins later my boyfriend receives his shrimp which were cold and slimy at the bottom. I was so disappointed because it just was not what I planned for my boyfriends first experience eating from culture.
NI
Nick B
I just went there for my 2nd time. The food itself is really good and a unique experience. The service is just "ok"- but it looks to be a small proprietorship and Im guessing the owners actually look to be Ethiopian, so there may be some cultural issues in addition to no clear seperation between wait staff and the actual cooking! (Im just guessing) If I didnt account for the lackadaisical service and just focused on the food quality & value Id have given it 5 stars instead of 4. I hope it remains in business as I noticed a lack of patronage for a Tuesday lunch- but you cant fault this place for their food, its quite good.
JA
Jasmine Ali
As an Eithiopian it was the nastiest Ethiopian food EVER tasted! The tibs didnt look the same as it did on menu!! My kids were disappointed too. The place smelled like old wet clothes! We order a veggie & Tibs & walked out paying $52! Typically at any Ethiopian restaurant you walk out about $30-$40 the most!! We were worried the meat was old & smelled! But we paid&tipped not to embarrass them in person but want the world to know u dont stand behind this as decent place to eat! We dont want others to be disappointed if you know Ethiopian food & if ur trying not to turn u off our food!!! I wish we saw a review!!!!
PH
Phung Phan
Service was slow but friendly since the bartender was also waitressing. Samosas made up for the slow service. The spinach and cheese in it was good and spicy especially with the dip. Harambe combo was big and more then plenty for my wife and I. The injera was legit and delicious. Spicy tea tasted like bland clover infused hot water. The place feels like a shack but thats where the charm and authenticity comes from. Otherwise definitely recommend this place. Glad that theyre flavors dont cater to the American palate.
HE
Henry Chan
Excellent food! Cant get more authentic experience than this. From services (owners and servers) to the menu to the execution and presentation of all dishes. One secret is the very inexpensive Ethiopian coffee! Roasted beans are presented to you literally on the pan, and then brewed and served in traditional pot and cup. Its mesmerizing experience for my whole family. Yes! Its totally kids friendly place with having many TVs and colorful lighting. Highly recommended!
ER
Ermias Habtom
Great food and good customer service. The place is hidden but its great to have a quite environment. they serve my country food and I enjoy it as much as I did when I was back home. I recommend this place if you are into trying out different cultural foods. You will enjoy them.
AL
Alex S.
This place is great! It has a family atmosphere, quality service, and tasty food. Its hard to see from the street, but this place is definitely worth a try for anyone who wants to eat more variety than just chicken nuggets everyday!
LY
Lydia Pappas
love this place for lunch or dinner - the staff are fantastic and the food is superb, great flavors and you usually have to roll yourself out with the portions being so filling. no food like this anywhere else in town.
X
x x
The Ethiopian tea, somosas, and chicken dish are great. Food tasted great and service was friendly. To be even better, I recommend the food be a little warmer and a better designed menu. Would definitely visit again.
JO
Josh Hughes
Im so happy there is an establishment dedicated to the memory of the most pure and majestic of deities, the Lord Harambe. The Cincinnati Zoo may have shooted our lord, but they cannot shooted our freedom <3 #DO4H
ME
Melanie H. Clarkson
The food was excellent. Everything is well seasoned. The server is happy to assist with the menu and answer any questions. My friend eats gluten-free, and she made injera without wheat flour for her.
JA
James Carpenter
We enjoyed the meal. The meat dishes were complex and well seasoned. Was pleased to see several vegetarian dishes, would like to see more choices. Coffee was a special treat at the end.
MI
Miriam Nagashiro
I can highly recommend this Ethiopian restaurant. had great food and an excellent service. We will definitely come back! Do not forget to try the freshly roasted coffee. Awesome.
