Nailah's kitchen — Restaurant in Baltimore

FIRST VISIT: Best food I've ever tasted in my life. And for me to say that it takes a lot. My freind told me about this place and I was just thinking it would be like any other African restaurant but this place is BOMBBBB. Way better. I ordered the dibi lamb and vermicelli, got a generous portion size, which was nice becuz other African restaurants love to skimp and give people snack portion sizes. Do I look like I'm paying for a snack or a meal? Anyway with this place The portion size was very generous and I even had some leftovers which I finished the next day. Other African resturants need to be more like this. The lamb was sooooooo gooooddd. I've never experienced such combinations of flavors before. And the sauce and vermicelli. Omg. Everything was just perfect. I've never been this impressed with any restaurant ever before in my life. I wish it was closer to where I live. But anyway I hope they keep this up and I hope they don't downgrade. So far I'm impressed.

SO I CAME BACK A SECOND TIME AND IT LOOKS LIKE I SPOKE A LITTLE TOO SOON...

SECOND VISIT: So I had to change my rating from 5 stars to 3 stars because when I ate in/dined in the restaurant, the service was horrible. I used to be a waitress a couple years ago and I understand that it can be overwhelming at times but the man was terrible. I believe it was the owner that was the waitress which is just not a good look at all because do you want business at your restaurant or not? His attitude was terrible, took forever, and didn't even serve water until we asked. At least make an effort and show that you are trying and not just have such a rude demeanor. Also, the fact that they charge double the price just to eat in? I've never seen any restaurant do that before. Just for crappy service and crappy table decor and dirty tablecloth? If the service was at least descent then I would not have dropped my rating from 5 stars to 3 stars but the service was disappointing and I am disappointed. If I'm paying double the price for the food I expect excellent or at least descent service. The food was also not extra hot when it was served and it wasn't on point like how it was my last visit. This place has potential but the business needs to be ran better or it can drive away a lot...

In my opinion, my place at this restaurant was a waste of time. Yesterday when we went to this restaurant, it was one of my family member’s graduation and we decided to go to this place to eat. When we came inside we waited for a LONG time until we finally got a chance to sit down. But since there wasn’t that much tables, one of the cooks had to take one table and some other seats so that everyone can sit. We sat there for a REALLY long time that I was planning to take a nap RIGHT on the spot. Finally we got our menus and the owner said we could order anything we want. When we all ordered and some of us went up to order for everyone, THE OWNER SAID 4 OF OUR ORDERS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. We ended up canceling everything, but when we left one of our family members were still inside the restaurant but they couldn’t open the door. So she called the owner, and the owner couldn’t even open the door and said to her: “Oh my god what do we do?” But there was ANOTHER door that some people used to get out the restaurant when that door my family member was using wasn’t opening. Thankfully she got out, but in my opinion yesterday was a waste of time at this restaurant. Next time, the owner should’ve told us what meals were available and what weren’t, and should not make us wait at that entrance to the point where I want to sit down. Also did he even know there was a other door? Because it looked like he didn’t know.. Anyway, my review is over. Tips for the owner, don’t waste people’s time standing and sitting. Especially during a...

My husband and I were in town for our son’s graduation and looking for a place to eat. We came across this restaurant and were immediately drawn in by the menu, the photos, and the fact that it offered African cuisine. I’m so glad we chose it.

We arrived shortly after they opened, so we had the entire restaurant to ourselves which made the experience feel even more special. The ambiance was beautiful and welcoming, we especially loved the calabash light fixtures they instantly took us back to our roots and reminded us of eating from a calabash growing up. The service was truly exceptional. Our server was incredibly attentive and kind, especially when we wanted to take pictures to capture the moment.

And the food? Absolutely top tier. We cleaned our plates! The jollof rice was out of this world, the chicken was perfectly seasoned and tender, and even our son — who is usually a fries-and-nuggets type of kid — asked for seconds. That’s saying a lot! The juice was also fresh and full of flavor.

If I could give this place 100 out of 10, I would. I’m already looking forward to coming back the next time we’re in Maryland to try even more of the menu. I wish this restaurant nothing but continued success, and who knows maybe one day we’ll make it all the way to Senegal to experience these amazing dishes at the source.

Thank you for such a memorable and...