Best Somali Restaurants in Minneapolis, MN: Community Guide

Published 2025-06-15 · Updated 2026-08-31 · 6 min read · Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis has a large, established Somali community and a rich food scene. Here are community-known starting points for canjeero, hilib ari, and spiced shaah.

Minneapolis, Minnesota has a large, established Somali community and an extraordinary food culture. Cedar-Riverside and nearby neighborhoods remain useful starting points for discovering Somali food, but menus, ownership, hours, and availability change, so confirm details before visiting.

Top Somali Restaurants in Minneapolis

Afro Deli & Grill (Cedar-Riverside)

A well-known community starting point for sambuus, suqaar, and East African comfort food. Check the current menu and hours before visiting.

Safari Restaurant (Riverside Ave)

A community dining option for traditional Somali dishes including bariis iskukaris (spiced rice with meat), hilib ari (goat), and cambuulo (bean dessert). Confirm current service details directly.

Karmel Deli (Karmel Square)

Located in the Karmel Square area, this deli is a starting point for quick Somali lunches including maraq (soup), lahoh pancakes, and fresh fruit juices. Check the directory for current listing information.

Midnimo Restaurant (Lake Street)

The name means unity in Somali. Ask about current specials, including whether Friday biriyani is available.

Fatuma's Kitchen (North Minneapolis)

A possible starting point for home-style Somali cooking, including suqaar, bariis, and fresh canjeero. Confirm payment methods and hours before going.

What to Order at a Somali Restaurant

**Canjeero** — spongy fermented flatbread, the staple of every Somali meal

**Suqaar** — stir-fried beef or chicken with onions, peppers, and spices

**Hilib ari** — slow-cooked goat, usually served over rice

**Bariis iskukaris** — spiced basmati rice cooked with raisins and meat

**Shaah cadeys** — sweet Somali tea with cardamom, cinnamon, and milk

**Cambuulo** — adzuki beans slow-cooked with butter and sugar (dessert)

**Sambuusa** — fried pastry stuffed with spiced meat or vegetables

Checking Halal Information

Do not assume every restaurant has the same halal sourcing or certification. Ask the restaurant about its sourcing, preparation, and any certification before ordering. Shaafi listings can help you find businesses, but the business is the best source for current dietary information.

Best Neighborhoods for Somali Food

Most Somali restaurants are concentrated in:

**Cedar-Riverside** ("Little Mogadishu") — highest concentration

**Lake Street / South Minneapolis** — growing restaurant corridor

**Karmel Square** — market + food stalls

**North Minneapolis** — neighborhood spots

Getting There

The #2 and #7 Metro Transit buses serve Cedar-Riverside well. Karmel Square has parking on-site.

Sources and further reading

Next step

Search Minneapolis listings and confirm today's hours before visiting.

Search East African businesses or send a correction.