Welcome to Darba Somalian Restaurant
At Darba Somalian Restaurant, we celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Somalia, nestled within a small grocery haven on Gravois Avenue in St. Louis. This cozy eatery offers a delightful array of authentic dishes that reflect the essence of Somali cuisine. From the comforting beef and goat suqar, perfectly paired with pasta or rice, to flavorful fish sambusas, each dish tells a story of tradition and culture. The warmth of the first-generation immigrant owners resonates through generous portions and affordable pricing, making you feel at home. Darba isn’t just a meal; it’s a heartfelt experience that transports you to the flavors of Somalia.
Darba Somalian Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings
Small hole in the wall store with Somalian cuisine in the back section. Not fancy at all. Nice people. Recommend
Good Food, varied collection of grocery items, reasonable prices.
5 out of 5 This is the place to go for good Somalia food. It's on the busy street were traffic is constantly flying by. So be careful went getting out of your vehicle. The beef suqqar and the goat suqqar with spaghetti are good items to get if this is your 1st time. And it's not officially without the banana. I'm not a bring fish eater, but their fish sambusa are my favorite of the ones they serve. They also have beef and chicken sambusa.(both good ) The restaurant is all the way in the back inside a grocery store that sells Somali and East African groceries. The restaurant is basically open from brunch to late lunch. I would suggest calling ahead if you want a to go order. However they do have a few tables and chairs if you want to eat there. You get a lot of good food for the amount you pay. The staff are good people.
This place is amazing. For 10$ you get enough chicken suqar and flavorful rice to feed a village. The salad is crisp lettuce with a lovely dressing. It comes with a bottle of water and a banana!! Such great value, delicious flavorful food. It's like if my mother in law was somolian and made me food whenever I got sick, EVERYTIME. The owners are first gen immigrants and this place is a jewel on STL's local food scene. Order something you can't pronounce I promise you won't regret it.
We are on a road trip and spending a couple of days in Fox Park. We just visited Darba for a late lunch and ordered what is called fried chicken with rice and veggies. It was not what I expected, but it was excellent. The chicken was chopped in small pieces, similar to what you'd see in some Asian restaurants, and cooked not with breading, but with wonderful spices. It is not hot unless you use the hot sauce they provide on the side. The rice was cooked perfectly and flavorful. The veggies were really like a little salad with lettuce and cucumbers, and a creamy dressing, which helps if you try the hot sauce. We like Ethiopian food, so we thought Somali food would be similar. It isn't really, at least not like the Ethiopian we're used to. It turns out we've discovered a new cuisine we like. They did make a successful effort to help my vegetarian partner, but note that the menu is meat-oriented. You enter through a little market, and the restaurant is to the back. I highly recommend that you give it a try!
Location
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2219 Gravois Ave St. Louis, MO 63104 United States Hotline: (314) 449-1055
Welcome to Darba Somalian Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the hustle and bustle of St. Louis, Missouri. Located at 2219 Gravois Ave, this unassuming eatery offers a delightful glimpse into the rich tapestry of Somali cuisine, particularly during breakfast and brunch hours. Though unclaimed, it boasts a dedicated following of locals who appreciate the authentic flavors and casual atmosphere.
Entering Darba is akin to stepping into a Somali culinary experience. The restaurant is situated at the back of a grocery store, where Somali and East African products line the shelves. Patrons are greeted with warmth and hospitality, reminiscent of family gatherings where hearty meals are shared. The restaurant's casual vibe and friendly staff make you feel right at home.
Whether you're a seasoned food explorer or trying Somali cuisine for the first time, Darba presents an impressive array of dishes that cater to diverse tastes:
- Lunch Highlights:
- Goat Meat served with flavorful pasta or rice and fresh veggies - $15.99
- Beef Suqar - tender beef prepared with a unique blend of spices, alongside pasta or rice - $12.99
- Chicken Suqar - succulent chicken presented with pasta or rice - $11.99
- Talapia Whole Fish - a whole fish option that’s both refreshing and fulfilling - $16.99
- Bustaako Steak - another meat delight available at just $11.50
- Tiribo Oosaay - a traditional favorite for only $4.99
- Ugali Soor - typically served with sukuma, fish, and a taste of home - price varies
To stimulate your appetite before your meal, don't miss the Sambusa – crispy pastries filled with beef, chicken, or fish, priced at just $1.99. Pair this with a warm Mandazi, a delightful treat available for a mere $0.99. For something heartwarming, both Goat Soup and Camel Soup are available for $1.99 each, perfect for those looking to explore authentic Somali flavors.
Customer reviews offer a glimpse into the rewarding experience at Darba. One patron, Kelly B., describes it as a “small hole in the wall store” with nice people and great food. Meanwhile, Anthony M. highlights the beef and goat suqar as essential first-time orders, advising that “it’s not officially without the banana” - an unexpected yet delightful touch. Melissa M. echoes this sentiment, noting the generous portions and vibrant flavors that feel reminiscent of a loving home-cooked meal.
Whatever you choose to indulge in at Darba Somalian Restaurant, prepare for a culinary adventure that will warm your heart and fill your belly. From the friendly staff to the hearty portions, this restaurant promises an unforgettable dive into Somali flavors, delivering great value for money and a true taste of culture that you won't want to miss.
Don't hesitate to call ahead at (314) 449-1055 to place an order for delivery or takeout, or simply drop by to enjoy your meal at one of their few tables. Darba Somalian Restaurant awaits to welcome you!
