Come celebrate our 10th anniversary on November 11th, at six pm in the Irondale Center! Call for details!
(347) 497-6199
195 Dekalb Ave
Brooklyn,
NY
11205
40.689586
-73.971791
Neighborhood: Fort Greene
Madiba Restaurant
Last updated 11.20.09
What People Are Saying About Madiba Restaurant
The Owner
Madiba Restaurant
Owner
Our restaurant offers a unique South African experience, the first of its kind in the United States. Since 1999 at our first restaurant in Fort Greene, Brooklyn we have proudly brought our guests traditionally prepared specialties from our nation. Madiba restaurant pays homage to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela & is dedicated to the future of South Africa, a future that promises greater cultural harmony, economic development, and collective enjoyment of a World in One Country. Our concept is steeped in the tradition of a Shebeen, the informal dining halls in South African townships. These gathering…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene – When New York's only South African restaurant first opened back in 1999, a certain ramshackle charm evoked a night at the edge of the veldt. Since then, Madiba has more than doubled in size and replaced the kerosene lanterns with giant, colorful paintings of Africa. Food is served at wooden camping tables, and drinks come in small metal mugs. There's also a lounging area where bands and performance troupes entertain. – – The Food – Unique dishes here include potjie (similar to oxtail stew), bunny chow (a hollowed-out loaf of bread containing vegetable…
Great food
by NFXCVC at Citysearch
The giant prawns were incredible. The service was friendly and helpful, since the menu was new to me. Beautiful decor, casual outdoor dining, a jewel in my neighborhood. Great place to bring out-of-towners.
- Pros: Delicious and unusual dishes
- Cons: None that I can think of
If you want something different, go to Madiba!
by brookgrl at Citysearch
Wow, what a unique experience Madiba was. I love this place. I went on a friday night, first there happy hour was the most festive i've ever experienced. Live music and it was a lot of fun. The service was great and the drinks were phenominal. The food was the most amazing experience. The restaurant itself was very natural and had a rustic feel to it. I love that I'm in Brooklyn and can actually venture out for a true South African experience. I will definitely recommend this place to my friends and also for those people wanting to leave the hustle and bustle of the city. this was truly a unique place to have a friday night dinner.
- Pros: Fun atmostphere, great food
- Cons: none
Don't go
by nmr181818 at Citysearch
Do not waste your time or money. Terrible service for just OK food. Waited an hour for dishes that never arrived. Atmosphere is the only thing it has going for it at this point.
- Cons: service, wait
The Details on Madiba Restaurant
When to Go:
The restaurant hosts comedy and music events from time to time. Call for details.
The Extras:
This eclectic venue offers outside services like catering and musicians for hire.
Category:
Restaurants, Catering, Unclassified
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Late Night Dining, Group Dining, Live Music
Cuisine:
Message from Madiba Restaurant
- Unique Menu & Bar Scene
- Live Entertainment
- Elaborate African Wine List
Our restaurant offers a unique South African experience, the first of its kind in the United States. Since 1999 at our first restaurant in Fort Greene, Brooklyn we have proudly brought our guests traditionally prepared specialties from our nation. Madiba restaurant pays homage to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela & is dedicated to the future of South Africa, a future that promises greater cultural harmony, economic development, and collective enjoyment of a World in One Country. Our concept is steeped in the tradition of a Shebeen, the informal dining halls in South African townships. These gathering places are where South Africans leave the work day behind to embrace joy, laughter, community, and a little beer to boot. The Shebeen offers sanctuary to the weary and well-traveled; a visit to one is the ultimate experience of everyday life one can have while touring South Africa.








