About This Spot

Stepping into Karibu Restaurant feels a bit like crossing the threshold into a warm, inviting home where East African flavors and hospitality take center stage. Nestled on Crescent Street in Waltham, this cozy neighborhood spot hums with a comfortable, unhurried rhythm — the kind that invites you to settle in, savor each bite, and linger a little longer over conversation and comfort.

The atmosphere here is quietly genuine. It’s not a place of bustling crowds or flashy decor, but rather one where passion for tradition and food shines through small, thoughtful touches. The soft-spoken staff welcome you as if you’re an old friend, guiding you through the day’s offerings — a practice that fosters a sincere and personal connection between kitchen and guest.

Karibu’s menu mirrors this spirit of grounded simplicity and care. You might find yourself diving into perfectly flaky chapati or savoring the crunch of samosas filled with rich, spiced meats or vegetables. Dishes often come framed in hearty, home-style combinations: stewed beef simmered with local greens, beans, and comforting boiled potatoes, or the gentle sweetness of mandazi, best paired with a warm cup of chai. Each plate feels like a quiet moment of discovery, where textures and spices tell stories of a vibrant culinary heritage.

This is a place where meals are more than just fuel—they’re invitations to explore East African culture in its most approachable, authentic form. The gentle pace and welcoming spirit encourage guests to relax and embrace the nuances of each flavor, carrying the warmth of the kitchen and the community with them long after the meal has ended.

What’s Available Here

  • IconIdentifies as Black-owned
  • IconIdentifies as women-owned
  • IconNo-contact delivery
  • IconDelivery
  • IconTakeaway
  • IconDine-in
  • IconGreat tea selection
  • IconServes local specialty
  • IconSport
  • IconBreakfast
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconSolo dining
  • IconWheelchair-accessible car park
  • IconWheelchair-accessible entrance
  • IconWheelchair-accessible seating
  • IconWheelchair-accessible toilet
  • IconCoffee
  • IconComfort food
  • IconHalal food
  • IconHappy-hour food
  • IconHealthy options
  • IconLate-night food
  • IconOrganic dishes
  • IconQuick bite
  • IconSmall plates
  • IconVegan options
  • IconVegetarian options
  • IconBreakfast
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconCatering
  • IconDessert
  • IconSeating
  • IconTable service
  • IconToilet
  • IconWi-Fi
  • IconWi-Fi
  • IconCasual
  • IconCosy
  • IconQuiet
  • IconTrendy
  • IconFamily friendly
  • IconGroups
  • IconLocals
  • IconTourists
  • IconUniversity students
  • IconLunch reservations recommended
  • IconDinner reservations recommended
  • IconAccepts reservations
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconDebit cards
  • IconNFC mobile payments
  • IconGood for kids
  • IconHigh chairs
  • IconFree of charge street parking
  • IconFree parking lot
  • IconPaid parking lot

Location & Hours

Monday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Guest Reviews

Nabeel Khan 03 Jan 2026

I had a mixer plate with an option of boiled rice, beans, mixed vegetables and a side of Irish. The total cost was $15, which can be pricey on a student budget. Also once you pay in the vicinity of $15 you start looking at items such as ambiance etc which the place could definitely do better. My experience was slightly different from my previous time, when i did take away. While the beans and vegetables were nice, it was slightly less flavorful from my previous time. The Irish was nice and tender potato which is how i like it. I also had a sugar rush before so perhaps that could be the reason.

Mike Mitchell 29 Dec 2025

I went in with my girlfriend a little more than an hour before close. We did not understand how to order, when an old soft spoken lady came up to us. I thought she was a customer, but she was a server. She explained they were out of most foods because it's later, but they still had beef and rice. We told her it was fine and she told us to make ourselves comfortable. There were some loud men, tough looking men at different tables speaking different languages. It was a bit off putting at first, but after we were there a few minutes we started to get smiles and greetings. It seemed they were just taken aback by us because we were different than everyone else. Everyone I interacted with was very friendly, and it felt safe. It felt like I was being served by the sweet mother of a good friend. We were brought bowls of beef soup and large plates of rice. As we ate, she continued to bring out food. More beef broth, more beef, a vegetable salad. She would bring out the food, tell us what it was and make sure she got some approval before setting it down. We got up to smoke at one point. She rushed over to cover our food with plates. I was very impressed by the attention to food safety they had, especially for a small resturant. The food was delicious. The beef still had bone on it and had a pot roast texture to it. The rice had a chinese food fried rice taste to it, but all of the food had a blend of spices I had never tried before. It was not very spicy, but it was good enough it did not need to be. I was wondering if I was going to get stuck with a big bill and the end as I had not inquired about the prices. The bill was just over $40 with two bottles waters. My girlfriend and I are big eaters, but we both ate as much as we could, had left over later that night and then for lunch the next day. The price for the portions was definitely good. I haven't written many reviews, but this place deserved 5 starts.

Somair Feroz 16 Nov 2025

My first time trying Ugandan food. When I entered the restaurant, it felt as if I was entering someone’s home as a guest, who like to take care of you before anything else. I wanted to try stuff so had the beef stew, chapati, beans, spinach , tea , kabalaga (pancake) and the mandazi (donut). The chapati with beef stew and the kabalaga with tea were pairs made in heaven.

Cynthia Assanah 07 Nov 2025

We drove over three hours from Brooklyn, New York to Waltham, Massachusetts to go to this restaurant. We’d heard they had very good Ugandan food. My husband and I had all foods with a chicken stew and my husband had the fish. The fish wasn’t that great, but everything else was ok. The food wasn’t worth the drive, but it’s one person’s opinion. We also bought some Mandazi. Those were really good.

Vincent Valenzuela 23 Oct 2025

I've never felt so taken care of - instead of a menu, we were told what was available and what was good today. Staff is soooo friendly and helpful. We had Ugandan beef and veggies samosas chicken in coconut milk sauce, rice and beef, mixed veg . . . So so so good!

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