Name: Tawakal Restaurant
Price range: $$

Tawakal Restaurant Information

If you’re ever in the Burnsville area and in the mood for a unique dining experience, Tawakal Restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Located at 12609 Nicollet Ave, this cozy spot offers a delightful mix of Somali and East African cuisine that will have your taste buds dancing. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere - nothing too fancy, but comfortable enough to make you feel right at home. It’s the kind of place where the service is friendly, and the food comes out piping hot and packed with flavor.

The menu at Tawakal is a beautiful reflection of its rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, there’s something for everyone. One of the standout dishes is their goat meat - tender and perfectly seasoned, it pairs wonderfully with their signature somali rice. It's a dish that you can find at many Somali restaurants, but Tawakal’s version truly takes the flavor to another level with its fragrant spices and satisfying richness. If you’re not into goat, their grilled chicken is another excellent choice, with a smoky char and just the right amount of spice.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more adventurous, the sambusa is a must-try. These crispy pastries are filled with a variety of meats or vegetables, offering a nice contrast between crunchy and savory. They’re a popular snack in many East African households, and Tawakal nails it every time. Pair it with a traditional Somali tea, which has a hint of cardamom and cinnamon, and you’ve got yourself a perfect start to the meal.

What makes Tawakal Restaurant truly stand out is not just its food, but the sense of community. The staff is incredibly warm and accommodating, often striking up friendly conversations with guests and making you feel like a part of the family. The vibe here is very casual and laid-back, with just enough hustle to keep the atmosphere lively but never overwhelming. It’s clear that many of the customers are regulars who return not only for the food but for the welcoming environment that Tawakal creates.

In addition to their main offerings, they have a selection of fresh juices and traditional breads, like canjeero, which adds to the overall authenticity of the experience. Whether you’re dining with friends, family, or even on your own, Tawakal provides a perfect mix of flavors, comfort, and heartwarming hospitality that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking to try something new or craving a taste of East Africa, Tawakal is a place you won’t regret visiting.

Business Info

What People's Say About Place

Service was incredible friendly! Took the cooks recommendation and had goat. Very tender 9/10! Flavor w/rice was good, not excellent 8/10. Reasonable prices. Will return!!

I went here for a group project on Somalian Culture and the food was great. I’ve never had Somalian food before and I was definitely caught by surprise by the wonderful flavors and aromas of the food I ordered. Service was great and staff were very friendly and very helpful with recommendations. I ordered the baklava, waslad w/ rice and after speaking with a few patrons, they insisted I try the sambusa. All of it was great. Would highly recommend.

I need to eat more East African food. Food was hot, fresh,very healthy, and very yummy. Love the chef and the young man working here too. I want to try more of their breads next time. Nice stop when i was traveling to the Twin Cities for work!

We tried our first Somali food here a few weeks ago. They have a great and easily accessible location south of the airport/mall/burbs. We did carry-out. Some items were made to order so we waited a few minutes but it was still very fast. We'd happily return!

Visiting from Chicago with the family. Very friendly staff that walked me thru the menu. Tasty food, prices were reasonable. Had lunch after Jummuah. Bottled water was on the house. We ordered a meat/chicken rice platter, philly sandwich with fries. Everything was fresh and flavorful. Alhamdullilah.

The food is spectacular, could not get enough of it and I had plenty! Thank you for the great food and good service. Looking forward to going back.

Visited this place twice in a two week time frame and just stumbled upon the place. So that should speak volumes! The amount of food is great. The service was good, the person who comes to clean the tables, was pleasant when asked to come clean where we sat. The ordering the first time around was a bit of a challenge (and no, not because of language barriers) BUT the second time around it was better. The gentlemen helped me ensure some items did not have the meat (I don’t eat certain meats) in the appetizer(s)/deserts. Great food, the atmosphere is simple, petite, has a television for viewing pleasure but for ME, it will be a grab and go type place for me.

Always a great place to get authentic Somali food! I’ve been coming to Tawakal for years, and it never disappoints. The food is always fresh, flavorful, and comforting — truly reminds you of home-cooked meals. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the hospitality is warm and welcoming every time. If you’re looking for authentic Somali cuisine in Burnsville, this is definitely the spot.

Tawakal Restaurant