Route 1’s Swahili Village Gains International Attention in D.C. During U.S.-Africa Summit

Courtesy of Swahili Village

The D.C. location of a popular Route 1 restaurant gained international attention this week.

During the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, President Hage Geingob of Namibia stopped by upscale Kenyan restaurant Swahili Village, located at 1990 M St. NW.

“When you dine here, you dine with delegates and dignitaries,” the restaurant boasted on Instagram earlier today.

Owner Kevin Onyona first opened the restaurant in College Park in 2009 before moving to Beltsville in 2016, adding a bigger and more upscale sister location in downtown D.C. in 2020 just days before the pandemic hit. It also has locations in Tyson’s Corner, Va.; and Newark, N.J.

It’s one of D.C.’s only black-owned fine dining restaurants and among the few serving upscale African cuisine.

You can dine in-person at Swahili Village at 10800 Rhode Island Ave. in Beltsville or find it on find them on UberEats, DoorDash, Postmates and GrubHub.

D.C.-Africa Leaders Summit kicked off Tuesday, Dec. 13 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 17.

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