Barako Somali Restaurant

4.2 ( 268 reviews )
Checking... 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
6447 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46241, United States
+1 317-991-4753

Barako Somali Restaurant is a hidden gem located at 6447 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN. This East African eatery offers a unique dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Its appeal lies not only in the authentic Somali cuisine but also in the welcoming atmosphere created by owner Osman, who delights diners with his engaging conversations.

Many reviewers rave about the flavorful dishes. A standout is the grilled goat, praised for its richness and the unique fried rice that accompanies it, infused with roasted vegetables and hints of star anise. The fried tilapia and hearty bean dishes also receive high marks for taste and portion size. Each meal is served with a spongey bread that perfectly complements the hearty gravies. Kyla Jones mentions adding lime to her meal, enhancing its flavor profile immensely.

The restaurant's layout is simple but functional, encouraging diners to focus on the food rather than the decor. While some menu items may occasionally be unavailable, the staff are accommodating and flexible, ensuring a delightful experience for those willing to explore Somali cuisine. Whether you’re an adventurous eater or just curious about East African fare, Barako Somali Restaurant is a worthwhile destination for an authentic taste of Somalia.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves halal food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves vegan dishes
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Quiet
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Reservations required
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
  • Parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Barako Somali Restaurant

TheBashace
May 14,2025
Went off the beaten path for lunch, was surprised to find this Somali Restaurant tucked in behind the main street businesses. As an eater with an international palet, just had to stop in and try the food. The dining area is open, sparse, and functional. Some items may not be available from the menu, but they are more than happy to cook something for you. I ordered the goat with rice, the goat was grilled and very flavorful. The rice was a real treat, almost like a fried rice with roasted vegetables, maybe a little Star Anise, and a touch of heat from some hot pepper (not too hot, but will warm the lips a little). My coworker ordered the fried Tilapia, he said it was really good, his rice was same as mine. The portion size is fairly large, I could only eat half, took the other half home for dinner The service isn't very formal, so if you need something, just tell the guy behind the pick-up window and they will take care of you. A nice hole-in-the-wall if you are adventurous, well worth the visit, I will be a regular customer now
Kyla Jones
May 5,2025
Barako was a bit hard to find for me (it's at the end of the parking lot on the right hand side) but I had an excellent meal of soghar and foul here- a red meat in an excellent onion based gravy with a bean-intensive side, served with a lovely spongey neutral bread. Don't let the inside put you off! The food is great, and adding the lime to it really kicks it up a notch.
Rajiur Rahman
May 1,2025
I have no words to describe how much we loved this place. The food was just awesome. Authentic african touch, very well cooked, tasty. I'd like to recall the lovely conversation we had with the owner Osman. He's one heart-warming old man. He treated us so well and had a very endearing conversation. We were a group of Bangladeshi folks passing by Indy. He told us memories about the time when Bangladesh is becoming independent country. You got a local customer. I know where to eat whenever I'm near Indianapolis.
Talha Ahmad
Apr 12,2025
Very generous people. You must try the great tea! Also has a spot for prayer. The maps will lead you to a different parking lot; go to the dirt parking lot to find the place.
Ahmed Abdisalaan
Mar 26,2025
This restaurant always you getting amazing food and it's clean, good service is fast and friendly, tonight I get Meat, they called rose and chapati if you are In Indianapolis please visit Barako restaurant.
Rabiya Lone
Mar 20,2025
Amazing! Truly genuinely authentic food, perfect in flavor and seasoning, even the picky eaters in the family enjoyed the food! They dont have much of a menu, but trust me what they do have is all you need! MashAllah hospitality is amazing too. Husband and wife duo, wife does the cooking and the food reminds you of home! There room for Salat, bathroom with Muslim shower, clean and Covid prep. Its not a family restaurant, mainly trucker come for a stop, but family can easily sit and enjoy without getting disturbed.
Nabil Ibtehaz
Mar 15,2025
This is not our first time trying Somali food, but still it took our breath away. The foods are all halal. We highly recommend both beef and lamb with rice. The beef dish had plenty of meat and the lamb was juicy and tender. The rice was delicious and filled with flavor. Last but not least, the staffs were so nice and welcoming. While we were waiting they offered us almost half plate of meat as appetizer. They also served somali tea and salad for free. The price is a bit high in Indiana standard but totally worth it. Also they have a place for prayer, which is very rare in USA.
Ahmed Hassan
Mar 8,2025
Yeah, really good place and they have a truck parking, but it’s not a overnight barking

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