Columbus has a sizable Somali population, and all too often it flies under the radar for being so insular. People, business and yes, restaurants, are clustered in a few neighborhoods leaving the wider city unaware of the great things in its midst. Hoyo’s Kitchen is a really great chance to break out of that.
I can’t quite describe everything we had. The platters were full of saffron rice, a couple different types of diced chicken (one curried), chicken drumsticks, lamb shanks, and pieces of goat (for which they are known). There were sides of salad and cups of chickpeas and lentils. All of it was beautifully seasoned and tender. “Hoyo” is the Somali word for “mother,” and that idea rang true for our visit. It was like discovering a new type of home cooking. Given the warm welcome and the rich variety of food, we’re already planning return visits.
This place was amazing! The owner actually sat down with us, and helped us pick our lunches. He even explained what Somali cooking was. I had a terrible experience with goat at another resturant( not related ) and I was hesitant to order it again. He asked me to have faith in him and he assured me his goat will be better. AND IT WAS! Tender, juicey, tasted almost like roast beef. I give this place a million like, and recommend it to anyone. It was that good.
When we first arrived at the restaurant around 7 o'clock on a Friday evening we were the only ones there. The waitress was super slow getting to us and spoke very limited English. They were out of ingredients for two of the things we tried to order. It then took forever for food to arrive and we were hardly waited on when the food did come. The good news is the food was excellent. They gave us a complimentary lentil soup which was great and we ordered three different meals that we shared between four of us which was plenty. we had a goat a chicken and beef dish with rice and all were superb. We had to ask for our check and it took several minutes for the person to ring it up because she did not seem to understand the cash register either. All in all the food was wonderful but behind the scenes they need to work on customer service
Absolutely Delicious!. This place is a true hidden gem, don't let the strip mall location deceive you. Upon entering, we were greeted graciously, and any questions we had about the menu were carefully answered by our very kind hostess (I believe she is the owner). The food was so delicious! Our table ordered a platter, which included two types of meat dishes, and four types of vegetable dishes. The injeera was the perfect spongy texture to complement our entree. Each of the different dishes brought their own unique flavors, and everything seemed to be prepared perfectly - not too spicy or oily, and very fresh. I definitely hope to become a regular here!
I have mixed feelings about Solay Bistro. The atmosphere and decor was very nice. Everyone working there was warm and friendly and made me feel very welcome. Service was OK...I went most of my my meal without water and had to wait 5-10 minutes for my check after I had finished. The food was decent, but not impressive. The bread was a little burnt on the outside, and slightly gummy on the inside. Flavors in the meat and vegetables weren't bad at all, but weren't spectacular either. Shaah tea was delicious. I would try this place again just to sample a few more items from their menu before drawing a final conclusion.
Tasty Fresh Food. Very nice decor, excellent food and kind/helpful service! Will definitely be back to try several more dishes.
Wonderful food, Even better service!. Not only was the food here fantastic, the woman who served us (owner or manager, I think) was one of the nicest people I've ever met in my life. She was extremely warm and friendly, gave great suggestions for food, and continually gave us bonus food free of charge. My friends and I agreed it felt like we were in the home of a close friend or relative, or being served by someone's extremely hospitable mother. I cannot speak highly enough of our experience at Solay.
A delightful place to dine. Solay is indeed a remarkable place to dine if one desires unique East African and Mediterranian cuisine . I found the food scrumptious, the ambience most agreeable and the people highly friendly and professional. I went there with friends who've all expressed great satisfaction with Solay Bistro. Since I've come to the U.S from England, I've not had the pleasure of enjoying good food in restaurants of similar cuisines until I went to Solay through sheer lack. Personally I think anyone who eats at Solay is more likely to be pleased than to be displeased. It's that good.
Hidden Gem. I've yet to try something I didn't like at Solay Bistro. Incredibly diverse menu with built-in adaptations to customer preference. Great vegetarian selection, too!
First time trying Somalian food. Tried this place because it had good reviews. The food is very flavorful and tasty! The sauces they have are very delicious too!
Must try if you are in the area.
First time having Somalian food so I can’t talk about authenticity, but it is delicious regardless. I picked the rice and the goat, let the young lady do what she liked after that. Ordered it with a tamarind juice. The goat was so well cleaned and stewed, it could have passed for beef stew. Rice was well seasoned, the cabbage gave it the crunch, the yogurt gave it just a bit of creaminess. Tried the chili sauce but was too spicy for me. Docked a star because the juice could’ve had a more concentrated taste but the food itself is 5 stars and the service is top notch.
We came here last year 2022.. and We’re coming back soon That’s all I’m going to say! lol 😁 good food!!!!!
The people at this restaurant are very well mannered and they love what they do. Their food was made with love! This is Mommas Kitchen! ❤️
Back in 2023 of Aug we came back and tried something different. Mango chicken!!! We stuck with the tamarind drink and our boys got the mango 🥭 we love y’all food so much I’ve learn how to make Somalian food because we don’t have any restaurants like this in our city! Just know everytime we hit up Columbus we will be here!! We love y’all!
This place is an excellent representative for Somali cuisine in the US. Food here made my day as it was so flavorful with all the harmonious spices.
Got the half/ half with goat and safari chicken, the heat gave such a good kick and you cannot joke with those sauces, especially the mango habanero!
Portion size is generous, the lady who helped with my order was nice and friendly. I really want to come back just for this good food!!!
Wow. I just finished my food 5 minutes ago, and I had to jump right on Google reviews to leave a great review here.This is a true 5-star bowl place.
I’m blown away by the sweet and delectable taste of the mango chicken. I eat A LOT, and this will provide me fuel all day.
Amazing service, the people working there were sweet, thoughtful and incredibly patient as we figured out what we wanted to eat. Ended up getting the vegetarian bowl and the garlic yogurt sauce and my goodness! So yummy and held me over until the evening truly.
Talk about FLAVOR!! I got the spicy rice bowl with mango chicken, onions, garbanzo beans, and chicken with a beef sambusa on the side. Everything was so delicious and seasoned! All of the flavors mixed so well together. I washed it all down with a tamarind drink which was not too sweet, it hit the spot! I had to come back a few days later and grab another bowl, that’s how good they are! The chai tea is a must try! Don’t forget the injera 🗣️🗣️ customer service is fabulous!!
Hoyo's has become a place I feel I'm missing out on if I don't go weekly. Their price is reasonable, the food is top notch, and those that work at the Bridge Park location are always friendly.
The only complaint is that I love the mango chicken on Somali rice so much it is hard for me to try other options!
Really yummy, I got a goat combo meal with basmati rice, cheek peas and cabbage. Complete yet even rice is packed with flavor. Really good and it’s going to be a problem for my diet while visiting Columbus)) bravo chef
Stopped by on my lunch break after being told about it for months by a friend. I will definitely be back. Great customer service and food. I had a bowl with the "yellow" rice sweet and spicy chicken and beef and some veggies. Also had a beef sambusa (so good I went back for a chicken, also good). And then I had a ginger lemonade.
Really good. Decent price point. Really no commissions.
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