COLUMBIA CITY – Two new African restaurants have opened in the heart of the Rainier Valley.

First, Jacques Sarr, the well-known Senegalese chef who pioneered Seattle’s West African food scene in Belltown more than a decade ago, has opened Afrikando Banadir – what he says is Seattle’s first West and East African restaurant. Sarr invites you to savor the unique and flavorful dishes of Senegal and East Africa with his authentic dishes and traditional family recipes.

Second, Mamadou Diakhate has finally opened his long-awaited La Teranga Senegalese Restaurant – located in the old Roy’s BBQ hole-in-the-wall at 4903-1/2 Rainier Ave. S. – which features an impressive menu of authentic Senegalese food – including salads, soups, sandwiches and entrees. Mamadou also owns Baol International Ethnic Gift Shop in the Weed Building across the street.

Afrikando Banadir – open every day from 6 am to 11 pm – is located at 5212 Rainier Avenue South. Photo courtesy of Afrikando Banadir.