Eat lunch with elephants at Mkutano House
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Enjoy lunch with a watering hole view! Photo: Kate Murphy/Axios
You can have lunch with elephants at Mkutano House in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Dig in: The new restaurant and bar with African-inspired dishes opens Thursday inside the Elephant Valley exhibit.
- It offers a waterfront dining and drinking experience in Escondido with a watering hole that separates diners from the animals.
Best bites: The koji-marinated chicken wings ($23) with an agave-harissa glaze, labneh-green goddess dressing and cashews are a standout.
- The Somali spicy rigatoni ($27) with vegan sausage was a hit, even among meat eaters.
- The light and crispy vegetable samosas ($19) with a cilantro chutney are a good savory starter.
Sip on a refreshing mango lemonade, twists on classic cocktails ($18) like the Zobo Loco with Sango African agave spirit, hibiscus, lime and agave, plus beer and wine.
The vibe: Mkutano House is designed to feel like traveler lodges on African safaris with a mix of modern, rustic and cultural decor.
- The restaurant has indoor and outdoor tables, lounge seating and patios and bars on two levels.
If you go: It's open daily 11am–4pm.
- Walk in or book reservations online.
