The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is ready to be your special place. Imagine gathering with friends and family around the table, savoring bold flavors from across the globe, while just outside the window a majestic elephant herd roams their expansive habitat. This one-of-a-kind view will be the heart of your culinary experience at the Safari Park’s newest dining experience, Mkutano House.

Just as its name suggests (Mkutano means “Gathering Place”), Mkutano House will be more thana restaurant. At the heart of Denny Sanford Elephant Valley, it will be a destination where people come together, share a meal, and create lasting memories surrounded by the beauty of wildlife.

A Menu That Brings the World Together

The spirit of Mkutano House is inspired by the tradition of meals as moments of community. Across Africa, dining is about connection—laughter, shared stories, and the joy of savoring dishes together. That sense of togetherness is at the core of our menu. 

While many dishes feature the bold, vibrant notes of African cuisine, our culinary team has also drawn inspiration from the diverse regions tied to our conservation mission. Guests will discover touches of the American Southwest, refreshing hints of Asia, and the comfort of classic continental flavors for those who crave a more traditional repast.

Leading this vision is Executive Chef Grant Toraason, who believes food is one of the most powerful ways to connect people across cultures. His inspiration comes from the idea that a shared table can breakdown barriers and spark conversations—much like the conservation work happening throughout the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and in our Conservation Hubs. With Mkutano House, Chef Grant invites guests to taste, share, and discover together while enjoying a view as remarkable as the flavors on their plates.

The menu itself is designed around community. Appetizers will be available both individually and for sharing, while entrées will focus on beautifully prepared features—such as chicken, beef, or fish—paired with garnish and sauce. Sides will be served family-style, encouraging guests to pass, share, and explore together.

The Ona Lounge Experience

On the top floor of Mkutano House, guests will find the Nelson M. Millsberg Ona Lounge, where creativity shines in every sip. Signature African-inspired cocktails will highlight unique ingredients like baobab, hibiscus, tamarind, and rooibos, paired with spirits such as Amarula and palm wine infusions. The bar will also highlight San Diego’s thriving craft beer scene alongside international standouts like Pliny the Elder and Delirium Tremens, a Belgian favorite recognized by its elephant logo—a perfect nod to the herd nearby.

Wine enthusiasts can enjoy a curated selection of South African Chenin Blancs and Pinotages, alongside sustainable producers from California and beyond. Non-alcoholic offerings such as African-style ginger beer, hibiscus iced tea, and spiced fruit punches will ensure every guest has something refreshing and culturally rich to enjoy.

Tu Grill: Quick, Flavorful Favorites

For those seeking something quick yet full of flavor, Tu Grill will offer seasonal skewers with bold marinades and vibrant sides. From Beef Suya with peri peri sauce to chicken digaag qumbe with coconut-banana gastrique, as well as grilled vegetables with chimichurri, there will be something for every appetite. Traditional sides like kachumbari salad, fried plantains, rice, and berbere-seasoned fries will round out the menu, making Tu Grill the perfect stop for a casual bite.

A Place to Meet, Share,and Celebrate

Our vision for Mkutano House is simple: to create a dining destination where community comes first. Whether you’re stopping by for a meal after exploring the Safari Park, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying time with friends, this will be a space where every meal feels like a shared adventure—made unforgettable by the sight of elephants nearby.

We cannot wait to welcome you to Mkutano House. Thank you for being part of the Alliance. Your membership makes experiences like this possible and supports our mission of conservation, education, and inspiring connections with wildlife.