After a decade-long stint in Heidelberg West, owner-cook Abdo Sean has crossed town to open New Somali Kitchen in Flemington.

The look is casual but chic, with white-tiled walls and lots of simple, dark wood for tables and chairs, which can seat about 20.

There's a tight menu, with the five mains falling in the $10 to $18 range.

The signature dish is the NSK Classic of grilled lamb and fragrant rice, cooked in stock, seasoned with cloves, black pepper, cardamom and cinnamon, and served with a piquant green chilli sauce on the side.

There is also a lamb salad ($13) of lamb, greens and vegetables topped with toasted almonds, yoghurt and coriander dressing.

Snacks are between $2 and $4 and include mildly seasoned yet minty bajeya (falafel) and Somali meatballs.

Unlike most of Melbourne's African restaurants, desserts are a feature at New Somali Kitchen, and include Somali affogato and cinnamon and cardamom cake.

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner; Sunday dinner only.

284 Racecourse Road, Flemington 03 8589 7631