The cuisine of Africa is diverse and speaks about Africa’s rich culture. Each spice used in preparing the dishes enhances the unique flavor and texture of the dishes.
It is very difficult to express African cuisine in one word as there are great variations in the flavor and texture of African cuisine. A variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, and grains are used to prepare authentic and delicious dishes. Also, each region of Africa follows its unique ingredients and techniques to prepare its hearty dishes.
If you are a resident of the US or a traveler who wants to explore African cuisine in the States of America then this guide is for you.
Here, in this article, we are going to put together 20 best African restaurants (State-wise) that you must try once in your lifetime.
Table of Contents
Alaska:
1. Queen of Sheba
If you are looking forward to experiencing unique culinary cuisine, look no further. Queen of Sheba gives you the privilege of sampling African cuisine with brilliant service. Although the restaurant is quite small, the ambiance is very beautiful and welcoming. So, if you’re planning brunch with friends and family, this African restaurant is ideal to visit. You can visit the restaurant anytime between 11 am to 7 pm and 1 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday to Friday and on Weekends respectively.
The restaurant features an extensive menu that has options for various Africa-based delicacies to choose from. All the dishes are made with authenticity and will surely leave you wanting more.
However, we recommend you try their exquisite prawns and inguinal which are cooked to perfection. You can also try injera, it is neither very thick nor very sour, just right to compliment the creamy spiciness.
And in drinks, we recommend you get yourself an authentic pot of spiced tea or wicked beer if you prefer alcohol. The menu even features vegan and gluten-free dishes. Also, they are very generous with the proportion of food. So, it’s best to pay a visit along with a group of friends or family.
Address: 2813 Dawson St, Anchorage, AK 99503, United States
Phone Number: +1 907-222-1010
Dishes to try: Tibsi Siga, Alicha tibs, Yebeg tibs, Doro tibs, Doro Alicha, hot cocoa, Italian soda, and more
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5
California:
2. Aduke Nigerian Cuisine
Aduke Nigerian Cuisine is certainly one of the best African restaurants that will surely not disappoint! All the dishes are prepared by the Nigerian chef AdukeOluaafunmilayo; who also happens to be the owner of the restaurant. If you are looking forward to a get-together with friends or family you must visit this place; the restaurant is very spacious and welcoming.
The restaurant is open anytime between 11 am to 8:30 pm every weekday. However, on public holidays the hours might vary.
This African Food restaurant is highly loved among locals as well as tourists for its appetizing servings. The menu is extensive to splurge on and has something for everyone. However, the wait time is usually longer than the rest of the restaurants nearby but it’s worth it!! That is because all the food prepared is authentic and handmade by the chef with fresh ingredients.
While visiting the restaurant, look for a variety of stews made with unique Nigerian ingredients. Alongside, you can choose from fufu, okra, greens, and much more. The restaurant’s specialty lies in its seasoned Jollof rice steamed in tomato puree.
In drinks, we recommend you try beverages like Zoo made with hibiscus, sorrel, ginger, and honey, and freshly made pineapple juice.
Address: 909 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301, United States
Phone number: +1 213-261-0737
Dishes to try: French fries cooked with Ketchup, Amala Gbegiri ati Ewedu pelu Obe orisirisi, Ewa Aganyin ati Ata, Fried rice combo, bottled drinks, and more
Ratings: 4.1 out of 5.
Colorado:
3. African grill and bar
This African Restaurant started winning recognition as soon as it opened in 2010. It encompasses two dining spaces and avails a capacity of 200 seatings during usual days. The owners have claimed that one of the two dining spaces is dedicated to organizing private parties and functions, this is open for booking special events like birthdays and anniversaries. This family-centered restaurant is certainly the only restaurant that has been serving a large variety of food.
This African restaurant is located in Lakewood, Colorado. You can visit there anytime between 11 am to 9 pm irrespective of weekends or weekdays.
While visiting this African food restaurant do try these familiar yet exceptionally flavourful pillowy samosas, jollof rice, and also fried chicken. You can never go wrong with these on your plate. Besides, Stew and Soups make up the better part of the menu. There are also many fascinating recipes to discover here. They also serve varieties of fufu; these soft doughy balls cover the soothing counterpart to the blasts of flavor imparted by the stews.
In drinks, we recommend you try Theo’s fabulous fresh ginger juice with a shot of rum. Besides, there are more amazing options for drinks to sample, such as wine from Southern Africa and Ethiopia, beer from Kenya or Liberia, and bitters from Ghana or Nigeria. Moreover, the menu also features a classic selection of cocktails.
Address: 955 S Kipling Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80226, United States
Phone Number: +1 303-985-4497
Dishes to try: African salad, cabbage stew, chapatti, grilled Salmon steak, Grilled whole Tilapiya, chicken wings, and more
Ratings: 4.8 out of 5.
Florida:
4. Sheri Restaurant
This West African Restaurant is known for its brilliant servicing and customer-friendly behavior.
If you are in the Miami metropolitan city and wish to visit nice African food places, you should stop by Sheri restaurant. This restaurant offers authentic dishes at a very reasonable price.
The restaurant welcomes visitors anytime between 9 am to 9 pm except on Sundays.
The restaurant’s menu is extensive and features a large range of Nigerian-based dishes that are cooked to perfection. They provide quite an ample amount of servings that are enough to fill you.
Address: 16595 NW 27th Ave, Opa-Locka, FL 33054, United States
Phone Number: +1 305-622-3100
Dishes to try: Fried rice, plantains, Egusi with fish or assorted meat, Fish pepper soup, Tilapia, Meat pie, dodo, meat, Akara & Ogi, Gulder Beer, Guinness Beer, and more
Ratings: 4 out of 5
Georgia:
5. 10 Degrees south
10 Degrees South is certainly one of the best African food places that is dinner-appropriate.
The restaurant features a spacious-looking ambiance as well as serves fine African-based diners. It is quite renowned among locals and tourists and one can certainly spot that by the overflow of luxury sedans in the parking area.
The restaurant even has a bar and patio where you can hang out with your friends or colleagues. You can visit the place anytime between 5 pm to 10 pm.
This African Restaurant is worth a try for dishes like bobotie, a sweet ground beef curry on which savory custard is baked to a deep brown and the whole is served over rice. But before that, you can have boerewors, hunks of meaty but nicely spiced sausage as a starter portion.
Address: 4183 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342, United States
Phone Number: +1 404-705-8870
Dishes to try: Biltong, Prego Roll, Cucumber tomato salad, Safari salad, Peri-peri Aioli, 10 Degrees South Steak Sauce, and more
Ratings: 4.3 out of 5
6. Cafe Shanghai
If you’re seeking authentic West African cuisine that represents the taste of African countries, in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, Cafe Songhai is the place that you should visit. It is a very chill and welcoming restaurant that is ideal for lunch or dinner with your family or loved ones. The restaurant features good food as well as good service; that is certainly why you must pay a visit!
The opening hours usually vary from weekdays to weekends that said, 12 pm to 9 pm and 12 pm to 8 pm respectively. However, the restaurant remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The menu features a selection of traditional Nigerian dishes such as egusi soup; Ghanaian food such as Kelewele, deep-fried, lightly spiced, diced sweet plantain; and dishes like Attiéké, ground cassava, served with fried tilapia fillet or red snapper that is quite famous in Ivory coast.
Address: 3380 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Peachtree Corners, GA
Phone Number: +1 470-359-2969
Dishes to try: Atomo, Goat Pepper Soup, Meat pie, Beef Suya fries, Jollof Rice, Grilled Tilapia, Egusi, fried Fish, Peanut butter soup, and more
Ratings: 4.3 out of 5
Iowa:
7. Taste of Africa
This African Restaurant is the most underrated yet one of the best African food places to try. With authenticity and perfection, it brings the taste of Africa to Western countries in every bite. The restaurant is very welcoming and comfy, which makes it appropriate for brunch with family and friends. It features excellent services to its customers and the staff are friendly too.
The restaurant is located in Des Moines at 2500 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy Suite #3. You can visit the place and try the amazing dishes yourself anytime between 9 am to 6 pm.
While visiting the restaurant and exploring the delicacies make sure to try beef samosa and Lagos meals; these meals include fish and lamb, and plantain that is served with rice and vegetables.
Moreover, the restaurant is a perfect stop for road trippers and day trip visitors to Addo National Park.
Address: Des Moines at 2500 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy Suite #3. Des Moines, IA 50310, United States
Phone Number: +1 515-867-7349
Dishes to try: Chicken Sandwich, Fish Sandwiches, Fish Sandwiches, Beef Sambusa, Mandazi, cappuccino, Soda, Ugali & Spinach
Ratings: 4.7 out of 5
Louisiana:
8. Bennachin Restaurant
This African Restaurant has been in business since 1992 and has its initial origins in Gambia and Cameroon. It has come a long way from serving locals to attracting tourists as well. The overall ambiance of the restaurant is very comfy and welcoming. It offers customers delicious African dishes bursting with flavors.
You can visit the location anytime between 11 am to 8 pm and 11 am to 9 pm on Wednesday to Thursday and Friday to Sunday respectively. However, the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
This African food restaurant’s specialty lies in its dishes such as Makube (Banana Tropicana), Nyeaturing (Fish pie), and Kone Mi Makondo. All of these dishes are made with fresh ingredients and delivered to the table instantly to ensure the best customer service.
Address: 1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
Phone Number: +1 504-522-1230
Dishes to try: Makube, Nyeaturing, Kone Mi Makondo, and more
Ratings: 4.4 out of 5
Massachusetts:
9. Suya Joint
Suya Joint is one of the best African Food places to visit. This African restaurant is renowned for serving good food as well as customer-friendly services. It invests in quality and authentic ingredients to prepare its delicacies, and that’s what makes the restaurant stand out from the rest. They serve an ample amount of food with a short wait time and are perfectly organized.
You can visit there anytime between 11 am to 9 pm from Tuesday to Saturday and 2 pm to 8 pm on Sundays. However, they are closed on Mondays.
This West African restaurant intends to attract local Africans searching for taste from home and non-Africans who are willing to try African cuisine.
Address: 185 Dudley St, Boston, MA 02119, United States
Phone Number: +1 617-708-0245
Dishes to try: Goat Pepper Soup, Beef Samosa, Wet Fried goat Meat, Vegetable samosa, Snapper Fish, Moi Moi Plantain & White Rice & Stew, and more
Ratings: 4 out of 5
Michigan:
10. Maty’s African cuisine
This West African restaurant is a hidden gem that is worth sneaking out of! The ambiance of the restaurant gives a classy and warm vibe that is perfect for family and friends gathering. The restaurant’s menu features a unique assortment of purely African-based dishes that are served hot and beautiful.
This restaurant brings the flavor of Africa to Western Country in each bite. To try the amazing recipes yourself, visit the restaurant during their opening hours, that is, 11 am to 9 pm every day except Mondays.
Address: 21611 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48219, United States
Phone Number: +1 313-472-5885
Dishes to try: Jollof rice, Whole red Snapper, plantains, fish Yassa, Chicken Yassa, bissap, tilapia, lamb shanks, and more
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5
New York:
11. Brooklyn Suya
Brooklyn Suya brings fast comfort West African food to the States. It has everything that will surely blow your mind. The restaurant features a very cozy and welcoming ambiance and also avails delivery and takeaway options. The food served is finger-licking delicious. Don’t trust us? Well, then try it out yourself.
This West African restaurant is located at 717 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY. You can explore the place and try their delicious servings anytime from 9 am to 11 pm irrespective of weekends or weekdays.
Address: 717 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States
Phone Number: +1 718-513-0122
Dishes to try: This African restaurant enables you to build your suya bowl with preferred meat/protein. Alongside you can include a base of either rice or kale; and mild, medium, or spicy sauce. In add-ons, you can have avocado, plantain, egg, mushrooms, eggplant, and vegetables. However, the star of every serving is the Suya Spice Mix, made with peanuts, ground-up peppers, and various aromatics.
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5
12. Buka
If you’re searching for “good old-fashioned Naija cooking” this Nigerian restaurant is where you should be! The ambience of the restaurant is very classy and basic with its spacious modern decor. And that makes it ideal for dinner with friends, family, and loved ones. This African restaurant has earned a reputation for its delicious dishes that are presented beautifully with remarkable customer service.
This restaurant is a must-visit for every local African who wants to recall the African flavors in New York. You can explore the place and try out their delicious servings anytime between 12 pm to 11 pm from Tuesday to Thursday, 12 pm to 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays, 12 pm to 11 pm, and 4 pm to 11 pm on Sundays and Mondays respectively.
Address: 1111 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States
Phone number: +1 347-763-0619
Dishes to try: Goat and tripe meat, Akara, Suya, Dundun, Nkwobi, Igbin, Pof Pof, Fish pepper soup, Fried Rice, Jollof Rice, Tilapia, Beef, Amala, and more
Ratings: 3.7 out of 5
Parlin:
13. Olaide’s Kitchen
Olaide’s Kitchen was initially started as a catering business that operated out of Chef Olaide’s home kitchen. After 18 years of experience, it expanded into an African restaurant. This restaurant helps customers get inspired and relate to African culture while they dine alongside their African art gallery.
To taste the West African flavours you can visit the place anytime between 11 am to 8 pm except on Mondays.
Address: 499 Ernston Rd, Parlin, NJ 08859, United States
Phone Number: +1 732-952-8880
Dishes to try: Jollof Rice, Beef Suya, Ewedu and Gbegiri, Ayamase, Efo riro, Asun, and more
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5
Seattle
14. Blackstar Kebab
Blackstar Kebab is a “dream come true” or at least that is what the owner PriestwickSackeyfio says. Just like every other successful restaurant/food truck owner, PriestwickSackeyfio started initially by making delicious traditional Ghanaian family recipes for Western locals who had never tasted them before. And gradually, turned into a big hit and one of the highly loved African food places in Seattle.
And to know why it is so renowned, we should try their appetizing dishes. This food truck can be spotted in various great places across the Seattle area and they might also vary. Although, this African food place is quite famous for its kebab which is cooked over a charbroiler and seasoned perfectly with Ghanaian spices; it also has a lot more to offer. We recommend you try their jollof rice and plantain fritters. They also serve food combos for both adults as well as kids. But that’s not it, they even feature food combinations for vegans so if you are one, then do try the meal.
Address: 217 N 125th St, Seattle, WA 98133, United States
Phone Number: +1 206-499-4019
Dishes to try: Small Chicken Kebab, large beef or lamb kebab, large shrimp kebab, large Jollof rice, small combination meal, and more
Ratings: 4.2 out of 5
Kansas City
15. Fannie’s West African Cuisine
Fannie’s West African Cuisine boasts itself of being authentic as well as handcrafted. The restaurant embraces an African lifestyle, by utilizing African cooking methods. They use organic and fresh ingredients to satisfy their clients’ appetites, as well as their tastebuds. So, if you are looking forward to a nice brunch with family or friends in an African restaurant, this is one of the ideal African food places to visit.
This West African restaurant opens its door to delicacies every day at 11 am and closes by 7 pm, except on Mondays.
The menu features a large range of African food that is cooked to perfection. The dishes are spiced according to the customer’s liking, from mild to spicy. They also have delicious breakfast options and we recommend you try their bread with fried eggs. For lunch, you can try their cassava leaf and for dinner either order yourself a plate of the pepper crab, pepper snail, or the highly loved Waakye.
Address: 4105 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110, United States
Phone Number: +1 816-832-8454
Dishes to try: Attieke, Fried Eggplant sauce, Kenkey, banks, chicken kebab combo, Palava sauce with Ewedu soup, Fried Spinach, and more
Ratings: 4.2 out of 5
Memphis
16. Bala’s Bistro
This African restaurant’s menu does a wonderful job to showcase the diversity of African cooking. This restaurant is surely one of those African food places that has everything for everyone. From authentic African home cooking to vegan and cross-continental fusion dishes. They also offer meal preparation and catering services.
this restaurant is a great place to enjoy African brunch with your loved ones. And you can gain the experience yourself by visiting the place anytime between 11 am to 8 pm.
While visiting this Nigerian restaurant don’t forget to try their beef stuffed pastry, which is fried to perfection and served with a spicy onion relish; and if you prefer veg, order the vegan kimchi wrap, which is served with a side of fried plantains, sweet potato fries with spicy honey, or fried whole okra.
Address: 4571 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116, United States
Phone Number: +1 901-509-3024
Dishes to try: Beef Fatayas, Jamaican Jerk chicken patties, vegetable spring roll, Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken Quesadilla, Crispy chicken wrap, and more
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5
Houston
17. Taste Of Nigeria
This West African restaurant is one of just a few African food places that can successfully fill the void for authentic Nigerian food in Houston. Made with fresh ingredients, all the meals are prepared to make the food appetizing as well as flavourful. This restaurant is still the favorite and most preferred of many locals and tourists.
Usually, this restaurant opens at 4 pm and closes by 11 pm. So, if you’re someone from Huston and craving Nigerian Jollof rice someday you know where to go!
Besides the typical Nigerian dishes, we recommend you try their Isiewu, a spicy diced goat head served in a thick sauce, and main dishes like Banga soup, a palm nut soup made with beef, dry fish, and crayfish. Taste of Nigeria features a large range of menu options and also provides catering and delivery services. So, in case you don’t want to dine in you can easily opt for the door delivery option.
Address: 5959 Richmond Ave. #160, Houston, TX 77057, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-589-9055
Dishes to try: Egusi, Okra, White Rice, Yam porridge, Ogbono, Boiled or fried Yam with eggs, Abacha, and more
Ratings: 4 out of 5
Washington
18. Appioo bar and grill
This African restaurant is a perfect location to loosen up as well as dine in with your friends or loved ones. Its excellent customer service and many delicious Ghanaian foods are something that makes the restaurant stand out from the rest! The overall ambiance of the restaurant is very warm and welcoming, and it is for sure that you are going to love your time there.
The restaurant welcomes visitors between 9 am to 10 pm every day.
Address: 1924 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Phone Number:+1 202-588-7366
Dishes to try: Puff Puff, Ghanaian salad, Appipoo wings, Delicious pepper soup, Spinach fish, Tilapia, Egusi, and more
Ratings: 4 out of 5
San Francisco
19. Eko kitchen
Eko Kitchen is proud of itself for surviving as the first Nigerian diner and catering corporation in San Francisco, offering pre-ordered takeaway and delivery on the weekends.
This restaurant is an ideal spot for anyone who wants to try the incredibly delicious Nigerian dishes without having to move out from the US. You can visit thy place anytime between 8 am to 12 pm.
Address: 130 Townsend St, San Francisco, CA
Phone Number: +1 410-344-3362
Dishes to try: Eko Combo comes with a combination of Jollof Rice with peppered chicken and fried plantain, Asun with potatoes and plantains, Efo Riro with chicken and rice, and more
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5
Manhattan
20. Ponty Bistro
This African restaurant successfully fuses West African and Senegalese culinary traditions with modern Mediterranean and French techniques to serve up a menu that thrills the palate morning, noon, and night. And undoubtedly that is why Ponty Bistro is said to make one of New York City’s best restaurants that brings up African flavors in Western states effectively.
This chic and upscale West African restaurant is nestled away on Third Avenue, between 18th and 19th Streets near Gramercy Park. Ponty Bistro acquires a trendy part of Manhattan. And to know the hype you can pay a visit to the place anytime between 9 am to 12 am.
Address: 2375 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10030, United States
Phone Number: +1 212-234-6475
Dishes to Try: Steak dishes with red sauce, Mushroom risotto, Dakar chicken, and more
Ratings: 4.4 out of 5
FAQ
Can I get a restaurant following the old-fashioned Nigerian-style food?
Ans- Yes, you can get such amazing old-fashioned Nigerian style food at Buka. The naija cooking technique will make you drool over the classic food. This restaurant is also famous for delivery excellent facilities and good customer service.
Conclusion:
The above-mentioned list is just a few of the many African restaurants scattered all throughout the United States. Each of these African-inspired dishes offers you a unique dining experience and lets you try the delicious taste of African food.
Whether you are looking for a special dining experience with your loved one or a casual meal, these African restaurants offer something to everyone. So, you must go forward and explore the rich and authentic taste of African cuisine at one or more of these top-rated restaurants!
