As the world’s second-largest continent, Africa is a hub of cultures. And over the years, tastes of the diaspora have made their way to our little isle. Fried plantain topped with raspberry dust? Spiced biltong? The fight over which country makes the best jollof rice? You name it, we’ve had it. Unpacking the finest flavours from Marrakech to Cape Town, Asmara to Lagos, and a few stops in between, this is our guide to London’s best African restaurants.
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The Best African Restaurants To Visit Now In London
North African Restaurants In London
Souk Medina: A West End favourite, Souk has been tantalising diners with its belly dancing shows, intimate atmosphere and a menu of North African cuisine for years. Whether you came for the shisha or a quality meal, you can guarantee interiors that are sure to impress and service that charms.
Khamsa: Hailed as one of the best Algerian restaurants around, this BYO spot is bringing a taste of North Africa to Southwest London. Dig into zalouka (a grilled aubergine dish), fish tajines, spicy lamb meatballs, homemade noodles and more. Be sure to save room for desserts because the artisan house-made cakes are a must.
If you’re after a quality African restaurant in Central London, Khamsa's menu should be on your radar.
East African Restaurants In London
The Village: Anyone who knows good Somalian food knows The Village. Based in Hammersmith, it offers the likes of gambar (hot king prawns), digaag (marinated chicken) and anajeero (homemage Somali pancakes).
Blue Nile: Thought Green Lanes was just the place for top-notch Turkish? Think again. This culture-rich slice of North London is also home to Blue Nile; the restaurant fronting Ethiopian and Eritrean eats.
Adulis: A Brixton staple, Adulis is a slice of Little Eritrea in the heart of South London. Whether you came for the vegan special, or fancy making your way through the meat, make sure to get a sip of the honey wine.
Sabiib: Serving up authentic Somali cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Sabiib is a proud part of London's Somali community. You'll find them in Acton, promising sleek, modern interiors and a menu that features everything from vegetable sambus to slow-cooked lamb shoulder and aromatic rice platters.
The Queen of Sheba: A family-run restaurant in Kentish Town, The Queen of Sheba has been cooking up Ethiopian food for almost 20 years. Take your pick from vegetable, beef, lamb, chicken and fish, with chef’s specials throughout the week.
Check out Chuku's for a fantastic Nigerian restaurant in London.
West African Restaurants In London
Ikoyi: When it comes to Nigerian restaurants in London’s Mayfair, there’s only one name you need to know. From elevated takes on plantain to fancy moin moin and jollof fried rice that’ll make mouths water, Ikoyi is the Michelin-starred pick that brings a bold touch of fine dining to the usual offering.
Akoko: Between oysters and Gambian stew, caviar-topped turbot, and suya with barbecued hogget belly, Akoko is doing West Africa proud. With founder Aji Akokomi at the helm of this Fitzrovia restaurant, you can count on a tasty spread.
Chuku's: Among coral walls and vibrant artwork you'll find the world's first Nigerian tapas restaurant, Chuku's, slinging out delectable small plates. Think jollof waffles, plantain quinoa and more at this Tottenham haunt, co-founded by brother-sister duo Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick.
Little Baobab: Located within The Africa Centre in Southwark or in Peckham Levels, Little Baobab is a Senagalese restaurant set up by chef Khadim, who wanted to bring his culinary heritage to London. They specialise in hearty stews, homemade pastries and fresh juice, and you can expect a buzzing atmosphere here too.
Cally Munchy: One of the best African-fusion restaurants in the city, Cally Munchy is a lounge-style restaurant on Great Suffolk Street on the South Bank. This business was established by a young Nigerian entrepreneur, promising a great atmosphere and quality dishes like barbecue oxtail bao, jerk wings and plaintain nachos.
Enish: An award-winning Nigerian restaurant with locations all over London, you can find Enish everywhere from Knightsbridge to Lewisham and Oxford Street. These vibrant spaces promise great food and entertainment, with dishes ranging from egusi soup to jollof rice.
Chishuru: Having earned itself a Michelin star for its high-quality cooking, Chishuru is a modern West African restaurant in Fitzrovia. They offer tasting menus for both lunch and dinner, starting from just £45 per person. These change on a regular basis, but sample dishes include chargrilled guinea fowl or bean fritters with duck liver parfait.
Akara: Borough Yards destination Akara is a West African restaurant that blends Nigerian akara osu with Brazilian acaraje. This unique take on akara plays a central part in their menu, which you can enjoy alongside a range of tasty small and large plates - think barbecue king oyster mushroom or grilled sea bream with caramelised onion.
805: Old Kent Road may be home to a host of Nigerian spots, but 805 deserves a special mention. You’ll be taken back to Lagos via pepper soup, beef suya, ogbono stew, pounded yam, and all sorts of authentic comforts. To wash it all down? A boozy Chapman, of course.
Ikoyi’s stunning interior and Akoko’s impressive dishes put them among the finest West African restaurants in London.
South & Central African Restaurants In London
Kudu: Among the best South African restaurants in London, this Queen's Road plot boasts style and substance. As part of the Peckham collective owned by duo Amy Corbin and Patrick Williams, Kudu rustles up a seasonally changing menu spanning spiced biltong and Braai lamb.
Visit Bacchus: Artisan cheese, biltong, côte de boeuf, and a South African-led wine list are all up for grabs at Visit Bacchus’s venues in Farringdon and London Bridge. With meat and veggie options on the menu, there’s something for all appetites here.
Deluxe Manna: Inspired by flavours from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Deluxe Manna features a manner of stews, platters and seafood dishes on the menu. Head to Tottenham Hale to try it for yourself.
Stork: Ok, so this one might technically be pan-African but it was too good to miss off the list. Led by head chef Taalib Adanse and senior sous chef William JM Chilila (you may know him from MasterChef), the menu sees yams for brunch, decadent lunches and a la carte options like okra soup with poached halibut.
Prepare to be transported to South Africa at Visit Bacchus and Kudu.
For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best restaurants in London.
