Africa is a vast and fascinating continent, with many tribes and ethnic groups speaking over 2,000 languages and dialects. Add that Africa is one of the most diverse geographical regions in the world, with various landscapes, animals, and climates. Unsurprisingly, there is a tantalising medley of delicious and traditional cuisines.
London is fortunate to experience a wonderful taster of some of the most delectable African menus. Many dishes centre around grains, beans, fresh fruit and vegetables, while meat or fish add flavour to some curries and stews. Food served in the best African restaurants in London is sure to offer something for everyone. With the bonus of being healthy as well as tasty.
Best African Restaurants in London
To help you discover some of the fantastic African Restaurants in London, we have made a list of six African restaurants worth visiting for a great dining experience.
1. Pitanga – Best Nigerian Restaurant
Pitanga is a teenage dream come true for owner founder Nky Iweka. After working in finance, and the hospitality industry and publishing a book about Nigerian food and culture, Nky, finally realised her dream when she opened the doors to Pitanga in 2018. It is now one of the best African restaurants in London.
Nky’s goal is to offer something for everyone, whether hot and spicy, sweet and mild, traditional, modern, vegetarian, vegan, meaty, or fishy. By reinventing authentic dishes, Nky aims to showcase Nigerian cuisine and make it as readily available in the UK as other ethnic favourites.
The Goat Suya is fantastic at £14.50. Suya is also available with chicken, steak, halloumi, or vegan options. However, if you are undecided, there is a Mixed Suya at £24.50 or a Deluxe Suya at £90.00.
The Akara is so delicious that you might find yourself ordering extra portions. There is a Vegan option of black-eyed peas, onion, and chilli at £10.90 or a Prawn Option at £11.50.
Pitanga also offers all-day breakfast, cocktails and mocktails.
The staff are friendly, and if you have never eaten Nigerian food, they are happy to talk you through the menu.
Address: 220 North End Road, London, W14 9NX
Telephone: 020 7385 1747
2. Kate’s Cafe – Best Ghanaian Restaurant
Kate’s Cafe is an excellent option for a unique dining experience. The restaurant serves tasty Ghanaian cuisine with a hint of British influence. Kate left Ghana in 1990 and invites you to enjoy delicious dishes made lovingly with passion and served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Try perfectly cooked Jollof Rice at £3.00 for a small portion or £6.00 for a large.
The Kelewele basket of fried plantain marinated in spices is delicious at £6.00.
Taking a takeaway container is a good idea. The portions are substantial. Notably, the Tilapia fish, served with Shito, a hot black pepper sauce authentic to Ghana, is tasty, filling, and full of flavour, priced at £10.00 for medium or £12.00 for large.
Some of the food is spicy, which keeps it authentic, as many traditional dishes from Ghana have a punchy kick.
So, if you miss the taste of home or want to try something new, head down to Kate’s Cafe. The food is fantastic at one of the best Ghanaian restaurants in London.
Address: 174 Balaam Street, E13 8RD, London
Telephone: 0208 586 6793
3. Khamsa – Algerian Café Restaurant in Brixton
Khamsa specialises in traditional Algerian food. Many restaurants serve North African cuisine, blending Algerian, Moroccan, and Tunisian. However, only some concentrate on bringing authentic Algerian cuisine to the table.
The family who owns and runs Khamsa have learnt their skills from their mother, and in addition, they have added an original twist to the menu. They make all dishes with love and passion while maintaining the simplicity of Algerian delights.
Regular and new diners review Khamsa as one of London’s best North African restaurants. Every bite of the menu is full of flavour.
The Fish Tajine of marinated salmon fillet wrapped in spinach and Algerian filo pastry is mouthwatering and priced at £13.00.
The Vegetarian Couscous is terrific, with punchy spices, tangy citrus, sweet dates and apricots, for £12.00.
Khamsa is unlicensed. However, you are welcome to Bring Your Own wine, beer, and champagne, with a corkage fee of £2.50 per head.
The atmosphere at Khamsa is welcoming and relaxed. Chef Djamel is often there to greet his guests.
If you want an authentic Algerian experience, Khamsa provides it in bundles in its beautifully decorated room with memorabilia of Algerian culture and impressive Gastronomy.
Address: 140 Acre Lane, SW2 5UT
Telephone: 0207 733 3150 / 07795 286146
4. Chuku’s – Nigerian Tapas Restaurant
Chuku’s is a brother and sister-success story for which they have won several awards. The sibling duo has an ethos of ‘Chop, Chat, and Chill.’
Chop in Nigerian Pidgin means food. Chat is for the conversations that take place around a meal table. Chill is to breathe and relax while eating good food, surrounded by beautiful people and authentic decor, while listening to the chill-out beat of Nigerian music.
The menu includes the Dodo, a fried plantation in sugar and coconut at £5.00, and an Egusi Bowl for £11.00. Both are vegan options.
The perfectly cooked Jollof Quinoa and Cassava Fries, both priced at £6.00, are excellent.
All the meat dishes are halal, and the menu is mostly gluten-free.
The ambience, attentive staff, and array of fantastic dishes make for an amazing experience in a Nigerian restaurant in London.
Address: 274 High Road, London, N15 4AJ
Email: [email protected]
5. Kudu Grill – South African Restaurant
If the idea of a South African Braai makes your mouth water, then Kudu Grill should be a corker of a South African Restaurant in London. If you are unsure what a Braai is, it is the equivalent of a BBQ. Only it can last for hours and is a fantastic way to catch up with friends and family.
Inspired by the owner’s South African heritage, Kudu Grill appears in the Michelin Guide and is part of the Kudu Collective. A group of four family-owned South African restaurants in London. The owners, Amy and Patrick, source as many local ingredients as possible and enjoy the hunter-gatherer way of life, collecting what they can from their herb and vegetable garden.
On the menu are Grilled Prawns in Peri Peri butter that melt in your mouth at £11.50.
Braai-cooked pork chops with a monkey gland source are perfect at £20.00, and the poussin is delicious and delicate at £23.00.
There is a good selection of South African wines.
Kudu Grill is well worth a visit for fantastic food and impeccable service in the fab surroundings of a converted pub in Peckham.
Address: 57 Nunhead Lane, SE15 3TR
Telephone: 020 3532 3078
6. Ikoyi Restaurant – West African-Inspired Restaurant
Ikoyi hit the restaurant scene in London in 2017. Many diners expected a traditional West African restaurant in London. Instead, they experienced an eclectic mix of cuisines in one dish. Ikoyi restaurant serves dishes inspired by West African cuisine.
Chef and co-founder Jeremy Chan was born in the UK to a Chinese father and Canadian mother and has lived in Hong Kong, Canada, the USA, and Spain. Jeremy brings diverse gastronomical influences to the table. His African dishes with a twist are a definite hit. Jeremy has collected two Michelin stars for Ikoyi, now recognised as an outstanding fine-dining experience with West African flavours.
The restaurant sources its ingredients from the UK where possible. The fish is sustainable line-caught, and the beef is native.
An evening taster menu is available for £300.00 and a shorter lunch-time version for £180.00.
The menu showcases an incredible chef and a talented team. Stars of the menu include Orkney scallops and caviar, octopus, sweetbreads, and plantain. The Jollof Rice and beef and the fish with brioche are favourites.
Ikoyi Restaurant St James serves incredible food presented as a piece of art. For an unforgettable meal with flavours that will remain with you forever, Ikoyi has to be on your must-visit list.
Address: 180 Strand, Temple, London, WC2R 1EA
Telephone: 020 3583 4660
Tips for Choosing an African Restaurant in London
- Check out transport links or parking. Availability for parking can be challenging in London, so check if there is parking nearby or even a tube station.
- Decide on the type of African cuisine. If you prefer less spicy dishes, it is worth checking the menu or seeing if you can request a milder dish. West African cuisine, especially Nigerian and Ghanaian, can pack a punch, where spicy food is popular.
- Confirm if a booking is necessary. The best African restaurants in London can get busy, so it is worth checking to see if you need to make a reservation.
- Check dietary requirements and food allergies. Restaurants are aware of various dietary requirements, so they are unlikely to be surprised if you want to verify if there is a vegan option, if nuts are present, or if the meat is halal.