Diaspora Eats: 9 of the Best African Restaurants In Washington D.C.

DIASPORA—It’s “No Borders” month here at OkayAfrica, which means we’ll be highlighting travel and relations between people on the continent and in the diaspora.

Food is a major part of the traveling experience, and if you’re like us, then you’re looking for tasty delectables in any city that you might find yourself in. Good food only amplifies the traveling experience and thankfully, the diaspora is brimming with a variety of restaurants that offer savory dishes that’ll make your trip even more memorable. They might even remind you of mom’s cooking.

Whether you’re looking for options to fit your dietary restrictions or you’re simply looking to stuff your face with quality eats, there’s a spot in the city that will cater to your palette. Below are 7 African restaurants to check out while you’re in Washington D.C.

Check out some of the best African food in Houston, London, New York, and Paris. 

Sumah's West African Restaurant

This restaurant, located on 7th street in Washington D.C. offers all the West African staples you need, like jollof, peanut stew and more in a bright, comfortable atmosphere.

Start the day off right! Fufu, Juloff rice, egusi, and tomato stew #lawd

A post shared by Kwame Onwuachi (@bastedmind) on Jun 1, 2017 at 7:21am PDT

Selam Restaurant

Check out this spot if you're in the mood for some flavorful injera, doro wat or tibs. The cozy and quaint restaurant offers a full bar and pool table as well.

Get a quick bite at Selam! #selamrestaurant #food #family #friends #bar #chickensandwich #selamspecial #housesalad #hennessy #cheers #bellyfull

A post shared by Selam Restaurant & Bar (@selamrestaurantdc) on Mar 14, 2015 at 7:40pm PDT

Appioo African Bar & Grill

This hot-spot serves "home-cooked Ghanian dishes, drinks, and live bands to help you forget your 9-5." Sounds appealing right? Their menu includes fried appioo goat and chicken, yam chips, fufu, egusi and all the other tasty eats you can imagine in an exceptionally colorful space.

@appioobargrill Come and enjoy the lunch specials TODAY!! NOW!!

A post shared by Samantha Fikir (@blklakota_womyn) on Sep 22, 2015 at 9:05am PDT

Keren Restaurant & Coffee Shop

This Eritrean restaurant on Florida Ave, has one of the most unique breakfast menus in the area. Try their generous fish platter or pick from their extensive vegetarian options.

Ful salad w/ scrambled egg, served with warm French rolls

A post shared by keren (@kerendmv) on Apr 20, 2017 at 12:50pm PDT

Jodeem African Cuisine

This low-key eatery located in the Beltway Plaza Mall in Greenbelt, Maryland, offers authentic Nigerian dishes like efo riro, pounded yam and fish stew. It's quick, affordable and the customer service is top-notch.

Teachers appreciation in June!! A former student's parents own this in Greenbelt and it's good!!! Blessings!! #jodeemafricancuisine

A post shared by C. Love (@cdotlove) on Jun 17, 2017 at 4:51pm PDT

Swahili Village Bar and Grill

This casual spot offers "a true taste of Kenya" by offering classic Kenyan dishes like Nyama Mchuzi (beef stew), Mbuzi Mchuzi (goat stew), samosas and other East African delectables.

Tonight it's East African! #kenya #africa #africanfood #foodie #licensedfoodie #dietitian #nutrition

A post shared by . (@_o.y.a.n_) on Mar 22, 2017 at 7:34pm PDT

Queen of Sheba Ethiopian

This Ethiopian restaurant is one of the most popular in the city, and for good reason. It offers all the Ethiopian dishes you need, in a chill, relaxed setting—plus they have fruit smoothies!

🌍 #ethiopia #dc #vegan

A post shared by Aaron Levon Jones Jr. (@aboriginal_thinker) on Mar 17, 2017 at 10:48pm PDT

Chez Dior

This eatery, located on Baltimore Ave in Hyattsville, Maryland, serves tasty Senegalese dishes like chicken yassa and thiebou diene just to name a few. Add this restaurant to your list of stops next time you're in the DMV to get a taste of authentic Senegalese food.

A post shared by سارة • sara (@sara___salman) on Jan 10, 2016 at 6:07am PST

Little Kampala Bar and Grill 

Located in Laurel, Maryland, this Ugandan restaurant is one-of-a-kind, specializing in charbroiled dishes like tilapia, beef and chicken. Try "The Pearl" sandwich or the chapati served with grilled meat.