Diaspora Eats: 10 of the Best African Restaurants in London
Some of the best African food that London has to offer.
DIASPORA—It’s “No Borders” month here at OkayAfrica, which means we’ll be highlighting travel and intercontinental relations between people on the continent and in the diaspora.
Food is a major part of the travelling 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 travelling 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 10 African restaurants to check out while you’re in London.
Check out some of the best African food in Paris, DC, Houston, and New York.
With locations in Southwark and Hendon Central, this restaurant’s mission is to serve good Nigerian food presented in a creative way. Their dishes are sure to be both a feast on the eyes and on the palate. Doesn’t their Monika Fish look yummy?
The popular eatery in Mayfair, offers a selection of classic Moroccan dishes like Zaalouk, Couscous, and Tagine. If you’re in the mood to share, try the Couscous Mechoui for two, a slow cooked whole lamb shoulder marinated in a secret spice accompanied by semolina.
With three locations in Oval, Clapham Junction, and Brixton, this restaurant offers traditional Eritrean dishes such as Injera and Tsebi.
If you’re on a budget, live in South East London or Kent, and are in need of some Nigerian comfort food, this popular chain restaurant has you covered. Some of our favorites include the Ofada Stew and Ewariro.
The Queen of Sheba
This family-owned restaurant in Kentish Town offers a selection of traditional Ethiopian dishes. If you’re vegetarian make sure to try the Goman Injera which consists of cottage cheese and spinach rolled in Ethiopia’s signature sourdough flatbread.
Located in Brixton, this BYOB restaurant’s mission is to offer hearty North African food at a reasonable price. Be sure to sample their 15p/head party menu for an authentic overview of Algerian cuisine. Standout dishes include their Spiced Meatballs and Vegetarian Tagine.
Located a few steps away from the London Bridge on Tooley Street, this restaurant offers a fusion of South African, French, and Italian food. Whether you’re in the mood for Wild Mushroom Risotto or Ostrich Steak with Biltong Crust, the staff is likely to recommend a wine pairing to go alongside your dish.
Looking to get your fix of Chapati, Matooke or Goat Curry without breaking the bank? Be sure to check out this Ugandan restaurant in North London.
With two pop-up locations in Brixton and Soho and a catering service, this restaurant offers traditional Ghanaian dishes like Groundnut Soup, Bambara Bean Stew and Tatale, with a twist. If you can't make it and want to sample some of the dishes check out owner Zoe Adjonyoh recently published cookbook.
This catering service fuses Gambian and Caribbean food to your tummy’s delight! For more information on their current menu and where to find them check out their website. But for now feast your eyes on this delicious Gambian Veg Stew.
What's in A Name: How African Names Get Lost in Translation
From NBA stars to Grammy nominees, prominent Africans have often had their names misspelled or mispronounced. While some have pushed back and reclaimed it, others embrace it.
Kiano Moju on ‘Africali’ and Redefining African Cuisine Globally
The chef and food media star shares how her debut cookbook celebrates her Kenyan and Nigerian roots–as well as her California upbringing–through accessible, globally inspired recipes.