London has seen a new wave of African restaurants launch across the city in recent years, opening the capital’s eyes to the depth and nuances of this celebrated cuisine. There are now myriad places in the capital shining a light on African food, from Michelin-starred restaurants to warm and welcoming cafes. Of course, not all of London’s best African restaurants are new. Some spots have been serving authentic, home-cooked fare for many years now, staying steadfast in their commitment to serving traditional African food long before it was considered a trend.
Many of London’s nouveau African restaurants offer a distinctive fine dining lilt. Leading the charge are the likes of Ayo Adeyemi, Adejoke Bakare and Aji Akokomi, who are just a few of the highly talented chefs paving the way for a new generation of African cookery. Their inventive styles and unorthodox approach to classic ideas are encouraging diners across the capital to look at African food in a new light. As such, London is now privy to a cohort of exceptional institutions, from the advanced cuisine at Jeremy Chan’s two-Michelin-starred Ikoyi, to the illustrious success of modern South African concept Kudu, which has since spawned a school of subsidiary sites.
Of course, you can still find plenty of places serving homemade, traditional African food across the capital. Rich tagines, fragrant spices and fresh herbs are, for many, the cornerstones of African cuisine, and it would be remiss not to mention the likes of Afrikana and Khamsa, who aim to create a properly authentic experience for their diners.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of African food or have never tried it before, our full list of London’s best African restaurants below includes something for everyone. Discover everything from home-cooked dishes to contemporary dining – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Akoko, Fitzrovia
What: Flying the flag for fine dining West African cuisine is Akoko, a smart Fitzrovia restaurant led by executive chef Ayo Adeyemi and founder Aji Akokomi. Everything from the terracotta interiors and hand-whittled wooden cutlery to its boundary-pushing plates are created with thoughtfulness and intention. Those looking to sample Adeyemi’s extraordinary food on a budget can do so with a slightly shorter lunch menu, but we do recommend you try the full affair if you can. Dishes span ballotine of monkfish with white asparagus, to comforting jollof rice lifted with Herdwick lamb, aubergine and shito XO. Opt for the ‘Akoko pairing’ and you’ll be treated to a mixture of wines, cocktails and even a Nigerian stout.
Where: 21 Berners Street, W1T 3LP
Book now: Akoko
Chishuru, Fitzrovia
What: Adejoke Bakare’s West African restaurant has lived two lives at the time of writing; the first was a short stint at a site in Brixton Village, which although swift, had a mighty impression on all those lucky enough to eat there. This initial iteration was never meant to be a long-term thing, but so strong was the call for its return that it’s since set up a second shop in a permanent site on Great Titchfield Street. Comprising a cosy, split level dining room, with pale plaster walls and intimate booths, guests are able to dine on just one set menu for lunch or dinner. Dishes jump from bold and punchy to mellow and nuanced – think a fermented rice cake with crab and pumpkin puree, hake served with a spiced black sauce, and guinea fowl with taro root and uziza.
Where: 3 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 8AX
Book now: Chishuru
Chuku’s, Tottenham
What: Serving Nigerian tapas up in Tottenham, Chuku’s is a unique offering brought to London by brother and sister duo Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick. Here, they distil the essential elements of Nigerian cuisine into a fun and accessible sharing menu that allows diners to experience a broad range of authentic flavours, albeit with a contemporary twist. Three to four plates each are advised, ranging from Moi Moi, a savoury steamed bean pudding, to rice pancakes with a pumpkin peanut stew. These are merely examples from the plant-based section of the menu, while meat and fish dishes span sticky chicken wings tossed in hibiscus, ginger and pineapple, and yam and smoked mackerel croquettes with Scotch bonnet jam.
Where: 3 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 8AX
Book now: Chuku’s
Ikoyi, Aldwych
What: Although not strictly an African restaurant, Jeremy Chan employs West African influences along with cooking techniques from all over the globe to create his innovative dishes. Ingredients are focused on the best possible seasonal British produce, and often combined with storecupboard staples like spices and ferments. The menu changes all the time, but examples of dishes we enjoyed on a blissful visit included meltingly tender wagyu served with an umami-rich paste of mushrooms, fermented chilli, walnuts and olives, and crunchy plantain in smoked Scotch bonnet and raspberry powder – the perfect snack.
Where: 180 Strand, WC2R 1EA
Book now: Ikoyi
Kudu, Peckham
What: The Kudu Collection has become one of the most successful restaurant groups in London, now spanning four sites across Little Kudu, Kudu Grill, Smokey Kudu and Kudu. They’re all brilliant, although Kudu is its first, signature restaurant and has done an excellent job at laying the groundwork for the rest. It’s a modern South African concept based around a sharing-style menu, from peri peri chicken hearts with dukkha and chutney to scallop and prawn ravioli with sweetcorn, miso and samphire. Don’t leave here without trying the bread, its signature warm loaf served with cultured butter and house cured bacon.
Where: 119 Queens Road, SE15 2EZ
Book now: Kudu
Khamsa, Brixton
What: Khamsa specialises in Algerian cuisine which, if you didn’t know, centres heavily around vegetables, tagines, meats, breads and herbs. The menu is divided into salads, tagines and cous cous, with all dishes cooked from scratch by a team of passionate chefs. Discover the likes of Zalouka, a dish of grilled aubergines, peppers and walnut puree with homemade bread, as well as hearty tagines, where the likes of spicy lamb meatballs, olives, harissa, paprika and ras el hanout furkle away for hours until rich and warming. Khamsa is unlicensed so it’s a BYO situation – they’ll only charge you £2.50 for corkage.
Where: 140 Acre Lane, SW2 5UT
Book now: Khamsa
Afrikana, Dalston
What: Afrikana’s story began in 2018, when it opened with the aim of bringing authentic home-cooked African inspired dishes to the main high street of Aldridge. Fast forward to the present day, and you can now sample Afrikana’s vibrant plates at over 15 sites across the UK. If you’re after an introduction to African food that feels fun and accessible, then this is the place to head. The menu features a variety of small and large plates giving diners the opportunity to try a few things, and ranges from crowd-pleasing options – think buttermilk fried chicken burgers with creole mayo – to more unusual items like slow-cooked mutton curry with rice ‘n’ peas.
Where: 43 – 45 Kingsland High Street, E8 2JS
Book now: Afrikana
Tagine, Balham
What: Tagine specialises in authentic Moroccan cuisine, which centres around – you guessed it – warming, spicy tagines. Tuck into hearty stews, vibrant cous cous dishes and tasty mezze within colourful, Moroccan-inspired interiors. Kick off with the likes of chicken pastilla, slow-cooked aubergines and houmous with pitta breads, remembering to leave room for the main event. Opt for the tagine of the day, or choose from the likes of duck breast with chickpeas and pistachio, seabass with potato and fennel, or chicken with preserved lemons and olives. Enjoy alongside a selection of cous cous, flatbreads and veg for a comforting meal that will make you feel warm and fuzzy.
Where: 1 & 3 Fernlea Road, SW12 9RT
Book now: Tagine
Little Baobab, Peckham
What: Serving Senegalese soul food up on the sixth floor of Peckham Levels, Little Baobab is open to eat in or takeaway from Tuesday to Sunday. The team aim to recreate home-cooked food at restaurant quality, from Thiebou Dienne (sea bass and jollof rice with cassava, carrot and aubergine) to Yassa (marinated chicken caramelised onions, lime, rice and salad), and Mafe (peanut butter lamb stew). It’s a must-try if you’re in the area.
Where: Peckham Levels, 95A Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
Book now: Little Baobab
The Queen of Sheba, Kentish Town
What: The Queen of Sheba is well and truly part of Kentish Town’s furniture, having served Ethiopian cuisine to London locals since 2003. Service is warm, friendly and relaxed, while ingredients are sourced directly from Ethiopia for ultimate authenticity. Mains range between £10 to £14, and span chicken, lamb, beef, fish and veggie options. Expect hearty, heavily spiced dishes such as Ethiopian roasted chickpeas served in a sizzling clay pot, and lamb served in a red pepper, ginger and garlic sauce.
Where: 12 Fortess Road, NW5 2EU
Book now: The Queen of Sheba
Mesi’s Kitchen, Highbury & Islington
What: Finding its home on the Holloway Road, Mesi’s Kitchen is an Ethiopian restaurant run by the oh-so passionate Mesi, who learned her trade from her mother in her native home of Ethiopia. While plates don’t score any point for looks, dishes are honest, traditional and packed with flavour – you really feel like you’re experiencing the real deal here. Portions are generous, and all main courses are lined with Injera, its homemade sourdough bread. We recommending opting for one of its ‘combo’ plates to try a little bit of everything.
Where: 128 Holloway Road, N7 8JE
Book now: Mesi’s Kitchen
Love warming dishes with lots of spice? Now take a look at the best Indian restaurants in London.
