The top 10 African restaurants in the UK offer a delicious passport to the rich, diverse cuisines of the African continent — without leaving British soil. From the spicy grilled meats of Nigeria and Ghana, to the delicate, aromatic tagines of Morocco, and the fermented flatbreads of Ethiopia, African cuisine is as varied as its people, languages, and landscapes.
In recent years, the UK has seen a culinary awakening as African restaurants gain well-earned recognition. Driven by both first-generation immigrants preserving their food heritage and bold new chefs putting creative spins on traditional dishes, the African dining scene is vibrant, soulful, and exciting.
Top 10 African Restaurants in the UK
Whether you’re looking for fine dining experiences, vegan-friendly spots, or no-frills takeaways, these restaurants will give you an unforgettable taste of Africa.
1. Ikoyi – London (Contemporary West African Elegance)
- Location: 1 St. James’s Market, London SW1
- Cuisine: Modern West African
- Established: 2017
- Type: Fine dining (Michelin-starred)
- Price Range: ££££
Ikoyi is arguably the crown jewel of African cuisine in the UK. Founded by Iré Hassan-Odukale and Jeremy Chan, the restaurant blends traditional West African ingredients with innovative cooking techniques and global culinary trends.
The restaurant’s menu changes seasonally, but what remains constant is the use of core West African elements like fermented locust beans (iru), scotch bonnet chilies, and ancient grains. Everything from plating to presentation is treated with the precision of haute cuisine, earning Ikoyi its Michelin star in 2021.
Signature Dishes:
- Jollof Rice Essence with Crab Broth
- Aged Duck with Red Sorrel
- Plantain with Smoked Scotch Bonnet
What Makes It Special:
The fusion of tradition and science makes Ikoyi not just a meal, but a multisensory dining experience.
2. 805 Restaurant – London & Reading (Authentic Nigerian Staples)
- Cuisine: Traditional Nigerian
- Established: 2001
- Type: Casual dining
- Price Range: ££
Locations:
- 805 Old Kent Road, London
- 92A High Rd, London (Hendon)
- 222-224 Broad St, Reading
805 is one of the UK’s most respected Nigerian restaurant chains, with a loyal following in London and Reading. From pepper soup to pounded yam, the restaurant brings the comforting, spicy, and hearty dishes of Nigeria into a sleek, welcoming environment.
It’s particularly popular among Nigerians in the diaspora craving authentic food just like home, and newcomers eager to explore the vibrant world of West African cuisine.
Top Picks:
- Efo Riro with Pounded Yam
- Suya (Spiced Grilled Meat)
- Jollof Rice with Fried Chicken
- Pepper Soup (Goat or Tilapia)
Why People Love It:
Consistency, generous portions, and fast service make 805 a staple for both everyday dining and special celebrations.
3. Zeret Kitchen – London (Ethiopian Soul Food)
Location: 216-218 Camberwell Rd, London SE5
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Type: Family-run casual restaurant
Vibe: Cozy, warm, community-driven
Price Range: ££
Tucked away in Camberwell, Zeret Kitchen is one of London’s most authentic Ethiopian restaurants. Run by a small team passionate about tradition, the restaurant specializes in richly spiced stews (wot), lentil dishes, and meats served on large pieces of injera — a spongy fermented flatbread made from teff flour.
The traditional approach of communal dining using your hands makes the Zeret experience unique and intimate. Vegetarians and vegans will find a home here too, as Ethiopian Orthodox traditions have long embraced plant-based dishes.
Signature Dishes:
- Doro Wot (Spicy Chicken Stew)
- Shiro (Chickpea Stew)
- Zeret Special Combination Platter
Cultural Highlight:
Don’t miss the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony for an immersive taste of Ethiopia’s café culture.
4. Mosob – London (Eritrean Dining with a Personal Touch)
- Location: 339 Harrow Rd, London W9
- Cuisine: Eritrean
- Type: Family-owned restaurant
- Price Range: ££
Mosob is an inviting, family-run Eritrean restaurant located in West London. With its vibrant décor, intimate seating, and storytelling through food, Mosob is more than just a place to eat — it’s a cultural showcase.
Expect classic Eritrean dishes made with aromatic spices, butter-based sauces, and injera. Dishes are built for sharing, reinforcing the community aspect of Eritrean dining.
Must-Try Meals:
- Zigni (Beef Stew)
- Timtimo (Red Lentils)
- Alicha (Mild Potato & Cabbage Curry)
What Sets It Apart:
Mosob often hosts cultural evenings, featuring Eritrean music and poetry alongside traditional meals.
5. Chuku’s – London (Nigerian Tapas with an Urban Twist)
- Location: 274 High Road, Tottenham, London
- Cuisine: Nigerian Tapas
- Type: Casual, trendy, Instagram-friendly
- Established: 2020
- Price Range: ££
Chuku’s is a fresh and funky take on Nigerian cuisine, offering “Nigerian tapas” — smaller, shareable plates that encourage communal eating. Founded by British-Nigerian siblings Ifeyinwa and Emeka Frederick, Chuku’s combines food, music, and art to create a full cultural experience.
You’ll find classics like jollof and moimoi reinvented with modern, colourful presentation — perfect for social sharing.
Best Tapas Plates:
- Honey Suya Chicken
- Moi Moi Parcels
- Yam Porridge (Asaro)
- Efo Riro Bowls
Fun Fact:
Chuku’s was the first Nigerian tapas restaurant in the world.
6. Little Baobab – Edinburgh (Senegalese Pop-Up)
- Location: Edinburgh (pop-up events and markets)
- Cuisine: Senegalese
- Type: Pop-up and events-based
- Price Range: £
Chef Khadim Mbamba brings Senegalese warmth and rhythm to Edinburgh through Little Baobab — a food pop-up that offers traditional dishes alongside Afrobeat music and dancing.
Using recipes passed down through generations, Little Baobab serves comforting dishes that balance spice, tang, and sweetness — like Senegal’s national dish, Thiebou Dienne.
Dishes to Try:
- Chicken or Fish Yassa (onion-based stew)
- Thiebou Dienne (Fish & Rice)
- Mafe (Peanut Stew)
Community Focus:
Little Baobab supports migrant chefs and cultural exchange through cooking classes and events.
7. Tagine – London (North African Charm)
- Location: 3 Fernlea Rd, Balham, London
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Type: Mid-range dine-in
- Atmosphere: Romantic, lantern-lit, traditional décor
- Price Range: ££
For a taste of the Maghreb, Tagine in Balham transports diners to Morocco with its vibrant colours, warm service, and rich, aromatic meals. The interior is filled with intricate lanterns, mosaic tables, and the scent of cinnamon and cumin.
The restaurant serves both meat and vegetarian tagines cooked slowly in clay pots, allowing flavours to meld beautifully.
Must Orders:
- Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Almonds
- Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Olives
- Harira Soup
- Traditional Mint Tea
8. Africoco – Manchester (Ghanaian Takeaway & Dine-In)
- Location: Hulme, Manchester
- Cuisine: Ghanaian
- Type: Takeaway + small dine-in
- Price Range: £
Africoco is one of Manchester’s most popular Ghanaian food spots, offering freshly made meals packed with spice and heart. Known for its friendly service and generous portions, it’s a great place to experience authentic Ghanaian dishes like spicy jollof rice and peanut butter soup.
Menu Musts:
- Kelewele (Spicy Fried Plantains)
- Groundnut Soup with Fufu
- Tilapia Grilled with Banku
Why Visit:
Affordable and flavourful — a favourite among students and locals alike.
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9. Bbar – London (South African & British Fusion)
- Location: 43 Buckingham Palace Rd, Victoria, London
- Cuisine: South African with British influences
- Type: Upscale bar and restaurant
- Price Range: £££
Bbar offers an elegant dining experience with a South African twist. Located near Buckingham Palace, this restaurant features a creative menu blending dishes like boerewors, biltong, and bobotie with cocktails and international fare.
Perfect for date nights or business lunches, Bbar is where African heritage meets London luxury.
Featured Dishes:
- Bobotie (Spiced Mince Pie)
- Ostrich Fillet
- Durban Chicken Curry
- Malva Pudding
Bonus:
Live jazz performances and over 60 cocktails!
10. Taste of Africa – Birmingham (Pan-African Variety)
- Location: Handsworth, Birmingham
- Cuisine: Mixed (West, East, Central African)
- Type: Casual, cultural hub
- Price Range: £
Taste of Africa brings the flavours of the entire continent to Birmingham, with dishes representing Nigeria, Ghana, Congo, Uganda, and Kenya. Their extensive menu means you can explore the differences in spice, texture, and preparation across African regions in one visit.
Top Picks:
- Cassava Leaves (Pondu)
- Tilapia in Tomato Sauce
- Ugandan Matoke
- Nigerian Ogbono Soup
Highlight:
The restaurant hosts African music nights and cultural festivals regularly.
The Rise of African Cuisine in the UK
African food is rapidly becoming mainstream in the UK. Influencers, food bloggers, and high-profile chefs are putting African flavours front and centre, breaking down stereotypes and expanding palates. Beyond just nourishment, these dishes tell stories of migration, heritage, resilience, and pride.
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FAQs – African Restaurants in the UK
What African cuisine is most popular in the UK?
West African — particularly Nigerian and Ghanaian food — is very popular, especially dishes like jollof rice, suya, and egusi.
Are African restaurants vegan/vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! Many East African and North African cuisines offer naturally vegan dishes like lentils, chickpeas, and vegetable stews.
Do these restaurants serve halal food?
Many African restaurants — especially Nigerian, Moroccan, and Senegalese — offer halal meat. It’s best to ask in advance.
Are there affordable African dining options?
Definitely. While some are fine dining (like Ikoyi), most on this list are reasonably priced or have budget-friendly takeaways.
Where can I find African restaurants outside London?
Check out Africoco in Manchester, Taste of Africa in Birmingham, and Little Baobab in Edinburgh — all strong regional favourites.
Final Thoughts
The top 10 African restaurants in the UK offer a glimpse into the incredible culinary diversity of the African continent. Whether you’re seeking nostalgia, cultural connection, or new flavours, these restaurants bring people together through food and shared stories. African cuisine is not just a trend — it’s a movement, and it’s here to stay.
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