The bold and fiery flavours of the African and Caribbean continents take you on a journey where tradition meets culture. With London being home to a myriad of excellent restaurants, we’ve created a list of must-visit eateries for flavoursome meals. So if you’re tired of Googling ‘African restaurant near me’ or ‘Caribbean food near me,’ this article is for you!
Mama’s Jerk
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Honestly, who doesn’t love West Indian food? This Jamaican restaurant serves up jerk chicken, curry goat, and other classic Caribbean dishes served with a contemporary twist. The Fulham-based restaurant, run by chef and owner Adrian Luckie, is named after his Jamaican grandmother, who came up with the tasty jerk BBQ marinade recipe used in many of their dishes.
Instagram – mamasjerk
Chuku’s
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This tapas restaurant serves small plates of Nigerian dishes in an intimate venue in Tottenham. Run by siblings, Ifeyinwa and Emeka Frederick, Chuku’s boast a small but noteworthy menu serving up dishes like jollof quinoa, suya meatballs and their to-die-for spicy salted caramel-coated chicken wings.
Instagram – chukusldn
Ma Petite Jamaica
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Head to Camden for authentic island food at London’s first Caribbean diner. This restaurant and bar is a lively spot – when music isn’t playing through the speakers, a live band will set the mood for you when enjoying your hearty meals. The plates are large (we love it!) and can be filled with everything from jerk salmon with sweet potatoes and cassava mash to jerk chicken wraps with fries and salad. Did we mention that they have a bar? An impressive selection of rums is on offer, and we expect you to quench your thirst with one of them.
Instagram – mapetitejamaica
Deluxe Manna
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There are a good amount of local African restaurants in London, but have you been curious about the spices from the Congo? If yes, this is your sign to try them. Situated in Tottenham Hale in a modern setting, Deluxe Manna has brought the flavours of the DRC to London, serving unique dishes, including Ntaba (Smoked baby Lamb), 24-hour marinated Steamed Spicy Catfish, and Fumbwa (Okasi Leaves in Peanut Butter Stew) on the menu.
Instagram – deluxe_manna
Fish, Wings & Tings
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Fish, Wings & Tings, a venue with a street-food vibe, is located in the heart of Brixton. The Caribbean restaurant is an adorn eatery run by Brian, a Trinidadian native and his wife and invites food lovers to sit at one of their orange and green pavement tables and grub on their mouthwatering dishes. Try their cod fritters with ginger and lime aioli or the reggae wings with pineapple and mango chutney if you’re feeling peckish. Or sample the curried chicken roti or coconut curry prawn if hunger strikes.
Instagram – fishwingstings
Lekki Restaurant & Bar
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Head to Dalston Kingsland for a food journey to Nigeria via Lekki Restaurant & Bar. We love when we get our money’s worth, and at this African restaurant, you can expect impressively large portions that will keep you satisfied. A range of soup dishes is on the menu – including fish pepper soup – as well as meats, seafood and vegetarian options.
Instagram – lekkirestaurantandbar
The Rum Kitchen
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Nestled in Soho’s Kingly Court, The Rum Kitchen is known for its bustling vibe. Seriously, it’s easy to forget that you’re at a restaurant! With an in-house DJ playing hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and reggae music, you can devour a variety of dishes, from jerk chicken to curried mutton. The venue also has an extensive selection of rum-based cocktails made with Wray & Nephew. Cheers!
Instagram – therumkitchen
Ikoyi
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If high-end Michelin-starred restaurants are your go-to, you’ll enjoy this place. A West African restaurant known for its innovative take on traditional dishes, Ikoyi is a fine dining eatery with an outstanding selection of spices. Expect to try dishes like smoked jollof rice with crab custard and flamed beef, and monkfish curry with fresh herbs and grilled cucumbers.
Instagram – ikoyi_london
Jamaica Patty & Co
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There’s no denying that London is home to an array of Caribbean restaurants, but the big star at this spot is – you guessed it, Jamaican patties! Eight different flavours are on offer, from beef to jerk chicken to vegan, at their two locations in London; Covent Garden and Liverpool Street. In the mood for the classics? Worry not! You can still have your jerk chicken or curried goat served with rice and peas. While their menu is limited, you’ll also find foods like hot soup, plantain chips and dessert. Rum cake, anyone?
Instagram – jamaicapattyco
Enish
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We couldn’t create this list and not include Enish, the South London restaurant with five branches in the city and one in Dubai. Get a taste of Nigerian food, sampling dishes like ewedu (steamed finely chopped Ewedu leaves with African spices served with pepper and tomato sauce), pounded yam and asun (grilled or barbecued goat meat with lots of pepper). The chain is a popular spot, and their Dubai restaurant has welcomed the likes of Rick Ross and Floyd Mayweather.
Instagram – enish_restaurant
Rhythm Kitchen
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Looking for a Caribbean restaurant in Walthamstow or Stratford? Look no further! Rhythm Kitchen is one of our go-to Walthamstow restaurants, offering delicious yet affordable meals in a lovely atmosphere. Satisfy your tastebuds by munching on the classics – jerk chicken, curry goat or braised Oxtail – or try their Caribbean-style afternoon tea that’s back by popular demand. You even get a complimentary Wray and Nephew rum punch!
Instagram – rhythmkitchenuk
Marathon Restaurant
Craving some delicious Ethiopian food? This North London Ethiopian restaurant has been serving traditional Ethiopian food since its opening in 2004. Situated in a bright yellow building, the fascinating space brims with culture, with distinct Afro-centric art hanging on the walls. Try the Mahberawi, an assortment of multiple dishes, including lean lamb and beef, served on injera, the sour pancake-like bread.
