15+ Must-Try African Restaurants in New York City

From sizzling suya to spicy egusi and fluffy jollof, New York City is home to a vibrant lineup of African restaurants that are rich in flavor and full of heart. Whether you’re craving Senegalese, Nigerian, Ghanaian, Somali, or pan-African fusion, these spots deliver dishes that feel like home — or introduce you to something new. We’ve rounded up 15+ of the best African restaurants in NYC, from cozy family-run kitchens to sleek lounges serving fine-dining takes on tradition.

Where to Find the Best African Food in NYC Right Now

Teranga

Located inside The Africa Center in Harlem, Teranga blends contemporary flavors with traditional West African recipes. Their customizable grain bowls feature jollof rice, suya-spiced chicken, and flavorful sauces like yassa and ndambe. It’s fast-casual, vibrant, and packed with heritage in every bite.

• Address: 601 Lexington Ave, 153 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022
• Phone: 332-910-8138
• Website: https://itsteranga.com/

Buka

This buzzing Brooklyn hotspot offers a deep dive into Nigerian home-style cooking. Think smoky egusi soup, peppery goat stew, and huge portions of fufu served fresh and hot. The vibe is lively, the flavors are bold, and the menu is as authentic as it gets.

• Address: 1111 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238
• Phone: (347) 763-0619
• Website: https://www.bukanewyork.com/

Safari Restaurant

Safari is the only Somali restaurant in NYC — and it’s a hidden gem in Harlem. The food is fragrant and comforting, with dishes like bariis iskukaris (spiced rice with goat or chicken) and sambusas. The décor is cozy and welcoming, reflecting the warmth of Somali hospitality.

• Address: 219 W 116th St, New York, NY 10026
• Phone: (646) 964-4252
• Website: https://safariharlem.com/

Accra Restaurant

Known for its generous portions and Ghanaian classics, Accra Restaurant is a Queens favorite. Expect hearty dishes like banku with tilapia, spicy shito sauce, and red-red (stewed black-eyed peas). It’s casual, comforting, and feels just like a home-cooked meal.

• Address: 63 E 125th St, New York, NY 10035
• Phone: 646- 964 4408
• Website: https://www.accraexpressrestaurantny.com/

Cafe Rue Dix

Cafe Rue Dix in Crown Heights mixes French and Senegalese cuisine with a Brooklyn twist. Their lamb dibi and mafe are rich and flavorful, and their brunch menu includes house-made beignets with a spicy flair. The intimate space and cool vibe make it a favorite among locals.

• Address: 1451 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
• Phone: 929-234-2543
• Website: http://ruedixbrooklyn.com/

The Edge Harlem

Run by Jamaican and Ghanaian-American sisters, The Edge Harlem serves fusion food with Caribbean, African, and New American touches. Dishes like jollof rice with curry chicken or plantain flatbreads speak to its multicultural soul. It’s casual, creative, and full of personality.

• Address: 101 Edgecombe Ave, New York, NY 10030
• Phone: (212) 939-9688
• Website: https://www.theedgeharlem.com/

Joloff Restaurant

Joloff has been a staple in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant for over 25 years. This family-owned spot serves up rich, home-style Senegalese food, with their namesake jollof rice stealing the show. It’s warm, unfussy, and deeply rooted in tradition.

• Address: 1168 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
• Phone: (718) 230-0523
• Website: https://www.joloffjoloff.com/

Brooklyn Suya

Brooklyn Suya turns Nigerian street food into fast-casual perfection. Their build-your-own suya bowls come packed with smoky beef or chicken, jollof rice, and spicy peanut sauce. It’s bold, fiery, and full of West African flavor.

• Address: 717 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
• Phone: 718 513 0122
• Website: https://www.brooklynsuya.com

Africa Kine Restaurant

Africa Kine has been serving Senegalese cuisine in Harlem since 1994. Known for its authentic dishes and captivating African atmosphere, it’s a staple for those seeking traditional West African meals.

• Address: 2267 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10027
• Phone: (212) 666-9400
• Website: africakinerestaurant.com​

Azara Kitchen

Situated in Harlem, Azara Kitchen brings vibrant West African flavors to the neighborhood, combining traditional dishes with global influences. The restaurant offers a unique fusion dining experience

• Address: 348 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY, 10027
• Phone: (646) ‭476-4224‬
• Website: azarakitchen.com​

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi

Located at Lincoln Center, Tatiana offers Afro-Caribbean cuisine with New York influences, crafted by Chef Kwame Onwuachi. The menu features innovative dishes like short rib pastrami suya and egusi dumplings.​

• Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
• Phone: (212) 875-5222
• Website: tatiananyc.com

Divine Flavored Catering

This Queens-based spot is known for its Nigerian specialties, catering, and weekend brunches. The egusi soup, moi moi, and jollof rice are all fan favorites. It’s a great go-to for parties, takeout, or a cozy family-style meal packed with spice and tradition.

• Address: 992 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
• Phone: (718) 451 6330
• Website: https://www.divineflavoredcatering.com

Bati Ethiopian Kitchen

Located in Clinton Hill/Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Bati Ethiopian Kitchen offers a cozy atmosphere and authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Known for its extensive vegan menu and traditional dishes like Doro Wot and Kitfo, Bati provides a communal dining experience with injera as the centerpiece. It’s a favorite among locals seeking flavorful and hearty meals.

• Address: 1057 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238
• Phone: (718) 797-9696
• Website: batikitchen.com

Queen of Sheba

Situated in Midtown Manhattan, Queen of Sheba offers a traditional Ethiopian dining experience. The restaurant features a variety of dishes like Doro Wot and Tibs, served with injera. Its warm ambiance and authentic flavors make it a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking Ethiopian cuisine.

• Address: 650 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036
• Phone: (212) 397-0610
• Website: shebanyc.com

Lagos Restaurant & Lounge

Lagos delivers Nigerian fine dining with a nightlife twist. It’s stylish, modern, and full of energy, with dishes like peppered snails, suya, and grilled croaker served in a sleek space. Come hungry, and stay for the music and drinks.

• Address: 727 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019
• Phone: 212-281-0500
• Website: https://www.lagosnyc.com

From jollof rice and suya to sambusas and spicy stews, African restaurants in New York offer a dining experience that’s rich in culture and bursting with bold flavor. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local craving something soulful, these NYC spots deliver authentic cuisine and warm hospitality. Bookmark this list of African restaurants in New York — your next unforgettable meal might just be around the corner.

References

• https://africanvibes.com/top-african-restaurants-in-new-york-post-pandemic-according-yelp/
• https://secretnyc.co/best-african-restaurants-in-nyc/
• https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurants-g60763-c1-New_York_City_New_York.html
• https://www.cozymeal.com/magazine/african-restaurant-nyc
• https://www.overherenewyork.com/italian-restaurants-in-manhattan-for-first-time-travelers/