My Favourite African and Caribbean Eats in London
Every October, businesses mark Black History Month with themed menus and entertainment. Here's where I actually eat, all year round.
This month, my friends in corporate haven't stopped talking about the food experiences their offices put on for Black History Month. What struck me was what they all kept saying: the food is what brought people together. Colleagues who had never tried jollof or jerk going back for seconds, and asking where they could get more.
I love that the month is celebrated. But the best way to honour African and Caribbean culture all year round is to eat where it lives, in the restaurants built, run and loved by our communities. My rule for finding the good ones is simple: go to the unassuming places, where most of the tables share the culture of the food.
So before the month is out, here are my own favourite African and Caribbean eats in London. No sponsorship, no special treatment. Just places I return to.
African
Akoko, Fitzrovia
The special occasion choice. Michelin starred West African tasting menus on Berners Street, drawing on the flavours of Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal. Number one in Time Out London's guide to the best Nigerian and West African restaurants.
Akara, Borough Market
From the team behind Akoko, and more relaxed. Start with the dish it is named after, the black eyed bean fritter loved across West Africa and in Brazil. It also has a private dining room for up to 14 guests. Featured in Time Out London's guide.
Sikatio Restaurant, Bar & Grill, Brockley
An Ivorian restaurant at Brockley Cross, a short walk from the station, much loved by London's French speaking West African community. Try the wood fired chicken or the guinea fowl stew. Featured in Time Out London's guide.
The Gold Coast Bar & Restaurant, South Norwood
Ghanaian cooking on Portland Road, near Norwood Junction. Order the staples: waakye, jollof and banku.
805, Old Kent Road
A Nigerian institution that has been feeding south London since 2001, and still the place I take people who are new to the food. There are now branches in Hyde Park and Hendon too, but Old Kent Road is the original. Featured in Time Out London's guide.
Enish, all around London
Modern Nigerian food with a lively Afrobeats atmosphere, now across 11 London locations including Brixton, Lewisham, Finchley Road, Oxford Street and Covent Garden. The Oxford Street branch has a private lounge for 100 guests. Featured in Time Out London's guide.
Caribbean
Cottons, Notting Hill
Part of one of London's oldest Caribbean restaurant groups, which began in Camden in 1985. The Notting Hill Gate branch is known for its wall of rum, once a Guinness World Record holder for the most varieties on sale. For hosts, it has a back room for 20 and the whole upstairs for up to 90.
Want to go further? Time Out London's guide to the best Caribbean restaurants, written by food writer Keshia Sakarah, highlights:
- Paradise Cove, Battersea for Jamaican inspired classics
- Buster Mantis, Deptford for a Caribbean Sunday roast
- Roti Joupa, Stratford for Trinidadian cooking
- Jam Delish, Angel for vegan diners
- Umana Yana, Herne Hill for Guyanese food
Keep the table full
Black History Month lasts a few weeks. These restaurants feed our communities all year. Book a table in November, take your team in spring, order in on a Tuesday.
If your business wants to celebrate culture with substance, beyond a themed menu, MWP Collective would love to help. Email hello@mwpcollective.com.
Opening hours change, so check with each restaurant before you go.
Culture with substance
Planning a celebration that honours culture all year round?
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Sources: Time Out London's guides to the best West African and Caribbean restaurants in London.
About the authorRugie Wurie is the founder of MWP Collective, a London based studio planning retreats, corporate events and multicultural celebrations worldwide.
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