I’m Nigerian, born and raised. And even though I haven’t lived there since I was nine, the cuisine is still MOST of my diet. I do not go more than 2 days without eating some sort of Nigerian food. In fact, after 2 days, my rice levels are low and we gotta fix it no matter where in the world I am. 

How much do I love Nigerian food? In my first children’s book Little Troublemaker Makes a Mess I have the character of Little Luvvie attempting to cook jollof rice, and turning the kitchen upside down as a result.

Jollof rice is just one of our foods, of course. My other faves are ofada rice (or ayamashe), egusi stew, efo riro (spinach) with pounded yam. Okra and eko. Moin moin or akara. Give me stock fish or shaki (aka tripe) too.

My mom is an incredible cook, but since everyone can’t get food in her kitchen (and she hasn’t written the cookbook I’ve been begging her to write for like 8 years), I wanna provide you with a growing list of Nigerian restaurants around the United States.

Not saying that I cannot get down in the kitchen, but what happens when you are miles away from your mother’s talented hands and you desire a taste of home? This is where Nigerian-owned restaurants come in. 

Whether you’re in search of a quick snack or a unique dining experience, supporting these restaurants ensures their longevity in the culinary space serving as a piece of home for many. Below, you’ll find a list of Nigerian-owned restaurants across the United States. This is not comprehensive, as it’s simply a list that includes the ones I can vouch for and the ones my audience has recommended.

Note: Comment and let us know of any Nigerian-owned restaurant near you that you’d vouch for and we’ll add them to the list! 

Alabama | Arizona | California | Colorado | Connecticut | District of Columbia | Georgia | Illinois | Maryland | Missouri | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Texas | Washington

Nigerian Restaurants in the United States

Alabama (AL)

• Ike’s Kitchen African Cuisine – Huntsville, AL

Arizona (AZ)

• Agege Bites – Chandler, AZ
• Lasgidi Cafe (Food truck) – Phoenix, AZ
• Nedu’s Kitchen – Phoenix, AZ

California (CA)

• Aduke’s Cuisine & Lounge – Inglewood, CA
• Golden Safari – Hayward, CA
• Ruth’s Buka – Oakland, CA
• Sumptuous African Restaurant – Inglewood, CA
• Veronica’s Kitchen – Inglewood, CA

Colorado (CO)

• Ówàḿbẹ̀ African Restaurant & Lounge – Colorado Springs, CO
• Classik Chops – Denver, CO

Connecticut (CT)

• Naija Restaurant – Newington, CT

District of Columbia (DC)

• DC Capitol Square Bar & Grill – St NE, Washington, DC
• Jollof Etcetera – St NE, Washington, DC
• The Continent DC – Washington, DC
• Zion Kitchen – Washington, DC

Georgia (GA)

• Boniks African Cuisine – Forest Park, GA
• Fad Fine Dining – Mableton, GA
• Fly Chef – Peachtree Corner 
• Fufu Catering, Kitchen & Grill –  Atlanta, GA
• Ike’s Cafe & Grill – Norcross, GA
• Kay’s Cuisine – Atlanta, Georgia
• Little Lagos – Atlanta, GA
• Queen Vees African Cuisine – Decatur, GA
• Southern Suya – Atlanta, GA
• Toyin Takeout – Marietta, GA

Illinois (IL)

• African Food Palace – Chicago, IL
• Bisi Restaurant – Schaumburg, IL
• B&Qs food – Chicago, IL 
• Iyanze Restaurant – Chicago, IL
• Mrs. Kay’s Kitchen – Skokie, IL
• Nayo’s African Cuisine – Chicago, IL
• Nigerian Kitchen – Chicago, IL 
• Vee-Vee’s African Restaurant – Chicago, IL
• Yinkres Nigerian Restaurant – Chicago, IL

Maryland (MD)

• Authentic African Restaurant – Germantown, MD
• Jollof Etcetera – Hyattsville, MD
• Jollof on Point – Frederick, MD
• Kingsway Foods – Laurel, MD
• Kuramo restaurant – Baltimore MD
• Mary’s Catering & African Restaurant – Baltimore, MD
• Naija Cafe – Clinton, MD
• Posi Kitchen – Baltimore, MD
• Project Suya – Bowie, MD
• Skyvibe – Laurel, MD
• Spice Kitchen – Hyattsville, MD
• Taste of Lagos – Lanham Severn, MD
• Zions Kitchen – Laurel, MD. 

Missouri (MO)

• Levels Restaurant – St Louis, MO

New Jersey (NJ)

• Adidun Cuisine – Newark, NJ
• 9ia Buka – Newark, New Jersey
• Ikoyi Restaurant and Lounge – Newark, NJ
• Olaide’s Kitchen – Parlin, NJ
• Súrùlérè Suya Spot – Union, NJ
• Twale’s Kitchen – Belleville, NJ

New York (NY)

• African Pride – Brooklyn, NY
• Buka restaurant – Brooklyn & Manhattan, NY
• Divine Flavored Food Truck – Brooklyn, NY
• Ecowas Kitchen – Brooklyn, NY
• Fingerlicking Restaurant Inc – Brooklyn, NY
• Lagos TSQ – Manhattan, NY
• Native Harlem Restaurant – Brooklyn, NY
• Radio Kwara – Brooklyn, NY

Pennsylvania (PA)

• Eniola Restaurant and African Food Store – Harrisburg, PA
• New Era Cuisine – Philadelphia, PA

Texas (TX)

• Abula Hot Pot – Houston, TX
• Aria Suya Kitchen – Houston, TX
• Benmond Catering – Houston, TX
• Calabar Pot – Frisco, TX
• Chop N Blok – Houston, TX
• Dupsy’s Kitchen – Houston, TX 
• Eko Bistro – Houston, TX
• Famous Princess African Kitchen – Houston, TX
• Grains and Solids – Houston, TX
• Hunan Cafe – Houston, TX
• Jollof Haus – Allen, TX
• Kanny’s Restaurant & Lounge – Dallas, TX
• Kom Chop Restaurant – Houston, TX
• Mabel’s African Cuisine & Bar –  McKinney, TX
• Osuma Suya – McKinney, TX
• Icon restaurant – Dallas, TX
• Lola’s Restaurant & Lounge – Irving, TX
• Rodo Nigerian Cuisine – Richmond, TX
• Salt N Pepper  – Garland, TX
• Signature African Restaurant – Houston, TX
• Suya On The Spot – Houston, TX
• Wazobia Kitchen – Houston, TX

Washington (WA)

• Pass D Jollof – Seattle, Washington

What is your favorite Nigerian-owned restaurant near you? Are there any we’ve missed? Comment here and let us know.