The Best 20 Nigerian Restaurants in London 2024 (Part 1)
London’s food scene is a colorful mix of flavors from all over the world, and Nigerian food has a special place in this diverse culinary landscape. Nigerian restaurants in the city serve a wide range of dishes, from traditional ones to new fusion recipes. They celebrate the strong and unique flavors of West Africa. This article talks about the ten best Nigerian restaurants in London, focusing on the amazing food, one-of-a-kind atmospheres, and passionate chefs that make each of these places a must-see for both locals and tourists. Come with us as we look at the rich history of food and the new ways people are cooking that make these London restaurants stand out.
#1. Enish Nigerian Restaurant
Eniola and Shola Medupin opened this business on Lewisham High Street in South London in October 2013. The modern, sophisticated atmosphere of this restaurant sets it apart from others. The food is also very authentic Nigerian.
The restaurant’s design is one of a kind, combining modern and vintage styles to make a classy place to eat. Enish has a main dining room, an executive suite for private events, and a BBQ lounge in the summer.
Enish serves a wide range of traditional Nigerian dishes, like Jollof Rice and Egusi Soup, all made with great care to make sure they taste good. Shola Medupin personally approves each dish, which guarantees a high level of quality. The restaurant also takes pride in its excellent customer service, which is made possible by ongoing training for its staff.
Enish has grown a lot since it first opened. It now has ten branches in London, as well as locations in Manchester and Dubai. This growth shows how popular the restaurant is and how special the dining experience is.
#2. Akoko Restaurant
Akoko is a well-known Nigerian restaurant in London at 21 Berners Street, Fitzrovia. Aji Akokomi started Akoko in 2014. It combines traditional West African flavors with modern cooking methods to create a unique dining experience.
Aji Akokomi (CEO)
The restaurant focuses on using high-quality British ingredients and has a great selection of natural wines. Akoko’s menu takes you on a culinary journey through the rich and varied flavors of West Africa, with signature dishes like jollof rice and tatale pancakes. Akoko has earned a Michelin star for its commitment to high-quality food and new ideas, making it one of London’s best places to eat.
Akoko is a one-of-a-kind and beloved gem in the city’s vibrant food scene. In addition to its amazing food, it gives each diner an immersive and unforgettable experience.
#3. Chuku’s Restaurant
Chuku’s Nigerian Restaurant is a well-known place to eat at 274 High Road, Tottenham, London N15 4AJ. The energetic siblings Ola and Ifeyinwa Okoli started it in 2016. Chuku’s has quickly become known for combining real Nigerian flavors with modern dining trends.
Chuku’s stands out because it is the first restaurant to serve Nigerian food in a tapas style, which makes for a fun and communal dining experience. The menu includes a variety of reimagined traditional dishes, like Jollof Quinoa and Plantain Waffles. There are options for vegans, gluten-free eaters, and halal eaters.
Afrobeats music and a modern, stylish design add to the lively atmosphere, giving diners an experience that captures the spirit of Lagos. Chuku is a one-of-a-kind and well-loved place to eat in London’s diverse food scene because it is dedicated to celebrating Nigerian culture through its creative food and lively atmosphere.
#4. Lolak Afrique
The beloved Lolak Afrique Restaurant is located at 184 Tulse Hill, Norwood, London SW2 3BU. Halima, also known as “Mama Lolak,” started it in 1996. It has since become a mainstay of the Nigerian community in London, giving many people a home away from home.
Mama Lolak & Children
The restaurant is charming because it is warm and welcoming. Many people love the Nigerian dishes at Lolak Afrique, like Abula, Amala, and Ewedu. The restaurant is known for serving traditional Nigerian food that is made with care and love, which is why both locals and tourists love to eat there.
Lolak Afrique is in Peckham, which is affectionately known as “Little Lagos” because it has a lot of Nigerians living there. It offers more than just food; it also gives people a sense of belonging and community. The warm and helpful service, along with the exotic setting, make it a place where people want to go. Lolak Afrique is a popular place for people who want to taste the real flavors of Nigeria.
#5. Ikoyi Restaurant London
Ikoyi Restaurant is a famous place to eat at 180 Strand, London WC2R 1EA. Chef Jeremy Chan and visionary Iré Hassan-Odukale opened Ikoyi in late 2022, and it quickly found its place in London’s lively food scene.
Ikoyi is different because it mixes strong West African flavors with the best British food in a way that is truly masterful. The menu shows off creativity and sustainability by using seasonal ingredients and combining flavors in new ways. Creamed spinach, caramelized plantain, and beef rib suya are some of the best examples of this unique mix of old and new cooking styles.
The restaurant has two Michelin stars because of its elegant, simple decor and dedication to great food. The open kitchen design lets diners see how carefully each dish is made, which shows how much Chef Chan cares about getting it right.
#6. 805 Restaurant
805 Nigerian Restaurant is a well-known culinary gem at 805 Old Kent Road, London SE15 1NX. Mr. Frederick and Mrs. Damaris James started this business in 2001, and it has since become known for its authentic and high-quality Nigerian food.
The fact that 805 is always committed to authenticity and excellence is what makes it so special. The menu has a wide range of traditional Nigerian foods, such as the well-known Jollof rice, different regional soups, and the restaurant’s famous Monika Fish. The restaurant’s soft lighting and mix of African and cool jazz music make it a warm and inviting place to eat.
The experience at 805 Nigerian Restaurant is more than just the food. The owners and staff work hard to make sure that every guest feels like part of the family, which makes each visit special. 805 is a must-see place for anyone in London who wants to eat real African food. It has a modern twist on Nigerian food, so you can enjoy it alone, with friends, or to celebrate a special occasion.
#7. The Flygerians
The Flygerians is a lively and exciting Nigerian restaurant at 14 Bournemouth Cl, Peckham, London SE15 4PB. This place was started by the enterprising sisters Jess and Jo in 2016. It quickly became popular with people looking for authentic Nigerian street food with a modern twist.
Jessy and Jo, Owners of Flygerians
The Flygerians stands out because of its unique menu, which includes a variety of small plates and tapas-style dishes that encourage sharing and socializing. Some of the most popular dishes are Fly Wings, Sweet Pepper Chicken Gizzard, and Naughty Pot of Cassava. The restaurant’s lively and colorful atmosphere, made even better by afrobeats music and bright decor, makes diners feel like they’re in the busy streets of Lagos.
The Flygerians has moved from pop-ups and street food events to a permanent location in Peckham, and Londoners are still loving the rich and varied Nigerian flavors. The Flygerians offers a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable dining experience, whether you’re a seasoned fan of Nigerian food or just curious.
#8. Pitanga Nigerian Restaurant
Nky Nweka, (CEO, PITANGA)
The Pitanga Nigerian Restaurant at 220 North End Road, London W14 9NX is a great place to eat. Nky Iweka and her Italian partners started Pitanga in 2018. It quickly became popular for its amazing Nigerian food, which is artfully mixed with modern touches.
The menu at Pitanga is what really sets it apart. It has something for everyone, no matter what their tastes or dietary needs are. There are a lot of choices at the restaurant, such as fish, meat, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, spicy, mild, sweet, and savory. The restaurant’s Anglo-Nigerian heritage is shown in the careful preparation of signature dishes like Suya, Kosai (Akara), and Jollof Rice.
Pitanga is a great place to hold parties and get-togethers because it has a friendly and lively atmosphere and outdoor seating. Pitanga is a hidden gem in London’s diverse food scene because it cares about quality, creativity, and hospitality. Every guest will have a memorable meal there.
#9. Obalende Suya Restaurant
Obalende Suya Restaurant, which is at 43 Peckham High Street, London SE15 5EB, is a beloved place to eat in London’s lively Nigerian community. Obalende Suya Express opened the restaurant, which has been serving real, tasty suya dishes since the beginning.
What makes Obalende Suya stand out is its dedication to traditional Nigerian BBQ, also known as suya. This delicious meal has thin strips of meat that have been marinated in a mix of spices and ground peanuts and then perfectly grilled over open flames. Suya, the restaurant’s best dish, is usually served with jollof rice, a salad of fresh tomatoes and onions, and a lot of suya spice, which makes every bite taste like a symphony.
Obalende Suya is a must-visit for anyone who wants to try real Nigerian food. The smoky, grilled meats and the lively atmosphere of Peckham make it a great place to eat. Obalende Suya promises a one-of-a-kind and memorable dining experience, whether you’re a long-time fan of suya or just curious about it.
#10. Eko Bar and Restaurant
Eko Nigerian Restaurant, at 245 Wick Road in London E9 5AF, is a well-loved place to eat. Eko has been bringing the rich, vibrant flavors of Lagos to the heart of London since it opened in 2006. The restaurant was started by a passionate team that wanted to stay true to the food.
The food at Eko Nigerian Restaurant is a wonderful celebration of traditional Nigerian dishes. Some of the most popular foods are Jollof Rice, Catfish Soup, Egusi Soup, Grilled Fish with Plantain, and a mix of meats. Each dish is carefully made with fresh, high-quality ingredients to make sure it tastes like real West African food.
Eko is different because it is committed to bringing the rich and complex flavors of Nigerian food to life in a modern and friendly setting. The restaurant has modern decor and a lively atmosphere, which is made even better by live music on weekends, making it a great place to eat. Eko is a unique and memorable dining experience in London that stands out from the city’s many other restaurants. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Nigerian food or trying it for the first time, you’ll love it.
…be on the lookout for Part Two of this “delicious” story.
