Must-Visit Black-Owned Restaurants

We know that Black communities have been thriving in London since the Tudor period, but it is the more recent arrival of Black South-Americans, Caribbeans and Africans that have paved the way for authentically delicious food from Black origin in the UK. Recipes that have been passed down for generations, survived migration, and even developed their own British fusions now await your consumption! We’ve shortlisted some of the most popular Black-owned food stops for you to try on your visit to London. 

Juici Jerk 

A pop-up of flavors has recently arrived in the Foodhall of the iconic London department store, Selfridges. Juici Jerk was founded by two brothers, Troy and Jarrell, who put a London twist on their mother’s classic Caribbean recipes, to create award-winning dishes. You can sit down and eat, or take your food to go! Give your taste buds a treat with their Rum and Honey King Prawns, or opt for the marinated Jackfruit in their delicious Vegan Jerk Bowl. Wash it down with a fruity Rum Citrus Punch, but be careful… you may want more than one!

Saint Aymes

Finding out that Saint Aymes is Black-owned was the icing on their extraordinarily delicious cakes. Potentially the most instagrammable café in London, Saint Aymes has amassed over 100k followers on social media, and is about to open a franchise in the USA. Michaela and Lois Wilson named their café after their grandparents, as an ode to their Bajan heritage and joyful childhood. You’ll want to take a photo of everything, from the flower canopy draped over the entrance, to their marshmallow-horned, blue Unicorn Latté, sprinkled with flakes of 24ct gold.

Enish 

Easily the most popular Nigerian food joint in the UK, Eniola and Olushola Medupin have now set up five branches across the city, in Brixton, Lewisham, Finchley Road, Ilford and Croydon…and even one in Dubai! In 2017, the restaurant won “Outstanding Pan-African Restaurant of the Year” at the African Pride Awards. Expect a menu of traditional Nigerian staples, including Tilapia Pepper Soup, an assortment of Suya meat, and Yam Porridge. Enish is a place you go to with an empty stomach, as the portions are big! Wash down your meal with some palm wine or Nigeria’s rum punch style cocktail, Chapman.

Ikoyi 

Ikoyi, an island in Lagos, Nigeria, is the most prosperous area of the city, scaled with luxury homes and hotels, and celebrity-filled bars and clubs. It is no wonder then, that the owners of the Michelin starred restaurant had an upscale vision for the region’s namesake in London. Ikoyi, co-owned by Iré Hassan-Odukale, puts a spin on traditionally West African flavors, placing unusual flavours together, such as Plantain, Smoked Kelp and Blackberry. The restaurant is small, and with set times for dining, so booking well in advance is advisable. 

Dark Sugars

Dark Sugars is all about chocolate! Founders Paul and Nyanga have pumped years of research into understanding the journey of cocoa, from South America to Ghana, to produce high-quality chocolate. The Dark Sugars Chocolate Shop on Brick Lane leaves the showiness of chocolatiering behind, and instead offers you an authentic and knowledgeable experience of chocolate. Dark Sugars have recently opened a flagship store in Greenwich, and visitors rave about the creamy hot chocolate.

Hot ‘N’ Juicy Shrimp

The day that you could get a seafood boil in London was a good day, and for that we can thank Jusnah Gadi and Samantha Pascal, owners of Hot ‘N’ Juicy Shrimp London! Having tasted their first seafood boil in Vegas, they saw a gap in the market for the dish in the UK. After some setbacks, Hot ‘N’ Juicy Shrimp has become extremely successful, and offers a variety of different Cajun and Creole inspired lobster, crab, corn and mussel dishes. Their two locations, in Bethnal Green and Wood Green, are only open from Friday to Sunday, so book early to avoid disappointment. 

Beza Ethiopian

The Black-owned vegan market is expanding, but Ethiopian food has been pioneering the vegan wave for many centuries. Beza was first seen as a pop-up in Camden Market in 2006, and finally got their permanent restaurant in the new development, Elephant Park, which will open in February 2022. Everything they serve is vegan and mouth-watering. Founder, Beza, who was taught how to cook tasty, plant-based food by her grandmother, champions the Ethiopian spirit of community through food donation in the local area.

Fish, Wings & Things

FISH, WINGS & TINGS

3 Granville Arcade, Coldharbour Ln., Brixton, SW9 8PR

This was my favorite Caribbean spot growing up in DC. When it closed, I was devastated, so when I discovered that Howard Grad and Owner Brian Danclair had relocated and reopened in London, I couldn’t wait to visit. The space is small, the food is great, and don’t be shocked if you see an A-listers enjoying the authentic Caribbean cuisine. You can’t miss with anything on the menu, but my go to is the curry goat and the fruit punch. 

Port Noire

PORTE NOIRE

Gasholder 10, UNITA 1 Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C 4BY

Idris Elba is an award winning actor, musician and DJ, but did you know he is also restaurateur? Porte Noire, located in one of my favorite neighborhoods, Kings Cross, is Idris’ spot. The wine bar features one of the cities largest tasting rooms full of rare bottles of vino and champagne. Most importantly there have been lots of sightings of the owner in the building, so ya never know…

Stork

STORK

13-14 Cork St., Mayfair, London W1S 3NS

This places attacks your taste buds with a menu full of reimagined West African dishes and a sprinkling of Caribbean magic, all in an elegant setting. It’s called Stork because the mission is to retrace the stork-like migration of the continent’s flavors, and create a conversation that extends well beyond its borders. Ghanaian, Ivorian and Nigerian inspired dishes are the specialties but come and find your own favorite.

Trap Kitchen

TRAP KITCHEN

74 The Chalk House, Chalk Farm Rd., London, NW1 8AP

Seafood led Soul food is the specialty at Trap Kitchen, which came to life as a delivery service out of  Prince “Shakka” Owusu’s mothers home. It quickly grew a following of London A-listers and famous faces like A$AP Rocky and others. From the slushy drinks to the amazing lobster tails, Trap Kitchen is one of those magical London eateries that will blow up your taste buds and your IG. 

The Flygerians

THE FLYGERIANS

Peckham Palms, 14 Bournemouth Cl, London SE15 4PB

Tucked in the Black female owned Peckham Palms, this Nigerian restaurant delivers good vibes, Afrobeats and wings that will set you mouth on fire. Come and knock back a rum punch while you listen to the sounds from the DJ. The ultimate compliment is all the Nigerians who pack this spot run by sisters Jess and Jo Edun.

Chuku’s

CHUKU’S

274 High Rd., Tottenham, N15 4AJ

Nigerian Tapas is the concept at CHUKU’S. Inspired by the highly social and communal aspects of African dining culture this eatery in Tottenham is all about shared plates. There are plenty of plant-based options on the menu, and the brunch on Sunday is a revelation.

Zeret Kitchen

ZERET KITCHEN

216-218 Camberwell Rd., SE5 OED

This is the perfect place for a group meal. Order the sharing platter which is nothing short of perfection. Zeret Kitchen has great traditional Ethiopian food, great service and a flawless atmosphere. Make sure you try the coffee, it is prepared in the traditional manor. This family run business is currently operating at a limited capacity so make sure you make a reservation.

Buster Mantis

BUSTER MANTIS 

3-4 Resolution Way, Deptford, London SE8 4NT

Named after the first prime minister of Jamaica, Buster Mantis is a perfect place for dinner, but you stay afterwards for the vibe and the cocktails. The cuisine mixes elements of Jamaican and British into a great dining experience. This bar/restaurant also serves as an event space that often hosts screenings and art shows. Located just below the Deptford rail station one arch of the building serves as a bar and eatery, the other as a creative space.

Hacha Bar

HACHA BAR

378 Kingsland Rd., London E8 4AA

If your drink of choice is tequila, then this is your spot. Dalston’s features nearly 30 different kinds of tequila and mezcal. Thankfully there is food to soak up all the alcohol at this agaveria, we recommend you keep it simple with the tacos. The real showstopper is the Mirror Margarita, it looks like a glass of water but it packs one helluva punch.

Grounds and Grapes

GROUNDS AND GRAPES

41 Honor Oak Park, SE23 1DZ

Breakfast is the specialty at Grounds and Grapes. Kick start your morning with a great meal and a coffee, but come back later for a cocktail. Maybe a salted caramel espresso margarita or a blueberry mojito. Let’s not forget that they also have a great assortment of teas, if you just want to sit and sip.