6 Truly African Restaurants in California

Whether you’re in the mood for Mozambique peri-peri chicken wings or West African plantains, I can bet there’s a little taste of Africa tucked away in your corner of California. Yes, all the way from San Francisco to San Diego, you can enjoy a meal that will take you back to your mother’s kitchen and home cooking (if Africa is home to you). And what’s more, to find such a place, where African spices, curries and music fills the air, you may not have to go as far as you thought.

I’ve hand-picked only 5 African restaurants, run mostly by authentic, ethnic owners in the North, Central and Southern Cali, but there are many more. So read on and please, share with us anymore places we should know about!

Bissap Baobab, San Francisco

As the African Baobab tree is a symbol of life, community, and culture, Bissap Baobab has a laid back, yet distinctly cosmopolitan, worldly vibe which upholds the concept of an African village. This Senegalese restaurant serves an array of West African spiced lamb, seafood and chicken dishes. Try one of their homemade drinks, signature cocktails or beers from all over the world too. Also keep an eye out for their special events: from DJs to live music and dance performances; to French language and World Cup meet-ups; to independent film screenings; art exhibitions; spoken word and poetry.

www.bissapboabab.com

Amawele's South African Kitchen, San Francisco

Thanks to South African twin sisters, Pam and Wendy the Zulu word 'Amawele', meaning twins, was the name given to this delectable San Francisco restaurant. Here a melting pot of cultures combine to bring you food inspired by the different influences in South Africa: English, Indian, Dutch, Malaysian and Native African. Spices from all over the world meet to create dishes like Cape Malay curry, bobotie, bunny chow, peri-peri chicken, frikadella and, how could we forget, slap chips. But don’t feel too guilty about indulging here. Amawele’s has cleverly adapted some of their dishes to be gluten free – at no expense to the taste buds!

www.amawelessouthafricankitchen.com

Radio African kitchen, San Francisco

A while back, Ethiopia had very few places to hear popular music and sports.  In fact maybe one house per neighborhood had a radio. And this is where kids would gather to listen to soccer matches and music, all the while sharing laughter, conversation and snacks. With fond memories like these, owner and chef, Eskender Aseged, named his restaurant radio African kitchen. His Bay area restaurant boasts dishes that he created after being inspired by great chefs he worked with in the USA and also from the tastes of his African roots.  A healthy alternative, dishes are infused with a wide range of organic vegetables, greens, grains, nuts, wild fish, shellfish and fruit, accompanied by fine herbs and spices.

www.radioafricakitchen.com

Veronica's kitchen (Fufu Land), Los Angeles

This Nigerian restaurant is the real thing! A small, very friendly, simple-looking spot in Inglewood where you can make small talk with the owner, Veronica.

Whether you’re from the motherland or new to Nigerian cuisine, Yelp reviews of this place have been off the roof. If you have never tasted jollof rice, fufu or moi-moi then you will just have to visit this place to find out what they are!

No website available but take a look at their Yelp reviews.

Mozambique, Laguna and Newport beach

For a fine dining experience try Mozambique located on the beachfront. Offering a irresistible fusion of fresh local seafood, steaks and Mozambique spices, you can enjoy the sea air while sipping on a glass of local or renowned South African wine (Meerlust, Kanonkop, Rust en Vrede to name a few!). Pair this with a dish of Peri-peri chicken livers, Durban lamb curry, and oh, how can we forget the prawns!

Keep an eye on their website for live music nights too.

Cape Town, San Diego

From a small “hole in the wall” deli behind a gas station to a bustling South African themed sports bar, Cape Town serves up all the usuals like samoosas, biltong, dry wors, boerewors, peri-peri chicken livers,  bunny chow,  bobotie, pap and gravy and SA wines and soft drinks to top it off. The sports bar shows typical South African sports that are not readily available in San Diego like rugby, soccer , cricket, surfing and golf.

www.capetownpub.com/

Author: Donna Van Wyk
SEO Copywriter and Content Strategy at DigiGal Marketing