6 Best African Restaurants in New Orleans
Dishes that are considered real New Orleans food have a lot of
African influence. Red beans & rice is a perfect example of that. It became
a part of the fabric of New Orleans cuisine when people fled from Haiti after
the Haitian Revolution (many of the refugees were enslaved Africans). African
fare still persists in New Orleans today, and it's some of the most flavorful
and unique food that you can get here.
The following restaurants proudly carry on the culinary traditions of Senegal, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Cameroon, and Tunisia. Check them out for dinner tonight!
1. Dakar NOLA
3814 Magazine St., (504) 493-9396
dakarnola.com
Dakar NOLA is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that is an absolute must-visit while in New Orleans. Helmed by Chef Serigne Mbaye, the restaurant offers a tasting menu inspired by the chef's childhood in Senegal, as well as the country's historical connections to New Orleans.
The menu changes regularly, but guests should expect a seven-course, pescatarian focused menu that includes a shrimp dish, a fish dish, a Louisiana rice dish, and more. Book you reservations well in advance, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind night at Dakar NOLA.
2. Bennachin
1212 Royal St., (504) 522-1230
bennachinrestaurant.com
Bennachin brings the flavors of West Africa, particularly Cameroon and the Gambia, to the French Quarter. The business original started in Old Metairie, but now serves it's wonderful food in a comfortable, relaxed space on Royal Street near Esplanade Avenue.
Make sure to try their namesake bennachin dish, which is jollof rice, or African jambalaya, with sautéed spinach. For a true taste of Africa, Bennachin should be on everyone's lists.
3. Addis NOLA
2514 Bayou Rd., (504) 218-5321
addisnola.com
Located on New Orleans' historic Bayou Road, Addis NOLA offers a truly modern and authentic Ethiopian dining experience. Founded by Dr. Biruk Alemayehu and managed by Chef Jaime Lobo and Chef Prince Lobo, the restaurant aims to provide New Orleanians traditional cuisine that has been elevated with culinary innovation.
Their dinner menu includes includes selections such as whole fried red snapper, sweet awaze chicken, shrimp kitfo, and much more. The restaurant also has a brunch menu, a coffee/dessert menu, and an extensive drink menu.
4. Cafe Abyssina
3511 Magazine St., (504) 894-6238
cafeabyssinia.com
Under the beautiful twinkling string lights of the patio set off of Magazine Street, enjoy a spicy, belly-filling meal from Ethiopia at Cafe Abyssinia. Vegetarian and vegans will love how meatless dishes are called out on the restaurant's menu, but this is not a meatless restaurant.
Carnivores will love the seafood, chicken, beef, and lamb entrees. Lega tibs is a flavorful dish of beef cooked with onion, garlic, tomatoes, jalapeños, rosemary, and kebbeh (Ethiopian spiced butter). Plant-eaters will want to take a look at the food in the veggie combo. You'll get a plateful of lentils, cabbage, carrot, chickpeas, collard greens, and yellow split peas. Everyone should save room for a flaky baklava for dessert.
5. Jamila's Café
7808 Maple St., (504) 866-4366
jamilascafe.com
If you want a taste of North Africa mixed with a little Mediterranean flavor, Jamila's Café is the best place to get Tunisian in New Orleans. Their large menu can accommodate vegetarians, meat-lovers, seafoodies, and all of those in-between. Start off with some ojja merguez (sautéed lamb sausage, chef's seasoning, tomatoes, bell pepper, spicy sauce, and eggs) for the table.
The grilled filet of amberjack is a fish filet seasoned with roasted garlic and bell pepper chutney and served with steamed vegetables. Jamila's couscous a l'agneau is a heaping plate of couscous with lamp and drizzled with fresh vegetables au jus.
6. Tanjariné Kitchen
3801 Washington Ave., (504) 301-6954
tanjarines.com
Tanjariné Kitchen is the best food truck in the city for African fare, with a brick and mortar at 3801 Washington Ave. currently under renovation. The menu can change as ingredients are available. You'll always find several delicious fully vegan entrees like Ali steamed beans pudding & sautéed mixed vegetables (savory steamed beans pudding and sautéed vegetables flavored with West African spices).
Tanjariné Kitchen is very proud of their Mandela burger. It's a 100% soy-free vegan bean burger served with baked curried potatoes. Follow Tanjariné Kitchen's social media or check out their website to see where they'll be at on the day that you want to pay them a visit.
African Food Restaurants in NOLA
With rich, earthy spices, chewy beans, and a variety of
breads, these African restaurants in New Orleans have food that you really can't
find for miles and miles. The best part is that you know it's authentic because
some of these chefs have spent parts of their lives in Africa. They are happy
to share the culinary traditions of their upbringing with you and your loved
ones.
Did we miss the best African food in New Orleans? Let us
know where we can find it!
