Where to Experience African Cuisine in Los Angeles
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Little Ethiopia
Type: Ethiopian
Location: Little Ethiopia / Carthay
Why pick just one delicious Ethiopian restaurant when there’s a whole block full of them? Having eaten at each of them (bury me in a bed of injera), we can tell you that there’s no going wrong. Rahel is on the classy side and entirely vegan. Merkato makes you feel like you’re in Ethiopia with their adjoining market. Rosalind’s has live music Fridays and Saturdays, and offers a huge “emperor” sample platter perfect for first timers. Not to mention the other 5 neighboring spots! Hot tip: Go for lunch or on a weekday because weekend evening parking is a headache.
Casablanca Moroccan Kitchens
Type: Moroccan
Location: Hollywood
You may recall this restaurant from our list of special occasion restaurants, but we just have to mention it again! This culinary gem is a Moroccan escape right in our own backyard. With a vibrant ambiance and delightful flavors you’re sure to make a good memory here. Make sure to try the popular chicken pastilla, a sweet and savory crispy personal-size pie. If you’re lucky you might even catch a belly dance!
Link to Casablanca Moroccan Kitchens.
Tut’s Egyptian Cuisine
Type: Egyptian
Location: Del Rey
This small, family-run restaurant is an unexpected find on a rather nondescript stretch of Washington Blvd. Although the restaurant is also nondescript in terms of decor, the food is excellent, prices reasonable, and portions generous. Hot tip: Get the spicy green sauce on the side for a good time.
Link to Tut’s Egyptian Cuisine.
Banadir Somali Restaurant
Type: Somali
Location: Inglewood
Hold onto your socks so they don’t get knocked off when you try this restaurant. From what we can tell, this no-frills spot is the only Somali restaurant in Los Angeles County and it doesn’t disappoint. Try the traditional suqaar or one of the popular goat dishes and enjoy the complimentary tea.
Link to Banadir Somali Restaurant.
Jagabans
Type: Nigerian
Location: Pico-Robertson
Built on the success of the San Fernando Valley ghost kitchen, The Peppered Goat, Jagabans offers similar Nigerian dishes in an intimate space. Try the award winning jollof rice and don’t miss out on the namesake peppered goat!
The Eldo
Type: South African
Location: Long Beach
Timid eaters will feel right at home at The Eldo, a pub that serves American and South African cuisine. For an authentic South African dish we recommend the Durban lamb curry. We hear the butter cake is also a hit!
Awaze Ethio Fusion & Vegan Restaurant
Type: Ethiopian Fusion
Location: Artesia
Ethiopian cuisine usually has vegan options, but Awaze prides itself on its extensive vegan menu. Another standout of this spot is its fusion dishes, blending traditional dishes with modern cooking methods. Give the veggie combo a try to sample different flavors!
Link to Awaze Ethio Fusion & Vegan Restaurant
Tagine
Type: Moroccan
Location: Beverly Hills
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience with African food, this is probably it. Supposedly born of a suggestion from Ryan Gosling himself, Tagine offers elegant Moroccan dishes including the popular namesake honey lamb tagine. The ambiance is warm and cozy right down to the jazz music.
Moun of Tunis
Type: Tunisian
Location: Hollywood
Since 1977, Moun of Tunis has been serving up authentic Tunisian and Moroccan cuisine to the people of LA. After a ceremonial hand-washing at your table among the colorful decor, enjoy a delicious feast packed with a variety of flavors. If you go on Friday or Saturday you may even catch a belly dancing performance!
Springbok Bar & Grill
Type: South African
Location: Van Nuys
Imagine you go to a sports bar, but instead of basketball you see rugby. Instead of chicken tenders on the menu you see chicken peri peri. You’ve got the idea of this casual neighborhood spot! Named after South Africa’s national animal (actually, probably named after the national rugby team), this sports bar is a great place to dip a toe into South African cuisine in a comfortable setting.
Link to Springbok Bar & Grill.
Industry Cafe & Jazz
Type: Eritrean & Ethiopian
Location: Culver City
An interesting mix of food and fun, Industry Cafe & Jazz offers Eritrean, Ethiopian, and soul food as well as live American jazz music on Thursday-Saturday nights. Sure to accommodate different tastes (we all have that one friend who orders chicken nuggets at every outing), one person can order kitfo and another can order a cheeseburger while both enjoy live music and community vibes.
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