Liam SmithLucky for you, you don’t need to fly out of Ottawa if you’re craving some African cuisine. The city is bustling with a variety of African restaurants that promise to take your taste buds on a great journey (minus the plane ride, of course!).
So if you’re craving some Ethiopian stews, Moroccan tagines, or exotic Congolese fish dishes, keep on reading, as we listed the best African restaurants in the city where you can find your spot!
D’Afrique Restaurant & Bar
– Media credit: amandapantshyde
Website: https://www.dafriqueethiopianfood.ca/
Address: 349 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7G1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-789-2222
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 3 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 1 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
D’Afrique can transport you straight to the heart of Africa with its rich and flavorful dishes. Their menu here is a tantalising thrill ride of traditional African delights, like fragrant jollof rice, hearty pepper soups, and piquant suya.
They also have a variety of veggie options, keeping our plant-based buddies in mind. They even have live music and the occasional dance floor that comes alive in the evening.
| Pro tip: Their happy hour deals are the real steal, offering discounts on both food and drinks. And remember, the early bird gets the worm, or in this case, an exotic African feast, without waiting in line! |
Suya Palace
Website: https://www.suyapalace.com/
Address: 1066 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4T3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-728-8646
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 1:30 PM to 8 PM
Cost: $-$$
Suya Palace is renowned for its mastery over one specific Nigerian delicacy: suya. Their suya is marinated and grilled to perfection—it’s spicy, it’s juicy, and it pairs perfectly with a cold beverage.
Trust me when we say this is an experience your taste buds won’t forget quickly! They also offer other African favourites, like fried rice and pepper soup, which are both must-tries.
| Pro tip: The word around town is that their goat suya is the crowning glory of the menu. Now, don’t say we didn’t warn you! |
African BBQ House
Website: https://africanbbqhouse.ca/
Address: 385 Tompkins Ave. Unit#7, Ottawa, ON K1E 3H4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-590-8429
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 11:45 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9:45 PM
Cost: $-$$
African BBQ House on Tompkins Ave is a place where barbecue dreams come true. This joint offers DIY BBQ, where you can grill your mix of meat and veggies right at your table.
With options like BBQ chicken, grilled fish, and spicy jerk chicken, the menu has meat lovers sorted. However, it’s not just meat on offer here—they also have salads, veggie dishes, and even vegan alternatives.
| Pro tip: Parking can be a bit of a hassle around here on the weekends, so consider taking public transportation or carpooling. Better spare yourself a headache and direct all that energy towards the BBQ feast instead! |
Blue Nile Ethiopian
– Media credit: girlswithfolks
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Blue-Nile-ottawa-100068714328504/
Address: 707 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6X2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-321-0774
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday and Sunday – 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday – 12 PM to 8:30 PM
- Friday – 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $-$$
The Blue Nile Ethiopian is like a cosy Ethiopian home, with its earthy tones and traditional decor elevating the authenticity of the experience.
Their menu offers an assortment of Ethiopian classics, like doro wat (spicy chicken stew), tibs (sauteed or grilled meat), and, of course, injera. Now, if you’re not into meat, worry not, because they also have a vegetarian platter.
| Pro tip: Blue Nile Ethiopian offers a crowd-pleasing buffet on Sundays. So make the most of your weekend and plan a visit then! |
African Kitchen
Website: https://www.instagram.com/africankitchenltd/
Address: 81 Holland Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 0Y1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-722-4800
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 2 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
African Kitchen, located on Somerset Street, is a testament to the diversity and richness of African cuisine. Their menu boasts tasty dishes like Senegalese Yassa, spicy East African pilau, and flavourful West African Egusi soup.
Don’t forget to try their fufu and jollof rice, which are both legendary. Their staff even offers suggestions when you can’t decide what to order.
| Pro tip: Remember to keep an eye out for daily specials chalked on a board near the counter. They’re often experimental dishes that venture away from the regular menu, and they’re worth a try! |
Detola’s Kitchen
Website: https://www.detolaskitchen.com/
Address: 2544 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1T 1M9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-700-5481
Operating hours:
- Tuesday and Thursday – 12 PM to 7 PM
- Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Cost: $$
Detola’s Kitchen has walls adorned with African art and a playlist that’s always spot-on with Afrobeat hits, which is an instant mood lifter. Now, this place serves up a storm of flavours like their DK’s asun (seasoned goat meat), Chu’s naked wings, gizz-dodo, and even samosa.
Beyond their rich menu, they also have vegetarian options which are stars in their own right like their vegan efo riro and elémí méjé.
| Pro tip: Make the most of their lunch specials with high-quality, budget-friendly options, making it a no-brainer for midday cravings. And yeah, you might want to call ahead to beat the noon rush. |
OB&O Afro-Caribbean Restaurant
Website: https://obando.ca/
Address: 3059 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K2B 7K4, Canada
Contact details: +1 343-984-5332
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Wednesday – 11 AM to 7 PM
Cost: $-$$
OB&O Afro-Caribbean is an immensely flavourful spot where every bite takes you on a trip from Lagos to Kingston. They offer classic dishes with a twist, like their jollof with a side of jerk chicken, which impressed the gastronomes on our team.
Plus, the portion sizes here are generous! Some must-tries are the sweet plantain sides and their homemade ginger beer.
| Pro tip: They’re known for their weekend specials, so that’s the time to go if you’re looking to explore unique dishes. And, if you like your meal spicy, just say the word—they’re happy to crank up the heat! |
La Teranga
– Media credit: keqiangzheng
Website: http://lateranga.ca/
Address: 303 Boulevard Saint-Joseph, Gatineau, Quebec J8Y 3Y6, Canada
Contact details: +1 819-483-2704
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Cost: $-$$
When you’re in the mood for an authentic taste of Senegalese cuisine, Restaurant La Teranga is the spot to hit in Ottawa. Their menu is a treasure trove of delights.
It’s got dishes like thieboudienne (a flavourful fish and rice dish that’s a national staple in Senegal) and poulet yassa (chicken marinated in lemon and onion sauce). You can even purchase their marinade sauce if you want to try cooking African dishes at home.
| Pro tip: Save some room for dessert because their homemade sweets, albeit less known, are delectable, especially the thiakry (a sweet millet pudding). And yes, they do cater to larger groups, but booking in advance is wise! |
Mills Kitchen
Website: http://millskitchen.ca/
Address: 853 Boyd Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 2C9, Canada
Contact details: +1 343-987-2021
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 6 PM
Cost: $$
Mills Kitchen’s vibrant atmosphere matches the liveliness of Nigerian culture itself. Its walls are adorned with Nigerian art, and the place is filled with Afrobeat music.
Their jollof rice is a fan favourite, striking the perfect balance between spice and flavour, and usually paired with pieces of chicken or fish. They also offer an array of traditional Nigerian stews served with fluffy, pounded yam or garri to complete the feast.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out their brunch offerings on weekends—utterly divine! And if you’re planning a visit in the evening, consider making a reservation since this spot gets packed, and for good reason. |
Lazare BBQ House
Website: https://www.lazarebbqhouse.ca/
Address: 928 Montréal Rd Unit #1, Ottawa, ON K1K 0S8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-744-3117
Operating hours:
- Monday – 3 PM to 11:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Cost: $$
Lazare BBQ House is the answer to your prayers if you’ve been hankering for something smoky and spicy. Their menu offers a variety of grilled meats, from tender pieces of goat to chicken, all marinated with a special blend of spices.
But it’s the side dishes that truly steal the show—think aromatic jollof rice, soothing plantains, and crunchy salads. And to wash all these with something refreshing yet healthy, you must try their gingembre or bissap juice.
| Pro tip: Lazare BBQ House gets crowded on weekends, especially when they have live music, so consider visiting on a weekday. |
Golden BBQ Grill
Website: https://bbqgoldengrill.ca/
Address: 1060 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1K 3B4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-842-0303
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 1 AM
Cost: $-$$
Golden BBQ Grill is a spot that’s all about West African cuisine. They have succulent meats marinated to perfection, grilled fish, and sides that are nothing short of a flavour explosion.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, ask for their spicy option like the jalapeño slammers, or better yet, order an extra of their homemade hot sauce. Now, the perfect drink to order is their fan favourite, 50/50 ginger and bissap (50/50 and yet, 100% healthy).
| Pro tip: Golden BBQ Grill often hosts live music events on weekends, turning dinner into a party. Also, if you’re a fan of watching sports with a group, this is your spot, as they have screens perfect for cheering on your favourite team. |
Alhuda Restaurant
– Media credit: stefeatsfood
Website: https://www.alhudarestaurant.com/
Address: 1644 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 7Y6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-731-6000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12:30 PM to 8 PM
Cost: $$
Alhuda Restaurant is where you’ll find some of the best Sudanese and North African cuisine in Ottawa. You can’t miss out on trying their lamb stew and combo lunch of hilib ari, pasta, and salad, which are full of flavour.
Now, their freshly baked bread, which is perfect for dipping into their array of stews and saucy dishes, deserves a special shout-out. Cap things off with their desserts, especially the gluten-free Xalwo, which you can order either as a half or whole.
| Pro tip: Their weekend specials are not to be missed because that’s when they pull out all the stops with dishes that aren’t always available during the week. |
