African Restaurants in Chicago, IL

“oh my gosh. first time eating Somali food. absolutely loved experimenting with different types of breads, the different condiments, eating with banana pouring tea with spices on the food. what a great variety of combinations. So absolutely delicious. if I lived locally to Chicago I would be eating here on the regular! place is simple in decor, long on wants and hospitality. not a lot of seating. five tables total. customer base seems very friendly lots of smelling cab drivers.“

“I reeeaallly don’t usually like loud restaurants, but this place is so fun!! A drum line came out! Felt like a community vibe, and everyone was welcome to join the party. Not a place for intimate conversation, but the food was delicious, cocktails fun—good for an energetic dinner out. You can tell the owners, managers and staff put a lot of love into this sweet small business.“

“The only issue i had with my last order was they added sugar to the fufu which we never do in any African cuisine.“

“Perosnal experience at NAYOS:
I don't live in Chicago, but for Nayos African Cuisines, I am ready to travel that far just to have a taste of a good African dish. The food was tasty, well spiced. Serving portion, generous. He was not stingy with his delicious meal. Atmosphere was excellent. Service was very professional. Wait time was great. Price for the food, excellent. My wife and I had to stay one more day to enjoy Nayos again before heading back home. The only issue was parking. This is a general problem in Chicago, so, not Nayos fault. But it was easy for us to find parking around Nayos. Thank God!
I hope to visit Chicago again soon. One of the reasons for this visit would be to visit Nayos.“

“I called to order bitter leave soup, it was so good and I ended up buying extra Okazi, Afang soups and well seasoned Jollof rice .
The lady knows what she is doing.
I will advise you to call ahead because she makes everything fresh and not microwave warm food“

“It’s about time Chicago gets solid West African cuisine. Dozzy didn’t disappoint. Had the Designer Jollof Rice Bowl and it was delicious. I combined it with a couple orders of the shrimp suya sticks which put it over the top. Now, I loved the jollof, but that’s to be expected. What wasn’t expected was the shrimp. I can honestly say it was some of the best I’ve ever had. The herbs were perfect and it was grilled just the way I like it. I’ve known Dozzy for a long time and I’m so happy he’s sharing his gift to the world. Y’all get some.“

“I am reminiscing on my visit here a couple years ago - I don't live in Chicago and I am not Somali.

I went here with my friend as I was in the neighborhood and wanted to try African food in the city. It is a hole in the wall locals only type of cafeteria. My friend and I were the only non-africans in this busy / crowded restaurant.

I ordered rice, beans, stewed vegetables and bread - I enjoyed my food a good bit but I don't eat meat so perhaps I didn't get the full experience.

BUT half way through eating our meal a little ring comes on through an intercom and everyone gets up and goes to this other room - I assume to pray.🙏🏽
Here my friend and I are the only ones in the cafeteria, eating our food in silence, whereas two minutes ago it was very loud. It was just an eye opening example of how collected and community oriented people can be and still are. My friend and I were just about finishing up when everyone comes out of this room and the restaurant becomes loud again. It was probably the most interesting and beautiful experience I've had at a restaurant.

I hope this place is around for a long while.“

“We were greeted when we walked in, and felt very welcome. She helped with some recommendations, I loved it. Super authentic and that’s what I was looking for. I walked out struggling from eating so much. I couldn’t eat more if I wanted to, Lol.
My plate was on the right, btw!“

“I had never eaten Nigerian food, and the staff was very helpful in recommending dishes. I got the egusi with fufu, beef and chicken. They were also helpful in telling me how to eat it. I really enjoyed the food and will definitely be coming back. Now I just have to figure out how to reheat the fufu so I can finish my leftovers!“

“There are a few tables here, but most people I saw order for takeout. Once upon a time, during the pandemic in August 2020, my best friend and I ordered here. We reallyliked the food. I went back inDecember 2023 after her memorial service & the food is still yummy. If I remember correctly, I ordered the goat and rice dish both times. Hugeservings. I made at least 2 meals out of my 1 order.Rest in Peace, dearest Ai (1981-2023).“

“is always a pleasure to eat at le jardin. great food“

“Well this is my 2nd time trying Somali cuisine. I went to a different restaurant for Somali a long time ago and I found their food confusing. I would assume they right next to Ethiopia they would eat someone of the same cuisine despite being predominantly Muslim but it's somewhat the same? It's particular restaurant feels more of a hole in the wall for East African Somali. It was like that with the other restaurant I went to long ago. Most people would consider this dirty ambience for it being a hole in the wall. But I decided to give this one up north a try. The menu had very limited selection I ordered one dish which is served with pasta which I thought was weird. I don't know if it's bad authentic? Other than that I'm just waiting for them to cook and I had a pomegranate drink that's halal. Do Note it looks like they don't have air conditioning. So I can't imagine coming here in the summertime to eat with just a fan well. I just learned Mussolini also invaded Somalia also which is why they had assimilated to some dishes especially pasta. The food was actually pretty decent especially using angel hair pasta I was surprised that they had spices to it. Which made it spicy hot. The owner gave a complimentary tea served hot which was good sweet. It has a spicy aftertaste to fight the sweetness. I would have to come here again for the breakfast time to try their version of Somalia injera since they only eat it for breakfast unlike Ethiopia they eat inejera every day when I was there. The only the owner said that Somalian injera taste different. I wonder if they use the same ingredients such as tef grain? Despite their limited dishes do give it a try especially the pasta surprisingly I will come back for goat dish or breakfast Somalian injera“

“wonderful wonderful place. owner is very friendly. usually has her children assiting her. very police, clean place. wonderful atmosphere and great authentic ghanian african food.“

“The food was delicious and service was great.“

“Family friendly and great service. Food is fresh and professionally served in a nice dish. Also, a good place for Large groups. I will frequent this restaurant. #RevDrChantellBeatyBello“

“My first time trying the Egusi soup with beef and fufu was really good and spicy I really enjoyed it because I’ve been wanting to try it for so long for myself. I can’t describe the taste. I didn’t care for the Jollof rice with chicken it didn’t really do it for me so I’ve had my fix probably won’t eat it again it was just a one and done experience for me“

“First time here and got the beef Egusi with Amala. It came piping hot, both the Amala and Egusi, but I dug in anyway. Ripping a piece of Amala, roll, and dip. African cuisine is often eaten with your hands, and I like to experience food the way the culture intend it to be. One of the staff was surprised I suggested eating with my hands and asked a bit about me. Guess it's uncommon for non-Africans to eat like Africans here haha

I emptied the bowl and plate, cleaned leftover stew with what's left of my Amala. It was that good. There are other options I should try, and I'll definitely be back to try their other items. Maybe next time I'll take a picture to share“

“Was watching a TikTok video of someone eating Egusi soup and fufu. I Immediately got a craving. Tried this restaurant once and was hooked.“

“Delicious home-style food. Nice and spicy! A++“