Joyful Heart African Cuisine

Absolutely RUDE! I went in with the intent of purchasing meal but was completely turned off because I asked for a cup of hot water to sit my baby’s bottle in. Would you believe these sick heads told me no. Obviously I got up and left.

I hate that I didn’t have a better experience or make it to the opportunity to experience the cuisine. However, my experience was far from “Joyful” due to the simple fact that in any establishment a cup of hot water should never be an issue. I recommend that you spend your money elsewhere. Miss Flo’s African cuisine is right across the parking lot and has always been a pleasant Aunt experience. I love her jerk chicken.!!!

Be blessed, and for the staff at joyful African cuisine now that you know better I hope you do better 🙏🏾✊🏾

I now understand why this place had no customers.
1. The food is overpriced.
2. The rice tasted old—its texture made that obvious.
3. The plantains had a strange taste and texture. They were dry and completely flavorless.
4. The beef—oh my. It was tough, bland, and served in a ridiculously small portion. I need to emphasize the portion size again—it was tiny.

When I cut the beef in half and took a bite, I immediately realized it wasn’t good.

I went to the counter and politely asked if I could swap the beef for fish instead. I was told “No.”—unless I paid for an entirely new plate. The reason? Because I had already taken a bite. Well, yes, I had—how else would I know it was bad?

Overall, this place deserves zero stars.
They didn’t have any drinks available either.

The customer service was poor—they simply didn’t care whether I was satisfied or not. They got their $35, and that was the end of it. We won’t be back, and we’ll make sure our friends and family know this place is not worth their time or money.

As for the ambiance—it was clean, but it was clear they don’t get many customers. Now I understand why.

Great restaurant, close by and the rice and fried fish was tasty

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Not all West African cuisine can cook Cassava leaf. Please be careful the West African cuisine you go and order this dish especially this location. Under cooked cassava leaf, no palm oil like it should be, sandy when steered so not sure if it was properly washed cassava Leaf, two small pieces of “beef”, the “beef” had an odor too. Could not be eaten just looking at it. The owner is very unprofessional and will try to convince you to taste the food. Please don’t go there and get sick. The health inspector needs to visit this restaurant for their food, atmosphere and service. Don’t say I didn’t alert you.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The cassava leaf and meat was not fresh nor tasty. I was referred to the restaurant. I am not impressive.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Very delicious lunch! Friendly and welcoming. Large portions, looking forward to eating my leftovers.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I prefer cow foot, tripe and most meats well cooked so that they are gelatinous when chewing and the cow bones are almost gone. The taste was great but I prefer these cuts of meat cooked until soft. I could not eat the meat.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pounded Yam with Egusi Soup

Tried for the first time and the food was really good. I got the okra soup with goat meat and pounded yam fufu. The staff was helpful. The portion size was a bit small (only comes with two pieces of goat meat but you can purchase more) and it was expensive (I paid and $25).

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The gentleman who attended to me gets 5 stars. The drop in the two stars was for the price. I expected more for what I paid.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 5

The jollof rice and goat meat is fire!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Spicy Goat Stew with Jollof Rice and Plantains

The food is delicious. The service is great. I love their moi moi. Very friendly and joyful at heart ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wow! Happened to be in the area on the hunt for something new. I’ve been meaning to try egusi soup with goat meat & this restaurant had exactly what I was looking for. Let’s just say I will be back!!! The service was perfect bless the young man working up front he greeted me with the biggest smile.I don’t usually leave reviews but this place brought me joy & a full belly haha. My new favorite meal ! Check them out seriously.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pounded Yam with Egusi Soup

My first time here they were very accommodating with my food allergies and did not sacrifice the flavor at all. The food was hot, flavorful, spicy and I would get it again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pounded Yam with Egusi Soup

The food is absolutely amazing !! And the service feels like family. If you come here you will not regret it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pounded Yam with Egusi Soup

The best african restaurant I have visited in md so far .The customers service is top notchThe food taste yummy yummy.I give them 10/10 .Give them a call and you won't regret it at all.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5