I recently took a friend and his family visiting from overseas to Pleroma Cuisine because they wanted a proper Nigerian meal after being in the U.S. for almost a week. I hesitated at first. I knew the service would likely be below expectations but given the limited pool of decent African restaurants in Maryland, I went with Pleroma.
We walked in and chose a seating area that could fit our party of six. Not long after, the owner's husband approached us with a cold, unfriendly demeanor and asked us to move to another area because the area was reserved for a group of ten. Fair enough — but the way he said it was unnecessarily rude. I brushed it off and suggested another spot, asking if two tables could be joined. He was reluctant and instead pointed us to a cramped area near the entrance. I politely insisted on my suggestion and asked again about joining tables. He replied, “I can’t join two tables — it’s a fire hazard.” That excuse was laughable. What fire would occur in the 40 minutes we’d be eating? Of course it was not a fire hazard, it was a really silly excuse.
At that point, I was irritated. I'm a paying guest, not a freeloader. The attitude was off-putting. I told my guests to meet me in the car so we could go elsewhere. When the owner realized we were leaving, he came outside and apologized, asking us to come back in. I was hesitant, because let’s be honest, we all know the risk of arguing with someone who’s about to prepare your food. You never truly know what someone’s intentions are, especially when emotions are involved and you're about to eat something they control behind closed doors. But I didn’t want to seem unreasonable, so we returned.
We waited nearly an hour for our food. During that time, I noticed the owner on the phone, occasionally frowning in my direction. Maybe it was just in my head, but it didn’t help the discomfort. When the food finally came, it was served in batches. The most bizarre part? The three adults ordered the exact same dish, but my friend, the peacemaker received double the meat compared to me and his wife. Coincidence? I hope so. But it seemed strange.
If you’re not naturally warm, polite, or friendly, hire someone who is. Running a restaurant isn’t just about food, it’s about the experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Greg Dizon
The Achu is amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hans Le (genghishans)
The owner was very friendly and attentive with our table. I got the goat stew and it was spot on. Also got a meat pie appetizer that was savory with the right amount of spice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Justin Saysay
Everything I have was good money worth the food
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cynthia Mbah
I wish I can give this a zero. I just paid $53.95 for Isiewu that turned out not to be isiewu. This is pure fraud!!!!! Had about eight pieces of meat which is like cow foot and a little piece of regular goat meat. Very disappointed. Please don’t waste your money or time ordering from here.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Bisibee Love
Everything about their service is top notch.Rhe food came out fast and really nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark Latimore
This is our very first visit and we had a wonderful time. The food was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Felicia Brewington
Came for lunch with my husband and Chef Bianka was friendly and welcoming. The good was authentic and delicious. Highly recommend to anyone looking for authentic West African cuisine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Olamide O
This place is one of the best if not the best African food place. The food was prepared fresh and I mean fresh. The atmosphere was welcoming. The server (olurunfemi) I give you hand. You know your job very well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
mbuih zukane
You don't only eat but you get entertained. Its a world class cuisine by world class chefs. Try them and thank me later. I wish I could give 10 stars
Stopped here for lunch & had goat stew, jolliff rice, plantains & the meat pie. They were all incredibly good, and the staff was very nice. I highly recommend checking this place out when you’re in town, you won’t be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Caroline Okolo
This is very quaint location and I'm so glad I discovered it. Excellent customer service...warm and friendly restaurant...great music, especially the streaming afrobeat music that permeates the atmosphere. Very nice. Will definitely be patronizing Pleroma again. Great job Femi and his beautiful wife, Bianca.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sarah Browning
Such a great meal! And lovely staff. Highly recommended!
I recently took a friend and his family visiting from overseas to Pleroma Cuisine because they wanted a proper Nigerian meal after being in the U.S. for almost a week. I hesitated at first. I knew the service would likely be below expectations but given the limited pool of decent African restaurants in Maryland, I went with Pleroma.
We walked in and chose a seating area that could fit our party of six. Not long after, the owner's husband approached us with a cold, unfriendly demeanor and asked us to move to another area because the area was reserved for a group of ten. Fair enough — but the way he said it was unnecessarily rude. I brushed it off and suggested another spot, asking if two tables could be joined. He was reluctant and instead pointed us to a cramped area near the entrance. I politely insisted on my suggestion and asked again about joining tables. He replied, “I can’t join two tables — it’s a fire hazard.” That excuse was laughable. What fire would occur in the 40 minutes we’d be eating? Of course it was not a fire hazard, it was a really silly excuse.
At that point, I was irritated. I'm a paying guest, not a freeloader. The attitude was off-putting. I told my guests to meet me in the car so we could go elsewhere. When the owner realized we were leaving, he came outside and apologized, asking us to come back in. I was hesitant, because let’s be honest, we all know the risk of arguing with someone who’s about to prepare your food. You never truly know what someone’s intentions are, especially when emotions are involved and you're about to eat something they control behind closed doors. But I didn’t want to seem unreasonable, so we returned.
We waited nearly an hour for our food. During that time, I noticed the owner on the phone, occasionally frowning in my direction. Maybe it was just in my head, but it didn’t help the discomfort. When the food finally came, it was served in batches. The most bizarre part? The three adults ordered the exact same dish, but my friend, the peacemaker received double the meat compared to me and his wife. Coincidence? I hope so. But it seemed strange.
If you’re not naturally warm, polite, or friendly, hire someone who is. Running a restaurant isn’t just about food, it’s about the experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
The Achu is amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The owner was very friendly and attentive with our table. I got the goat stew and it was spot on. Also got a meat pie appetizer that was savory with the right amount of spice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything I have was good money worth the food
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I wish I can give this a zero. I just paid $53.95 for Isiewu that turned out not to be isiewu. This is pure fraud!!!!! Had about eight pieces of meat which is like cow foot and a little piece of regular goat meat. Very disappointed. Please don’t waste your money or time ordering from here.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Everything about their service is top notch.Rhe food came out fast and really nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is our very first visit and we had a wonderful time. The food was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came for lunch with my husband and Chef Bianka was friendly and welcoming. The good was authentic and delicious. Highly recommend to anyone looking for authentic West African cuisine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is one of the best if not the best African food place. The food was prepared fresh and I mean fresh. The atmosphere was welcoming. The server (olurunfemi) I give you hand. You know your job very well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
You don't only eat but you get entertained.
Its a world class cuisine by world class chefs.
Try them and thank me later.
I wish I could give 10 stars
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Stopped here for lunch & had goat stew, jolliff rice, plantains & the meat pie. They were all incredibly good, and the staff was very nice. I highly recommend checking this place out when you’re in town, you won’t be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is very quaint location and I'm so glad I discovered it. Excellent customer service...warm and friendly restaurant...great music, especially the streaming afrobeat music that permeates the atmosphere. Very nice. Will definitely be patronizing Pleroma again. Great job Femi and his beautiful wife, Bianca.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a great meal! And lovely staff. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food, charming service. I’m obsessed
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food! So happy with the food and service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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