The food was absolutely delicious. Such a diverse and creative menu. The service was extremely good too. I would recommend 100%!
nagem
Visited with a friend for dinner yesterday. No wait on a Saturday night. We shared the pakora starter. I got the jollof rice with tofu. My friend got the black bean bowl with rosemary potatoes and a mint lemonade. Everything was absolutely delicious and everyone from the waitstaff to the owner (who came over to introduce himself) were so nice and welcoming. Very reasonably priced. I can't wait to come back and try more.
Updated from previous review on 2024-03-31
hrn126
highly recommend this restaurant. i loved the traditional west african food they serve and there is a great variety in the dish options. kind staff and lovely dining atmosphere.
Cole Franko
This place was absolutely incredible. As a Portland-based vegan, I was beginning to become seriously depressed with the plant based food selections in western Pennsylvania after only a few days out north of Pittsburgh.However, I found this spot on happy cow and decided to stop in before I left, and I am so glad I did.Not only is this a fully plant based restaurant, but their meals provide a quality balance of nutrients and are absolutely delicious! I got the ful madamas, a delightful bean stew, and my comrade got the black bean bowl, which was wonderfully spiced and came with heaps of veggies, as well as tofu.The atmosphere was incredible, the service was great, and overall it was such a breath of fresh air compared to the drab carnivorous pub food I found elsewhere.Even in portland we could use some great plant-based African-inspired food like this.A+, 10/10, absolutely will come here whenever I'm in the area.Vegetarian options: It's fully vegan
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Black Bean Bowl
Michael Slavin
What a lovely place this is, very accommodating and superb food. Great spot in old town and free weekend parking was no problem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
meesh1970
The menu was fully vegan and excellent. The dessert were very interesting and tasty.
Kelsey Cowles
The service is so nice and the food is amazing! Highly recommend. Don’t skip dessert - the kanefah is unique and delicious.Vegetarian options: All vegan!Dietary restrictions: Fully vegan
Had dinner there with the wife for the first time. Food was amazing. Very friendly staff and the co owner stopped over to answer questions and was very polite. We'll definitely be going back to try other options on the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tabbouleh, Pilau
Becky Shingleton
Best meal we've had in a long time. My husband and I shared 7 dishes and they were all amazing! Staff was great as
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
KelseyCowles
Essence is all vegan and all delicious! We've tried most of the menu by now and everything has been flavorful and exciting. Don't skip the mint lemonade and get the kanefah for dessert!
Gorgeous place in the Southside with absolutely delicious food, generous servings, and gracious wait staffVegetarian options: Vegan food, all top notch!Dietary restrictions: Vegan, vegetarian, worked with our daughter’s coconut and pecan allergiesParking: Lot is right next door
Came here while visiting Pitt and absolutely loved it. I’m not a vegan or vegetarian and this was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. The Pakora appetizer, tofu spinach dumplings were great starters. I had the Palau entree which was perfect. Spicy but not too spicy and full of flavor. Highly recommend if you live here or visiting Pittsburgh
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mrs. Walker
Always a wonderful experience, and I say experience because their food and service is like no other. Thank you for such great food and service. A must go to vegan restaurant ❤️
The food was absolutely delicious. Such a diverse and creative menu. The service was extremely good too. I would recommend 100%!
Visited with a friend for dinner yesterday. No wait on a Saturday night. We shared the pakora starter. I got the jollof rice with tofu. My friend got the black bean bowl with rosemary potatoes and a mint lemonade. Everything was absolutely delicious and everyone from the waitstaff to the owner (who came over to introduce himself) were so nice and welcoming. Very reasonably priced. I can't wait to come back and try more. Updated from previous review on 2024-03-31
highly recommend this restaurant. i loved the traditional west african food they serve and there is a great variety in the dish options. kind staff and lovely dining atmosphere.
This place was absolutely incredible. As a Portland-based vegan, I was beginning to become seriously depressed with the plant based food selections in western Pennsylvania after only a few days out north of Pittsburgh.However, I found this spot on happy cow and decided to stop in before I left, and I am so glad I did.Not only is this a fully plant based restaurant, but their meals provide a quality balance of nutrients and are absolutely delicious! I got the ful madamas, a delightful bean stew, and my comrade got the black bean bowl, which was wonderfully spiced and came with heaps of veggies, as well as tofu.The atmosphere was incredible, the service was great, and overall it was such a breath of fresh air compared to the drab carnivorous pub food I found elsewhere.Even in portland we could use some great plant-based African-inspired food like this.A+, 10/10, absolutely will come here whenever I'm in the area.Vegetarian options: It's fully vegan
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Black Bean Bowl
What a lovely place this is, very accommodating and superb food. Great spot in old town and free weekend parking was no problem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The menu was fully vegan and excellent. The dessert were very interesting and tasty.
The service is so nice and the food is amazing! Highly recommend. Don’t skip dessert - the kanefah is unique and delicious.Vegetarian options: All vegan!Dietary restrictions: Fully vegan
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pomodoro Pasta, Brussels Sprouts, Tabbouleh, Samosa, Buffalo Cauliflower, Cauliflower Curry, Fries, Pilau, Jollof Rice
Had dinner there with the wife for the first time. Food was amazing. Very friendly staff and the co owner stopped over to answer questions and was very polite. We'll definitely be going back to try other options on the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tabbouleh, Pilau
Best meal we've had in a long time. My husband and I shared 7 dishes and they were all amazing! Staff was great as
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Essence is all vegan and all delicious! We've tried most of the menu by now and everything has been flavorful and exciting. Don't skip the mint lemonade and get the kanefah for dessert!
Restaurantji Recommends
Gorgeous place in the Southside with absolutely delicious food, generous servings, and gracious wait staffVegetarian options: Vegan food, all top notch!Dietary restrictions: Vegan, vegetarian, worked with our daughter’s coconut and pecan allergiesParking: Lot is right next door
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Samosa, Fries, Pilau
Came here while visiting Pitt and absolutely loved it. I’m not a vegan or vegetarian and this was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. The Pakora appetizer, tofu spinach dumplings were great starters. I had the Palau entree which was perfect. Spicy but not too spicy and full of flavor. Highly recommend if you live here or visiting Pittsburgh
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always a wonderful experience, and I say experience because their food and service is like no other. Thank you for such great food and service. A must go to vegan restaurant ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Samosa, Falafel Burger, Pilau, Mushroom Burger
Best vegan food in Pittsburgh hands down.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was so delicious! I’m not a big vegetarian person, but wow. Wonderful service as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5