The food scene has changed a great deal over the years, with incredible restaurants led by Black chefs and restaurateurs popping up across the capital and making their mark. A decade ago, no Black-owned restaurant in the UK held a Michelin star – now there are three in London, with others striving for the same. What was once difficult to find – or seen as a casual meal only for its own community – is now an easy visit for anyone on a normal night. Each restaurant on this list finds its own bold or subtle way to celebrate heritage, history and community through traditional recipes, inventive drinks or fresh twists on dishes as we know them.
The best Black-owned restaurants in London right now
Jason Wain
Akara, Borough Yards
Best for: a Pan-African experience
What to order: BBQ prawn akaraRight next to Borough Market, Akara is the second restaurant from Aji Akokomi, after Akoko. While Akoko is fine dining, Akara is more relaxed with a shorter menu and friendlier prices. Flavours have been sourced from the African diaspora, so expect influences from Nigeria, Senegal, Brazil and beyond. Highlights include the beef kulikuli yaji and the eponymous akara (bean cake), presented uniquely by slicing and stuffing with barbecue prawns, beef short rib or avocado and cucumber. Pair the meal with the Ilará cocktail, consisting of plantain-infused rum, honey, peaty whisky and topped with citrus. Many don’t know what to expect when visiting Akara, but that’s part of the experience: it’s often a safe bridge for people who have never tried food with a primarily West African twist. Due to this, Akara is a suitable location for a work lunch as much as a date or group dinner. If you want to be up close to the action, reserve your spot at the counter.
Address: Arch 208, 18 Stoney St, London SE1 9AD
Website: akaralondon.co.uk
All Roads, Brixton
Best for: Comfort food with a Southern American flair
What to order: Lamb ribsChefs Malika Green and Paschelle Brown combined years of experience across London restaurants like Daddy Bao and Lai Rai before pouring their souls into a supper club, and finally a brick-and-mortar home in Brixton Village in May 2026. All Roads feels like part vibey house party, part stylish eatery: the dimly lit space seats tables close together, and the nearby DJ gets people singing along without overpowering the mood. The comfort food menu is influenced by the American South, with golden, crispy chicken wings brined in sweet tea and herbs, and moist, crumbly cornbread with a fresh citrus butter. The chefs’ Caribbean heritage also shines through the sorrel cheesecake ice cream and AJ daiquiri with scotch bonnet jam – both knockouts. Their menu is intentionally short, served as small dishes that come out as they are ready; order a little of everything to be wowed every time. Open Wednesday to Sunday.
Address: 44 Atlantic Rd, London SW9 8JN
Website: allroadsldn.comTiki Bar, Acton
Best for: Haitian dishes and Caribbean rums
What to order: Haitian fritay with diri djon djonAs the UK’s only Haitian restaurant, owner Wilford Marous is on a mission to wave the flag of Haiti and its history. Tiki Bar lives up to its name – from the entrance, you’ll feel whisked away to somewhere on the shoreline, with premium Caribbean rums like Grenadian Rivers and Bajan Mount Gay stacked up high behind the green and red illuminated bar that resembles its namesake. Caribbean favourites like curry goat and jerk chicken are on the menu too, but you would miss out if you did not try the Haitian fritay: a large serving of griot (a Haitian staple of fried pork), crispy goat meat, twice-fried green plantains and crunchy pikliz – pickled vegetables that pack a fiery punch. Order a side of diri djon djon, a darkened rice powered by mushrooms. The food will be enough to bring you there but the service will keep you; Wilford and his staff are uber-friendly, chatting with all of their patrons.
Address: 15 The Vale, London W3 7SH
Website: instagram.com/tikibar15
Park’s Edge, Herne Hill
Best for: modern British and fusion dishes
What to order: rolled and caramelised belly of porkRustic tables, dark teal banquette seating and antique books in an exposed brick interior hint at modern British dining, but fusion dishes incorporate Caribbean flavours such as piquillo peppers stuffed with plantain. The highlights on the menu include the Disaronno-infused apple crumble with ice cream to finish while taking in scenic views of Brockwell Park during the day. Our favourite cocktail is the lycheenee, a sweet mixture of white rum, lychee liquor, strawberry puree and pineapple. Choosing anything from the family-owned restaurant’s premium collection is a winning choice as they feature rums from the Caribbean and beyond – expect to find El Dorado from Guyana, Batavia Arrack from Indonesia and Don Papa from the Philippines featured as rum staples.
Address: 49-51 Norwood Road, London SE24 9AA
Website: parksedgebarandkitchen.com
Akoko, Fitzrovia
Best for: fine dining with reimagined Ghanaian, Nigerian and Senegalese flavours
What to order: tasting dinner menu with wine pairingOne of the only Black-owned restaurants in the UK to have been awarded a Michelin star, Akoko provides intricate dishes in a minimalist setting. The terracotta clay interior is balanced with soft lighting mainly emanating from the bar and front kitchen. For dinner, expect a nine-course tasting menu inspired by flavours across West Africa, where the staff reveal the histories behind each dish. Expect the signature jollof rice presented in mid-century Nupe-inspired pottery, and plantain mosa, a fritter with beef tartare and a fiery chilli hot sauce. Opt in for the wine pairing from the in-house sommelier to complement the dishes and reserve a seat at the Chef’s counter if you want to watch the magic happen. The menu changes around every two to three months, but with Mutaro Balde as its Executive Chef, the restaurant is in safe hands.
Address: 21 Berners Street, London W1T 3LP
Website: akoko.co.ukRoger’s Kitchen, Camden
Best for: Caribbean dining
What to order: curry goat, rice and peas and plantainBoth staff and guests make this a hospitality hotspot, but the warmth starts with Chef Roger Shakes, the restaurant’s namesake. While whipping up outstanding meals with his team in an open kitchen, Roger regularly branches out to greet patrons and host them as if they are his personal guests. The curry goat, seasoned with a blend of spices and garnished with peppers, red onions and coriander, is listed as his famous dish and it’s easy to see why. The salt cod fritters deserve just as much attention, served with a thick apple chutney. Finish with the decadent sticky toffee pudding and ice cream for a supreme closing. The drinks match the quality of the food – they are brilliant in taste but very strong so be mindful! We love their kitchen rum punch with coconut, white and Wray & Nephew rums, topped off with juice and grenadine.
Address: 71 Camden Road, London NW1 9EU
Website: rogerskitchen.co.uk
Harriet Langford
Chishuru, Brixton
Best for: Contemporary Nigerian dining
What to order: the set menuHeaded up by Chef Joké Bakare, Chishuru embodies her Nigerian heritage. What started out as pop-up in Brixton Village is now a 42-cover spot in Fitzrovia with a Michelin star, and Chishuru continues to go from strength to strength. The five-course dinner menu changes on a quarterly basis and is intentionally kept short, but favourites like the moin moin, a steamed black-eyed bean cake with cured trout and confit egg yolk, sometimes stay around for longer. Order any drink, but for something unique choose the spiced okra martini, made with palm spirit Pedro’s ògógóró, vodka, jalapeno and tart grape juice.
Address: 3 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 8AX
Website: chishuru.com
Ikoyi, Strand
Best for: unique dishes influenced by West African flavours
What to order: plantain caramelised in ginger and kombuWith its West African-influenced dishes, global flavours and two Michelin stars under its belt, Ikoyi is one of the few London part-Black-owned restaurants on the fine-dining map. The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients – which means it’s always changing. The restaurant reinstated their blind tasting menu following the pandemic, which consists of seven savoury courses and two puddings. You may be uncertain of Ikoyi’s blend of flavours but the chefs know what they're doing, turning up dishes such as plantain caramelised in ginger and kombu.
Address: Ikoyi, 180 Strand, Temple, London, WC2R 1EA
Website: ikoyilondon.com2210 by Natty Can Cook, Herne Hill
Best for: Modern Pan-Caribbean flavours
What to order: Pepperpot Ox Cheek with smoked rice & peasChef Nathaniel Mortley, known as NattyCanCook, was named Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘One to Watch’ in 2025 and rightly so: Caribbean flavours blend across his creations, reflecting his Bajan and Guyanese roots. After his previous residencies, his 65-cover restaurant has become his permanent base. The space has a neutral palette of beige, warm teardrop lighting and a pop of striking teal on the stools against the extensive bar – order the scotch bonnet margarita. A new menu was introduced this month, so expect golden curried chicken bites topped with curry leaf and lime drops, and ox cheek, laid beside plantain puree with Guyanese wiri wiri and a crisp cassava chip. For dessert, the highlight is the sweet potato pie: a deconstructed mousse with sorrel dots and vanilla ice cream to finish.
Address: 75 Norwood Road, London, SE24 9AA, United Kingdom
Website: 2210bynattycancook.com
Isibani, Knightsbridge
Best for: West African fine dining
What to order: butterfly grilled sea bassA newly established restaurant in the heart of Knightsbridge, Isibani is co-founded by Nigerian owners Anthony Douglas Chuka and Abdul Malik Abubakar while the kitchen is led by MasterChef semi-finalist Victor Okunowo. Set across two levels with bold royal blue banquette seating, you’ll experience softer lighting for a classy fine-dining environment below, while upstairs provides brighter lighting, relaxed seating and a terrace. Both floors have a bar, and food waiting times can be lengthy, so order one of their four Nigerian beers available in the meantime to accompany the à la carte menu. Dishes include smoked mackerel croquettes served with pickled chilli and chimichurri. Isibani has offered two set menu promotions in their effort to soft launch so check their website before booking.
Address: 9 Knightsbridge Green, London SW1X 7QL
Website: isibani.comThe Provincial, Brixton
Best for: Latin American dishes
What to order: beef empanadasThe Provincial is one of the most deceptively unassuming restaurants in the cultural hub of Brixton Village. The restaurant is simple with a no-nonsense vibe – only one to two cooks are on the premises and cutlery is provided in Spanish olive cans. As you walk through the open patio-styled doors, you are transported by the colourful ceiling-to-floor murals exhibiting scenes from Colombia’s streets. The menu is split into vegetarian and meat options as fresh ingredients are used to make tapas dishes, like beef or vegan jackfruit and avocado empanadas, from scratch. We recommend listening to William, the owner, when he suggests trying the changing house special – last time we we were here, it was a tomato-based beef stew with rice and peas and freshly fried plantain. The restaurant is a fun place to be and William is the reason why. His funny and energetic persona breathes warmth into the eatery, matching the liveliness of the guests’ laughter. Visit on a Friday or Saturday evening and a night filled with salsa dancing may just be on the cards – nothing is set in stone here. Reservations feel unnecessary; you’ll regularly see customers browse the menu before walking in.
Address: 21 Market Row, London SW9 8LB
Website: instagram.com/theprovincialbrixton/
Chuku’s, Tottenham
Best for: Nigerian tapas
What to order: Sinasir & Maiyan TausheStarting out as a pop-up, Chuku’s found a permanent home in Tottenham in 2020, with coral-filled interiors, vibrant artwork and music that nods to Nigerian culture. Community is prioritised at this sociable restaurant, giving a warm introduction to Nigerian flavours through tapas-inspired sharing plates. Choose between plant-based options such as rice pancakes served with a peanut stew – inspired by Northern Nigeria – or go for halal chicken wings in a salted caramel and peanut spice mix. The relaxing atmosphere, afrobeats music and friendly staff make it easy to stay around – with their happy hour and Saturday brunch, the party keeps going.
Address: Chuku's, 274 High Road, Tottenham, London N15 4AJ
Website: chukuslondon.co.uk
Enish, Oxford Street
Best for: a group dinner
What to order: jollof rice with chickenThis popular favourite among Nigerians is always packed with multigenerational families celebrating. Since its inception in Lewisham, the authentic Nigerian menu does not shy away from pepper in its dishes, so proceed with caution. The service at traditional restaurants can be slow, but Enish has buttons on its tables so you can call a waiter to avoid long waits – you can always watch the afrobeats music videos playing on the large TV in the meantime. We love the sugary-sweet Nigerian Chapman from the drinks menu, made from Fanta, Sprite, grenadine, bitters and citrus fruits. The Oxford Street location is smaller than its counterparts, so if you’d prefer to try a different location, Enish has sister restaurants in Finchley Road, Croydon and Brixton too.
Address: Enish, 228 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, London SE13 6JU
Website: enish.co.ukBeza, Elephant and Castle
Best for: Ethiopian vegan food
What to order: misir wot and injeraEthiopian food at Beza is simple, healthy and 100 per cent vegan. Everyone is welcome to enjoy dishes such as misir wot, made from red lentils cooked with red onions, garlic and Ethiopian berbere spice, served with traditional injera flatbread. The variety of colours in the dishes is reflected in the sleek decor, particularly in the hand-woven mesobs that your meal is placed in to share with friends. For those dining solo, a polished oak counter is lined with high chairs, where you can try out the changing selection of weekly specials.
Address: Beza, 8A Sayer Street, Elephant and Castle, London SE17 1FH
Website: bezaveganfood.com
805 restaurant, Peckham
Best for: Nigerian dishes
What to order: egusi soup with pounded yamThis decorous restaurant has been the cornerstone of Nigerian dining in London since it opened on the Old Kent Road in 2001. In fact, John Boyega famously took Harrison Ford to his Peckham local when they were filming Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens. Expect traditional dishes in a dimly lit, off-white setting with bold accents of antique gold and silver. We particularly love the egusi soup, made from ground melon seeds and spinach, which is served with pounded yam. The bar stocks modern and imported drinks from Nigeria, including a local Fanta, which is distinctly sweeter than the American-made original. Service can be slow here and the music can get loud, so order as soon as possible.
Address: 805 Restaurant, 805 Old Kent Road, Peckham, London SE15 1NX
Website: 805restaurants.com
Ayannas, Poplar
Best for: contemporary Caribbean cuisine
What to order: brown stew chickenA fine-dining restaurant serving Jamaican flavours, Ayanna presents the dishes with a soft global twist. Expect caramelised brown stew chicken, garnished with colourful peppers and served with rice and peas, or flaky spring rolls filled with dark leafy callaloo and spices. The elegance of this small restaurant cannot be ignored: its signature black and white theme is accented with gold and a grand piano sits near the reception. Ayannas occasionally welcomes performers, so sit near the piano for the best view.
Address: Ayannas, 2 Yabsley Street, Poplar, London E14 9RG
Website: ayannaslondon.com
Little Baobab, various locations
Best for: Senegalese flavours
What to order: thieboudienneSenegalese food is very hard to come by in London, but the Little Baobab team brings its heritage to the capital through traditional cooking. They regularly host events with live music that start as a relaxing evening and gradually progress into an upbeat live performance. Their intimate Teranga buffet nights, named after the Senegalese word for hospitality, run at Palm2 in Lower Clapton until 12 November. Opt for thieboudienne, Senegal’s national dish with fish, rice and vegetables cooked in a tomato stew. As a nod to traditional eating practices, staff will likely sit you at larger sharing tables. After the Africa Centre closed in July, the team is searching for a permanent home. In the meantime, you can catch them at festivals, food markets, their own events and sometimes international supper clubs – following them on social media is key.
Website: littlebaobab.co.uk