African Eating and Drinking

African Kitchen Gallery (African and Caribbean)

This homely restaurant serves both African and Caribbean food, although there's a strong African focus. Ghana and Nigeria are the African Kitchen Gallery's main influences, with spicy jollof rice, fried and peppered plantain and sweet potato porridge being popular choices. Ackee and saltfish and jerk chicken are 2 fine Caribbean choices, and there's home-made fresh ginger juice, which is a great palate cleanser.

Adulis (Eritrean)

Stashed away among the long row of shops on Brixton Road, Adulis is as popular with local Eritreans as it is with all other cultures. This friendly place opens its doors to live music artists from time to time. The traditional east-African food comes in large portions at very reasonable prices. Spicy meat and vegetarian dishes are all served with enjera. The restaurant is decked out with artefacts representing African heroes. Large groups can book into the private basement room as well as the main restaurant.

Angie's (Nigerian)

As Angie's is on the site of what was once a high street bank, it's fitting that the owner was once a City accountant. Angie's seems to have gone from strength to strength since it first opened. Nigerian food is the main staple, with African snail, jollof rice gizzard, tilapia fish and suya (a roasted, skewered meat kebab) all on the menu. Sunday afternoon buffets sometimes feature Angolan, Portuguese or Caribbean food.

Asmara (Eritrean)

Spicy beef, lamb or chicken stews are the staple at this extremely friendly restaurant. Family-run, Asmara has built up quite a loyal Brixton following. Sit at one of the neat tables arranged in the venue's modestly-sized space, or at one of the more traditional tables. Staff are often in traditional dress and authentic east African coffee comes served complete with incense and a complimentary bowl of freshly-cooked popcorn.

805 Bar Restaurant (Nigerian)

This huge restaurant is situated on the long stretch of Old Kent Road. Set up in 2001, the 805 Bar Restaurant has become a must for huge swathes of London's affluent Nigerian community. Offering European and West African food, the menu reflects cuisine from southern Nigeria. Jollof rice, goat meat stew moi moi (bean pudding), plantain and a signature dish called monika (marinated grilled fish with chilli sauce) is worth heading out to SE15 for.

Lalibela

Lalibela is more than just a restaurant. The artefacts that drape much of the upper level of this restaurant were extended into a 1st floor gallery space a few years ago. Ethiopian culture is a high priority here and it's meant that a huge range of customers (East African or otherwise) are usually guaranteed good service at Lalibela. Staff are keen to explain the menu's dishes to any novices to Ethiopian food, and the long list of options includes a range of meat or vegetable wots (stews) – and the obligatory enjera as accompaniment.

Manjaro Bar and Kitchen (Ghanaian)

A café, bar and restaurant, Manjaro offers West and Central African cuisine in a split-level venue that's subtly decorated with African objects. Live music nights have included DJ sets with Afrobeat, Highlife, Hip-Life, Kwaito, Rumba, Salsa and Soukous.

Merkato (Ethiopian)

More of a café than a restaurant, Merkato downsized a few years ago moved to a smaller venue across the road and dispensed with its art and crafts outlet. However, it's just as friendly as ever, serving full meals and quick takeouts that are popular with local Ethiopians. There are pavement tables in a white-fenced area at the front of the venue, which is great for people-watching. As Merkato is fully licensed, you can also linger over drinks and a full Ethiopian meal.

Obalende Suya (Nigerian)

At one time, Obalende Suya was a mobile trailer outside the Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre. Now, it's a spacious East London-based restaurant, with a smaller sibling takeaway in Peckham, south London. Stewed and spiced meats, pounded yam, jollof rice, plantain and fish are all cooked in the barbeque kitchen; making Obalende Suya a magnet for Nigerians seeking some 'home cooked' food.
Branch: Obalende Suya Takeaway

Queen of Sheba (Ethiopian)

The Queen of Sheba is a great place for a relaxed evening of good food and great chat. A small corner restaurant, it's family-run with 2 sisters providing most of the waitressing. Beautiful aromas of spices waft from the kitchen, and the meat, vegetarian and fish dishes cooked in garlic, ginger and spiced butter are gorgeous. As is usual, there are East African woven baskets and other artefacts dotted around, all providing a sense of tradition.
12 Fortress Road, NW5

North African

North African restaurants have a different twist to those from the East or the West. Its people have often been psychologically separated from the rest of the continent – probably because of their Arabic imprint. It's worth mentioning a few of London's best North African venues – essentially for Moroccan or Tunisian food.

Adam's Café

Adam's Café is a local Tunisian restaurant that's big on fish dishes. Rustic bread, sweet and savoury pastries, spiced broth and 3-course deals for under £20 keep its customers loyal.

Momo

A club, bar and restaurant rolled into one, Momo is still a crowd-puller. The soft couscous with well-spiced meat or fish dishes are lovely, and nice touches like spiced broth or avocado gateaux make it really special. You'll also find live music, DJ sets and spoken word/poetry nights on offer during the week.

Original Tagines

Original Tagines dispenses with a lot of the decorative North African frills that many of its peers tend to rely on. Subtle strains of Arabic music play in the background, and there's a fine use of spices, herbs and other infusions used throughout the menu. It offers chicken with caramelised onions and raisins, lamb tagine with almonds and prunes. The dessert menu includes a divine rice pudding with orange-flower water.

Pasha

Some fine artistry exists at Pasha, both in the lush decor – deep reds and coppers – and in the care taken over the menu. Moroccan fare features briouette pastries with lamb and cheese, chicken and lemon or scallops and red pepper fillings. Tender meat stews with couscous are also a must-try.

Souk Medina

Step into the kazbah at Souk Medina, the new sibling to Souk restaurant, around the corner, and you'll be greeted by sand-coloured plasterwork, earth-coloured tiles and intimate arches. The menu features tagines of spiced and stewed lamb and chicken, as well as a respectable range of veggie options.