11/01/2025 | 4 Min. Read
There’s something so comforting about a meal that feels like home, even when it’s from across the world. That’s exactly what African cuisine offers: warmth, spice, and community all on one plate. Phoenix and the surrounding cities have a growing list of restaurants that bring the flavors of Ethiopia, Nigeria, and the Swahili coast right to our desert. Whether you’re new to African food or already familiar with injera, jollof rice, and suya, these spots serve up authentic dishes made with love and tradition.
Here are some of the local favorites keeping the culture alive and the flavors bold.
Ethiopian & East African Flavors
Kare Ethiopian Restaurant
📍 4729 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85008
📸: kareethiopianrestaurant
Known for its warm hospitality and deeply seasoned stews, Kare feels like a home-cooked meal every time. The injera is perfectly spongy, the tibs are flavorful, and the coffee is always fresh.
Authentic Ethio African Spices
📍 1740 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006
📸:authenticethioafrican
Rich, hearty, and full of soul this spot captures the spirit of Ethiopian cooking. Every dish bursts with spices and depth, from lentils to lamb.
Cafe Lalibela (Tempe)
📍 849 W University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281
📸:cafelalibela
A Valley favorite for years, Cafe Lalibela is a go-to for anyone craving traditional Ethiopian food. Their vegetarian platter and house coffee ceremony are a must-try.
Abyssinia Restaurant & Café
📍 842 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014
📸:abyssiniaphx
You’ll smell the berbere before you even walk in. Abyssinia serves rich stews, tender meats, and that unmistakable taste of Ethiopian comfort food.
Addis Ababa Restaurant & Café
📍 3527 W Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85019
📸: addisababaphx
Cozy and welcoming, Addis Ababa makes you feel right at home. Try the doro wat or a mix of their veggie dishes for a well-rounded first taste.
Nigerian & West African Eats
West African Cuisine
📍 7017 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021
📸 N/A
If you want to experience the heart of Nigerian comfort food, this is the spot. Jollof rice, egusi soup, and fried plantains — each plate tastes like tradition.
West Hut
📍 3110 N Central Ave Ste D-183, Phoenix, AZ 85012
📸westhutphx
West Hut is a celebration of West African street food — suya skewers, grilled meats, and bold spices that pack a punch. It’s a local gem for authentic Nigerian flavor.
Lasgidi Café
📍 (Food truck – Phoenix area)
📸 @lasgidicafephx
Lasgidi brings the taste of Lagos to the Valley with street food favorites that always hit the spot. Follow their page to catch where they’ll be next.
Akwaaba Agyaade
📍 1712 E Broadway Rd #3, Phoenix, AZ 85040
📸 @akwaaba_agyaade
A cozy Ghanaian and Nigerian restaurant with big flavor. The jollof, fried fish, and spicy stews will have you coming back again and again.
Nedu’s Kitchen
📍 1900 E 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281
📸 @neduskitchen
Home-style Nigerian cooking served with love. Their pepper soup and jollof rice are the kind of meals that stick with you.
Angel’s Naija Cuisine
📍 3550 W Cactus Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85029
📸 @angelsnaijacuisine
A newer addition to the scene but already a community favorite. The food here feels like a celebration — from the flavors to the friendly service.
Agege Bites (new)
📍 961 W Ray Rd Suite 01-02, Chandler, AZ 85225
📸 @agegebites
Serving authentic Naija street bites, snacks, and baked goods, Agege Bites brings a taste of Lagos right to Chandler.
Zola Cultural Kitchen (new)
📍 6209 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85206
📸 @zolaculturalkitchen
Zola blends Nigerian and Caribbean influences with a modern twist. Think colorful plates, bold flavors, and a vibe that feels both fresh and familiar.
Swahili & Pan-African Cuisine
LATHA Restaurant & Bar
📍 121 E Buchanan St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
📸 @lathaphx
LATHA is where the flavors of Africa meet the soul of the diaspora. From coastal Swahili dishes to Caribbean and Southern-inspired creations, everything here feels like a global love letter to culture and flavor.
Each of these places tells a story, one plate at a time. Whether it’s injera shared among friends or the first bite of jollof that takes you home, these restaurants are a reminder that food connects us all.
If you know another African-owned spot in the Valley that deserves to shine, send me a message or tag @blkphxaz on Instagram. I’m always down to discover more of the flavors that make our city so rich and vibrant.
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