The best African restaurants in Manchester

Northern Quarter restaurant Chakalaka is a vibrant and colourful spot for modern South African cooking. The walls are bright and colourful both inside and out, with bold motifs in the dining room. Classic dishes and inventive twists are served, with the restaurant's boerewors sausages being especially popular. A varied drinks menu, including an all-South African wine list, is also served.

Open since 2006, Habesha Restaurant was Manchester's first Ethiopian restaurant. This spot is unassuming but once you're inside you'll see a vibrant space with red walls and traditional decor. The restaurant does a concise selection of traditional dishes, including veggie-friendly options. Ethiopian beers and wine are offered to pair with your meal.

Casual eatery House of Habesha is a popular place for East African cuisine in Salford. This modern and bustling spot has outdoor seating and relaxed counter service. Visit for Ethiopian and Eritrean food, including halal, gluten-free, and vegetarian and vegan dishes. These traditional dishes are fab for social meals to share.

Ya Koyo serves Nigerian cuisine in a simple and modern environment, but takeaway meals are also on offer. This low-key restaurant is family-friendly and serves a variety of classic dishes. Visit this place for favourites like pounded yam, peppered meats, jollof rice, and fried rice. Nigerian soft drinks are a suitable accompaniment to the food.

It's all about Somali, Kenyan, and East African cuisine at Bahar Café. This unassuming local restaurant in Moss Side has a down-to-earth attitude and serves generous portions of hearty recipes. Visit for breakfast and lunch, including veggie options. This venue is compact and it often gets busy with hungry diners.

Red Marrakech in Old Trafford is a hidden gem for Moroccan cooking. Tagine is a speciality here as well as other classic dishes like couscous and stews. Homemade food is served up in a colourful dining space with a simple look. The venue is understated but you can expect a hospitable welcome and large portions of delicious food.

La Buka serves authentic Nigerian recipes in colourful surroundings. The space is comfortable and colourful whilst the food is full of intense and distinctive flavours. This popular restaurant often gets a bit loud. Food is available for takeaways or dining-in - expect hearty portions of dishes like amala, jollof rice, and egusi.

One of Manchester's most popular spots for Nigerian cuisine is H.Q. Whether you're familiar with this type of food or you're trying something new, the classic dishes at this local restaurant are ideal. Favourites like suya, stews, and egusi are available. The space is decorated with images of life in Nigeria.

Opened in late 2023, Fez Tajine is a glitzy and flamboyant spot for Moroccan dishes and steaks. The food served here is halal. Try a generous steak finished theatrically at your table or opt for Moroccan favourites like chicken pastilla and various types of tagine. The restaurant has evocative decor and a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Ghanaian and Nigerian dishes are the speciality at Capecoast Restaurant. This place is lively and fun, with regular entertainment from African musicians. Takeaways are also available. The menu includes flavoursome options like turkey wings, red red, and fried plantain. It also includes plenty of choice for vegetarian diners.

Beilul Restaurant takes its name from a town in Eritrea and brings authentic East African dishes to Manchester. In a tidy and straightforward dining room, foodies can sample traditional recipes that are jam-packed with flavour. Try favourites like kitfo, alicha, or dulet, or opt for a combo platter. Meat dishes are available as well as plant-based choices.

Visit Asmara Bella for Ethiopian and Eritrean food in Manchester city centre. Fresh and authentic recipes made with carefully-chosen ingredients are on the menu, served in an atmospheric environment enhanced with traditional decor. A diverse collection of classic dishes are available, all piled onto injera flatbread.

Fallowfield is home to an authentic Ethiopian eatery, Zula Habesha Restaurant. This venue is painted in vibrant colours both inside and out, with traditional decor in the dining room too. Come by to try out fresh dishes served in the traditional way on injera, a type of flatbread. Ethiopian alcohol is available to complement your meal.

Have an African meal or dance late into the night at Roots Restaurant. This large venue has a lively atmosphere and showcases the diversity of African cuisine, with dishes from all over the continent available. Live music is often on to add to the vibe, plus there are rooms available for private parties. This place is open til the early hours at weekends.

The Spices African Restaurant serves traditional West African dishes in a warm and welcoming environment. An Afrobeats playlist enhances the vibe here. Some of the classic dishes you can try out include egusi, pepper soup, yam pottage, and jollof rice, plus food is available for takeaway. A varied range of alcoholic drinks are served too.

Authentic West African flavours are available in Manchester thanks to Imo Oluwa. This cheerful restaurant offers eating-in as well as takeaways and catering services. Food is full of flavour and served in a friendly environment. Options range from snails and puff puff to start off with, to egusi and gizzards.