London is rich in Black culture and there’s no better way to explore that diversity than through the food. From the Caribbean and West Africa to US soul food influences, cuisine representing the African diaspora can be found all around town.
Although the Black-owned restaurant offerings aren’t as plentiful as in other destinations, they aren’t scarce. If your tastebuds start buzzing for a taste of home, it won’t be hard to find in London. Here are a few Black-owned restaurants to try the next time you’re wandering through London’s streets.
Kate’s Cafe
At Kate’s Cafe, you will find a combination of British and Ghanaian influences. The restaurant, located on Balaam Street, is perfect for African soul food. From fufu to chinchinga (goat or beef on skewers) and banku with tilapia fish, the menu is full of mouthwatering Ghanaian cuisine.
- Location: Balaam Street
- Type of Cuisine: African
- Menu Spotlight: Spicy Suya Lamb Kabab
- Before You Go: Kate’s Cafe specializes in Ghanaian cuisine straight from the Motherland.
Prince Of Peckham Pub
Prince of Peckham is a newer spot in South London. The restaurant and pub opened back in 2017 but it has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It is known to have some of the best drinks, food, and events in South London. There’s a weekly menu, a brunch menu, and a Sunday menu as well.
- Location: South London
- Type of Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Menu Spotlight: Chicken & Chips
- Before You Go: Travelers can also enjoy live music at Prince of Peckham on select days of the week.
Alkaline Juice Factory
Located in Brixton, Alkaline Juice Factory offers freshly made organic alkaline juices, smoothies, and vegan street food. Travelers can grab delicious vegan food and made-to-order juices right in the same place. Expect to enjoy beverages filled with the freshest ingredients that leave you coming back for more. You’ll also find a variety of unique menu items that you won’t find anywhere else in London.
- Location: East London
- Type of Cuisine: Vegan
- Menu Spotlight: Alkaline Porridge
- Before You Go: The Alkaline Juice Factory is the best place to go in London for fresh juices and smoothies.
Trap Kitchen
In its latest location, on Chalk Farm Rd in Camden, Trap Kitchen continues to remain in high demand. Prince Cofie Owusu, known as Shakka, started Trap Kitchen in 2016 from his mom’s apartment and he has grown his following to more than 169,000 followers online. The menu features lobster tails, cajun shrimp, mac n’ cheese, and sweet dishes such as chicken and Belgian waffles.
- Location: Camden
- Type of Cuisine: Seafood
- Menu Spotlight: Fried Catfish & The Slab Combo
- Before You Go: The Trap Kitchen is closed on Monday but catch them serving the finest seafood every other day of the week.
Dark Sugars
Although their specialty is artisan chocolates, London’s Dark Sugars tells the story of African cocoa. Without cocoa, there is no chocolate, and owner Nyanga spent three years researching cocoa in Ghana to bring it to London’s streets. Dark Sugars started as a vendor in markets throughout London. Now, they have multiple locations across town serving chocolate, ice cream, and hot chocolate.
- Location: Shoreditch
- Type of Cuisine: Chocolates
- Menu Spotlight: Assorted Truffles
- Before You Go: Along with their artisan chocolates, be sure to try their viral hot chocolate, topped with fresh chocolate shavings.
Chuku’s Nigerian Tapas
Chuku’s is owned by a brother and sister duo who bring Lagos to the UK. It’s described as a contemporary cuisine, excellently displaying African foods like no other place in London. It’s the world’s first Nigerian tapas restaurant with a handcrafted menu designed for guests to chop, chat, and chill.
- Location: Tottenham, North London
- Type of Cuisine: African
- Menu Spotlight: Nigerian Sharing Plate
- Before You Go: It’s highly recommended that you make a reservation. However, they do allow walk-ins.
Fish, Wings, And Tings
Fish, Wings, and Tings isn’t your typical fish and chicken spot. Instead, owner Brian Danclair is bringing Caribbean flavor to Brixton Village. It’s a good vibe with great food and high times at FWT. One of the biggest influences on the food at FWT is the owner’s grandmother whose recipes are used at the restaurant today.
- Location: Brixton
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean
- Menu Spotlight: Jerk Chicken & Rum Punch
- Before You Go: Danclair also recently opened a new restaurant nearby, Veg and Tings, serving vegetarian twists on traditional Caribbean dishes.
London has more than a few Black-owned restaurants and eateries to check out. Whether you’re looking for a hot breakfast, savory chocolates, seafood, or Caribbean delights, the city has you covered. Support these entrepreneurs, restauranteurs, and chefs the next time your travels find you in England’s capital.