Nigerian cuisine is defined by its creative utilization of diverse spices, herbs, and fresh produce to craft flavorful cuisine that feels as comforting and nourishing as it tastes. From Jollof Rice, to Beef Suya, Puff Puff, and Pepper Soup, traditional Nigerian meals feel like a warm (sometimes hot) hug. With the Bay Area's large West African population, here is a list of the best authentic restaurants to receive that inviting taste of home.
See also: The Best Ethiopian Restaurants In The Bay Area
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130 Townsend St / (410) 344-3362 / Website
Eko Kitchen is a Lagos-inspired local business that is incredibly founded and run by the remarkably talented Simileoluwa “Simi” Adebajo in 2019. Successfully also opening a second location in 2021 in Los Angeles, her cuisine is consistently featured, sought-after, and adored for its unparalled taste of comfort within an equally stunning SoMa venue right near Oracle Park and the Caltrain Station .
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2243 Mission St / (415) 960-3406 / Website
Bissap Baobab is Senegalese, but the flavors of West Africa still shine through, as well the vivid culture and music! This colorful Mission District hangout is cute, casual, and, as soon as it hits 10pm, becomes a lively dancehall for the hottest Afrobeat hits. Definitely do not miss out on their modern creations like their Afro Tacos, the delectable desserts, and refreshingly inventive cocktails!
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1498 7th St Suite B, Oakland / (415) 941-8817 / Website
Over in Oakland is where you will find this no-frills neighborhood favorite, renowned for their Spicy Aboki Chicken Suya, Egwusi Soup and Pounded Yam, and the Jollof platter packed high with all of the classic fixings. This place also turns up the heat with their Pepper Soup!
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5250 Foothill Blvd, Oakland / (510) 479-1238 / Website
Walking into Ruth's Buka immediately fills you with a sense of caring community and genuine kindness, and that's not even mentioning the enticing aromas! Starting humbly in a garage, Ruth's has been able to tremendously blossom into a beloved local favorite, serving up a familial atmosphere along with their homestyle cooking. The Egusi Soup with fufu or pounded yam is an absolute-must here, as well as their divine Jollof Rice for a meal that just tastes like love.
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22431 Foothill Blvd, Hayward / (510) 460-9625 / Website
In Hayward, Golden Safari has been an East Bay landmark of West African delights in 2017. Brilliantly operated by a second-generation restaurateur from Lagos, you can definitely taste the authenticity in their Ogbono soup, and perfectly char-grilled Chicken Suya, all for a generously affordable price. You'll definitely want to save room for the crisp puff puffs, which you'll want to savor while admiring all of the talented artwork adorned in this spacious oasis.
From the diversity in textures, cooking methods, to spice levels, Nigerian food is an adventure that preserves and uplifts stories, history, and community. Bon Apetit, or in Yoruba, Gbádùn oúnjẹ rẹ!
See also: Oakland Black Pride Olaywa K. Austin On Their Organization's History, Philosophy, and Festival
Photography by: Courtesy of Derek Brumby/Getty Images
Nigerian cuisine is defined by its creative utilization of diverse spices, herbs, and fresh produce to craft flavorful cuisine that feels as comforting and nourishing as it tastes. From Jollof Rice, to Beef Suya, Puff Puff, and Pepper Soup, traditional Nigerian meals feel like a warm (sometimes hot) hug. With the Bay Area's large West African population, here is a list of the best authentic restaurants to receive that inviting taste of home.
See also: The Best Ethiopian Restaurants In The Bay Area
View this post on Instagram
130 Townsend St / (410) 344-3362 / Website
Eko Kitchen is a Lagos-inspired local business that is incredibly founded and run by the remarkably talented Simileoluwa “Simi” Adebajo in 2019. Successfully also opening a second location in 2021 in Los Angeles, her cuisine is consistently featured, sought-after, and adored for its unparalled taste of comfort within an equally stunning SoMa venue right near Oracle Park and the Caltrain Station .
View this post on Instagram
2243 Mission St / (415) 960-3406 / Website
Bissap Baobab is Senegalese, but the flavors of West Africa still shine through, as well the vivid culture and music! This colorful Mission District hangout is cute, casual, and, as soon as it hits 10pm, becomes a lively dancehall for the hottest Afrobeat hits. Definitely do not miss out on their modern creations like their Afro Tacos, the delectable desserts, and refreshingly inventive cocktails!
View this post on Instagram
1498 7th St Suite B, Oakland / (415) 941-8817 / Website
Over in Oakland is where you will find this no-frills neighborhood favorite, renowned for their Spicy Aboki Chicken Suya, Egwusi Soup and Pounded Yam, and the Jollof platter packed high with all of the classic fixings. This place also turns up the heat with their Pepper Soup!
View this post on Instagram
5250 Foothill Blvd, Oakland / (510) 479-1238 / Website
Walking into Ruth's Buka immediately fills you with a sense of caring community and genuine kindness, and that's not even mentioning the enticing aromas! Starting humbly in a garage, Ruth's has been able to tremendously blossom into a beloved local favorite, serving up a familial atmosphere along with their homestyle cooking. The Egusi Soup with fufu or pounded yam is an absolute-must here, as well as their divine Jollof Rice for a meal that just tastes like love.
View this post on Instagram
22431 Foothill Blvd, Hayward / (510) 460-9625 / Website
In Hayward, Golden Safari has been an East Bay landmark of West African delights in 2017. Brilliantly operated by a second-generation restaurateur from Lagos, you can definitely taste the authenticity in their Ogbono soup, and perfectly char-grilled Chicken Suya, all for a generously affordable price. You'll definitely want to save room for the crisp puff puffs, which you'll want to savor while admiring all of the talented artwork adorned in this spacious oasis.
From the diversity in textures, cooking methods, to spice levels, Nigerian food is an adventure that preserves and uplifts stories, history, and community. Bon Apetit, or in Yoruba, Gbádùn oúnjẹ rẹ!
See also: Oakland Black Pride Olaywa K. Austin On Their Organization's History, Philosophy, and Festival
Photography by: Courtesy of Derek Brumby/Getty Images
