When it comes to quality restaurants and bars, the capital is absolutely bursting with them. But do you know who's pulling the strings? Shining a light on Michelin-starred African spots, tiki-style cocktail hideaways and authentic Caribbean favourites, these are the black-owned businesses in London that you should be supporting.
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Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick are the siblings behind Tottenham favourite Chuku's.
North
Trap Kitchen: Go north of the river where this Camen restaurant is bringing you crab clusters, lobster tail and Oreo waffles. What started out as takeaway has become quite the institution, founded by Prince Cofie Owusu aka Shakka.
12:51: Helmed by award-winning chef James Cochran, 12:51 is the Angel restaurant that's putting buttermilk jerk chicken and scotch bonnet jam on the map.
The Patio: Recently opened in Farringdon, this West African restaurant features unusual dishes such as lentil-plantain lasagna and jollof cauliflower.
Chuku’s: Cemented as one of Tottenham's finest restaurants, Chuku's promises Nigerian tapas and a brunch menu finished off with Star lager and Chapman punch.
Uncle John’s Bakery: Specialising in Ghanaian sweet bread, mini doughnuts, cakes and pies, Sam Mensah’s Tottenham bakery is carrying on from where his parents, and original founders, left off.
Mama Africa: Located just seconds from Hendon Central station, Mama Africa does exactly what it says on the tin. Expect a taste of Nigeria on Watford Way.
Mama Calabar: All about West African cuisine, this Hendon restaurant knocks up everything from giant snails and chicken wings to cassava fries and ogbono stew.
Rayaan: Get over to N17 where Rayaan is bringing a slice of Somalia to Tottenham. We’re talking beef suqar, eggs with canjeero and rooti, and other traditional dishes.
Ma Petite Jamaica: A Camden hotspot, London’s first-ever Caribbean diner features a menu of authentic rotis, jerk chicken and more.
Sweet Handz (temporarily closed): This Ghanaian restaurant creates authentic dishes, from suya kebabs and spicy lamb chops to fried red snapper with pounded yam. Head to Holloway Road to see for yourself.
Get a taste of TV chef April Jackson's South London restaurant.
South
Wood & Water: It's all about " British cuisine with a Jamaican soul" at this Brixton restaurant. Owner chef April Jackson (who also brought us Three Little Birds) has created a menu that includes honey-jerk wings, ital stew and weekend brunches underpinned by ackee and saltfish with unlimited rum punch.
Prince of Peckham: Looking for black-owned bars near you? Helmed by Clement Ogbonnaya, Prince of Peckham is the South London club that’s known for its wild parties, pop-up events and stunning rooftop space.
Buster Mantis: A bar, cafe and creative space all under one roof, Buster Mantis is shaking things up in Deptford. Owned by Gordon McGowan, this one's got a regularly changing menu, local beers and lots of rum.
805 Restaurant: A favourite among many generations, Emmanuel Efe James's 805 is a staple on Old Kent Road. Get ready for authentic West African cuisine in a chilled setting.
Fish, Wings & Tings: It’s all in the name at this Brixton hotspot. Owner Brian Danclair knows exactly what he’s doing, with dishes for meat-lovers and veggies alike.
Negril: If you’re after no-frills dining in the heart of Brixton, then Negril is the place to be. Think burgers, curries, seafood and more with outdoor seating for those sunny days.
Healthy Eaters: Jerk chicken, fried red bream, slow-cooked oxtail and bread pudding are just the tip of the iceberg at this restaurant on Electric Avenue.
Etta’s Seafood Kitchen: Keeping things simple with wooden tables and understated decor, this restaurant in South London keeps the focus firmly on food. Tuck into shellfish, scotch bonnet spice and veggie dishes in Brixton Village Market
Eat of Eden: When it comes to black-owned businesses, South London is home to some of the best. Get down to Eat of Eden's Clapham and Brixton outposts for vegan restaurants showcasing sweet potato curries, mushroom burgers and ackee with grains.
Lobster & Grill: With branches in Sutton, Chiswick and Croydon, chef Malcolm John is a bit of an expert when it comes to food. Try his Atlantic prawns, chicken liver and brandy parfait or mixed berry parfait to find out for yourself.
Big Town Restaurants: Not far from Kennington station, Emmanuel Efe James's Big Town Restaurants is cooking up West African dishes from grilled tilapia with jollof rice to chin chin and puff puff.
Fishbowl: Known for being one of the best black-owned bars in Brixton, Fishbowl leads the way with seafood boils, cocktails and summertime feels all year round.
Grounds & Grapes: Founders Lee and Latoyah have introduced coffee, wine and charcuterie to the residents of Honor Oak.
Interludee: A recent addition to our 2022 list, this Leegate bar promises jerk BBQ, shisha, cocktails and club nights.
Crepes & Cones (temporarily closed): Fusing top-notch food with the UK’s finest music, this Croydon favourite has been commanding queues around the block. Founded by musical duo Krept and Konan, it's all about soul food and shakes.
Check out Hacha for tequila and mezcal sips.
East
Hacha: Specialising in all things agave, Deano Moncrieffe knows a thing or two about drinks. Check out his award-winning Dalston bar for Champagne palomas and the infamous Mirror Margarita which was named London's best cocktail.
Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen: Zoe is behind one of the the top black-owned restaurants in London. She's now known for pop-ups, supper clubs and private dining.
Only Jerkin: From Bethnal Green to Birmingham, Only Jerkin dishes out burgers, nuggets, mango strips and 'big boi box deals' that give you a little bit of everything.
Andu Café: If you like the sound of BYOB drinks matched with vegan Ethopian food then it's time you gave Andu Café a go. That means spiced lentil stews, veggie platters and more in Dalston.
Caribbean Kitchen: With a vegan sweet potato and chickpea special for plant-based diners alongside curried chicken and fried dumplings, this black-owned Caribbean restaurant has something for everyone in Hackney.
Dark Sugars: If you fancy mouthwatering sweet treats and indulgent hot chocolates, then you’re going to love this Brick Lane pick led by founder Nyanga.
Little Baobab: Check out this Clapton restaurant for genuine Senegalese soul food, pop-up events and live music. Expect NYC feels from owner Marcus Samuelsson.
Rhythm Kitchen: Owned by Delroy Dixon – aka The Jerkfather – this much-loved Caribbean establishment has locations in Walthamstow and Stratford.
Rudie's Jerk Shack: Husband and wife duo Matin and Michelle Miahoperate venues across London. Get a taste of Jamaica in Shoreditch, Vauxhall, Canary Wharf and beyond.
Get to know Sly Augustin's award-winning bar.
West
Trailer Happiness: A West London institution, Trailer Happiness is the rum-fuelled bar owned by Sly Augustin. Think tiki drinks, tropical feels and a party-ready vibe come Notting Hill Carnival weekend.
Jay Dees Caribbean: This fuss-free Caribbean favourite lies in the heart of Notting Hill. Get down to Lancaster Road for West Indian classics.
280 Degrees: Ideal for Nigerian food in Kilburn, the menu at 280 Degrees brings together staples like jollof rice, egusi soup, hot pepper chicken and spicy stockfish.
Pitanga: Starting out with a pop-up at her house, Nky Iweka created Pitanga because of her love for bringing people together. You'll find the West African restaurant on West Brompton's North End Road.
Limin has that summery vibe.
Central
Limin: Southbank's beach club brings the vibes all year around, as owner Sham Mahabir has created an environment that matches Caribbean-inspired dishes and cocktails with palm trees and actual sand.
Akoko: One of the most popular black-owned fine dining restaurants in London, Aji Akokomi's West African joint serves a high-end tasting menu with wine pairings.
Ikoyi: African restaurants in London often go unchecked by Michelin, but not this one. With raspberry salt-topped plantain, Jerusalem artichoke moin moin and fancy fried chicken, 2 Michelin-starred Ikoyi is one of the best black-owned restaurants in Central London.
Sweet Dees Jerk: Available in Selfridges and Soho House, the "juici jerk" pioneers have become famous for curry goat bowls and slushies fuelled by Wray & Nephew or Duppy Share rum.
Saint Aymes: Famed for its Instagrammable exterior, Saint Aymes is the Central London café and restaurant that’s run by sisters Michela and Lois Wilson.
Jamaica Patty Co.: With founder Theresa Roberts and executive chef Collin Brown steering the ship, this Covent Garden pick is bringing you Jamaican patties, rum cakes and more.
Stork: Mayfair is becoming home to quite the collection of high-end African restaurants, with Michael Adjovi's Stork providing a standout menu of okra with quails egg, suya beef ribey and weekend brunches.
Restaurateur Aji Akokomi and executive chef Ayo Adeyemi are behind Akoko's success.
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