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Best African Restaurants in Van Ness

Price

$$
$$$
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Regions

District of ColumbiaVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighbourhoods

Capitol HillDowntownDupont CircleH Street CorridorU Street CorridorWashington

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Continent DC restaurant

1. The Continent DC

4.4

Awesome(96)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• African • Downtown

Booked 41 times today

From the savory stews of West Africa to the aromatic spices of East Africa, The Continent DC offers a menu crafted to bring you the best flavors from various African regions. Our restaurant is designed to reflect the rich cultures and traditions of Africa, offering a cozy and welcoming environment for you to enjoy your meal.

A photo of Swahili Village The Consulate restaurant

2. Swahili Village The Consulate

4.5

Awesome(488)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• African • Dupont Circle

Booked 18 times today

Swahili Village The Consulate, located in the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C., offers a Lounge experience that truly stands out. Patrons rave about being "transported to a city in Kenya" with its authentic Kenyan meals and ambiance. The Lounge at Swahili Village is not just a place to dine; it's a destination for a cultural immersion. Guests are consistently impressed by the "exceptional atmosphere" and the warm, inviting service that makes everyone feel "right at home." With live DJs and sports games, the Lounge is a perfect blend of great food and vibrant social scene. As one reviewer puts it, "This place will be a must visit for me when I'm in DC." Whether you're looking for delicious nyama choma or expertly crafted mojitos, Swahili Village delivers a memorable and authentic Lounge experience.

A photo of Chercher Ethiopian restaurant

3. Chercher Ethiopian

4.7

Exceptional(3)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• African • Washington

Chercher Ethiopian Cuisine is one of the best Ethiopian restaurants in the heart of Washington DC offering a fun-filled, casual dining experience! Cherecher strives to always serve you fresh and affordable Ethiopian cuisine. This is what our customers say about us.

A photo of Eatopia Eatery restaurant

4. Eatopia Eatery

4.7

Exceptional(16)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• African • U Street Corridor

Booked 7 times today

At Eatopia Eatery, nestled in the bustling U Street Corridor of Washington D.C., the essence of Ethiopian cuisine is brought to life with authentic flavors and traditional cooking techniques. Patrons rave about the "tantalizing Doro Wot" and the "savory Shiro," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality. The communal dining setup not only enhances the meal but also enriches the cultural experience, making every visit memorable. A guest expressed, "the food delicious! It felt like a warm hug!" and another advised, "You got to try the Eatopia Beef Tibs and Lega Tibs." Eatopia Eatery stands out as a beacon of Ethiopian culinary excellence, promising an enchanting experience with each dish served.

A photo of Ethiopic restaurant

5. Ethiopic

4.7

Exceptional(1054)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• African • H Street Corridor

Booked 3 times today

Ethiopic Restaurant on the bustling H Street Corridor in Washington is a treasure trove for lovers of authentic Ethiopian cuisine, particularly vegetarians and vegans. The restaurant's vegetarian offerings, such as the highly praised veggie platter, are a delight, featuring an array of dishes including collard greens, yellow lentils, red lentils, cabbage, potatoes, green beans, and carrots. Guests rave about the quality and taste, with one customer exclaiming, “The veggie platter comes with lots of injera bread; everything is excellent, but my favorite is the red lentils.” Ethiopic’s commitment to authenticity and flavor makes it a standout destination for those seeking exceptional vegetarian and vegan Ethiopian dishes, all served in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that promises a memorable dining experience.

A photo of Hakuna Matata Kitchen & Bar restaurant

6. Hakuna Matata Kitchen & Bar

3.4

Very Good(4)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• African • H Street Corridor

Hakuna Matata Kitchen + Bar is a modern East African restaurant offering Portuguese and Indian-inspired cuisine. Experience authentic flavors of East Africa without booking a flight!Located in the H Street Corridor, our restaurant is in a vibrant neighborhood with quirky bars, hip eateries, and independent shops. Our Executive Chef, Paul "Smokey" Owono, prepares signature dishes like Mbuzi Mchuzi, a tender goat stew with coconut rice, and vegetarian Coconut Beans.The ambiance at Hakuna Matata Kitchen + Bar is chic and inviting, blending contemporary and rustic elements. The indoor space features exposed brick walls, geometric hand-painted walls, and sleek furniture, with warm lighting creating a cozy yet upscale vibe. Our soon-to-open outdoor patio, adorned with string lights and lush greenery, offers an enchanting setting perfect for romantic dinners, casual gatherings, or unwinding with a drink. This vibrant and stylish atmosphere promises a memor

A photo of Capitol Square Bar & Grill restaurant

7. Capitol Square Bar & Grill

4.8

Exceptional(64)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• African • Capitol Hill

Welcome to Capitol Square Bar & Grill, Capitol Hill's premier destination for authentic African cuisine with a flavorful twist! Our restaurant, nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., offers a vibrant blend of African, American, and Caribbean flavors that promise an unforgettable dining experience. Guests rave about our "delicious, highly recommend" dishes like the Jollof Rice, touted as the best in the city, and our pepper goat that keeps diners coming back for more. Celebrate your special moments with us where "the food is yummy" and the atmosphere always "chill." As one reviewer put it, the experience is simply "amazing." Join us for a taste of Africa right here in D.C.!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

From verified diners like you

I
Ilana
Greater Boston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I coordinated a birthday dinner for my close friend and it was amazing . Amazing food , the service was great, and the restaurant accommodated our party of 10. Thanks again. We had a great time.
More info
Swahili Village The ConsulatePrice: Very Expensive• African• Dupont Circle
•
4.5
L
Laquita
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Quality Service . Our waiter was Excellent she took her time and explained the menu as this was my first time experiencing African Cuisine. Food was Bomb! Drinks were 10 out of 10 Atmosphere was Amazing, very grown and sexy.
More info
The Continent DCPrice: Very Expensive• African• Downtown
•
4.4
B
Brian
Virginia •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
My wife and I ordered the veggie sampler with fish and then the lamb tibs. The food was delicious and we really enjoyed our experience!
More info
EthiopicPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• H Street Corridor
•
4.7
E
EricVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 30, 2024
Restaurant was lovely. We had live music, which was quite enjoyable. Food was terrific-we got the largest combo platter, which had many vegetarian and several meat entrees. There was a good level of heat. Would definitely recommend/return.
More info
Eatopia EateryPrice: Expensive• Ethiopian• U Street Corridor
•
4.7
E
Erin
Virginia •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 20, 2024
This was my second time visiting CherCher DC. The food is all excellent and an outstanding value. I especially love the collard greens and the lamb stew.
More info
Chercher EthiopianPrice: Moderate• African• Washington
•
4.7

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