Best African Restaurants in Van Ness

8 restaurants available nearby

1. The Continent DC

4.5

Awesome(82)

Price: Very Expensive

• African • Downtown

Booked 52 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(482)

Price: Very Expensive

• African • Dupont Circle

Booked 19 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

4.8

Exceptional(2)

Price: Moderate

• African • Washington

Booked 4 times today

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 YOLO Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

4. YOLO Restaurant & Lounge

2.5

(21)

Price: Moderate

• African • Logan Circle

Booked 10 times today

At YOLO Restaurant & Lounge in the vibrant Logan Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C., diners are treated to an authentic African culinary experience that is both exceptional and unforgettable. Patrons consistently rave about the "amazing food and drinks," with the lamb chops being highlighted as the "best" by many. The atmosphere is equally praised, described as "perfect" and "very aesthetic for pictures," making YOLO not just a place to eat, but a destination for a complete dining adventure. The service here makes every visit memorable, with reviews applauding the staff's attentiveness and warmth, making YOLO a must-visit for anyone seeking the true taste and spirit of African cuisine in the heart of D.C.

5. Eatopia Eatery

4.8

Exceptional(15)

Price: Expensive

• African • U Street Corridor

Booked 6 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.

6. Ethiopic

4.7

Exceptional(1052)

Price: Moderate

• African • H Street Corridor

Booked 11 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

7. Hakuna Matata Kitchen & Bar

4.0

Excellent(3)

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

8. Capitol Square Bar & Grill

4.7

Exceptional(64)

Price: Moderate

• African • Capitol Hill

Booked 1 time today

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

L
Lauren
Washington, D.C. Area •33 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
Overall, wonderful and flavorful food. Service was definitely a bit slow though
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The Continent DCPrice: Very Expensive• African• Downtown
•
4.5
L
Lucy
Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The food was amazing. The service was perfect. There were a couple of dessert items not available but everything else was great. The jollof isn’t Ghana jollof but it’s not bad. Definitely will go back.
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Swahili Village The ConsulatePrice: Very Expensive• African• Dupont Circle
•
4.5
M
Martin
Warwickshire •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 16, 2024
Good experience, food was very good and servers helpful with first time Ethiopian food clients! Restaurant very pleasant but got a little noisy as it filled up later in the evening. Recommend the lamb tibs, lovely meat!
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EthiopicPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• H Street Corridor
•
4.7
B
Brianna
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 21, 2024
Got there when they first opened. Our drinks were strong, server was attentive and the food was hot and delicious 10/10. Music was cool too
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YOLO Restaurant & LoungePrice: Moderate• American• Logan Circle
•
2.5
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
•
4.8

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Best African Restaurants in Van Ness

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8 restaurants available nearby

1. The Continent DC

2. Swahili Village The Consulate

3. Chercher Ethiopian

4. YOLO Restaurant & Lounge

5. Eatopia Eatery

6. Ethiopic

7. Hakuna Matata Kitchen & Bar

8. Capitol Square Bar & Grill

See what locals rave about

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