Brian JonesLet’s be honest—most of us rotate between the same few takeout options. Burgers, pizza, sushi… repeat. They’re easy, but after a while, it all kind of blends together.
If you want a refreshing change, I recommend trying some African dishes. The cuisine is bold, comforting, and way more interesting than the usual takeout dishes we settle for.
If you don’t know where to start, treat this as a helpful guide. I rounded up the best African restaurants in Edmonton and even listed some dishes to try!
Lalibela African Restaurant
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Location: 9920 82 Avenue NW
Contact: +1 587‑455‑4268
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
We went to Lalibela one evening after someone in our group mentioned craving injera. None of us is an expert in Ethiopian food, but the menu was easy to follow.
They offer a mix of meat and vegetarian dishes, including tibs, kitfo, and a few combo options. Most of it’s served with injera, and you can tell everything’s made fresh.
I went with the veggie combo, which turned out to be surprisingly filling and full of flavour. Portions are generous too, so it’s easy to split a few things and try more than one.
What I especially liked here is that you could eat with your hands if you wanted to. It was a pretty unique experience, but I enjoyed it very much!
Pro tip:
Go with someone and split a platter. It’s less overwhelming, and you get to try more without committing to just one thing.
Rayyan Restaurant
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@noor3022 ♬ اللهم بلغنا ليلة القدر – القرآن والسنة
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Location: 10019 106 Avenue NW
Contact: +1 780‑250‑6801
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: $
Rayyan is my go-to when I am in the mood for something hearty but not over the top. The menu keeps it basic—rice, grilled meats, and a couple of stew options.
I love their beef suqaar with rice. It comes with a banana on the side, which initially threw me off, but it actually worked. The rice was well-seasoned, and the meat was soft enough that you didn’t need much effort to eat it.
Food is usually served quickly, with portions that are enough to satisfy without being too much.
Pro tip:
Ask for the spicy green sauce on the side—it’s not always listed, but it adds a nice kick to the rice or meat.
Emgees African Restaurant & Bakery
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Location: 4510 Calgary Trail NW
Contact: (587) 937‑1669
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Wednesday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Monday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Emgees African Restaurant & Bakery offers a mix of Nigerian dishes and baked goods in a casual, no-frills setting. The menu covers a range of familiar West African options, served in generous portions for dine-in or takeout.
Popular items include jollof rice with beef or chicken, egusi soup, and suya. The rice is flavourful without being too greasy, and sides like fried plantains are usually cooked just right.
Alongside hot meals, there’s also a display of baked goods near the counter. Meat pies, puff-puffs, and other treats are commonly picked up as quick snacks or takeaway items.
Pro tip:
Try one of their meat pies while you wait—they go fast, and they’re great as a quick snack.
Ola’s Dining Nigerian Kitchen
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Location: Crystallina Nera Way NW
Contact: +1 587‑741‑1104
Operating hours:
- Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Pricing: $$
Ola’s Dining Nigerian Kitchen is a small, welcoming spot that focuses on classic Nigerian comfort food.
They’ve got the usual staples like jollof rice, egusi soup, okra stew, and swallow dishes like pounded yam. I tried the efo riro with amala, and it had that rich, slightly spicy flavour that sticks with you.
You can tell the food is made with care, and the portions are pretty generous too.
The space is simple but functional. I like that they have parking out front and a small sink area if you want to wash your hands before eating. It’s not fancy, but it does the job if you’re after something filling and familiar.
Pro tip:
Ask about what’s freshly made that day—they sometimes have off-menu specials worth trying.
Kilimanjaro VIP
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Location: 12433 97 Street NW
Contact: +1 780‑246‑0234
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday–Thursday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Friday–Sunday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Tuesday: Closed
Pricing: $$
Kilimanjaro VIP has a laid-back setup that puts the focus squarely on the food. The space is roomy and relaxed, but the lighting and small design touches make it feel more put-together than your average spot.
The menu leans into East African comfort food like biryani, mishkaki, and beef stews with chapati. I had the beef ugali, and it came hot and tender, with just the right amount of spice.
They also do catering and takeout, which could be useful if you’re planning something at home.
Pro tip:
Try the grilled meat combo if you’re hungry—it’s a good way to sample more than one thing in one go.
Zuhur Restaurant
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Location: 10728 107 Avenue NW
Contact: +1 780‑705‑2225
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Zuhur Restaurant is home to traditional East African home-style meals like lamb shank (Xanid), beef or chicken suqaar, goat, and fish served with chapati.
They often bring out a small spiced soup before the meal, which I love. You can tell they’re using fresh ingredients, and the flavours lean rich and well-rounded without being greasy.
I’ve tried the goat and lamb shank a few times, and they always come out tender with seasoning that hits the spot but doesn’t overpower. For a lighter option, their vegetarian plates also hold up well—simple but still satisfying.
They do delivery and takeout too, which comes in handy when you want something satisfying without leaving the house.
Pro tip:
Try to visit early in the evening if you want lamb shank—it often sells out.
Koultures Afro-Continental Restaurant
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Location: 8803 118 Avenue NW
Contact: +1 780‑244‑3500
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Koultures Afro-Continental Restaurant brings together classic West African flavours with a few fusion-style plates that give the menu some range.
You’ll find jollof rice, egusi, pepper soup and suya. They also serve wings, sandwiches and a few pasta dishes. It’s a nice balance if your group wants both traditional meals and a few more casual picks.
The portions here are solid, and the plating actually looks pretty put-together. I had the goat pepper soup with a side of plantains, and it hit that warm, spiced comfort zone without feeling too heavy.
They’ve got music playing softly in the background, plus TVs if you’re there to chill a bit longer.
Pro tip:
If you’re not sure what to try first, start with the suya platter. It’s a good intro to the flavours they do well.
Bete Africa Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar
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Location: 9570 111 Avenue NW
Contact: +1 780‑756‑3494
Operating hours:
- Sunday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Monday, Wednesday to Saturday: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
Pricing: $$
Bete Africa Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar is one of those places I like going to with family or friends. Most of their dishes come as big sharing platters, so it’s easy to split a meal without overthinking what to order.
They’ve got all the classics like doro wot, tibs, and lentil stew, served on injera. It’s filling and flavourful, and you get to sample a bit of everything without overdoing it.
You’ll find a bar there too, which is perfect if you want something simple to sip alongside your meal.
It’s a chill spot to hang out, and if you time it right, there might be live music going on.
Pro tip:
If it’s your first time, go for the combo platter—it’s a solid way to try a bit of everything.
Royal Restaurant
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Location: 11810 87 Street NW
Contact: +1 587‑523‑6364
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Royal Restaurants is one of those no-fuss spots where you can expect hearty East African meals without a long menu.
Most dishes feature options like roasted lamb shank (Haniid), beef or chicken suqaar, and fillet fish. You can pair them with rice, pasta, salad, or sabaya for a mix of familiar and regional flavours on one plate.
The place itself is clean and simple, with basic table seating and a mural on the wall that adds some character.
I love the flexibility in sides here. It lets you customise your meal based on your mood.
Pro tip:
Try pairing your suqaar or lamb shank with sabaya for something different than the usual rice or pasta—you might end up liking the wrap-style twist!
The Bedouins Restaurant
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Location: 12832 137 Avenue NW
Contact: (780) 478‑6979
Operating hours:
- Sunday & Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
The Bedouins Restaurant is where you go when you’re craving East African comfort food with a little twist, like how they blend traditional spices with unexpected sides.
Their menu’s full of flavourful dishes like lamb haneeth, chicken suqaar and beef hilib. Each one comes with your choice of rice, sabaya or pasta, giving you some flexibility in how hearty or light you want your plate to be.
If it’s your first time here, they’ll often bring small extras or check in during your meal to make sure everything’s good.
Pro tip:
Ask for the mint tea at the end of your meal. It’s not always offered upfront, but it’s the perfect way to wind down after something spicy.
