Aliu IsaItalian, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisine all have their charm, but there’s something truly special about African cuisine that speaks to the soul.
Whether it’s the spicy kick of a Nigerian jollof rice, the rich, comforting flavors of Ethiopian injera with stews, or the smoky aroma of a South African braai, it’s a culinary journey like no other. It’s food that nourishes not just the body, but the spirit.
As the city’s unofficial food ambassador (let’s make it official, eh?), I’ve made it my mission to explore Toronto’s African food scene. I’m here to share my absolute favorites—the ones that are near and dear to my heart. Enjoy!
Plan B
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Website: ubereats.com/ca/store/plan-b-handmade-burgers-boerewors
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plan.b.burgers.boerewors.braai/
Address: West At Grenview Blvd South East Side, 2943A Bloor St
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM
Contact: (416) 231-4444
If you’re craving something different from your usual burger joint, Plan B is your African food meal ticket. The owners grew up eating this kind of food during apartheid, so you know it’s authentic.
Their burgers are legendary, and you have to try their JoBurg’er—a six-ounce handmade beef patty packed with secret spices. Topped with cheese, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and their zesty “PB sauce,” it’s definitely an epic halal burger!
But don’t sleep on their boerewors, a South African sausage—this traditional dish is made in-house and cooked to perfection with an extreme char on the outside—just the way it should be. You can get it coiled up on a braai plate or served on a roll.
Pro Tip:
If you’re dining with a group, go for Plan B’s Braai plates and platters; they work a bit like American BBQ, offering different meats that range from $16 for a plate with a meat and side, all the way up to the “Ultimate Platter” for $75, which feeds six!
Afrobeat Kitchen
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Website: afrobeat-kitchen-1165-bloor-st-w-toronto-on-m6h-1m9-canada-toronto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8dogKpO1V5/
Address: 1510 Queen St W
Hours:
- Wed – Thurs: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Friday: 5 PM – 12 AM
- Saturday: 12:30 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 880-2994
Afrobeat Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it’s a love letter to Nigerian cuisine. Owner Victor Ugwueke grew up in Lagos, soaking up the flavors and traditions of his mom’s cooking.
Marinated for 24 hours in suya spice—a traditional Nigerian seasoning used for skewers—their Sticky Suya Wings are a must-try. The dry rub, a blend of ginger, onion, garlic, chili, and more suya, also gives the wings a perfectly crusty exterior.
Another crowd favorite is the Fisherman Market Rice, a dish that’ll transport you straight to the coast of Nigeria. This dish offers a mix of shrimp, calamari, smoked crayfish, chicken, and chopped plantain, all stir-fried with rice and cooked in coconut oil.
Pro Tip:
Afrobeat Kitchen’s dining space is cozy, so if you’re not a fan of crowds, it’s best to avoid peak hours. But don’t worry—there’s also outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal while watching people go by!
Wanaag Restaurant
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Website: ubereats.com/ca/store/wanaag-restaurant/2ThxGTqtS_KItW6QblTl-Q
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanaagrestaurant/
Address: 224 Parliament St
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs, Sun: 9 AM – 12 AM
- Fri – Sat: 9 AM – 12:30 AM
Contact Details: (416) 777-1511
Wanaag is your passport to a flavorful journey through Somalia—a place that isn’t just serving up food; they’re sharing a piece of their culture with you. The staff is super friendly and helpful, so don’t be shy about asking for recommendations.
Their menu is packed with authentic dishes made with the freshest ingredients. We recommend the T-Bone steak—it was amazingly tender and juicy. Their portions are also huge, so be prepared to share or have leftovers.
If steak isn’t your thing, their awlal or goat ribs are also a crowd-pleaser, and it comes with a side of lentil soup and juice. These ribs are so tender that the meat practically melts off the bone!
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to wash down your delicious meal at Wanaag Restaurant with refreshing mango nectar juice. It’s the perfect drink to complement your hearty plate of yummy Somali food.
Sahan Restaurant
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Website: http://www.sahanrestaurant.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sahan_resto/
Address: 2010 Lawrence Ave E
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Fri – Sun: 10 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 759-7242
Sahan Restaurant is a Somali feast waiting to happen. Nestled in the heart of Wexford, this intimate Somali gem is serving up massive three-in-one meals that are as hearty as they are flavorful.
As a bonus, every meal comes with a complimentary soup and a refreshing glass of mango juice—the lentil and lamb soup is a total comfort food dream. And let’s not forget the complimentary hot tea—it’s like a warm hug in a cup.
Also, their T-bone steak is a must-try. It’s tender and juicy, and the rice is packed with flavor, and that white sauce is the perfect finishing touch.
Plus, a portion of their profits goes back to the Somali community which makes dining here even more rewarding.
Pro Tip:
Don’t skip dessert. Sahan Restaurant’s sponge cake is a sweet ending to a delicious meal.
Or if you’re more of a milkshake person, try their mango milkshake, which is creamy and dreamy, with a scoop of ice cream for good measure.
African Palace
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Website: https://africanpalacetoronto.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africanpalacetoronto/
Address: 977 Bloor St W
Hours:
- Mon – Sat: 4 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 2 PM – 9 PM
Contact Details: (416) 539-0259
African Palace is your spot for delicious Ethiopian and Eritrea cuisine. They’ve mastered the art of blending bold spices and fresh ingredients to create dishes that will wow you and your foodie friends.
One dish you absolutely must try is the Yekik Alicha, a bright yellow pea stew seasoned with turmeric; if you’re a fan of hearty veggies, the Tiki Gone, a comforting mix of cabbage, carrot, and potato in a turmeric sauce, is a must.
And let’s not forget the star of the show: their 100% teff injera. This large, spongy sourdough flatbread, made from fermented teff, barley, and wheat flour, is perfect for soaking up all those delicious sauces.
Pro Tip:
Make your visit to African Palace extra special by partaking in their traditional Coffee Ceremony.
It begins with the roasting of coffee beans by hand over a charcoal burner. Paired with the soothing smell of incense, it’s a traditional way to welcome guests.
Simba Grill Restaurant
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/simbagrill/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simbagrill/
Address: 375 Donlands Ave
Hours:
- Wed – Thurs: 3 PM – 9 PM
- Friday: 2 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 1 PM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 429-6057
Simba Grill is practically a Toronto institution, serving up delicious East African and Indian cuisine for over 30 years. This cozy spot is all about home-cooked meals, with everything freshly made to order and served piping hot.
Their East African Pili Pili Mogo is a must-try for vegetarians—a crispy, spicy cassava dish that’s packed with flavor. And let’s not forget the Kuku Paka, a tantalizing blend of East African and Indian spices that creates a truly unique chicken curry.
If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, the Pilau is a great choice. Made with long-grain rice, beef, vegetables, and a blend of ground spices, this dish is a staple at Kenyan parties!
Pro Tip:
Don’t leave Simba Grill without trying the Batata Vada, a crispy fried snack of spiced potato balls dipped in chickpea flour batter and deep-fried to golden perfection.
Tasty Jollof Restaurant and Lounge
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Website: https://www.tastyjollofrestaurant.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastyjollof/
Address: Units 12, 1375 Danforth Rd, Scarborough
Hours: Tue – Sat: 1 PM – 8:30 PM
Contact: (647) 763-5776
Tasty Jollof is a home away from home for lovers of Nigerian cuisine with a mission to take you on a nostalgic journey, one pocket-friendly, delicious meal at a time. With its cozy fireplace and happy hour vibes, it’s the perfect spot to relax.
As the name suggests, their Beef Jollof Rice is their specialty. This dish is a true taste of Nigeria, slowly cooked in a rich blend of tomato and bell pepper sauce and seasoned with a mix of herbs that give it that real “bottom pot” taste.
If you’re feeling adventurous, give the egusi soup a shot. This spicy seafood stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm you up from the inside out—a true taste of West African cuisine.
Pro Tip:
If you prefer a quieter dining experience, try to avoid peak hours, especially during lunch and happy hour.
African Delight Cafe and Restaurant
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/africandelightrestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africandelightcafe/
Address: 1180 Bloor St W
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 537-4063
African Delight Cafe and Restaurant may have a cozy, hole-in-the-wall vibe, but it’s a hidden gem when it comes to Ethiopian cuisine. Everything is halal and made to order, so you know you’re getting fresh, authentic flavors with every bite.
The seats are comfy, and there’s even a family room if you’re bringing a crew. Plus, the nifty buttons on the tables make it easy to call the waiters over without any fuss—no need to wave or shout!
They serve up some seriously tasty Ethiopian dishes, starting with the classic slightly sour injera bread.
Also, make sure you try their Lamb Chacha, which arrives sizzling on a hotplate. It’s all so delicious and filling that you’ll probably have leftovers!
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss out on African Delight Cafe and Restaurant’s traditional Eritrean coffee. The coffee is rich, aromatic, and brewed to perfection, offering a deep, earthy flavor that’s both bold and smooth—a great way to end your meal.
Blessinglicious
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Website: https://blessinglicious.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blessinglicious_restaurant/
Address: 2849 Kingston Rd, Scarborough
Hours:
- Mon – Tue, Sat: 2 PM – 10 PM
- Wed – Fri: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Contact Details: (437) 837-0458
Blessinglicious is where authentic Nigerian flavors come alive, thanks to the incredible chef Blessing, who draws from her roots in Nigeria. From the moment you walk in, you’ll be greeted by the aroma of traditional dishes crafted with love and expertise.
We love their Asun, a spicy, roast peppered goat meat that’s a true Nigerian delicacy. This Yoruba barbecue treat is incredibly flavorful, with perfectly grilled goat meat—a smoky and spicy kick that’s hard to resist.
And don’t miss out on their Efo Riro, a savory stew. Made with fresh spinach, this stew is a hearty, flavorful blend of greens, meats, and spices.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning an event and want to impress your guests, consider Blessinglicious’s catering services. They’re known for delivering yummy dishes that bring the essence of Nigerian cuisine right to your celebration!
Hamdi Restaurant Somali Cuisine
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Website: https://rexdale.hamdirestaurant.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamdi_restaurant/
Address: 18 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Fri – Sun: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 745-7888
Hamdi Restaurant Somali Cuisine is your go-to spot for hearty Somali fare. The vibe here is all about comfort and practicality, with a casual setting that’s perfect for gathering with family or friends.
We love their Chicken Steak, where the chicken is pounded thin, seasoned perfectly, and grilled until it’s got a delightful char. Paired with a bowl of spaghetti, this dish is a nod to the Somali twist on pasta.
If you’re looking for something truly special, the Roasted Goat might just win you over. Unlike the often gamey taste of goat, this version is surprisingly mild and sweet, and it will keep you going for seconds—and maybe thirds!
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to try Hamdi Restaurant’s fresh mango and grapefruit juices! They’re both a refreshing finish to your meal and well worth savoring.
