Aliu IsaYou can’t call yourself a foodie if you haven’t tried Nigerian cuisine. At least, that’s what I told my friend when he came to visit his dad in Toronto for a week.
He was a bit skeptical at first, but I worked my magic, dragging him (and sometimes his dad, too) from one amazing Nigerian food spot to another.
From someone who hadn’t tried Nigerian food before, he now can’t shut up about jollof rice, egusi soup, suya, and more!
What can I say, if I’m right, I’m right! For those craving Nigerian food (or curious about it), these are the top places in Toronto to hit up.
Fooddelicio
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Website: https://www.fooddelicio.ca/home1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fooddelicio_restaurant/
Address: 6155 Tomken Rd Unit 1, Mississauga
Hours: Mon – Sat: 11 AM – 8 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (289) 562-0830
Must-Order: Jollof Rice with Chicken
Fooddelicio is run by a Nigerian chef who traded in her cushy corporate life to bring the taste of her home to Canada. Her mission is to bring real Nigerian flavor to the mainstream Canadian food scene.
My favorite here is their Jollof Rice with Chicken, served with a side of fried plantains. The jollof is full of flavor without being too heavy, and the chicken is super juicy and seasoned just right.
I recommend rounding out your rich meal with a cold glass of Mango Nectar. It’s fruity, a little tart, and the perfect way to cool things down between spicy bites.
If you loved what you’ve eaten here, why not try their catering services? Imagine a birthday bash or a corporate event with piles of hot, scrumptious Naija food all around—yum!
Pro Tip:
Fooddelicio offers gift cards, too. You just pick the amount, write a personal message, and send it straight to someone’s inbox—or get a printable version if you want to hand it over yourself.
Afrobeat Kitchen /Bar
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Website: https://ritual.co/order/afrobeat-kitchen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrobeatkitchen/
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 – 9:30 PM
Contact: +1 416-880-2994
Must-Order: Party Jollof
Afrobeat Kitchen/Bar is a Black-owned spot that brings a slice of Lagos nightlife to Toronto. It offers a menu full of modern West African dishes, fit for a hopping “neighborhood kitchen party.”
One dish you have to try is the Party Jollof, a signature take on the classic West African rice dish. It’s smoky, spicy, and slow-cooked with a sofrito base and lemongrass—it’s also loaded with peppered chicken and caramelized fried plantains.
We love their inclusive menu that offers gluten-free options, such as the Kelewele Tostones (twice-cooked smashed plantains that are crispy and sweet)
Keep in mind that catering and private chef services are available, too.
Pro Tip:
Don’t leave without trying Afrobeat’s Zobo. It’s a bright red, hibiscus-based traditional drink that’s a bit tart and refreshing—definitely a Nigerian favorite.
Greelz
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Website: https://www.greelz.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greelz_ca
Address: 20 Lockport Ave, Etobicoke
Hours: Monday: 3 PM – 9 PM
Tue – Thurs: 3 PM – 10 PM
Fri – Sat: 2 PM – 11 PM
Sunday: 2 PM – 10 PM
Contact: +1 416-402-3975
Must-Order: Beef Suya
Greelz is on a mission to introduce the wonderful suya—an authentic West African street food (kind of like Nigerian BBQ)—to Canada and beyond.
In fact, I’m addicted to their Beef Suya, thinly sliced beef marinated in their signature Suya spice blend, grilled over open flames. The result? Spicy and tender meat, infused with smoky goodness.
It could be sacrilegious to order this without sides. You can choose from crispy yam fries, sweet potato fries with a hint of cinnamon, and yummy fried plantains.
Wraps, bowls, salads, and shawarma are available here, too. If you’re too busy to stop by, they deliver via Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Pro Tip:
Planning a fun event? Greelz caters! Be it a yacht party, private dinner, house party, or hall event, they’ll make sure to bring some Naija heat to your next gathering.
Naija Eatery
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Website: https://www.naijaeatery.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naija_eatery
Address: 500 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke
Hours: Mon – Fri: 10 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM
Contact: +1 647-962-2955
Must-Order: Efo Riro
Naija Eatery is conveniently located in the Woodbine Mall Food Court in Etobicoke. If you want banging Nigerian food without all the fuss, this is the place to be.
They offer a wide range of Naija food, from the spicy heat of the North to the comforting coastal dishes of the South. Now, I’m not a vegetarian by any means, but I love their Efo Riro—a rich spinach stew that’s smoky and spicy.
They also win on portion size and price. You get generous helpings that’ll fill you up without emptying your wallet.
Speaking of generous helpings, you can hire them for catering services. They’re used to catering weddings, birthday parties, or corporate lunches.
Pro Tip:
At Naija Eatery, you can give back while scarfing down amazing food by donating a meal or contributing financially. That’s because they partner with a local church and refugee shelter to help feed refugees and asylum seekers.
Calabar Grill & Bar
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Website: https://calabar.gpr.globalpaymentsinc.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calabargrill
Address: 1178 Weston Rd, York
Hours: Mon – Sat: 11 AM – 2 AM
Sunday: 2:30 PM – 2 AM
Contact: +1 416-249-9100
Must-Order: Egusi Soup with Fufu
Calabar Grill & Bar is a stylish Nigerian joint that you can hang out in all afternoon. The moment you walk in, you’ll see an open-concept layout, a white marble bar, and booths.
Their menu covers all Nigerian essentials like Beef Suya and Jollof Rice, but if I had to choose, my pick would be their Egusi Soup with Fufu. It’s cooked the traditional way with melon seed flavor and a mix of meats.
Their Goat Pepper Soup is popular too, but if you’re craving that, just a little heads up. You’d want to call ahead to be sure they’ve got it ready.
Now, if you want a lively visit, go there at night. You’ll get to enjoy chill Afrobeat music while playing pool.
Pro Tip:
Hit up Calabar Grill & Bar during their Happy Hour (4 PM to 7 PM daily) for great food deals. You can also sit by their cozy fireplace and enjoy live music.
Nigeria Palace Restaurant
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Website: https://www.ubereats.com/ca/store/nigeria-palace-restaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nigeriapalacerestaurant/
Address: 1847 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough
Hours: Mon – Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM
Sunday: 2 PM – 7 PM
Contact: (437) 880-8520
Must-Order: Afang Soup
Nigeria Palace Restaurant serves halal Nigerian street food that’ll take you to the heart of Lagos. Think big Naija flavors and an even bigger heart.
You can’t go here and not try their Afang Soup—earthy, hearty, and full of the good stuff like leafy greens, seafood, and tender cuts of meat in a savory broth. It pairs perfectly with classic ‘swallows’ (dough-like starches rolled into balls) like pounded yams or eba.
Pair your delicious meal with their Palm Wine, which tastes like a cross between coconut water and light cider. It’s fresh, tasty, and a real treat you don’t find often in the city.
The atmosphere is so welcoming, thanks in part to Pastor Abi, the owner. He’s known to chat up his customers warmly and with a smile.
Pro Tip:
Nigeria Palace Restaurant offers vegan options and a kids’ menu, making it a popular family-friendly Nigerian spot.
Blessinglicious
Media credit: blessinglicious_restaurant
Website: https://blessinglicious.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blessinglicious_restaurant/
Address: 2849 Kingston Rd, Scarborough
Hours: Mon – Tues, Sat: 2 PM – 10 PM
Wed – Fri: 12 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (437) 837-0458
Must-Order: GizDodo
Blessinglicious is the place to go to if you want Nigerian food with street-style flair. It’s owned by Blessing, who learned Nigerian home cooking from her mother.
This is the only place I can get delicious GizDodo. It’s an addictive combo of crispy-fried plantains and tender, well-seasoned chicken gizzards, all tossed in a spicy tomato-peppery sauce.
I love that their food is halal, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Even picky eaters (like children) are known to fall in love with the dishes here.
You can do more than dine here, too. They have WiFi, live music, and sports on screen. Honestly, it’s a whole vibe, so make sure to invite your friends.
Pro Tip:
Call Blessinglicious if you want to host a party with delicious Nigerian cuisine. They cater special events—just tell them which dishes you’d like them to serve.
