Discover the best African restaurants in Montreal

Since 1987, the Festival Nuits d’Afrique has been enchanting Montrealers with its unique performances and workshops. Taking place from July 12 to 24, this year’s show features works by local artists as well as talented creators from the Antilles, Africa and Latin America. Take this opportunity to visit African restaurants right here in Montreal.

Discover the best African restaurants in Montreal
Evelyne Budkewitsch By

Restaurant Gracia Afrika

1
3506, rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H4C 1P4

Expect a very warm welcome by the Congolese owner Bibi when you arrive. She’ll eagerly recommend the best dishes and the daily specials, but rest assured that everything on the menu is good. Try the mwambe, a chicken simmered in peanut sauce, or the spicy catfish in banana leaves. The goat platter is also a winner. And great news, it’s BYOB.

Hot Africa

2
4959, ch Queen-Mary, Montréal, QC H3W 1X4

Although you can eat in at Hot Africa, this place is best known for it’s hot and delicious take-out options. It’s not “fast food”, though, so make sure you call ahead as everything is cooked after it is ordered. Generous portions of grilled meats and fish are served with plantains or red pepper rice. And don’t forget the hot sauce!

Restaurant Rites Berberes

3
4697 Rue de Bullion, Montréal, QC H2T 1Y7

There is no lack of choice when it comes to North African restaurants in the Plateau but Rites Berbères is known for serving up some of the best couscous in town, especially its version with lamb. The place is friendly and family run, making it an enjoyable place to explore new flavours. Added bonus: this is yet another great BYOB find.

Akwaba

4
4541 Rue Bélanger, Montréal, QC H1T 1B7

Akwaba offers a unique Ivory Coast-Greek fusion cuisine in its small, quaint restaurant. Everything is made fresh (and delicious!) and the service is delightful. Looking for a recommendation? Try the Pepe fish soup, spanokopita, chicken Katoum and Greek potatoes, for a sampling of distinctive flavours that will make for a great meal!

Grillades Lafirenzé

5935 St Hubert, Montréal, QC H2S 2L8

This simple, intimate establishment lets the food do the talking, serving up tasty BBQ chicken, grilled goat and fish. If you’re a big fan of spicy food, you’ll love the restaurant’s hot sauce.

Restaurant Le Virunga

5
851, rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2J 2H9

Le Virunga is one of the newest kids on the block, offering dishes from all over Africa. You can dig into mango salad, fish croquettes, soukousou chicken in peanut sauce, and much more. They even have some dishes with a Quebec twist, like a goat poutine. They sometimes have live music, which really adds to the atmosphere.

East Africa

6
5893, rue Sherbrooke O, Montréal, QC H4A 1X6

Don’t be put off by the unassuming location and décor – East Africa is a home to some of the best Ethiopian food in town. It’s BYOB here and everything is homemade (and made to order), so patience is essential but well worth it. Try the Kitfo (like a steak tartare), the chicken and lamb stews, or the lentil and chickpea dishes.

More from Evelyne Budkewitsch Evelyne Budkewitsch
Evelyne Budkewitsch is the owner and publisher of CulturEatz, a delicious blog dedicated to food lovers, home cooks and restaurant-goers, all wishing to explore a more exotic palate in their plate. Evelyne’s goal is to help readers discover different cuisines, ingredients and flavors found in dishes around the world through recipes and reviews.
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