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    African Palace

    3.9 (103 reviews)
    ModerateEthiopian, African
    Closed 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM

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    Business Info

    AFRICAN PALACE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - African Palace

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    Vegetarian platter. I really enjoyed the cabbage, spinach, tomato, and green lentil ones.
    Amy L.

    Had the vegetarian platter ($11). Was just enough for one - I finished the whole plate and was a good level of fullness. The platter is kind of a small portion size but the crepe-like pancake (injera) that comes with it really fills you up. Of the different offerings that came on the platter, I especially liked the spinach, cabbage, tomato, and green lentil ones. They were each very uniquely flavourful. The injera had a nice, unexpected tang to it which I enjoyed. After the meal, we had the Coffee Ceremony which consisted of a lady bringing out a pot of roasting coffee beans to our table which filled the area with a warm and inviting smell of dark roast coffee, and the pleasant sound of coffee beans tinkling against metal. The coffee, although very dark, had an almost fruity aroma and didn't have that bitter taste I was expecting. Note: Don't drink to the last drop in your cup or you'll get all the small bits of coffee grinds which is not good. The service was fine but slightly slow. We had to wait a while for someone to come by for water refills and for the bill. Overall, I had a good experience here. It was my first time trying Ethiopian food and I really liked it. P.S. The coffee saucers for some reason had little red ants crawling everywhere. Not that I minded but those that are antsy should be aware.

    Aastha S.

    We had not been to Ethiopian in a long time, so when a friend suggested African Palace, we were all excited to try it out! The place is convenient to get to, as it's right on Bloor street, with easy access to the subway and many Green P parking spots. The restaurant is casual with an interesting vibe - almost authentic but not quite! The menu is a mix of appetizers, platters and drinks. It also has tons of veggie/vegan options . We were 4 people and we went for the meat + veggie platter and added a veggie dish on the side as well. The idea with Ethiopia food is to make it a communal experience and to use your hands! The platter was delicious and so was the veggie dish. By the end of it we were all stuffed! We had to follow that with their traditional coffee ceremony, where they roast the coffee beans in front of you, and then once they are ready, they bring out 4 small tea cups and pour it out for the group. The food was really good, but I would also want to try Lalibela, that's just by this restaurant to compare. The service was good but the washrooms were a bit dingy. Overall a nice experience if you're craving Ethiopian, but not something I would come back to on a regular basis!

    Menu as of March 2018
    Andrei A.

    I honestly have nothing bad to say about the food or the service. The food was very tasty, albeit my chicken and beef were a little spicy. I can't recommend this place highly enough if you're into Etheopean food. This and Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant down the street are my 2 favourite Ethiopian restaurants in Toronto so far. BTW: If your diet prescribes gluten-free stuff, African Palace offers injera flatbread. Now, stop reading my review and go check out this place already :)

    veggie platter (my favourite was probably the spinach)
    Cheska S.

    The ambiance of this place is perfect for dates: small tables, low lighting, slow music, and very cultural decor. The service, however, was alright. At the beginning, they are very friendly and accomodating. However, they never came around to refill the waters and when our table was towards the end of finishing (still food on our plates) they came over to collect them abruptly. The meal: we ordered a veggie platter and a meat platter to share amongst 3 people. Although we all expected to enjoy the meat more, the veggies definitely took the W on this one. The veggie platter came with 6 different types, plus a salad with vinegrette in the middle. The sauce of the meat was not as spiced as we had hoped for, which was a total bummer considering Ethiopian food NEEEEDS to be spiced well. On top of that, the meat was lacking; most of the dish was served with bones. This meat platter is also served with a salad on the side. Just a heads up: although this resto closes at 23:00, their kitchen closes by 22:30!!! Sooo, if you want to come for dinner you MUUUST come by 22:15 latest.

    New location next to Pizza Pizza
    Sam G.

    It's nice to have an alternative to Nazareth right on the same block, especially with the insane popularity of the place attracting people from all over the city now making it nearly impossible to go there without a lot of planning. Ousted locals can find their way to African Palace which recently moved from the Christie Pits area to Cleopatra's old digs. You can't miss this place. In honour of Oprah's departure of daytime tv they painted a portrait of her wearing a sash that says 'Queen of Hearts' in the window. It's pretty awesome. A vegetarian combo platter for two rings in at $17.50, a good $10 more than what you'll get for the same dish at Nazareth. The quantity is also smaller, however the quality is noticeably better. Unlike Nazareth, which really shouldn't be eaten or viewed in the light of day, African Palace's selection of wats are an impressive feast for the eyes and mouth. We had corn, lentils, collared greens, a cabbage and carrot stew, and salad. The best part is that you can order this dish for one if you don't have someone to share it and you'll get the perfect amount of food. They also have a middle eastern menu for falafel lovers.

    Meat and veggie platter! Yumm... Sorry about the bad lighting.
    Nisha N.

    **3.5** Mr. H and I wanted to introduce our friends to Ethiopian cuisine and picked Nazareth. We got there and realized that its closed on a Sunday! Their yelp page doesn't have the open-close timings, but luckily for us there are 2/3 other options in the same location. That's how we all ended up at African Palace. Our orders were taken pretty quickly and we were served quickly too. The food by itself was very good, we ordered the meat and veggie platter for four and the quantity was perfect. It was the service that was lacking, there was just one server and one other person (chef) in the kitchen. It took extremely long for us to get refills and although we really wanted to try the coffee ceremony we were told that it would be a 40 minute wait! Needless to say we left a little disappointed due to the lack of service.

    the entrance to the restaurant
    Adam P.

    So this was my first time trying African food, and it was quite the experience. When we walked in the restaurant we were seated by a nice lady. Right off the bat I noticed that there were no utensils at the tables, only a napkin and a wet nap. I found this a little interesting. The lady serving us knew that we were noobs because she asked if we've had Ethiopian food to which we said never. So she recommended we get some dinner platter for 2 for $23 and some samosas for an appetizer. I have heard from other places that Kitfo is an interesting dish of raw ground beef so I figured I'd enquire about it. The lady offered to put that in with our dish for $5 more (cheaper than the menu). I got Gored Gored instead because it was beef cubes rather than ground beef. The samosas came out pretty fast and they were very flavourful. They were bordering on too much spice (for me at least), but they were good. The sauce they came with was a jalapeño sauce that gave it some kick. In between the samosas and dinner was quite a long wait. I had read in other reviews that you don't get African food if you are in a rush. It may be the culture but this was true. During our down time there was a group of 'tards' (I mean some guys who just yapped the whole night away that the restaurant could hear) that bought this coffee ceremony thing for $10. The lady brought out this coffee tray with frankincense, popcorn, and coffee. The frankincense was lit and she poured coffee for everyone. The coffee smell of the beans and the frankincense filled the restaurant with a nice odour. I had never seen this before and was quite intrigued. The meal for two came out on one plate and it was served with some kind of bread (it reminded me of a chamois). This was like a sampler platter where you rip off some bread and grab the items on the dish. There were a bunch of things like beets, cabbage, spinach, some bean pastes, beef, lamb, and my raw beef cubes. I didn't care much for the bean paste things but I did enjoy these beets, cabbage and spinach. We were kind of glad the lady recommended this because it gave us a taste of a bunch of things. After dinner I asked the lady if I could get some of that coffee (without the ritual). I had wanted to see what this tasted like. She gave me a coffee (which is like an espresso shot) and brought some frankincense. The best part was that she said it was ON THE HOUSE. I was impressed with that. I was really impressed with this place because the lady went the extra mile to make sure we got a taste of African food and I appreciated that. She was very nice and charged us less than the menu price for the samosas.. The restaurant is fairly small, can only seat about 30 I think, and the one knock I have on it is that there is no A/C in there and it got a little hot. Overall the lady gave us a great first experience and I'm glad I went there. I would recommend people check it out, but only if those other tards aren't there.

    Beef and veg platter for 2. $21
    Stephanie M.

    I would rather eat here any day of the week vs. Nazareth's!! Great quality and quanity of food!! The owner is such a lovely lady!! Nice and clean atmosphere.

    front cash area
    Stephanie S.

    In terms of Ethiopian places, I have eaten at Nazareth (down the street), Nunu, and now African Palace. And this is how they compared... Nazareth - dim, more bar-like atmosphere. Lotsa ppl just came in to have a beer. Small restaurant is crammed and decorated with fake vines. Service was alright, but not super friendly, food was GOOD & cheap! I think it was like $8pp (or even less) when sharing a platter. Nunu - contemporary décor, bright 'n colourful lighting, I believe the owner is Caucasian. Interior of restaurant is nice 'n new, saw quite a few couples on a date while I was there! Server pushed alcoholic drinks. Service was alright, aside from owner, not super friendly. Food was good, not as good as Nazareth, but prices are quite expensive. I remember paying ~$20pp even after sharing a platter. And now African Palace - like Nazareth, the restaurant itself is quite small, but not as cramped, brighter, not as cluttery. They don't try to fit as many bums as possible. I believe African Palace would also get quite a few of Nazareth's overflow customers. Server was nice and even hand-fed us! She noticed that we finished our injera and automatically brought us more. She then showed us that we can grab more than 1 "stew" with the bread and then put it in our mouths. (I thought it was quaint, but some germos may think it weird.) Food-wise, I don't think it was as good as Nazareth. However, female server was definitely more personable. Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony was $10 for a serving of 2-4ppl. It took approx. 30mins for the coffee to arrive to the table, after we finished our food. I believe that the beans are freshly roasted. Coffee was served black with a cinnamony taste. No milk, but you can add sugar. Server also brought popcorn and burnt frankincense at the table. It was an interesting experience. If budget is a concern and you like to drink, check out Nazareth. However, if you prefer a quieter, more comfy atmosphere with warmer service, definitely choose African Palace!

    A two person vegetarian platter
    Kirti S.

    This was my first visit to African palace. Though I have always loved Ethiopian food because of it's close similarity with Indian food. My husband and I ordered a two person platter. It was sumptuous and amazing. The place is nice and the food is not expensive at all. The owner is super nice and came and personally demonstrated the way to eat Ethiopian food. Important thing you note is that they are a cash only place .

    meat and veggie combo - on injera (the sour dough)
    Karen N.

    I was here for a reunion with some old colleagues, it was a growing group and they accommodated us nicely. The atmosphere is nice and chill with African art pieces on the wall. Most of us were new to Ethiopian food, our server recommended for me the meat/veggie combo and gave us a brief intro on how to eat with our hands. Everything came quickly and tasted fresh. The injera was delish!

    Meat & Veggie platter
    Shirley C.

    African Palace was my first experience with Ethiopian food, and boy, was it good! We ordered the meat and veggie platter, and it was filled with such flavourful, saucy goodness. It was spicy, but tolerable (this coming from a person who is absolutely terrible with handling spice). It was also quite interesting eating with our hands and using the Injera as the food scooper. However, in the end when we all ran out of Injera and had some of the meat and veggies left, we asked for forks to finish everything up. I don't know if we committed some sort of cultural taboo, but what is one to do when there is no Injera left to scoop the meat and veggies? (Serious question.) The service was friendly. The restaurant was beautifully decorated with a serene atmosphere. I will be returning!

    2 person meat and vegetable platter.
    Sarah D.

    My boyfriend and I initially wanted to visit Nazareth but because it was closed we chose this place. The menu is not very extensive. We ordered the 2 person meat and vegetable platter (2 meats, 6 vegetables). We have been to another Ethiopian restaurant and this one was was a lot better in terms of flavour for the lentils (I'm a vegetarian!). The spinach was good but i found it way too salty. My boyfriend liked the meats that were given (lamb and chicken), however he found the chicken to also be quite salty. I would recommend but I probably wouldn't come here again, I would like to try other Ethiopian restaurants!

    $21 beef tip and assorted veggies dish for two people. More than enough!

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    Page 1 of 3

    African Palace Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - African Palace

    Upon browsing, I came across African Palace, and they offered my go to meal - beef tibs served with injera.

    Mentioned in 25 reviews

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    Afrobeat Kitchen - Image from Afrobeat Kitchen

    Afrobeat Kitchen

    4.9(16 reviews)
    2.4 kmParkdale

    I really enjoyed the food here! The service was amazing and we were always helped with a smile. We…read moreordered the Party Jallof Rice and Egusi & Fufu to share, which are some of the most popular dishes of theirs. The Party Jallof was delicious, with a nice smokiness to the rice and the chicken seasoned spectacularly. I'm typically not the biggest fan of plaintains, but the plaintains that came with the rice were crispy and savoury. It was my first time trying fufu & egusi, and for the most part it was exactly what I expected! The stew was tasty, and the fufu had such a unique and lovely texture. Similar to Ethiopian food where you use the injera to pick up the meat/veggie stews, you use the fufu to scoop up the egusi. However, since fish bones are used in the stock, I found several fish bones in my dish that ruined the experience of it. It is a little on the pricier side with these dishes at $26+. The portion of rice could have been bigger, but tastewise everything was great. I would definitely come back to try other dishes and to have their jallof again!

    This meal felt like such a delightful little treat, every bite was crispy, flavorful, and…read morebeautifully balanced, paired with those perfectly crafted bites that made the whole experience feel special, it's the kind of moment that lingers sweetly and makes me want to come back again just to enjoy it all over once more.

    Photos
    Afrobeat Kitchen
    Afrobeat Kitchen - Miso Mafe Stew

    Miso Mafe Stew

    Afrobeat Kitchen - Sticky Suya Hot Wings

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    Sticky Suya Hot Wings

    Jollof King - Massive plate of food!

    Jollof King

    5.0(1 review)
    2.2 kmUniversity of Toronto, Downtown Core

    Since this place first opened last year, I've been wanting to try it…read more 2022 was my virgin experience with Nigerians and their food, specifically jollof rice, something I had initially at Afrofest at Woodbine Park and then later at Mild Afro Lounge and restaurant. If you had Ethiopian food, and think that's the end of Africa, you're wrong-oh! Nigerian food is completely different and more lovable by far. I'm a huge fan so far, after just trying it thrice. Starting with the rice, it's that engaging chewy texture to the rice itself that is totally addictive and unlike any other fried rice dish I've tried. And the flavour-forward bold and distinctive seasoning that starts in your mount and permeates all the way to your brain and beyond. Incredible and a huge step in varieties of experiences food-wise that you are likely to have in your life. My dish, seen in the pics, came with a side of plantain. Carrying on with the theme of a smashingly-good outside charred-like texture and caramelized-flavour along with a tender and moist-soft yellow fluffy inside these little buttons of joy make an incredible taste experience on your tongue. And last but not least is the chicken legs (with thigh). Omg that sauce is tangy-spicy good! And the outside of the chicken has a caramelized chewy texture that is totally addictive and had me gnawing away at the bones trying to find every little morsel of it. The inside is tender juicy dark meat, wonderfully soaked in that epic sauce flavour. How many times have I mentioned "flavour" in this review? Not enough, you need to experience this for yourself! Highly recommended in a barren strip of Spadina, just south of Bloor on the east side. Check out the menu and go with a group so you can try more stuff, and... invite me, I wanna wanna go!! Anytime, NO Wahala!

    Photos
    Jollof King - Jollof rice please! This unassuming place is great. Love how nobody goes here making it my own hidden treasure.

    Jollof rice please! This unassuming place is great. Love how nobody goes here making it my own hidden treasure.

    Jollof King - Chicken Rice and Plantain. This could be enough for two. $22.

    Chicken Rice and Plantain. This could be enough for two. $22.

    Jollof King - Street view. This place has been open awhile. I thought it was Indian until I saw the name. Love Nigerian food!!

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    Street view. This place has been open awhile. I thought it was Indian until I saw the name. Love Nigerian food!!

    Naija Jollof - Jollof check! Zobo check!

    Naija Jollof

    4.5(2 reviews)
    2.5 kmTrinity Bellwoods, West Queen West

    Our go-to spot for Beef Suya. Warm, spocy, plenty seasoning. Love it with the thinly sliced red…read moreonion instead of thick white onion. SO good!! The jollof rice has been a bit inconsistent - sometimes great amd so.etimes not so much. But the beef suya is always on point.

    Great new African Jollof joint, a new location for this GTA chain, now in Queen West…read more This is the real deal folks, absolute champions at the game and not for the faint of heart. I discovered Jollof at Afrofest a couple years ago and hooked on that tangy spiced rice and chicken. There's steam trays at the back to choose your selections from and create a dish. Starting with 3 kinds of rice, of course including the reddish Jollof rice. Then move on to the meat and veg dishes to complement the rice. Many choices from fish, whole chunks almost caramelized into chewy spicy goodness, turkey, chicken, all drenched and simmering in intensely spicy sauces. Let the super friendly staff suggest topping the rice with some of that ish and it's pure heaven! I grabbed a Zobo, a home made drink concoction that sounds like the Caribbean ginger beer. Staff cautioned me not to drink it with the spicy food I ordered so it's coming home with me. Not gonna ignore that caution! There's a bar and comfy pseudo booth style two tops along the wall to hang in and take in the ambiance as well as the Afro beat music going on. My only complaint would be the value. My meal was $22.95 not including a drink. In a competitive market like Queen West where there are plenty of good value meals this is pricey. And I left wanting more so there was no leftovers to take home. Welcome to the hood Africa, glad you're here with us : )

    Photos
    Naija Jollof - Nice mural listing lots of African centres.

    Nice mural listing lots of African centres.

    Naija Jollof - Beef Suya

    Beef Suya

    Naija Jollof - Belly up to the bar and get yer Jollof on!

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    Belly up to the bar and get yer Jollof on!

    Simba Grill

    Simba Grill

    3.7(28 reviews)
    7.8 kmEast York
    $$

    Medium sized restaurant with seating for about 30…read more Owner is friendly and takes the time to provide recommendations, explaining what each dish is and what would be nice to try based on your preferences. He also enjoys talking about himself and his experience at the restaurant for the past 16 years and the other stuff he's done before it. On the table comes with 4 different sauces that you can use during the meal. There are indian and african dishes on the menu, catering to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. There's an entire section dedicated to grilled meats, and even a meat platter that you can split. A subset of our group ordered an african thali platter along with the simba grill platter. The thali platter came with Ugali. Having never tried it before, it was an interesting experience. As described, it was tasteless on its own and is meant to be eaten with curry or other flavouring. The curries that came with the platter were great. The grill platter comes with various different offerings of BBQ, including wings, beef mishkaki (cubes of beef), chicken mishkaki (cubes of chicken...), and spare ribs, along with some salad and fries. It is a great way to sample each option to see what you like. We also ordered some ice cream, which is said to be homemade It is definitely very different from the stuff you'd get wholesale, and a single bowl comes with a large serving. It's a bit out of the way if you don't drive, but it's a good place to stop by.

    Food was great, kid friendly, Karim and his wife are the owners and are great hosts. Fresh food,…read moreloved the ribs, and mushkaki. The ugali and chicken curry reminded my husband of back home. Best East African food. We were there this past weekend with our 3 boys- they loved the food- mogho and kababs were a hit with them. Finger licking good food :) fresh passion juice was great. Picked up some bouyi, paan and snacks from there as well

    Photos
    Simba Grill
    Simba Grill
    Simba Grill - Pili pili ribs

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    African Palace - ethiopian - Updated May 2026

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