Finally got an opportunity to dine here. Ive had the food catered before and this time I was able…read moreto try in house. The establishment itself is quite dated. The awning outside needs refurbishment and inside furniture is not updated. It's dark inside, almost like a night club. Perhaps it is sometimes. I did not like the decor, it was a little run down and honestly did not match up to the prices. The service was also disappointing. I felt that staff lacked a bit of professionalism and they rarely checked on us. The plates are huge. That is a plus. My partner ordered the goat and I tried the red snapper. I think one plate is big enough to share. I like the spinach, but everything needed a bit of salt. While the red snapper was coated in a lovely tomato and red pepper gravy, I felt it made the crispyness of the fried fish disappear and it was kind of soggy. Maybe you can ask for the gravy on the side. The food is not bad, but given the physical establishment and the service I wouldn't return.

The sheer ambiance and service of this restaurant pushed this from a 3 to a 4 star. This is…read moredefinitely, more on the fine-dining end- which I was not aware of. Our waiter was so charismatic, helpful, and kind. He even turned up the music in our corner of the restaurant upon request! The food was generally good, just a bit on the drier end. Even the stew wasn't really soupy. So if you were trying to mix some rice with some stew, you basically got cake on your plate. Regardless, everything was seasoned to absolute perfection. Also, don't know if this matters but it may matter to some- though this is an East African Restaurant, the menu is slightly more Kenyan than Ugandan. Something to keep in your expectations when visiting!

This was my first time trying African cuisine I have to say I am highly impressed. Food was…read moreamazing, service was top shelf GG was our waitress she was absolutely phenomenal. I would recommend and I will be back.

We made reservations but to our surprise there was an event there that evening. Tony the owner…read morestill honored our reservation even though so many others had to be canceled. Once we were seated GG took amazing care of us. She was sociable but also attentive. I/we will definitely be back 10 outta 10

This was a good experience from start to finish. I'm so glad that my first exposure to Ghanaian…read morefood was with Chef Eric Adjepong. As always my first time somewhere, I order a lot. I arrived some short time after Chef Eric introduced a prix fixe menu with standout choices. Not on my radar, but highly recommended by my server and the table leaving as I was seated, was the Zaalouk Dip featuring eggplant and goat cheese served with flatbread. Somehow the cheese brightened this dish. I can't explain it, but try it for yourself. I'm a huge fan of okra in all forms, so I added the Crispy Okra Fries. I thoroughly enjoyed this dish. I would also love it if Chef Eric added a spicy dip in addition to the creamy dip that it came with. I wished I were at home with one of my favorite movies and a huge bowl of these -- so good! Also not on my radar, Roasted Carrots. I may have to come back to this review, because I need to pray for better adjectives to describe this dish. I'm half-Korean so when I read chili crisp in the description, I expected a very spicy dish. Hold your horses! Do not be alarmed! This was the most earthy, enjoyable, balanced dish I've ever eaten with carrots. The cheese(s), as in the dip dish, are transformational. I truly could have stopped here and been completely satisfied. I'm very pleased I was able to share my sentiments directly with Chef Eric. By the way, he was very warm and gracious. As Maroon, Las Vegas has set a new standard for steak, Chef Eric Adjepong has elevated the lowly carrot by creating this inspired dish. The ritual: a clear bowl of soapy water, a fresh white towel, a steaming bowl of goodness. The book I can write about my first experience with Fufu. I could have eaten the Fufu swirling it around in the peanut? tomato? broth by itself and been as happy as a pig in slop. Instead, I had the most perfectly cooked seared fish with it. I could have gotten up and danced to the Afrobeats, and what sounded like the Calypso I heard from my childhood. I was stuffed, but I kept eating. I ate every drop. I wanted to lick the bowl. It could not get any better. Wait . . . I was served a Jollof and Duck Pot. The presentation of this dish is so pristine, you really won't want to disturb it. However, I had to taste this Jollof. My first Jollof dish was merely days before, prepared with a Nigerian recipe. I didn't understand what all the hype was about. Chef Eric's Jollof answered my confusion. I'm pleased to say in the battle of two local Top Chefs (Nigeria vs. Ghana), Elmina and Ghana wins! No contest, hands-down, no notes, have a seat, can never be debated . . . Did I make myself clear? The duck was succulent and another surprise, the tiny salad was a star! Again, a thoughtful, bright and balanced dish, perfection. The night ended with an espresso and Malva Pudding Cake. This cake is not for the weak. The richness and texture is not to be toyed with. This was the perfect ending to a fun, unexpected, thrilling meal. I trust Chef Eric will be able to take his precise, alluring talents across the globe, and hopefully to Miami, soon!

ZIP! ZERO! ZILCH! No complaints. Oh, we had a time!…read more Located off bustling 14th St. in NW, DC, parking can be sketchy...so be prepared to circle the block. I was lucky to find parking and I was on time for my reservation. The downstairs level is a bit small. The kitchen is an open concept, which I love. We ordered a few dishes, to include: oysters, half chicken, fish (I forgot the type), and curry shrimp with chickpeas. The two stars of the evening were the oysters and the half chicken. The presentation of the oysters was so pretty -- almost too pretty to eat! It had a hibiscus finish with jalapeños. Delectable. The chicken was well-seasoned and beyond moist; didn't know chicken could melt in your mouth. It's a lot of chicken, so you will have leftovers. While the fish and curry shrimp were good, I don't think I would order them again. Nothing bad, just not memorable. Lastly, I think Elmina rotates their menu every now and again, so some of the dishes I mentioned may no longer be available. We really had a good time. I've been dying to go back...hopefully, soon! Cheers!

Dogon was an amazing experience and exceeded my expectations from start to finish! The menu is…read moredesigned around sharing, which was an interesting take I wasn't expecting but the quality more than makes up for it. The staff was incredibly attentive, professional, and thoughtful, I was really delighted with everyone's service. The space is dimly lit, cozy, and intimate which falls in line with a nice date night The oysters were easily some of the best I've had, and the shrimp creole and Ben's bowl were just as impressive. The lamb sauce deserves its own shoutout because I genuinely couldn't get enough of it. The wagyu oxtails were incredibly tender, could barely pick it up with my fork, practically falling off the bone. The drinks were great, too, we got a Sorel Ricky but there's definitely a solid selection to choose from. I'd heard great things about Dogon, and they will definitely see me again!

An Unexpected Dinner That Exceeded Every Expectation!…read more Sometimes the best dining experiences are the ones you don't plan! I hadn't eaten dinner that evening, and a friend suggested I check out the restaurants inside the hotel. I was already familiar with DOGON, but I had no idea it was located there or that I was so close to it! What started as a spontaneous decision to grab dinner turned into one of the most memorable dining experiences I've had in quite some time. And the hospitality began before I even made it inside the restaurant! I believe the gentleman assisting guests at the hotel entrance was named Malik. I was having a little trouble locating DOGON, and he was incredibly helpful in getting me to the appropriate person who could assist with seating. Rather than simply pointing me in the right direction, he took the initiative to personally connect me with the hostess. It may seem like a small gesture, but those are the details I appreciate. Exceptional hospitality isn't limited to what happens once you're seated. It begins with the very first interaction, and Malik certainly set the tone for what turned out to be a wonderful evening. I was seated at the bar, and let me just say, what a beautiful space! The atmosphere was sophisticated, inviting, and perfect for enjoying a cocktail and a great meal. And then there was Ivory! Ivory was my bartender and server, and she was absolutely phenomenal! Attentive, personable, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. Since this was my first time dining at DOGON, Ivory took the time to walk me through the menu and offer recommendations. I always appreciate when someone is knowledgeable about what they're serving and can confidently guide you toward dishes and cocktails that showcase what a restaurant has to offer. It makes such a difference, especially when you're visiting somewhere for the first time. One of her recommendations was a cocktail called The Astronomer, and when I tell you this was one of the BEST cocktails I've ever tasted in my life, I am not exaggerating! The combination of flavors was incredible. I remember notes of chai and lavender, and the balance was absolutely beautiful. It was aromatic, smooth, and unlike anything I've had before. I would return for this cocktail alone! Now, let's get into the food! I ordered the oxtail patties and Hoe Crab, both of which were absolutely delicious. The flavors were rich, beautifully executed, and memorable. I also ordered the barbecue greens and cornbread to take home, along with a little shot of something that I couldn't quite identify. Everything I tried was delicious, and Ivory's recommendations certainly did not disappoint! But as much as I enjoyed the food and cocktails, the hospitality is what truly stood out. From Malik taking the initiative to assist me upon arrival to Ivory taking the time to explain the menu, offer thoughtful recommendations, and ensure I was well taken care of throughout my visit, the service was exceptional from beginning to end. I dine out frequently, and while great food is always appreciated, outstanding hospitality is what makes a restaurant memorable. It's what makes you want to return, recommend it to others, and genuinely look forward to your next visit. And of course, hats off to Chef Kwame! His creativity, attention to detail, and ability to bring bold, distinctive flavors together are truly impressive. You can tell there's intention behind the menu, and I appreciate a chef who creates dishes that leave a lasting impression. DOGON is a beautiful reflection of his culinary vision, and I look forward to exploring more of the menu on my next visit! My final thoughts? DOGON absolutely exceeded my expectations. From the beautiful ambiance and exceptional cocktails to the delicious food and outstanding hospitality, this was an experience worth sharing. I walked in without any plans to dine there that evening and left thoroughly impressed. Will I return? ABSOLUTELY! 100%! A special thank you to Malik and Ivory for making an unexpected dinner such a wonderful experience. It's refreshing to encounter people who genuinely understand the importance of hospitality and take pride in creating a memorable experience for their guests. DOGON, you have officially earned a spot on my list of restaurants worth revisiting!

(This review is for a delivery order so does not include any detail on service / ambiance)…read more Delicious Ghanaian food in the heart of U Street! I've been wanting to try Ghanian food for the longest time, so when I saw Appioo on UberEats, I just knew I had to put in an order. I got their grilled red snapper with a side of fufu and banku (two traditional paste-like Ghanian dishes; fufu is a starchy dough made with cassava and plantains, while banku is a slightly sour fermented version made with cornmeal and cassava). The red snapper was perfectly grilled, with a delightful char on the outside and super crispy skin, but flaky, tender flesh. It was served with a light, refreshing tomato sauce, and shito / black pepper sauce. The shito was incredibly rich, with a great spicy, smoky, and umami flavor. The tender fish and flavorful sauces went wonderfully with the two sides, with the fufu serving as more of a blank canvas (and therefore a great way to let the natural flavors of the fish -- or the deep, smoky, spicy flavors of the shito -- shine). The banku was perfectly tangy and just the right amount of funky, and it was great with the fish on its own. Everything from Appioo was incredible! I can't wait to sample a few more of their dishes, hopefully from inside the actual restaurant.

The worst thing a business can do is bait and switch its customers…read more We ordered the fufu dish. As you can see in the photos attached, the menu clearly lists the dish at $18 and states that all entrées come with one side. Our receipt tells a completely different story. We were charged $22 per bowl, PLUS another $8 for the side that the menu says comes with the entrée. When I questioned the discrepancy, the waitress told me that they had "tried to update" the pricing on the menu and that the number must have come off. I told her that if the prices have changed, then the restaurant needs to provide customers with updated menus. You cannot advertise one price in writing and then tell customers at checkout that the actual price is something different. To make matters worse, when I first entered the restaurant, there was a horrible smell. I should have trusted my instincts and gone somewhere else. To the OWNER of this establishment: please understand that I take deceptive and misleading pricing practices seriously. I have photos of the menu and my itemized receipt documenting exactly what was advertised versus what I was charged. I will be submitting this documentation to the DC Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division and filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I will also be reporting the pricing discrepancy to the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection so that the appropriate agencies can determine whether these practices comply with DC's consumer protection requirements. If your prices have changed, update your menus. Customers should know what they are agreeing to pay BEFORE they order, not after the bill arrives. Update: I've already submitted complaints to the BBB and the Office of the Attorney General as of 9/12/26

If you are wanting to make your taste buds come alive then you must try the Spice Kitchen... the…read morearoma when you walk inside is Heavenly and to top it off Angel is there with her exceptional customer service skills to offer up suggestions when you need to make a choice! What to try? Well I WILL try it all... because Will will also help you out... your biggest decision is the spice level because all of the dishes so far have not disappointed! My favorites are the rice plantain and stew... but those Wings are definitely AMAZING!!

After a long day of getting my locs retwisted nearby, I decided to stop here for dinner on my way…read morehome. I didn't realize where the restaurant was located beforehand, so I was a little surprised when I arrived. It's in a very urban area, which may or may not matter depending on your comfort level. There was a decent amount of seating inside if you choose to dine in. The restaurant was okay in terms of cleanliness, but personally, I'd opt for takeout. I originally planned to eat inside but changed my mind once I got there. Unfortunately, the customer service wasn't the best. I wasn't greeted when I walked in, and when I received my order, the takeout container wasn't fully closed and was placed halfway into the bag. I'm not sure if it was just an oversight, but it didn't leave the best first impression. Now, the food, that's where they won me over. Everything was well-seasoned, and the suya had just the right amount of spice. They were out of the vegetable I originally wanted, but I'm actually glad I tried the corn because it was absolutely delicious. And that suya butter sauce? It was the star of the meal! Overall, while the location and customer service weren't my favorite, the food was flavorful enough that I'd come back if I were in the area and craving suya.

I get Spicy Water every Thursday at the NoMa Farmers Market, and their kebab sandwich is easily one…read moreof the best sandwiches in DC. Simple ingredients executed perfectly--charcoal-grilled meat, thinly sliced toppings, a perfectly dressed salad, and bread that's on an entirely different level. Every bite just works. Employees are fantastic and great to speak with. I need to make it over to the restaurant to try more!

Saturday evening in the DMV found us craving something off the beaten path. We were on the hunt for…read moresomething tropical, flavorful with in built simplicity of home cooking. 11th street offered us street parking and west African food - a fusion of Cote d'voire, Nigeria and Ghana. The restaurant is divided into two sections - upstairs for dining and diameters for carry out. Upstairs it was - and with a window seat on one side and tasteful decor on the other, we got busy with ordering. What an incredible sensory experience! Top marks for the hibiscus drink and ginger juice (the latter is not for the faint of hear - it's got a kick, and is refreshing at the same time!) One thousand percent recommendation in the grilled snapper with a side of plantains and jollof rice! The nutty and flavorful spices complemented the snapper and the spicy side dish would give a jolt with the first bite, but then would become the pleasantly warming! The service was great - friendly and welcoming! The restroom was spotless, and all I can say is go now, and enjoy the homey, hearty, taste of W. Africa right here in the nation's capital!

Keren is an amazing, no frills Eritrean spot located in Adams Morgan! Lots of great options for…read morevegetarians, we got the: - Breakfast combo (Mashed fava beans, Egg frittata, and Kitch tesmi): Loved this! The ful or fava beans cooked with berbere and topped with onions, jalapeños, and tomatoes was unique, but also reminded me of familiar Indian pav bhaji in a sense (especially coupled with the amazing crusty bread). The kitch tesmi (torn unleavened bread called kitcha mixed with spiced clarified butter and berbere) was so interesting. The eggs were basics done really well. - Keren special (Lentils, Cabbage, Spinach, Potato with Carrots & House Salad, and Special Tibsi): The injera was soft, bouncy, and had the perfect amount of fermented essence. All of the veggies were absolutely delicious and so flavorful. My family said the meat was great too, very tender. Service was fine, but fair warning that the food did take quite a bit of time (however, it was definitely worth the wait). There aren't a ton of tables so you might have to wait if you go during rush times. 9.5/10 would recommend!

My first experience with Ethiopian cuisine at Keren was such a memorable one. The staff was…read moreincredibly friendly and welcoming, and the surrounding neighborhood felt vibrant and full of life. We walked into a cozy, intimate space and were lucky to grab a small table for two by the window. Since it was our first time, we asked for guidance in choosing something authentic. Our server pointed us to the left side of the entrée menu, and we followed her lead. We ordered the special tibsi with chicken and the special shiro served with enjera--a traditional chickpea dish presented in a clay pot. Both dishes came with spongy enjera, which you tear and use to scoop up the food by hand. It made for a fun and immersive dining experience. The food was rich and flavorful, and we truly enjoyed everything we tried. Midway through, we did ask for forks as the enjera started to feel a bit heavy for us, but it didn't take away from the experience. Overall, I'm a fan and excited to explore Ethiopian cuisine more--maybe even closer to home next time. Highly recommend Keren if you're looking for something delicious, authentic, and welcoming.

I have been here a few times mostly for work related events. This is an African owned and inspired…read morevenue. The owner was motivated by his mother and grandmother. The menu has a mix of African and soul foos options. All the dishes I have had have been flavorful and cooked so good. Drinks have been hit or miss and are on the pricey side. The venue has 2 floors. The first floor has an outdoor patio in the back. The second floor is smaller and has a Speakeasy.

Lydia on H is a cozy Afro-Caribbean restaurant in Washington, D.C., offering a unique fusion of…read moreMalawian and Caribbean flavors. It's a small but quaint spot with a mix of booth and table seating, making it a nice place for a relaxed dinner with friends. As a picky eater visiting for the first time, I kept my order simple with wings and rice. The wings were the highlight of the meal--crispy, flavorful, and well-seasoned. The rice, however, was disappointing. It was dry and lacked seasoning, and I found myself wishing it had at least a little butter and salt to enhance the flavor. The mocktails were delicious and complemented the meal well. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. The music was at the perfect volume--easy to enjoy while still being able to carry on a conversation without shouting, which made for a pleasant evening with friends. Our server was attentive, friendly, and made us feel welcome throughout the meal. One small note: the ladies' restroom was clean but very small and narrow. It had a hook-and-latch style door but no place to hang a purse, which would be a nice addition. Parking on H Street is always a hit or miss, so plan accordingly if you're driving. Ratings: * Food: (3/5) * Atmosphere: (3/5) * Service: (4/5) * Dinner with Friends: (5/5) Overall, Lydia on H is a pleasant neighborhood spot with friendly service, tasty wings, and excellent mocktails. While the rice missed the mark for me, I enjoyed the company, the conversation, and the relaxed atmosphere. I would consider returning to try other menu items.

I got the pleasure of learning about Calabash and experiencing their Ghanian cuisine on a Sunday…read moreafternoon and I thoroughly enjoyed. Calabash African Cuisine is an intimate and cute establishment that offers great customer service. And the food, the food was absolutely delicious! I ordered the Suya and Waakye, which took my tastebuds back to the delicious dishes my second family always cooked for festivities. I also got the opportunity to try my friend's entree, which was the Banku with the Peanut Soup. Needless to say, the food was flavored and cooked perfectly. Whenever, I'm craving some goodT Ghanian food, I'm glad that I now have a go to... Calabash.

Super good food. Fufu was delicious. Wings were delicious. I really enjoyed the fish and the red…read morered. I would easily go back again. Super friendly staff. The food took a long time to come out. Not sure if they rang me up wrong but also was $40 for 2 beers. Little expensive. But would recommend going with some friends. We had a great time trying new foods.