A hidden gem! I got some wonderful items to satisfy my vegetarian crave today and I was not disappointed. For this lunch, I got string beans, fried okra, fried broccoli, curried vegetable and seasoned rice and lemonade! While the green beans were just okay, their fried broccoli and okra were very delicious. Especially with their honey mustard dipping sauce! Really enjoyed their homemade lemonade that wasn't too sweet or too tart. A very nice compliment to this vegetarian lunch combination! Service was great and not hurried l. The decor satisfies its name KENTE too. The star of the entire lunch was the curried vegetable and seasoned rice! read more

See all

3/14/26 Saved up for a little self care and went to this little local place around the corner from me, to break my fast with. I do wish they had a little better menu selection, for being advertised and recommended to me as African, this was the only dish that was close to. i was hoping for some Doro Wat, or Moambe Chicken, Injera, Braai, Pap en Vleis, Bobotie , Chapati/Mandazi, Nyama Choma, or even some Kitfo. they had none of these things, so I ended up wanting the Ox-Tail Pasta, aka Rasta Pasta. Its only available on certain days. so I actually had to come back for this, and I did. It Was tasty 4 large pieces and 3 tail end tip pieces. It was Large enough that I can probably get 3 meals from this at my portions. Price was little more than wanted but would come back again, just not regularly. I rank my decisions to eat somewhere again as: 1 star - if someone else buys it I won't eat it, I would rather go hungry. 2 star - if I'm hungry, no other options are open and someone buys it - I would consider eating it 3 star - I'm ok with eating it as long as someone else pays 4 star - I will eat again and pay for it and be a semi-regular customer 5 star - I will travel for good food and pay good money and be back on a regular basis and maybe even pay for yours just so we can go read more

See all

I cannot believe I never finished my review for Kente's! This is a family owned spot in Hampton, Virginia that I have visited since the 2000s. I have recommended it to others and had it recommended to me. My first favorite here was the Harambe - shrimp with spinach and rice. After all this time, I still love their vegetable rice and though I can make my own, have not quite figured out their secret ingredient :) I like their green beans too, Nevae stringy, delicately seasoned. A lot of people who know about Kente's recommend the fried broccoli. I am a lot of people :D I usually get harambe or salmon, and I've had the fried wingettes on occasion. They also serve desserts, slices of cake from whole cakes that are on display. Kente's has remained consistent over the years, and I love that for them, and for us, the community. Support Local! Support Black business! read more

See all

Got togo here I was a little indifferent at first it's located in a neighborhood and looked out of place for a restaurant it had good reviews so I hesitantly opened the door the place was clean smells nice and you could tell this was a small family owned restaurant with an emphasis on culture and care. The art and decoration is very unique and cultural. I ordered the salmon with veggie rice unfortunately they didn't have steamed broccoli just fried broccoli, but non the less the food was delicious, and I'm glad I supported a local family owned business so win win!! read more

This is your classic "mom & pop" neighborhood eatery. The location is small and they keep it simple. I had fried whiting with veggie rice and green beans. It came out hot and fresh and tasted totally delicious. The service was very pleasant. I will be back again soon and recommend this spot to all my fellow foodies. read more

I had the oxtails and pasta pasta. As always, very delicious. The atmosphere is quiet and the establishment is always clean. The prices are very reasonable compared to alot of other establishments. read more

Kente's - Rasta Pasta and oxtails. - Soup Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Call first to make sure the restaurant is open. Limited items on the menu. Staff is friendly, helpful, professional. read more

Kente's - Kente's Lunch Menu November 2024 - Soup Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

My son and I had the Rasta Pasta with oxtails. It was delicious with good portions. My daughter had their salmon. She liked it and we also had a sl8ce if their chocolate cake. Moist & not too sweet. They cook to order so you will have a wait but this is a good off the beaten path place to get a good meal. Must try. read more

First time visitor today! Had the fried whiting and shrimp meal with the veggie rice (YUMMY) and green beans! Absolutely delicious! The woman (owner?) who took my order was pleasant and friendly! The place had a warm, feel-at-home atmosphere! Makes you just want to sit a spell! I will return! read more

The shrimp were okay, the rice was pretty good, although it actually looked better than it tasted. It still wasn't bad. The fish had a lot of bones in it... but honestly, the meal was "acceptable." The customer service is usually where this place really struggles and I can see big improvement. It wasn't Chick-fil-A service lol... but it wasn't the usual nasty attitudes I've seen in this place before. So that's nice... but the real reason I come here is for the FRIED BROCCOLI, it's really good and it somehow lures me back in here every couple of weeks ‍ Bite me read more

Kente's - Fried broccoli - Soup Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

See all

Great food and atmosphere. The kitchen staff was very helpful in recommending popular items.

I've been traveling to the Hampton Roads area a bunch for work lately and keep seeking out non-chain restaurants. Well, let me tell you, when I found Kente's on yelp, I was looking at the pictures and got hungry. That's always a good sign, right? So this lovely restaurant is in a house in a neighborhood that's been here for a long time. As you can see by the other reviews, this restaurant has been around for 20+ years. There is no problem finding parking on the neighborhood street. The staff is still just as welcoming as I'm sure they would have been on day one. When you walk in, you feel like you are walking into a friend's home. The food is also that good. I took two of my co-workers and they told me they couldn't wait to come back. Honestly, I agree, and I might have to make an excuse to visit to get the shrimp again. It was so good! One of their cakes even sold out while we were there, that's how great this place is! Thank you, Kente's, for being so welcoming to an out of towner! I can't wait to come back! Ps. They have square now. So they do take credit. read more

The food is great!! The service never disappoints and the ambiance is everything to me! Pics and all, all over showing history. Its in a spot where ppl would definitely miss it but I haven't been disappointed by the food ever. I eat it all!!! Very flavorful! read more

The cakes are soooo good. I love love the fried broccoli. The customer service is exceptional. Support support support the black business.

Some of the best food in Hampton and healthy too. I love this place and it has never let me down. Even the desserts are good and ask about the daily specials read more

I ordered two of the kente specials (one fish, the other salmon) as well as the harambee special (sautéed shrimp w/ Zambia spinach over rice) they all came w/ green beans & a roll. While I was disappointed in the portions (could've been a lot more for the price), I am full. I'm used to well seasoned, OK heavily seasoned (not salty) food so while I was initially upset, I remembered to be open minded about it. It was DELICIOUS. While the portions weren't as big as I would have expected for the price, I am full, as this is probably the proper portions anyway (laughs). While the rice wasn't really seasoned, the sautéed shrimp & freshness of the spinach balanced out everything. From what I tasted, The fish and salmon dishes were amazing (they weren't mine so I kind of sneaked a bite of them both). I gave it 4 STARS because of the PRICES (those 3 dishes were $27.?? combined, which I've gotten more for that amount and the APPEARANCE of the inside was too Let me elaborate on the appearance. When I entered the restaurant, I felt a sense of being (I being African American). But it was so much decor packed in such a small space I felt cramped being in there. I wouldn't feel comfortable eating in there because it just looks so cluttered. If they toned it down with the decorations and brought some light in there, I would bring the entire family to eat. It wasn't until after I finished eating that I remembered to snap a picture of the dish LOL read more

Kente's - Harambee special. Found this pic on their Facebook - Soup Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

I really don't know how i never been to this place or even heard about it until today. I also don't see how you could rate this business with anything less then 5 stars. I was a bit skeptical by the location of the restaurant but once inside you feel like your in your own house. It feels so welcoming and alive. Once you enter the lady in the front greets you as if you been there for years. With it being my first time there, she was very patient with me and allowed me to just breathe and look at the menu. I ordered some rice and beans and zimbia spinach. My only disappointment was i wanted to try the zucchini bread and unfortunately they didn't have any at that time. Which was fine because i will definitely be going back there again. The rice and beans were phenomenal!!! I never had rice and beans with spinach and carrots in it. It really blew my mind how good it was. Also the zimbia spinach was delicious. I thought it would be like regular spinach but boy was i wrong. It had a different but yet amazing taste to them. Normally spinach is overcooked and you would have to add salt but not this type. It still had a crisp taste and nice crunch and flavor to them. All and all this place needs to get recognized more, because their food is WONDERFUL, the customer service is great, and the atmosphere will have you thinking you never left the house. read more

Kente's - Zimbia spinach and rice and beans, simply amazing! - Soup Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Very good American food. Healthy food selections. Small place but very big inside. Healthy options that isn't very expensive. Customer service is also amazing read more

Kente's - Shrimp and Fish potatoes and green beans - Soup Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

See all

I was AGAIN in bliss. Everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly: the fish, the chicken, the string beans, the beans & rice, the potato salad....and that PINEAPPLE CAKE. My family loved all the food and took plates home. They wanted to know where they could get more of this home cooking. Kente's will always be our place of great comfort food! read more

Great place to eat for a delicious him cooked meal. They only take cash to make sure you go to the ATM the food is also made to order so either call ahead unless you mind waiting 10-15 minutes for your food. The grilled salmon is excellent I'll post a picture. This is me & my fiancée new lunch spot when in in town. read more

See all

The food here is amazing! Kente's has an unassuming exterior, but the interior is bright and really homey. It's like you're visiting a friend and having dinner in the living room. That intimacy is also reflected in the food. Everything from the fried fish to the curry was absolutely delicious and obviously made with love. In fact, the restaurant is run by a mother-daughter duo and it really tastes like mama is in the kitchen. read more

Kente's - Fried fish with vegetable rice and green beans. Also featuring a partially demolished small plate of chicken curry. - Soup Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Authentic and soulful never disappoint! Vegetable rice has to be my fave and everything is always seasoned to the T !!

Good food. Afro-centric decor. Desserts are delish! Portions are good but not huge. Support a local business!

One of my favorite little hole in the walls places in Hampton! I used to go here as a kid all the time and I'm glad they're still around . Owner is a super sweet lady and she puts her foot into everything she cooks ! My favorite thing to get has always been the fried okra. I'm pretty sure my first time having fried okra was from here ! It's sooooo goooodd . I definitely recommend coming in and trying them out read more

Food is really good and tastes great. I enjoyed the chicken and spinach. It was very good and the portions were of a food size. You can also pick up butters and homemade soaps for your skin. This place is full of black heritage. Everything is made fresh to order. read more

Stopped here for lunch. It was good! Got the salmon salad and split the meatballs. Everything was really tasty and for a very good price. Just note it's cooked to order so if you are in a rush this may not be the place for you. read more

Wow! I grew up in Hampton and can't believe this hidden gem has been here since 1995. Went there on a recommendation and will definitely be returning. The fried sweet potatoes were a wonderful treat. Best wings I've had in awhile, and didn't even touch my hot sauce! read more

Limited parking. Please to have a soul food options that doesn't use pork.

Went with two others and everyone agreed their food was delicious. Good, homecooked fair in a small comfy atmosphere with friendly service. Only downside is it's cash only. read more

Sooo delicious, I got the grilled salmon with rice & green beans and the food is soooo good!! Best food in Hampton and im a college student from california ! read more

The food here is absolutely amazing. My workmates and I ate here regularly when I worked at HU. The fish is fresh and perfectly seasoned. The green beans and rice pilaf are too. What stands out in my mind the most, however, is the fried broccoli. Don't knock it until you try it. So good! Desserts we're also made fresh daily, and we're traditional and homemade, so very satisfying. The only reason I gave this a four is for the decor. I celebrate the fact that it largely features African and African-American art and history, but it could be a bit less cluttered. read more

My daughter and I had lunch there today. Good, fresh food - we both had the fried fish with sweet potato and green beans and cake for dessert. I highly recommend this friendly, homestyle restaurant to all. No coffee, just tea and a variety of soft drinks. read more

The curried vegetables over rice were amazing! The red beans and rice with fried okra was ok too. My sister had the chicken breast sandwich and said "this is way better than Chic fil a". If you try nothing, try the Dun Dun. read more

Always delicious I've eaten there twice today that rice with spinach and carrots to die for nutritious

I tried this place because of other reviews and it seemed like it served relatively healthy food. I had the salmon dinner and I wasn't disappoint the food was good, not GREAT but good read more

I have been a Kente's regular for years. I turned my boyfriend on to it a few months back and I never have to argue with him about where to eat if I suggest Kente's. It's a small place steeped in history and pride. The food is exceptional. Always hot, always crisp, always interesting and never oily or over cooked. This is one of my favorite places for salmon and lightly fried vegetables. Kente's is a winner! read more

First time ever having fried broccoli, it was delicious. Next year at Hampton I will definitely be back!