Great little family restaurant. We were on the hunt for Nigerian Egusi Stew and Fufu. This is the place we found in the Lafayette Square international corridor. Nestle in the back of an old mall area is quite a cultural gem. Madina's menu offered flavors from several African/ Carribean cuisines: Egusi (Nigerian) , Peanut Stew (West Africa-Ivory Coast), Plaintains (Caribbean-Ghana), Jollof Rice (Senegal) and so much more! The service was wonderful. The cook gave us some cultural food knowledge about the origins of our dishes. The presentation of the food was beautiful. I wish I took a picture but I was ravenous. At the end of a very bountiful meal, I left tips eveywhere. The busser tried to return my tip! I had to explain that it was for him. Very nice place. I will return, especially for the plaintains. read more

Slow service but good food and nice people. Ambiance is nice with the music and decor. read more

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This was my second time visiting Madina but it certainly won't be my last. My family and I came in around 6:45pm on 08/07/25, to dine in, not realizing that the restaurant closed at 8. The server was still gracious and accommodating. I ordered the Cassava stew with white rice and my boyfriend ordered the Tilapia with Jollof. The portions were huge and my daughter and I were able to comfortably split the Cassava with leftovers, no exaggeration. All of the dishes were cooked to order (which does mean a decent wait time), and it all came out perfect. The seasoning, the freshness of the ingredients, and nothing was over or undercooked. I didn't catch the name of the gentleman who helped us tonight but he provided some of the best service I've had in the city. He was kind, efficient, and pleasant. The next time I go back I'm committed to getting a video. read more

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Looking forward to trying this restaurant for the first time but the experience from the time we walked in the door was unsatisfactory. It was 7:44pm and we were told we couldn't dine in then 2 min later we were told go ahead and sit down. When we went to order they were out of all the items which was crazy because they closed at 9pm! Needless to say I was turned off by their customer service and would not recommend this place to a first time customer! read more

Incredible food! The server was welcoming and took the time to explain the dishes to us. The place is immaculate and the bathrooms are also spotless. Portions are generous. I will return 100% read more

Absolutely amazing food! I had the creamy oxtail stew with jollof rice and fufu. Probably the best oxtail stew I've ever had! So rich and flavorful. Paired great with the fufu and rice. Can't recommend this place more and can't wait to try more in the future! read more

We recently moved to the area and one of my first goals was to find some good Fufu and Egusi stew and I found it here! Ask for their hot sauce with it as well if you like spice. I've only tried a couple other things but everything has been delicious every time! read more

Thank you Guinea for this blessing! What a wonderful a rare treat to have this restaurant in Indy! We had to take our food "to go" due to an emergency, but wow was the food impressive! I had the chicken yassa with white rice; wonderfully spiced with perfectly cooked chicken. My culinary-partner had the whole fried fish with a side of fried plantains. The fish was succulent; crispy on the outside, flavorful and perfectly cooked on the inside! We fell in love with the fried plantains! They are the best plantain pieces I have ever had. The customer service was great and the host at the counter was kind and welcoming. Some reviewers have complained that no one is there to take their order when they go; simple rule of thumb for this restaurant: GO TO THE COUNTER AND RING THE BELL! They will respond! We will be back to this gem! Protip: if you love hot-spicy be sure to get their hot sauce; it was fire! If you don't like hot-spicy, DO NOT TRY IT - it is super hot! read more

We had lunch at Madina this weekend as a part of our quest to have food from every country, something that's taken us to all sorts of interesting establishments across Indianapolis and across the country. Never before had I seen a Guinean restaurant...we've had Ghanaian, but other than that our West African experiences have been limited. The overall verdict with Madina is that it's one of those places you go only for the food and not for the experience. Might be good for takeout, heard they also do catering. The place was dead when we were there, looked closed when we drove up to it. Except for one guy who came up and got takeout, we were the only customers in the restaurant the whole time, and it was verrrrrrry quiet. Like awkward quiet...no music, no other customers chatting, just silence. They have a front room with a couple tables by the register and a buffet (which they apparently don't use anymore) and a much larger back room with a bunch of tables. For whatever reason, we were seated in the back room in the middle of the empty room instead of just in the front, but we were glad they turned the lights on for us because it was kinda dark when we went in..LOL. Waitress explained to us what dishes they had available at the moment, but we didn't really catch everything she was saying. My mom and I both went for the chicken yassa. Didn't look like the same chicken I saw in the Yelp photos but nonetheless was very tasty. Feels like it has been marinating and stewing for quite awhile, seasoned with onions, peppers, olives, and bay leaves. I had couscous as my side and it is a HUGE plate, way more than you need, so expect to take home leftovers. They'd do well to add a little oil or parsley or at least something to the couscous to add flavor, but if that's not the traditional way I get it. Not complaining because I love couscous. My mom got rice and it the portion size for it was almost ridiculously large, but once again not complaining, makes for more meals later. My dad had a lamb kebab. Probably not as traditional Guinean food, but we really wanted to try the plantains and that seemed like the best shot at getting them. The kebab was pretty good, but don't expect it to be anything crazy, it's just straight up lamb, no sauce or anything--they did bring some sort of green hot sauce to the table, and it was SUPER spicy, like too much to handle for my mom and I. The plantains were very well-cooked, just sweet enough, the right consistency, etc. Definitely recommend. A second waitress came who was a bit more conversational, answered some questions, asked us how we found out about them and told us how they'd been doing and all that. Although it wasn't perfect, the food here was good, especially the chicken yassa, so I really hope they do well here. It's kind of off the beaten path, in a random strip mall on the westside that I can't see many people just stumbling across. Nice people and good food should hopefully bring them enough customers that they stay in business. read more

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The food is amazing. And portions are beyond reasonable. I've had african food from all over Indiana and no where tops here. Not to mention they're most affordable too. I love the atmosphere too. All around great restaurant! read more

Madina Restaurant - Thieboudienne - African Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Food is awesomely good!!!! Bernard was very welcoming , helpful with explaining menu and preparing delicious food!!!! Large portions and scrumptious food! read more

I think this was my first experience with African food and it was awesome. There is a rice that is similar to Couscous but is lighter and fluffier and a "healthier " version of traditional white rice that was amazing under the different sauces they served. I loved the peanut sauce and the okra sauce and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I started talking and my husband put some on my plate and I couldn't believe how tender and juicy it was. The owners Maw and Barry are very sweet people and took very good care of us while we were there. I would definitely check out the ginger beer that they make in house. (My husband loves ginger beer and I think I just found his new favorite one.) We will definately be back read more

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Omg! The has to be the BEST African food that I've ever tasted in this city. The food is magnificent! The flavors are so perfectly paired is amazing. I will never eat any other African food unless it's from Togo or the Ivory Coast. I wish I could give 10 stars! read more

The Madina is a west African restaurant owned and operated by a Guinean family. The food is delicious. We had three in our party, so I asked the lovely server to bring us three different dishes. One beef, one fish and one chicken. All three were amazing, the chicken dish had a savory sauce with onion, chicken chunks and sweet potatoes served on rice. The beef dish were kabobs, the beef was seasoned perfectly and tender served with a salad and finally the fish. A whole fried fish cooked perfectly served with fried onions and cracked wheat. We came for lunch around 12:45. At this time of day the menu is limited. We were told to come for dinner around 7:00pm for the full menu. Which we will! I forgot the ginger beer. They make ginger beer. Amazing ginger beer. Heavy with ginger, heat and flavor. The Madina has only been open for 6 months. Everything is cooked to order, nothing sits in a steam table, so be mindful and patient, it is slo food cooked with love, meant to be lingered over and truly enjoyed. read more

Madina Restaurant - African Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

When I moved to Indy in the 90s I started what I called strip mall dining. I would pull into a strip mall and pick a restaurant. There were not as many then as there are now but I was able find a few. On Wednesday I joined the the International Market Coalition for their bimonthly lunch in the International District. We went to Madina in a mostly deserted strip mall. We were treated to an unbelievable buffet. The owners are from Guinea. There were lots of meat dishes and some vegetarian options. This is a real start up. The owners are still discovering the restaurant business. Be curious and explore the area on Commercial Drive on the west side. The restaurant is close to Saraga which is my favorite international market You will find other dining options. read more

I don't know if there are enough goof things to say about this little, locally and black owned business. The whole fried fish is my favorite thing on the menu followed very closely by the fried plantains. They are HEAVEN. the chicken yasa is great too. I'll be back time and time again for the great food and the calming atmosphere. read more

We stopped here after Saraga, and were delighted! We will come back. We sampled three dishes - and each was rich in flavor. We met Mary Clark, whose organization is the International Marketplace Coaltion and promotes this side of town as a cultural marketplace. read more

Madina Restaurant - African Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

My family and I traditionally eat on the Friday after thanksgiving day. So, on thanksgiving, I was looking for a meal that would satisfy my cravings of a delicious home cooked meal. I called Madina, but not expecting them to answer. They answered! I was so pleased to know they were open! The customer service was phenomenal and the food was amazing! I'll be glad to spend money with Madina again soon! I recommend the Cassava leaf, the okra stew, and the chicken Yassa. These are the dishes my family and I ordered, and we all agree that they were very well made! Thank you so much! read more

YESSSSS TO THE CASSAVA LEAF OMG! I had it with the fufu and my consort had it with the rice. I love cassava leaf. It was soooooo smooth and delicious. Their pepper sauce is spicy but great! Love this place! Great hospitality during their renovations. Definitely will be back! read more

We found this place by searching for African food in Indianapolis. It was great. We went at around 2pm on a Saturday, and we got great service. The owner, I think, was super friendly, and explained every dish on the menu, as well as showing us what the mixed veggies and cassava cous cous looked like. We ordered 2 orders of chicken yassa and 1 of jollof rice with fish. It was all delicious and super generous with the serving size. read more

If you want authentic African food, this is the place to go!! Low key, not fancy decoration but the food is dynamite!! The owner is very nice, welcoming, and you can tell really enjoys his job! He speaks a few languages/ dialects! Many locals from Africa come here to eat which is amazing. I've been on the hunt for an African restaurant that tastes and feels like home! Don't come if you're in a rush! They're really about making fresh, made to order food!! come in and eat! :) read more

Went there at 7 on a Saturday. It was empty and no one was behind the counter. I'd seen a review from someone saying he'd not been served so we weren't going to wait long. After a minute or two another customer walked in and rang a bell on the counter. We gave it another minute and left. read more

I wish I could review the food but I never got food. Some people will ask, why even rate? Well... We'll keep this short. We walked in and there was no one in there. We stood for about 15 mins. Then someone walked out and asked us how we're doing. We said fine and she walks back in. 10 mins later she comes out and asks if we wanted food. I said yes, I'd like to place an order. She said, have a seat I'll be with you. So we only waited another 15 mins before we went down to Saraga and got the best damn Chinese food I've eaten in a while. read more

The food is absolutely phenomenal. We ordered the fish & plantains and peanut butter sauce over rice and were blown away--we instantly ordered several extras to take home. The service is similarly incredible. The owner and his family, some of the nicest people I've ever met, explained all the dishes to us and answered all of our questions. I can't do gluten and, to my surprise, can eat almost everything on the menu. Overall, I can't recommend Madina enough and I'll definitely be taking friends here in the future. read more

The food at Madina Restaurant was extremely good. The IndyStar had reported the fried plaintains were excellent and I agree. The beef stew, which was really a spinach stew with some beef, was also very good. I will definitely go back. In fairness, the service I received was friendly but awkward. The young woman behind the counter seemed a little confused about what to do. But then Barry, the owner, came in and introduced himself directly to me. From there, things were great, so it's possible I caught them at a weird moment. At any rate, I'd chalk this up to a new, small restaurant finding its way. Believe me, it won't keep me from going back to a restaurant this good at these prices. read more

They may serve leftovers! Nice people but the food the restaurant owner insisted on me trying turned out to be not freshly made. It was so obvious that it was from at least the day before. Very disappointing! read more

New restaurant in the Lafayette Square/International Marketplace area owned by a family from Guinea. They were very warm and welcoming. There is a menu on the wall, but just ask what's cooking that day: they don't make everything all the time. We visited on a weekday and were told that there were more selections on the weekend. Chicken and fonio with peanut butter sauce was very good and portions were generous. Fonio (I had to look it up) is a tiny little grain that's high in protein; I liked it but rice is another option. Everything seemed homemade and prepared with care. They gave us some cassava leaves sauce to try with rice too. We loved the homemade ginger drink (strong!) and sorrel drink and bought extra to take home. I forgot to take pictures, so next time I'll take my camera. And hope that I can try the okra. read more

My son and I came here and had two fantastic dishes, okra stew and peanut butter stew, both with beef. I would definitely come back. Very good and friendly service as well. read more

The food was delicious, the service prompt, and and the establishment was very clean. Would definitely eat here again and recommend it to anyone looking for authentic African cuisine. Thanks Madina! read more

Tried their food at the Taste the Difference Festival last weekend and had to find their restaurant! We were not disappointed! The owner brought us samples and let us try 4 dishes before we ordered our meal. Looking forward to coming back often! read more

Food made fresh when you order. The amazing taste of the food will be worth the price. A lot of food for the price. You can pretty much eat you're lunch and have leftover to eat for dinner. read more

Decor: Overhead fluorescent lighting, ugly furniture, battered posters stuck on the wall with push pins, multiple TVs blaring different channels. Service: the waitress was sweet but needs training. I had to find her when we arrived, she was unsure of the menu and herself and brought our drinks at least 10 minutes after we ordered even tho we were the only customers there. Entrees were served in two, make that three trips on a plastic cafeteria tray. As soon as she served us she disappeared and never came back to see if we needed anything. Food: Okay, mostly saucy dishes served with huge portions of rice. Worst thing was all the bones in the food. We assumed the chunks of meat were boneless but alas were not. We had to pick out the bones (and request knives) and spit out a lot of chipped bone. I think they just hack the meat into pieces with a big butcher knife rather than deboning it. I will say we got huge portions of delicious fried plantain. As with other reviewers, the owner Barry came out and was touchingly eager to please. He even brought us samples of two other dishes in teeny tiny bowls of about two bites each. Too many bones in the food and surroundings too unappealing to go back. read more