I called an hour ahead as we were on a tight schedule, being in from out of town. I was told 40. It was an hour before we arrived to pick up and still waited 10-15 minutes. The food, however, was worth the wait. Absolutely amazing egusi soup. Perfectly spicy, like a 4 out of 5, you can tell the stew contained a good amount of habaneros. Most places where I'm from don't serve the stewed goat on the side, and I'm loving being able to eat both side by side with the poundo. I just wish they'd have the food ready when they say. read more

Qaato Restaurant - Egusi w stewed goat - African Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Pretty dirty and run down. But the Jollof rice I bought for a friend was good, according to her.

One of the best Nigerian restaurants in Chicago! I always get the jollof rice, assorted meat and or chicken. The food is spicy and fresh! read more

Qaato Restaurant - Jollof rice - African Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had a taste for some Egusi! Unfortunately, one of the last times I had it from an African restaurant on the north side, it was TERRIBLE! I mean, I could tell they had reheated some stuff up in the microwave and then tried to serve it to me like I was so supposed to be excited. However I decided to grab some Egusi with fish from here and it was DELCIOUS! It wasn't too spicy and the flavors were amazing! My leftovers were even better the second day! I highly recommend exploring their menu! read more

Qaato Restaurant - Egusi Soup with Fish - African Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food is actually very good compared to other Nigerian restaurants I have tried in Chicago. I like and recommend their ayamashe, jollof, and Egusi. My issue with this spot however is they lack decent customer service. Like it is just horrible. You call to order for pickup and you still have to wait to pickup. I think that's just wrong. Secondly, it's not a place I will ever sit to eat. Just not the environment for it in my opinion. I remember sitting to eat once and didn't like it at all. I will only recommend you order to go and also call to make sure your order is ready before you go. read more

The food was delicious. The service was good. I always enjoy my visit I've been visiting this place since 2007. This is the only place I will eat. read more

I recently shared my love of Jollof with an American friend who recently learned which African countries she descended from. She wasn't sure where to start so as a first generation Nigerian, I introduced her to Qaato. She's been raving about the spices and flavors all week! She lives in the south western suburbs so there any choices near by but she's looking forward to making another trip back soon. Thank you for helping me share my culture with a friend who newly discovered hers! Also, in terms of service, many Nigerian restaurants get a bad wrap... I've experienced it as well...But with my recent order, they called me when my order wasn't picked up and was very nice over the phone and when I picked up. I appreciated the call because the yelp app told me my order was delayed almost an hour. Luckily, I live close and was able to pick the food up quickly. read more

On a recommendation, I went to Qaato for a sampling of Nigerian dishes. For a Saturday afternoon with an empty restaurant, very little to nothing was available. Per the small menu, there wasn't anything different that I haven't had at any Nigerian restaurants in Chicago, afar, or abroad. Glaring problems. No one in the front room to greet customers. Long wait before my presence was acknowledged. Woman at the register was 10 points beyond rude. She began taking my order before giving me a menu and she cut me off before I finished. I'm sure the food is good, but service is everything. I can't stress that enough. read more

Yummy!!!! The service takes some time but they make the food fresh and in my opinion it's well worth the wait! I ordered the goat egusi soup served with pounded yam, I called ahead but still had to wait about 10 minutes when I arrived. I really enjoyed my meal. The flavors are so good (and spicy), but with the pounded yam it balances out the spice well. The goat pieces were tender, but they did have a lot of bone so less meat than what I would expect. It was a to go order (no in person dining) and she wrapped it very well so nothing spilled on my way home which I always appreciate it.Even though the wait is long, the food was so flavorful that I will definitely go back again. read more

I have been searching for a go to place to order Fish Egusi soup and I think I don't need to look any further. I've tried a few other African restaurants in the city and all of them were pretty decent but always lacked something. 1 restaurant's Egusi had amazing flavor but their portions were small, another restaurant had decent portions but the flavor was lacking. Qaato's Egusi delivers it all. Each bite is packed with flavor and the portions are awesome! I will defiantly be ordering from this restaurant whenever I crave Egusi and Fufu. :) read more

Qaato Restaurant - Fish Egusi and fufu - African Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Sometimes when you think you are fooling people you are fooling yourself, I observe closely when I go into restaurants anyway I was waiting for my order and while waiting a young lady came in to return some food. I guess her order was incorrect. The bad thing about it was that she returned the item in a brown plastic bag which looked gross it wasn't even the original white bag that they give. I watched standing from the counter as the lady worker went to the back of her kitchen removed the old food from the plastic brown bag, opened it and added something to it put it in the microwave. While it was in the microwave she came and gave the women her new serving of food in a white plastic bag. Once she left she brings me the same serving of food that the women gave her in the brown plastic bag. I took it but it bothered me because this is unsanitary and you don't know what a person could have done to that food in their presence, even though they are bringing it back. Of course I didn't eat the food I threw it out. I took it because I wanted to bring it to the attention of the owners. This is bad business and I don't mind supporting you. It doesn't matter weather the person is Akata or not treat everyone the same. This is what Jesus would do to you. If someone brings food back to your restaurant for exchange or wrong order simply throw it out. read more

Qaato Restaurant - The lady's food that was bought back to the restaurant and was given to me - African Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Edited on 10/9, as I recommended the wrong soup on the original review. (You probably want to order the egusi soup and not the ogbono, which has a stringy and slippery consistency that wasn't appetizing for the uninitiated.) Egusi is the way to go, and ewedu is pretty yummy as well. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This place is easy to miss, as it's sandwiched between a few nondescript storefronts on Clark. But it's well worth a stop for flavorful and spicy Nigerian food. I generally stick with the fish soups (stews, really) - egusi, with a rich sauce of ground mango seeds, shrimp, & spinach or greens, is one of the greatest things I've ever tasted. Their 'soups' are eaten with pounded yam or yari - they have several kinds, and will let you sample ones you're curious about. If and only if you have a cold, try the peppersoup. And bring lots of tissues. It's a shallow bowl of insanely spicy broth with fish or meat that will clear you up in no time. There's another similar soup they make a couple days a week, according to a cabby i spoke to there, that's even spicier, also for those with colds only. Not somewhere you want to go for any semblance of atmosphere, and service is slow, but so well worth the wait. And the waitstaff are pleased to answer questions if you're unfamiliar with the cuisine. Dishes are all under $10. read more

This was my first time having Nigerian food and loved the goat/fish egusi soup served with pounded yam! Very flavorful and good portions for the price. Will 100% be back to try other dishes. read more

I have to first clarify that I've been looking for a good West African restaurant for some time and coming from West Africa, I'm very picky because I am used to the "Real Thing". Qaato was highly recommended (to me) by some friends but I still went to Yelp to check out the reviews. Two weeks ago, the craving became especially urgent so I finally decided to go for lunch. This is obviously a family run business because I was greeted by a friendly young lady (who I learned was the owners daughter). She was very surprised that I ordered two dishes and made sure that I didn't make a mistake. I was warned that the order might take a little extra time (since it was prepared fresh) but I was pleasantly surprised when my order came out in about fifteen minutes. If this is your first time...you will love their 'Jolof rice and stew..which I thought was seasoned perfectly and had a little 'kick' (spiciness) that enhanced it even more. The Egusi & Fufu are for those of you who, either want to try some authentic West African food, or like me and need some delicious, familiar, comfort food. This dish(i.e. fufu) is very filling so go with an appetite. The prices are also very reasonable (My two dishes were less that $20). I confess that there was't much left to take home..but I will surely be back soon. Thank you Qaato read more

Probably the worst customer service I've EVER received. These people are rude, disrespectful, and just awful. I ordered Jollof rice and beans on uber and they canceled it without notice. I called the restaurant and they said they had no beans, fine. I ordered again and asked for just PLAIN jollof and the disgusting woman called me to yell at me and tell me that there was no beans. I told them THREE times I didn't want the beans. The lady in the kitchen could be heard screaming and cursing in the background about no beans. I said it a FOURTH time and she goes " so you just want regular jollof". Ridiculous. These people will not be in business for long. Disgusting attitudes read more

Qaato Restaurant - I specifically wrote that just plain Jollof would be fine before that woman called to yell at me over beans. - African Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My family is from Nigeria and one thing I can tell you about Nigerians is that they are proud of their delicious food culture. When Westerners think of Nigerian food today, they know for the most part we like our stews, soups, and rices. There are infinite variations for our many different tomato-based and green based stews that typically can have beef, chicken, turkey, or seafood. This all sounds familiar, right? Admittedly, West African food is all very similar, but the differences come from the quality of the ingredients and the processes used to create distinct flavor profiles. I've had Ghanaian food before and their version of jollof rice was not spicy and had butter in it. It was still delicious but a different version of the spicier jollof rice that's known in Nigeria. Also, it's important to mention that within Nigeria itself, there are many different ethnic groups that share a food lineage because they share the same land for farming. Although the people may not agree on political matters, they can at least agree that it's important to utilize the best products from the land and waters around them. I'm boring you, I know, so let me just end this review with this: if you want try authentic Nigerian food that is reflective of the best that Nigeria can offer in a cuisine, you've got to try Qaato on Clark Street. And if you do happen to go, let me know and I will be happy to accompany you! :-) read more

I love this restaurant! I got hooked at the original location in 2000.. We are talking about the best porridge on the north side!! period! The most tender cow feet, delicious goat stew, and lovely okra stew.... read more

Obvious and too many problems. Only one person that attends to the customers, also the cook too. Very long wait of over an hour for customers before me and my presence was completely ignored. Very rude lady "the cook" that pretends to assist at the register, with disgusting utterances. She tried to remember my name again so I won't return to their business and cut me off of my complains. Every other customers waiting seem to accept that this is normal. read more

The food is good but the wait time is 30 minutes or more. Sometimes the food is fresh and seasoned. The customer service can be a little better sometimes and the staff don't smile and not always courteous on the phone. read more

I told them I was a vegetarian and asked if there was anything I could eat like vegetables and rice. The person working there said yes and gave me a microwaved bowl of what she said was vegetables. There was red meat in it that I found after eating some. I pointed this out and she said, oh I think that's turkey. You don't even eat turkey? (Uh, (1) it wasn't turkey I don't think and (2) I had already specified I was a full vegetarian who did not eat chicken or fish!) The place also looks pretty dirty. read more

Sorry Qaato but thumbs down for your Ayamashe 01-19-2012. I bought 2 plates of this dish yesterday, one for my co-worker and one for me; but you guys disappointed me big time. I recommended their special Ayamashe to many Ghanaians but oh Lord! It was so nasty, it tasted bland. Honestly, the dish didn't taste like the good ol dish i'm used to buying. It was not worth the money, i may go there for their Jollof rice and Okro dishes but not for the Ayamashe. Never again! My three stars are for Buki's customer service, Buki is the owners daughter; she is very friendly and she makes you want to come back. read more

After having been to West Africa and eating the local food there and loving it I wanted to find a good West African restaurant in Chicago that has authentic food and a relaxing atmosphere. I had the jollof rice and fried plantains along with the goat stew and fish stew. Everything was delicious and had the same spices and flavors as I tasted in West Africa. I talked with the executive chef who was very nice and explained all about the food which I ordered and how he prepares it. The atmosphere is calm and offers a relaxed environment for a delightful lunch or dinner. The food is all under $10 and made fresh. I definitely recommend Qaato for their fantastic West African food. read more

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The food is so amazing! I always get efo riro and pounded yam, every time it's spectacular. The wait is a little long but it is totally worth it. read more

Today our school has an culture event. My African friend brought rices and meat from this restaurant. That is very very very great taste. I will go to this restaurant by myself in future. read more

Had an excellent lunch there (goat stew of some sort) with very kind service. Will go again.

Super good. I have lived in West Africa, and this place knows their egusi (with goat) meal. Yeah, the decor is not so great, but whatever, if you want awesome West African at a good price, this is the place. I've even brought friends who've never had West African and they also loved it. read more

Okay this restaurant has the best Nigerian food in Chicago hands down. The Egusi and pounded yam here is so delicious that it will have you coming back for more. This restaurant passes with flying colors on the food. Why they get 2 stars from me is because they have unbelievably (jaw-dropping) poor customer service. The slim short cashier from the time you enter acts like you are her enemy. She is extremely rude and she acts like she is doing you a favor by serving you food that you are paying her for. When taking your order over the phone, the tone she uses is appalling. When signing the credit card receipt, she roughly throws the pen in your direction and barks sign here. I was so offended by this behavior that I stopped patronizing this place. The food is fantastic no doubt about this but the customer service is too poor and substandard it is a joke to be labelled restaurant. All is not lost, they should retrain their staff with the realization that they are running a customer pleasing business with customers who can easily patronize other eateries in the neighborhood. In fact they should go to the Jamaican restaurant good to go which is around the corner from them and learn how to treat customers in a friendly pleasant way. Thats where I now buy my dinner. read more

Yes! I went here for the pepper pot soup because I have a cold. I used to go to a few different Nigerian places on Broadway, Devon, Morse and my all time favorite was a lunch truck downtown. When ordering pepper pot soup I have been refused before because it is too spicy for Americans and I have quite a story about the first time I tried it. Since this is yelp, I will just briefly mention that I started seeing stars and collapsed and went into a hallucinatory state and woke up soaking wet in my own sweat. I had gotten it for a cold then as well, and perhaps over did it with the loss of sensation after the first bite. Ohh, I feel so good when I eat this soup, I am sure it kills the germs, why else would it clear all traces of congestion so rapidly? Yes you will sweat and your nose will run and you will cough and then waves of warm pleasure will wash over you. The broth also has readily available proteins to manufacture antibodies, after a blissful nap you will awaken feeling so much better. Of course I was so happy to discover Qaato a few blocks from my house. They make the soup to order from scratch so call ahead as it takes at least 45 minutes. That means you can customize your soup which they did for me. I did ask for very spicy. She seemed amused, I thought I would need to sign a waiver to get the soup but a verbal agreement was all she required that I eat this at my own risk. She doesn't know me. I do miss my old friend on Morse, who made the soup that had me collapsed and hallucinating. This soup wasn't as spicy, but it's understandable, it's not something you want to be handing out to strangers, could be used as a murder weapon. They also Americanize it a bit, with tons of meat. Next time I will order extra broth, since meat is not appetizing with a cold. I can tell she does what she promises in the menu and selects the finest ingredients for her restaurant. I will enjoy the meat when I get my appetite back. But the broth is lovely with hand picked spices. Now I am about to savor the last swallow of soup and slip into a hot bath, it is almost a welcome occasion to catch a cold now and then.... read more

There needs to be a zero stars option. Arrived at this restaurant on a Saturday afternoon and it was not busy. The lady standing at the register did not even say "hello". No big deal. Since this is our first time we didn't know if we should just pick a table, go to the front or what. We decided to pick a table and go to the register to order. Where everything we tried to order they did not have. Eventually asked them what they did have and she rattled off the little on the menu they had so we had to ask her to repeat it as it was too fast. We then asked for standard, staple jollof rice...something that is as common in a Nigerian restaurant as water is in a regular restaurant. She then said they didn't have it. Mind you we are standing at the register and can see into the back where there is somebody stirring up a whole pot of jollof rice. We decided to leave. We should have left. If I could go back in time I should have stuck with my first instinct and left. As we started to leave she apparently had a change of heart, or maybe somebody in the back asked her why she was turning away paying customers. In any case she asked us to stay and that they did have it. So we ordered jollof, plantain and fried meat with soup. We were given a form of jollof (didn't really taste like Nigerian jollof), fish soup with boiled American chicken and beef that were not fired. First of all, who serves fish soup with jollof rice and second of all, if you have to recycle the soup so it doesn't get wasted, tell me and I would ask for it on the side. All in all, our experience was not good and we won't be back which is a shame as we wanted to support the community and get a break from cooking. The rudeness is one thing but to serve poor food too? No thanks. Oh and as an additional slap to the face, a friend of hers came in and ordered the same thing, got their meals first and the person they came in with ended up saying the food is not good, she would never pay that much for it and she has had better Nigerian food! In short, stay away. read more