If you’re searching for an authentic taste of African cuisine, this roundup of Leeds restaurants covers a wide variety of culinary traditions from across the continent.
Africa is a melting pot of different culinary traditions. From tasty Moroccan tagine to spicy Nigerian stews, sumptuous South African braai and flavourful Eritrean curries, the sheer variety of food is breathtaking. You don’t have to travel to far-flung shores to try them, because there are a host of fantastic African restaurants and takeaways right here in Leeds. Whether you’re ordering a takeaway or planning a family feast, this is your chance to expand your culinary horizons at our favourite African eateries in the city.
Quick picks: Amazing African restaurants in Leeds
- Best for big group celebrations – Piassa
- Best for a lunchtime treat – O’Delices D’appo
- Best for afrofusion – The Grand Valley
- Best takeaway – Juicy African Kitchen
- Best on a budget– Afrochops
O’Delices D’appo
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This unique little eatery packs plenty of charm to go along with its delectable flavours, and it offers a rare taste of authentic food from The Central African Republic, made fresh. Owner Youna cooks up incredible savoury dishes from scratch, using family recipes such as coconut chicken curry and African patties with homemade onions and tomato sauce. For dessert, they have an array of tempting handmade cakes whipped up by Youna’s husband Appolin, who is a certified French pâtisserie chef, the quality is unbeatable.
Try a moreish mango tiramisu, a zingy lemon tart or a heavenly chocolate cake. We won’t judge you if you get one of each. After a healthy plate of thieb (a vegetable-heavy Senegalese jollof rice made with cabbage and carrots), indulging in something sweet is a must. If you want to go even greener we recommend the cassava leaf. This nutritious curry is a staple across many African countries, and it’s just as (if not more) delicious than any fast food offering in Kirkgate Market.
Where: Row 4, Leeds Kirkgate Market, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HN.
Opening times: 11am–5pm Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday.
What we order: The attieke (which is a couscous-like dish made from grated cassava) with fried fish is light and flavourful, perfect for a cheap lunchtime pick-me-up.
Check it out: instagram.com/odelicesdappo
Abyssinia
Credit: Jeremy Kelly 2026
Abyssinia has been dishing up authentic Ethiopian food in Leeds since 2014. They’ve earned plaudits for their hearty stews and grilled meats, all of which come well spiced and loaded with flavour. It’s as much about the experience as it is about the food here, because Ethiopian food is made for sharing.
Gather your loved ones and order a platter filled with traditional dishes, like leleb tib– a mild lamb dish fried with garlic, ginger, green chilli, onion and tomato– and kitfo (Ethiopian steak tartare seasoned with organic butter and garnished with red pepper powder). Scoop it all up with traditional injera flatbread, which is fermented and high in fibre. For the full experience, we recommend eating it all with your hands.
Where: 12 Ashley Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7AB.
Opening times: 2pm–9pm Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. 2pm–9:30pm Friday and Saturday. Closed Monday and Wednesday.
What we order: We love the Abyssinia special, a platter packed with ten different veggie and non-vegetarian dishes including the spiced chickpea stew which is sublime.
Check it out: abyssinialeeds.co.uk
Abashawul
Abashawul is one of very few Eritrean restaurants in Leeds, providing a rare taste of a culinary culture that’s rich in history and depth. The menu is small, but perfectly formed, full of classic East African dishes that will tantilise your tastebuds.
You can pop in for a traditional breakfast of ful, a fragrant blend of broad beans, peppers, yogurt and butter, or stop by later to try a zighni, a classic Eritrean curry dish made with melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked meat (or seafood if you’d prefer) and birds eye chilli that really packs a punch. Don’t miss the chef’s speciality – The Dorho combines chicken and veg in a spicy tomato sauce, topped with a boiled egg. It’s filling and fresh, perfect for when you’ve worked up an appetite but don’t want anything too heavy.
Where: 136 Roundhay Road, Harehills, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 5NA.
Opening times: 9am–11:30pm Monday–Saturday, 10am–11pm Sunday.
What we order: The Gulaz – succulent, flavourful traditionally spiced chunks of tilapia – is a reliable choice.
Check it out: facebook.com/abashawul-bar-restaurant-leeds
Piassa
In Ethiopia, when you enter the piassa, you’re entering the heart of the country, which is just what it feels like at this down-to-earth Ethiopian restaurant. Enjoy the warmth of their attentive hospitality and feast on classic Ethiopian soul food with a menu of authentic stews and traditional finger food.
For a little taste of everything, try their vegan beyaynetu. It promises a mix of chickpea and lentil stews, expertly seasoned veggies and fresh salad, all served atop fluffy injera bread. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, their long banquet tables are perfect for seating large groups. Going on more of a casual occasion? Try their Ethiopian coffee ceremony and learn how to roast steep and drink freshly ground Ethiopian beans just like you would on the continent.
Where: 83 Roundhay Road, Harehills, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 5AQ.
Opening times: 2pm–10pm Monday–Thursday, 2pm–11:30pm Friday-Sunday.
What we order: The kintot combo platter that comes with dulet, spicy wot stew, sizzling tender beef and leafy green gomen be siga is a crowd pleaser.
Check it out: piassaleeds.co.uk
Juicy African Kitchen
Ever tried Nigerian food in Leeds? If not, get yourself over to Juicy African Kitchen. This Holbeck restaurant is massively popular with the local Nigerian community, which is always a good sign. Expect classic Nigerian fare, with familiar favourites like rich and smoky jollof rice and earthy ogbono soup alongside more unusual finds.
The goat suya is a must. It’s coated in ground chilli pepper, peanut powder and spices before being barbecued to perfection, exactly as it’s served on the bustling street of Lagos. Whatever you go for, be sure to try a side of fried plantain and some sweet and fluffy puff puff dumplings for dessert– they’re beyond moreish.
Where: 40 Beeston Road, Holbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 8RP.
Opening times: 2pm–10pm Tuesday–Thursday, 2pm–11pm Friday–Saturday and 2pm–10pm Sunday. Closed Monday.
What we order: Boiled yam and pepper soup is our go-to when we’re feeling under the weather.
Check it out: juicyafricankitchen.co.uk
The Grand Valley Bar & Kitchen
At The Grand Valley, your love of fusion foods collides with top-quality African recipes. Their menu takes you on a culinary adventure around West, East and South Africa. You can tuck into Southern delicacies like manzondo (cow feet), Western staples like okra soup and Eastern classics like nyama choma (BBQ beef marinated and garnished with kachumbari).
With such a wide variety of dishes, this is the perfect place to try something new, even if you’re familiar with African food. We recommend working up an appetite so you can try a different dish from each region. Wash it all down with a refreshing bottle of African Fanta and you’ll leave feeling satisfied.
Where: The Nelson, Armley Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 2LS.
Opening times: 2pm–11pm Monday–Friday, 12pm–11pm Saturday–Sunday.
What we order: The leafy green eforiro soup with rice, a whole fried tilapia and a side of plantain– we always take the leftovers home and it’s even more delicious the next day.
Check it out: instagram.com/the_grand_valley
Afrochops
What do you get when you mix traditional African cuisine with Caribbean classics? Afrochops, a pint-sized Afro-Caribbean takeaway with a big reputation and a hoard of regulars. The menu is wonderfully eclectic. Nigerian egusi soup and ayamashe stew rub shoulders with boneless jerk chicken and saltfish patties, so you can have the best of both worlds, all under one roof.
Load up on sides, like jollof rice and pounded eba (a staple swallow made with grated cassava flour), then dig right in. It’s comfort food done right and makes for the perfect Sunday afternoon meal after a heavy Saturday night. As of Spring 2026, most dishes are under £10 too so you can enjoy lip-smacking goodness without worrying about the cost.
Where: 12 Thorpe Street, Middleton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 4EZ.
Opening times: 4:30pm–10pm Friday–Wednesday, 6pm–10pm Thursday.
What we order: Rich and tangy jollof rice and oxtail that falls off the bone is a beautiful combo that gives us the best of both worlds.
Check it out: afrochopsonline.com
