Five unmissable restaurants serving bold and beautiful West African and Caribbean cuisine in Birmingham & the Black Country
West African and Caribbean restaurants in Birmingham are winning fans from seasoned foodies to casual diners looking for a change from a takeaway
The food scene in Birmingham and the Black Country is having a serious flavour moment. From smoky jollof rice to rich, slow-simmered palm nut soups, the city is fast becoming a hotspot for bold and beautiful West African and Caribbean cuisine.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just ready to swap your usual takeaway for something unforgettable, these standout spots are serving culture, comfort and celebration on every plate.
Here’s where to book next.
1) Empress Restaurant – Stirchley
Step inside Empress and you’re instantly transported. Think golden décor, striking African art and an atmosphere that blends elegance with warmth. Rooted in heritage and inspired by community, this Stirchley favourite (with another branch in Newtown) delivers a dining experience that feels both luxurious and deeply authentic.
The menu is a love letter to Nigerian classics. Start with Puff Puff Royale - a traditional African snack made of fried dough served in royale style, lightly crisp on the outside and airy within -or succulent Honey Barbeque Chicken Wings, marinated, slow cooked, and grilled to perfection, then coated in a rich honey barbecue glaze with smoky depth and gentle sweetness.
Then comes the star of the show: smoky jollof rice. Cooked in a rich tomato and pepper base and finished with that signature fire-kissed aroma, it’s everything you want from this iconic West African staple. Pair it with your protein of choice or opt for comforting rice and beans drenched in deeply savoury meat sauce.
Dine in or take away - just don’t forget to book.
The restaurant will soon be launching their Signature Tasters for those new to Nigerian cuisine.
2) Eko '77 – Kingstanding
Widely loved within the local West African community, Eko ’77 has built a loyal following and for good reason. With gold accents and forest-green interiors, the Kingstanding restaurant delivers warmth with a modern edge.
Their signature? Abula. A vibrant trio of ewedu (jute leaf soup), blended beans and spicy stew crowned with assorted meats. It’s colourful, comforting and a true southern Nigerian staple.
If you’re in the mood for heat, their pepper soup - available with chicken, beef, turkey or seafood - is the ultimate cold-weather cure. Prefer something grilled? Salmon fillet or chicken served with jollof or fried rice hits the spot.
Feeling adventurous? Try the seafood okra, brimming with ocean flavours and best paired with amala, eba or pounded yam.
Family-friendly and event-ready, Eko ’77 is as perfect for birthdays and weddings in Brum as it is for a laid back dinner.
3) Mide Lagos – New Town Row
For a more intimate dining experience, Mide Lagos brings premium Nigerian flavours to New Town Row. With green and white interiors reflecting the Nigerian flag, the space is stylish, cosy and full of personality.
Kick off with meat pepper soup - fragrant, fiery and deeply comforting. Or dive into suya: thin strips of beef or juicy chicken grilled and coated in smoky spice for that irresistible kick.
Their smoky jollof rice is party-ready perfection, while white rice with rich red stew delivers pure comfort. Looking for a twist? Jollof spaghetti merges the beloved tomato base with al dente pasta for a modern spin on tradition.
From pounded yams to full-scale event catering, Mide Lagos proves Nigerian cuisine can be both homely and elevated.
4) Onye Restaurant – Smethwick
Cosy, relaxed and full of heart, Onye Restaurant in Smethwick celebrates flavours from Nigeria, Ghana and across West Africa.
Start with Moi Moi - a protein-packed steamed bean pudding - or Tsofi, a richly seasoned Ghanaian turkey tail starter.
Mains shine just as brightly. Their tilapia grilled fish is perfectly seasoned with a crisp exterior and tender centre. Jollof rice and fried rice are available as set meals, and Ghanaian Waakye (rice and black-eyed beans) offers a delicious alternative.
But the must-try? Palm Nut Soup (also known as Banga Soup) - bronze-hued, aromatic and deeply satisfying, especially with pounded yam.
No booking needed - just turn up hungry.
The Verdict: Birmingham’s African and Caribbean food scene is thriving, vibrant and impossible to ignore. From luxurious dining rooms to cosy neighbourhood gems, these restaurants showcase the depth, spice and soul of West African cooking.
If your 2026 food bucket list needs an upgrade, you know where to start.
