About this guide: The Nigeria234 Guide is an independent, annually updated list spotlighting standout Nigerian restaurants (and Nigerian-led West African kitchens) across Nigeria and the diaspora. We weigh consistency, culinary craft, service, value, and cultural authenticity. All entries were verified September 2025 (active address + web/social/ordering).
Contact the Guide Team: restaurants@nigeria234.com • WhatsApp: +1 929 743 4755
Ratings (5-icon system)
- 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 — world-class; destination-worthy
- 🟢🟢🟢🟢 — exceptional; worth a detour
- 🟢🟢🟢 — excellent; strong execution
- 🟢🟢 — good; recommended
- 🟢 — listed; meets guide standard
Badges
- 🥣 Pepper Soup Selection — outstanding value
- 🔥 Street Food Gem — bukka/suya/food-truck excellence
- 🌱 Newcomer to Watch — opened in last 18 months / notable relaunch
- 🏅 Legacy Kitchen — 10+ years serving the community
- 🌍 Regional Champion — notable regional focus (Yoruba/Igbo/Delta/Calabar)
Editor’s Picks (Charlotte)
- The Cooking Pot (E. Independence Blvd) — 🟢🟢🟢🟢
- Samoha African Cuisine (W. Sugar Creek Rd) — 🟢🟢🟢
- Tima African Restaurant (The Plaza) — 🟢🟢🟢
The List — Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
🟢🟢🟢🟢 (Exceptional; worth a detour)
1) The Cooking Pot — East Forest / Independence Shopping Center
Address: 5622 E Independence Blvd, Ste 129, Charlotte, NC 28212
Phone: (704) 909-4000
Price: $–$$
Style: Proper Nigerian comfort cooking; full swallows & soups
Must-tries: Egusi or okra with fufu, coconut rice, moi-moi, jollof & grilled chicken
Vibe: Casual dining; friendly service; good for first-timers
Badges: —
Verified: September 2025
🟢🟢🟢 (Excellent; strong execution)
2) Samoha African Cuisine — University City / W. Sugar Creek
Address: 602 W Sugar Creek Rd, Ste 4, Charlotte, NC 28213
Phone: (980) 207-0826
Price: $–$$
Style: Homestyle Nigerian plates with hearty portions
Must-tries: Egusi & fufu, croaker + plantain, jollof & turkey
Vibe: Neighborhood favorite; takeaway & dine-in
Badges: —
Verified: September 2025
3) Tima African Restaurant — The Plaza (West African with Nigerian staples)
Address: 4438 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28215
Price: $–$$
Style: West African kitchen; Nigerian crowd-pleasers on menu
Must-tries: Suya beef, jollof plates, pepper soup
Vibe: Casual & family-friendly
Badges: 🔥 Street Food Gem (Suya)
Verified: September 2025
🟢🟢 (Good; recommended)
4) Royal African Cuisine — Eastway Dr (East Charlotte) (West African; Nigerian staples present)
Address: 3052 Eastway Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: (980) 859-2006
Price: $–$$
Style: Wide West African menu with fufu, egusi, grilled fish
Must-tries: Egusi & fufu, jollof & lamb, mixed grills
Vibe: Sit-down with bar; evening energy
Badges: —
Verified: September 2025
5) Lagz Restaurant • Bar • Grille — Little Rock Rd (West CLT) (Afro-Caribbean/West African; Nigerian items available)
Address: 2539 Little Rock Rd, Charlotte, NC 28214
Phone: (980) 498-7634
Price: $–$$
Style: Lounge vibes; jollof & suya-style grills appear alongside Caribbean plates
Must-tries: Suya platter, jollof combos, grilled fish
Badges: —
Verified: September 2025
6) Mama Gee’s Takeout Restaurant — Beatties Ford Rd (Ghanaian; Nigerian staples available)
Address: 509 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
Phone: (704) 817-8732
Price: $–$$
Style: Ghanaian kitchen with jollof, fufu, soups; late-night pop-ups
Must-tries: Jollof & chicken, pepper soup, kelewele
Badges: 🥣 Pepper Soup Selection
Verified: September 2025
🔥 Street Food / Pop-ups
- Suya King — South End (inside Dream Lounge) — 🟢🟢🟢 • 🔥
Address: 320 W Carson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Style: Suya bar with beef suya, egusi & fufu, jollof; delivery available
Tip: Late hours vary (lounge setting). Verified: September 2025 - Alhadji Spicy Suya — E. Independence (Safari Lux Lounge) — 🟢🟢 • 🔥
Address: 5020 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28212
Style: Night-market suya & pepper soup; pop-up hours
Tip: Follow socials for schedule. Verified: September 2025 - Jolof/Jollof On Wheels — Food Truck (Valley-wide) — 🟢🟢 • 🔥
Style: Nigerian staples via truck; check delivery apps & socials for the weekly route
Verified: September 2025
🛒 Markets & Hot Counters (useful for planning)
- Carolina African Market — Alleghany St (West CLT)
Address: 1524 Alleghany St, Charlotte, NC 28208 • Restaurant + Grocery + Butcher
What to know: Hot jollof & stews, Nigerian sauces, party trays; full grocery selection.
Verified: September 2025
🗺️ Map & Planning
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Neighborhood clusters (quick guide):
- E. Independence / East Forest: The Cooking Pot; nightlife pop-ups nearby
- University City / W. Sugar Creek: Samoha
- The Plaza / Eastway: Tima; Royal African Cuisine
- West CLT (Little Rock Rd): Lagz
- Uptown/South End: Suya King (inside Dream Lounge)
When to go:
- Peak: Fri–Sun evenings; lounges can run late
- Lunch value: Trays/combos & pepper soup (🥣 Pepper Soup Selection)
- Groups: Most offer party trays (jollof, suya, stews). Call ahead.
Corrections & updates:
Spotted a closure, new opening, or detail to fix? Contact the Nigeria234 Guide:
📩 restaurants@nigeria234.com • 💬 WhatsApp: +1 929 743 4755
How We Choose (Nigeria234 Guide Methodology)
- Scope: Nigerian restaurants in Nigeria & worldwide, plus Nigerian-led West African menus.
- Evaluation: Taste & technique, consistency, cultural authenticity, service, value, overall experience.
- Verification: We confirm active address + live web/social/ordering before listing.
- Independence: Listings are not for sale. Ads/sponsorships never influence selection.
- Update Cycle: Major update annually (Q4) with mid-year addenda for openings/closures.
- Corrections: We welcome factual updates from readers, chefs, and owners.
