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 below 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 (Triangle)
- Gifted Hands (GH Afri-Land Cuisine), Durham — 🟢🟢🟢🟢
- Chop Naija Kitchen (Food Trailer), Raleigh — 🟢🟢🟢 • 🔥 Street Food Gem
- Elle Et Moi Cuisine, Raleigh — 🟢🟢🟢
The List — Raleigh–Durham (Triangle), North Carolina, USA
🟢🟢🟢🟢 (Exceptional; worth a detour)
1) Gifted Hands (GH Afri-Land Cuisine) — North Duke St, Durham
Address: 3600 N Duke St, Ste 35, Durham, NC 27704
Website/Ordering: giftedhandscuisine.com • online ordering available
Phone: (919) 283-4639
Price: $–$$
Style: Nigerian-led kitchen (also Jamaican/Caribbean) with full swallows & soups
Must-tries: Egusi & fufu, jollof & grilled chicken, meat pies (check daily availability)
Vibe: Fast-casual with dine-in, pickup & delivery; family-friendly
Badges: 🥣 Pepper Soup Selection
Verified: September 2025
🟢🟢🟢 (Excellent; strong execution)
2) Chop Naija Kitchen (Food Trailer) — Capital Blvd, Raleigh — 🔥 Street Food Gem
Address: 3520 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604
Hours: Mon–Sat daytime/early evening (closed Sun; check socials)
Price: $–$$
Style: Nigerian classics from a steady trailer; grills & trays
Must-tries: Beef suya, jollof & turkey, egusi & fufu, pepper soup
Vibe: Order-at-window; quick service; great for takeaway
Badges: 🔥 Street Food Gem
Verified: September 2025
3) Elle Et Moi Cuisine — Rock Quarry Rd, Raleigh (West African with Nigerian staples)
Address: 6109 Rock Quarry Rd, Ste 105, Raleigh, NC 27610
Ordering: DoorDash/Uber Eats + house site
Price: $–$$
Style: Pan-African menu with egusi, okro, fufu, jollof
Must-tries: Egusi (goat or smoked turkey) with fufu; jollof plates
Vibe: Casual sit-down; good for groups; late Fri/Sat
Badges: —
Verified: September 2025
4) Hady’s Restaurant International Cuisine — Downtown Raleigh (Senegalese/West African; Nigerian staples present)
Address: 717 E Martin St, Ste 199, Raleigh, NC 27601
Ordering: On-site menu + reservations
Price: $–$$
Style: West African/International; jollof, egusi, beef suya, pepper soup
Must-tries: Egusi with goat, cow-foot pepper soup, suya platter
Vibe: Sit-down; events & late hours some nights
Badges: 🌍 Regional Champion
Verified: September 2025
🟢🟢 (Good; recommended)
5) Nigeria Kitchen LLC — Wake Forest (serves Raleigh area)
Model: Licensed Nigerian caterer / preorder + pickup (Fri–Sat); delivery via platforms
Menu highlights: Egusi & fufu, okro, jollof trays, moi-moi, pepper soup
Badges: 🌱 Newcomer to Watch
Verified: September 2025
6) Tasty Nigerian Cuisine — Southeast Raleigh (cloud kitchen)
Model: Delivery & pickup; order-ahead windows
Menu highlights: Rice plates, traditional soups & fufu, snacks
Badges: —
Verified: September 2025
7) Yagg Sii Tenn — Apex (Wake County) (Senegalese; Nigerian staples available)
Address: 1440 Chapel Ridge Rd, Ste 170, Apex, NC 27502
Style: Senegalese-led West African kitchen; jollof, grilled fish/meats; family platters
Must-tries: Jollof & chicken, thieb, akara; ask about fufu days
Badges: 🌍 Regional Champion
Verified: September 2025
🔥 Street Food / Pop-ups (follow schedules)
- François Suya Kitchen — Downtown Durham (behind GoJo by Goorsha / Hookah Lounge) — 🔥
Style: Late-night suya grill pop-up (often Sat evenings).
Tip: Check Threads/IG for hours; expect lines. Verified: September 2025
🛒 Markets & Hot Counters (useful for planning)
- Nora’s African Groceries — Hwy 55, Durham
Address: 4837 NC-55, Ste 9A, Durham, NC 27713
What to know: Nigerian pantry staples (egusi, fufu flours, palm oil), fish/meat; friendly staff & long hours.
Verified: September 2025
🗺️ Map & Planning
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Neighborhood clusters (quick guide):
- Raleigh: Chop Naija (Capital Blvd); Elle Et Moi (Rock Quarry Rd); Tasty Nigerian (Southeast Raleigh)
- Durham: Gifted Hands (N. Duke St); Nora’s African Groceries (Hwy 55); François Suya (downtown pop-up)
- Apex/Wake County: Yagg Sii Tenn (Chapel Ridge Rd)
When to go:
- Peak: Fri–Sun evenings; trailers & pop-ups sell out — go early
- Lunch value: Combos & pepper soup (🥣 Pepper Soup Selection)
- Groups: Many offer party trays (jollof, suya, stews). Call ahead.
For owners & chefs (Triangle):
Want to be added or updated in the Nigeria234 Directory or considered for a rating? Email restaurants@nigeria234.com or WhatsApp +1 929 743 4755. Provide business name, address, hours, menu link, and proof of operation.
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.
