Winner
Flavours Restaurant (tie for first place)
Led by Adebola Esan, this restaurant in Highwood serves up a number of classic Nigerian dishes. Be sure to try one of the African signature meals, all of which are traditionally eaten with your hand. Other great options include the suya, pepper soup, the meat, fish or chicken hand pies, and the fried puff puff, which comes with a dozen pieces in an order.
4129 4 St. N.W, 403-719-2770, flavourcuisineandcatering.com, @flavoursrestaurant
Safari Grill (tie for first place)
Safari Grill has served East African and Indo-African cuisine since 2005. Its menu includes dishes like fried cassava and flavourful grilled meats, as well as a selection of African beers and wines, which are enjoyed in a dining room decorated with colourful animal prints.
100, 255 28 St. S.E., 403-235-6655, safarigrillcalgary.com, @safarigrill
Runners-up
Abyssinia Restaurant
Abyssinia is known for its delicious Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. Choose from appetizers like injera sushi, salads and several meat and vegan mains that come with injera. In addition to a selection of wine and beer, Abyssinia also offers Ethiopian coffee ceremonies.
910 12 Ave. S.W., 403-452-3498, Â @abyssinia_yyc
Habesha Restaurant
Located on 17th Avenue S.W., Habesha Restaurant serves up a variety of Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes that are sure to please. Try the quintessential Ethiopian stew known as tibs or an order of firfir, a dish made with ingredients like shredded injera bread, meat, a range of aromatic spices and more.
1039 17 Ave. S.W., 403-243-0307, habeshacuisine.ca, @habeshayyc
Yenny Delights
At this quick-serve, Afro-Caribbean restaurant, executive chef Toyin Adepoju serves up dishes like tasty jerk chicken, chicken or beef meat pies and curry goat. You can also warm up with some goat or catfish pepper soup, which is made with scotch bonnet peppers. Visit either of the restaurant’s two locations in Sunridge or at Crossroads Market.
3131 27 St. N.E., 403-880-5731, yennydelights.com, @yennydelights1