melbourne african

Polepole Kitchen

MELBOURNE

An African beer and barbeque joint in the city.

Little Lagos

FITZROY

This restaurant, which started as a pop-up in Sydney, serves Nigerian staples in the inner north. It's cooking plantains, “puff puff” doughnuts and goat stew – and supporting creatives and Black-owned business along the way.

New Somali Kitchen

FLEMINGTON

This humble diner shares Somali cuisine with the local community. Dishes are aromatic and tender – try the slow-cooked lamb and fragrant rice, or the crowd favourite: bajeya (Somali falafel). Pair it with a cup of sweet, spiced Somali tea.

Cafe Lalibela

FOOTSCRAY

A small-scale Ethiopian restaurant with tradition securely at its heart.

The Horn African Cafe & Restaurant

COLLINGWOOD

Authentic Ethiopian cuisine and live music make this a stand-out venue.

The Abyssinian

KENSINGTON

In operation since the early 2000s, this welcoming, low-lit spot serves a range of east African food, including an excellent slow-cooked goat and Nile perch sautéed in spiced ghee and berberé.

The Abyssinian

KENSINGTON

In operation since the early 2000s, this welcoming, low-lit spot serves a range of east African food, including an excellent slow-cooked goat and Nile perch sautéed in spiced ghee and berberé.

Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant

NORTHCOTE

This lively spot isn’t just a first-rate spot for doro wat and other Ethiopian dishes – it’s a pillar of the community, with live jazz on weekends. Tear some injera and dig in.