The Best Restaurants In Accra: A Foodie Guide

When I moved to Accra seven months ago I had no clue what the food scene would be like. As an American expat food was obviously one of the most important things for me to understand and explore. After all, a girls’ gotta eat right?? lol. Would I like Ghanian food?? Would I still be able to quench my fast food cravings while living abroad? Through much experimentation, I put these questions to the test. But……..If all failed, I knew I could count on the extremely popular and loyal food staple, Jollof rice!

Ghanian’s love Jollof like Americans love their burgers. It’s a serious matter here in Accra. There’s a HUGE regional debate about weather Ghanian Jollof is better than Nigerian Jollof, but that’s a post for another day. Nearly all restaurants, no matter how small or fancy serve Jollof. Even with the array of Jollof, I wanted to see what other varieties were available when going to dinner on a Friday night. This is the list I’ve compiled. I’ve visited each place and can speak from what I know. These restaurants represent a diverse range of tastes and flavors that almost everyone can enjoy.

Zen Garden  

This restaurant has a perfect blend of affordable quality food and a relaxed entertaining atmosphere. If you’re looking to listen to great live jazz music in an open-air setting, THIS is the place for you. The outdoor restaurant is designed to make you feel like you’re in a kind of tasteful hipster garden, fitted with kente cloth pillows, wooden tables and fairy lights strung across the trees. It generally has a more youthful vibe and the food is extremely delicious for the price. It’s one of my absolute favorite spots in the city. I especially love their fish and chips.  Peep their Instagram and Website

Potbelly Shack

If you’re looking for some wonderful ribs and wood-fired pizza, this is your place! Potbelly Shack is really one-of-a-kind in terms of its marketing and overall restaurant theme. Their restaurant has a ‘wild west’ theme with wooden tables and rustic decor. They’re also one of the few places in Accra that sells specialty hot dogs with a variety of flavors. In addition, they have delicious and affordable wings with a plethora of great sauces that will surely satisfy anyone’s taste buds. Peep their Instagram and  Website.

Coco Lounge

Looking for a place to go to for an Instagram-worthy brunch? Coco Lounge gives off bad and boogie vibes with its impeccable interior design and chic modern aesthetic. The high ceilings are sure to impress and they have all day breakfast from 9-5…. and who doesn’t love all day breakfast???? Their extensive menu includes signature cocktails, delicious salads, wood-fired pizza, noodles, burgers and plenty more. You don’t want to miss this glamorous foodie spot. Peep their Instagram and Website

 Chez Clarisse Mama Africa

This restaurant is all about homemade flavors and local vibes. Chez Clarisse has become one of my go-to’s within Accra. It’s a wonderful small place to get affordable, yet really good Ghanian Food. Its less-obvious location in Osu makes it feel like a hidden gem in the city, but don’t let that fool you. It’s usually packed on the weekends. They serve tasty grilled chicken, tilapia, and of course Ghanian staples like banku and yam chips. They also serve generous portions for the price, so expect to get full eating here!

Burger and Relish 

If you’re an expat desiring a place that reminds you of savory Western dishes, this is your spot. Though it comes with a little price-tag in comparison to other burger spots, the juicy burgers and fries are sure to make your mouth water and provide an escape if you need a break from traditional Ghanian food. I really enjoyed their “Three little piggies” burger with crispy smoked bacon, bacon jam, homemade bbq sauce, and crispy onions. They also have a weekly quiz night if you’re looking to get out and be social in Osu. Peep their Instagram 

Madam Butterfly 

This new Asian-fusion restaurant offers wonderful quality food in an intimate environment. The stunning yet minimalistic decor is what immediately caught my eye when walking in. The fried rice is splendid and wins in terms of the price point. They also have some of the best mango juice I’ve tasted since coming to Ghana. I’d highly recommend this restaurant for a late lunch or dinner. Peep their Instagram and Website

JamRock Restaurant and Grill 

If you’re looking to change it up and get some banging Jamaican food, this is your place. Located in East Legon, not far from A&C mall, JamRock has a great open-air venue. There’re lots of chairs for people to sit and they also play great music throughout the week ranging from reggae to jazz. They have a comprehensive menu with things like jerk chicken, curry goat and of course more standard items things like french fries. Peep their Instagram and Website

DNR Turkish Restaurant 

If you’re in the mood for some nice chicken or lamb kebabs this is your place. DNR has great salads, soup and of course plenty of hummus. The prices are very affordable and it’s a great lunch spot for a quick bite to eat. The restaurant is quite huge with both outdoor and indoor seating options. Peep their Instagram and Website

***Has this list made you hungry yet? Comment below and let me know your thoughts on these restaurants and any other amazing spots in Accra! Enjoy!!!