I have been here a few times mostly for work related events. This is an African owned and inspired…read morevenue. The owner was motivated by his mother and grandmother. The menu has a mix of African and soul foos options. All the dishes I have had have been flavorful and cooked so good. Drinks have been hit or miss and are on the pricey side. The venue has 2 floors. The first floor has an outdoor patio in the back. The second floor is smaller and has a Speakeasy.

Lydia on H is a cozy Afro-Caribbean restaurant in Washington, D.C., offering a unique fusion of…read moreMalawian and Caribbean flavors. It's a small but quaint spot with a mix of booth and table seating, making it a nice place for a relaxed dinner with friends. As a picky eater visiting for the first time, I kept my order simple with wings and rice. The wings were the highlight of the meal--crispy, flavorful, and well-seasoned. The rice, however, was disappointing. It was dry and lacked seasoning, and I found myself wishing it had at least a little butter and salt to enhance the flavor. The mocktails were delicious and complemented the meal well. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. The music was at the perfect volume--easy to enjoy while still being able to carry on a conversation without shouting, which made for a pleasant evening with friends. Our server was attentive, friendly, and made us feel welcome throughout the meal. One small note: the ladies' restroom was clean but very small and narrow. It had a hook-and-latch style door but no place to hang a purse, which would be a nice addition. Parking on H Street is always a hit or miss, so plan accordingly if you're driving. Ratings: * Food: (3/5) * Atmosphere: (3/5) * Service: (4/5) * Dinner with Friends: (5/5) Overall, Lydia on H is a pleasant neighborhood spot with friendly service, tasty wings, and excellent mocktails. While the rice missed the mark for me, I enjoyed the company, the conversation, and the relaxed atmosphere. I would consider returning to try other menu items.

If you are wanting to make your taste buds come alive then you must try the Spice Kitchen... the…read morearoma when you walk inside is Heavenly and to top it off Angel is there with her exceptional customer service skills to offer up suggestions when you need to make a choice! What to try? Well I WILL try it all... because Will will also help you out... your biggest decision is the spice level because all of the dishes so far have not disappointed! My favorites are the rice plantain and stew... but those Wings are definitely AMAZING!!

After a long day of getting my locs retwisted nearby, I decided to stop here for dinner on my way…read morehome. I didn't realize where the restaurant was located beforehand, so I was a little surprised when I arrived. It's in a very urban area, which may or may not matter depending on your comfort level. There was a decent amount of seating inside if you choose to dine in. The restaurant was okay in terms of cleanliness, but personally, I'd opt for takeout. I originally planned to eat inside but changed my mind once I got there. Unfortunately, the customer service wasn't the best. I wasn't greeted when I walked in, and when I received my order, the takeout container wasn't fully closed and was placed halfway into the bag. I'm not sure if it was just an oversight, but it didn't leave the best first impression. Now, the food, that's where they won me over. Everything was well-seasoned, and the suya had just the right amount of spice. They were out of the vegetable I originally wanted, but I'm actually glad I tried the corn because it was absolutely delicious. And that suya butter sauce? It was the star of the meal! Overall, while the location and customer service weren't my favorite, the food was flavorful enough that I'd come back if I were in the area and craving suya.

Finally got an opportunity to dine here. Ive had the food catered before and this time I was able…read moreto try in house. The establishment itself is quite dated. The awning outside needs refurbishment and inside furniture is not updated. It's dark inside, almost like a night club. Perhaps it is sometimes. I did not like the decor, it was a little run down and honestly did not match up to the prices. The service was also disappointing. I felt that staff lacked a bit of professionalism and they rarely checked on us. The plates are huge. That is a plus. My partner ordered the goat and I tried the red snapper. I think one plate is big enough to share. I like the spinach, but everything needed a bit of salt. While the red snapper was coated in a lovely tomato and red pepper gravy, I felt it made the crispyness of the fried fish disappear and it was kind of soggy. Maybe you can ask for the gravy on the side. The food is not bad, but given the physical establishment and the service I wouldn't return.

The sheer ambiance and service of this restaurant pushed this from a 3 to a 4 star. This is…read moredefinitely, more on the fine-dining end- which I was not aware of. Our waiter was so charismatic, helpful, and kind. He even turned up the music in our corner of the restaurant upon request! The food was generally good, just a bit on the drier end. Even the stew wasn't really soupy. So if you were trying to mix some rice with some stew, you basically got cake on your plate. Regardless, everything was seasoned to absolute perfection. Also, don't know if this matters but it may matter to some- though this is an East African Restaurant, the menu is slightly more Kenyan than Ugandan. Something to keep in your expectations when visiting!

We had a great anniversary dinner at Elmina. We brought our baby with us, and they were able to…read morestore the stroller while we kept the car seat at the table. The service was very good and friendly. The decor inside is modern and stylish. We were seated at a half booth table, which was perfect. Usually, we opt for a tasting menu, but the Elmina tasting menu is on the steeper side price-wise ($265 per person), so we opted for à la carte. We spent about $260 total, had a surplus of food, and felt like we got to try a lot of the menu. Some of the highlights included the Zaalouk dip, the crab fried rice, and the kebabs! The food was excellent and tasty, but I think we both agreed it did not "blow our minds" like some other similar caliber restaurants do. The flavors were wonderful. I really enjoyed the coconut curry dish with prawns. Overall, we were very pleased with the food and would recommend this restaurant for a special occasion. It was also awesome to try Ghanaian food! I love plantains, so this was a hit for me!!

There's no way you'll ever leave Elmina still hungry! My family definitely over ordered, as the…read morelarge plates are a shareable size for 2 to even 3 people depending how hungry you are. The Smashed Avocados with plantain chips were a table favorite. The waakye had oxtail that contained a good amount of meat. The oysters were good however the hibiscus mignonette was a bit overpowering which took away from the oysters natural taste. The decor and layout of this restaurant is beautiful. It's great for a dinner reservation.

Stopped by The Continent during CBC Week 2026 for networking, and the entire experience was a vibe!…read more The atmosphere was beautiful and energetic, perfect for connecting and enjoying the evening. The service was welcoming and attentive, and the food definitely added to the experience. From the seasoned wings to the cocktails, everything was flavorful and beautifully presented. Great food. Great atmosphere. Great connections. The Continent was a great backdrop for an evening of networking, conversation, and building new relationships during CBC Week

3/5 stars My…read moreboyfriend is Cameroonian and we love trying different African restaurants around the DC area. I'd heard great things about The Continent, so it felt like a must-try especially since Swahili Village is one of our go-to favorites for comparison. The space itself was great, nice interior, well-decorated, and service was solid throughout. They also had two distinct vibes going: one side had a bit of a DJ/lounge energy, while the other was more elegant and laid-back, better for actual dinner conversation. We sat on the calmer side. Drinks were good. We had a sangria and a tequila-based cocktail, both solid. For appetizers, we got the shrimp and the beef samosas. Unfortunately, the beef samosas just didn't hold up compared to Swahili Village's. I've had Swahili Village's beef samosas multiple times and they always come out hot, crispy, and consistent. These didn't quite match up, and that was strike one for me. The shrimp appetizer was nice, good sauce, though it could've used a bit more depth of flavor. I also ordered the pepper soup, which was excellent and genuinely spicy (more than I could really handle, but I still finished it). For entrées, my boyfriend got the Suya with jollof rice, and I got the red snapper with jollof rice as well. He really enjoyed his. The beef was cooked well and flavorful, and the jollof rice was good. My fish was also cooked nicely, though the sauce needed a bit more flavor. The bigger issue: they were out of plantains. That was strike two, and it stung more because it was my boyfriend's birthday dinner and plantains are his favorite. It's rare for an African or Caribbean restaurant to run out of them entirely. Overall, a decent experience, but with the high expectations going in, a couple of misses kept it from fully living up to the hype for us. I'd go back for the pepper soup and give it another shot, but I'm hoping for hotter, fresher samosas and actual plantains next time.

Excellent Service. The food looks wonderful and i know it tastes good. I would love to order from…read moreyou and enjoy the African cuisine

I got the pleasure of learning about Calabash and experiencing their Ghanian cuisine on a Sunday…read moreafternoon and I thoroughly enjoyed. Calabash African Cuisine is an intimate and cute establishment that offers great customer service. And the food, the food was absolutely delicious! I ordered the Suya and Waakye, which took my tastebuds back to the delicious dishes my second family always cooked for festivities. I also got the opportunity to try my friend's entree, which was the Banku with the Peanut Soup. Needless to say, the food was flavored and cooked perfectly. Whenever, I'm craving some goodT Ghanian food, I'm glad that I now have a go to... Calabash.

I get Spicy Water every Thursday at the NoMa Farmers Market, and their kebab sandwich is easily one…read moreof the best sandwiches in DC. Simple ingredients executed perfectly--charcoal-grilled meat, thinly sliced toppings, a perfectly dressed salad, and bread that's on an entirely different level. Every bite just works. Employees are fantastic and great to speak with. I need to make it over to the restaurant to try more!

Saturday evening in the DMV found us craving something off the beaten path. We were on the hunt for…read moresomething tropical, flavorful with in built simplicity of home cooking. 11th street offered us street parking and west African food - a fusion of Cote d'voire, Nigeria and Ghana. The restaurant is divided into two sections - upstairs for dining and diameters for carry out. Upstairs it was - and with a window seat on one side and tasteful decor on the other, we got busy with ordering. What an incredible sensory experience! Top marks for the hibiscus drink and ginger juice (the latter is not for the faint of hear - it's got a kick, and is refreshing at the same time!) One thousand percent recommendation in the grilled snapper with a side of plantains and jollof rice! The nutty and flavorful spices complemented the snapper and the spicy side dish would give a jolt with the first bite, but then would become the pleasantly warming! The service was great - friendly and welcoming! The restroom was spotless, and all I can say is go now, and enjoy the homey, hearty, taste of W. Africa right here in the nation's capital!

good was amazing!!! Did not disappoint, definitely coming back l!!! Suya Platter with jollof rice…read moremade fresh!!!

I wish I didn't live so far This was an excellent spot…read moreI loved it The food n music was great

(This review is for a delivery order so does not include any detail on service / ambiance)…read more Delicious Ghanaian food in the heart of U Street! I've been wanting to try Ghanian food for the longest time, so when I saw Appioo on UberEats, I just knew I had to put in an order. I got their grilled red snapper with a side of fufu and banku (two traditional paste-like Ghanian dishes; fufu is a starchy dough made with cassava and plantains, while banku is a slightly sour fermented version made with cornmeal and cassava). The red snapper was perfectly grilled, with a delightful char on the outside and super crispy skin, but flaky, tender flesh. It was served with a light, refreshing tomato sauce, and shito / black pepper sauce. The shito was incredibly rich, with a great spicy, smoky, and umami flavor. The tender fish and flavorful sauces went wonderfully with the two sides, with the fufu serving as more of a blank canvas (and therefore a great way to let the natural flavors of the fish -- or the deep, smoky, spicy flavors of the shito -- shine). The banku was perfectly tangy and just the right amount of funky, and it was great with the fish on its own. Everything from Appioo was incredible! I can't wait to sample a few more of their dishes, hopefully from inside the actual restaurant.

The worst thing a business can do is bait and switch its customers…read more We ordered the fufu dish. As you can see in the photos attached, the menu clearly lists the dish at $18 and states that all entrées come with one side. Our receipt tells a completely different story. We were charged $22 per bowl, PLUS another $8 for the side that the menu says comes with the entrée. When I questioned the discrepancy, the waitress told me that they had "tried to update" the pricing on the menu and that the number must have come off. I told her that if the prices have changed, then the restaurant needs to provide customers with updated menus. You cannot advertise one price in writing and then tell customers at checkout that the actual price is something different. To make matters worse, when I first entered the restaurant, there was a horrible smell. I should have trusted my instincts and gone somewhere else. To the OWNER of this establishment: please understand that I take deceptive and misleading pricing practices seriously. I have photos of the menu and my itemized receipt documenting exactly what was advertised versus what I was charged. I will be submitting this documentation to the DC Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division and filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I will also be reporting the pricing discrepancy to the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection so that the appropriate agencies can determine whether these practices comply with DC's consumer protection requirements. If your prices have changed, update your menus. Customers should know what they are agreeing to pay BEFORE they order, not after the bill arrives. Update: I've already submitted complaints to the BBB and the Office of the Attorney General as of 9/12/26

This place is phenomenal!…read more We visited on a Thursday, just after they opened at 11. We were able to find street parking right out front, and order pretty quickly. We got a Dino Rib, Wagyu Brisket, cornbread, banana pudding, key lime pie, blackberry cider, and water, which totaled just under $100. And I will say it was well worth it!! The only thing we probably could have done without was the key lime pie. The employees were friendly and service was quick. The whole place gave instant Texas vibes, even the bathroom matched the bbq style, super cute. We will definitely return again.

I know this place has gotten rave reviews and found this place on Yelp so finally gave this place a…read moretry. We ordered a bunch of things to give it a try. We aren't big meat eaters so perhaps might've ordered the wrong things. On the day we came, we ordered the brisket tamale (2 come in an order), an order of the Texas chili (this was the special), an order of the herby potato salad, sweet potato fries, 4 pieces of cornbread and a banana pudding. Ordering these items came to $47. My mom had a Boylan's sweet lemonade and I had a pilsner draft. We sat outside on one of the many picnic benches under a tree and sampled all the goods. Texas chili - this was pretty so-so for me and tasted like spaghetti sauce to me vs chili. It had a bit of a kick to it. I didn't really care for this dish and won't order again. Brisket tamale - this by far was the favorite item for me, however, pretty skimpy on the brisket. Some sour cream and pico de gallo would have been nice to accompany the tamale. Sweet potato fries - solid and tasty but hard to screw up fries really. Herby potato salad - way too watery for me, seemed the potatoes soaked up a lot of fluid and this style of potato salad didn't work for me. Cornbread - solid, no issues there. Banana pudding - pretty tasty, with real bananas and Nilla wafers mixed in and on top. I would come back for this. I deducted one star for some things we sampled that really didn't work. Another star deducted as the prices were higher than what I am willing to pay for given the quality and taste. Overall, a bit underwhelming but also we didn't order items that they are known for. I would come back to give more popular items a try another time.