Accra, the vibrant capital city of Ghana, is not only known for its rich culture and history but also for its diverse and flavorful culinary scene. From traditional Ghanaian dishes to international cuisines, Accra offers a wide range of dining options that cater to every palate.
Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a local resident, or a curious traveler, this comprehensive guide will take you on a gastronomic journey through the best restaurants and local eateries in Accra. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and indulge in unforgettable culinary experiences.
Introduction to Accra’s Culinary Scene
Accra’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors and influences, reflecting the city’s diverse population and rich cultural heritage. The city is home to a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and local eateries that offer a variety of cuisines, from traditional Ghanaian dishes to international favorites. Whether you’re craving spicy jollof rice, succulent grilled kebabs, or mouthwatering seafood, Accra has it all.
Traditional Ghanaian Cuisine
Ghanaian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. Traditional dishes often feature staples such as yam, plantain, cassava, and maize, combined with a variety of meats, fish, and vegetables. From the popular banku and tilapia to the hearty fufu with light soup, Accra is a paradise for food lovers looking to explore the local flavors. Here are some must-visit restaurants to experience the best of Ghanaian cuisine:
Buka Restaurant
Buka Restaurant is renowned for its authentic Ghanaian dishes. The menu features classics like waakye, a savory rice and beans dish, and kelewele, spicy fried plantains. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
How much is a meal at Buka ?
The menu at Buka is not extensive there is just enough verity to keep you engaged. The pricing is not too bad either with most meals under 50Ghc with plenty of side dishes to add to.
How is the Buka service?
Overall service at Buka is good, considering we have been through a pandemic the waiting staff are attentive and shape and are willing to assist where they can. The wait for the food was around 30mins considering the size of this place which is over 2 floors this is really good. You get to enjoy your drinks and starters in this time
Where is Buka restaurant in Osu, Accra
Buka is located very centrally in Osu, on 10th Street, just off Oxford street its not hard to find. There is parking for cars on site with parking attendants helping you park everything from massive 4×4 to standard saloons.
At Buka there are different dinning experiences that can be had from air conditioned dinning rooms where you can have tables for 2 or up to 6. Or if you want to have a private function there are private dinning rooms which are charged at 100Ghc an hour excluding food. These are great for private parties.
Downstairs seating with a cool fan is what we opted for and this was really nice sitting on wooden style chairs and tables surrounded by lots of greenery. It felt like you were outside but still very inside.
Our verdict ever-popular Buka serves some of the best West African food in Accra, in stylish surroundings The portions are large so be prepared hence why the kitchen can run out of options sometimes. When you order be prepared so we recommend you come with an empty belly and some patience”
Asanka Restaurant
With its rustic decor and traditional Ghanaian music playing in the background, Asanka Restaurant offers a truly immersive dining experience. The menu showcases a variety of soups, stews, and grilled meats, all prepared using traditional cooking techniques and spices.
Please do not confuse Asanka Restaurant with Asanka Local in Osu. The difference really between the two is not much apart from the price and location and Asanaka local is more of a cool meeting point to just come in enjoy local food.
Whilst Asanka Restaurant likes to pitch itself as more or a restaurant than meeting place and chop bar. Whilst in essence it is just a chop bar that has which serves what can only be described as food that someone in the kitchen thinks deserves restaurant status. We are not saying there is something t wrong with the food but its just standard Ghanaian dishes. From Ghanaian favourites such as groundnut soup, red-red (bean stew) to grilled tilapia with homemade chilli sauce.
Talipia & Stew at Asanka Restaurant
This small restaurant works and wants to pitch itself as slightly more upmarket than Asanka Local which generally is frequented by all groups.
The restaurant tries to achieve the local feel with its décor of a low bamboo ceilings. Please note that the menu is 100% Ghanaian so you will be hard pushed to find a burger of fries. The banku and tilapia are particularly good, but almost all dishes are a decent bet.
To add to this the Asanka Restaurant is more akin to a very up market chop bar, do not be confused with the offering of Chinese as this will just be noodles..So be prepared to eat Fufu the Ghanaian way with your fingers.”
The Harvest Restaurant
The Harvest Restaurant restaurant is an elegant, contemporary and serene dining space that is recognised for its excellent cuisine and client service.
Where is the Harvest restaurant located?
Located within the Action Chapel Campus, 37 Spintex Road, a short distance from Spintex Road, East Legon, the Airport and Airport Residential, The Harvest is not just a space it is an experience.
What to expect in the The Harvest Restaurant
The Harvest Restaurant is a really nice contemporary venue that offers a really nice eating environment that is perfect for large groups of friends as well as for private dinning .
International Flavors
Accra’s culinary scene is not limited to Ghanaian cuisine. The city boasts a wide range of international restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re craving Italian pasta, Indian curries, or Chinese stir-fries, you’ll find a variety of options to satisfy your cravings. Here are a few popular international restaurants in Accra:
La Piazza and Pinocchio Restaurants
It is known for its authentic Italian flavors, offers a menu filled with classic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and delectable desserts. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service create the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience
Pinocchio & La Piazza Restaurants is an amazing restaurant and Icecream parlor that makes for the perfect place to start or end a day out or an evening. The place is split into two an Icecream parlor which serves a very wide selections of Icecreams, sorbets in cones or on waffles to a real. Authentic Italian restaurant serving stone oven baked pizzas and pastas.
Once inside Pinocchio & La Piazza Restaurants in OSU its like a tardis as the place just opens out into the different venues. The OSU location is well places across the road from the Sunshine salad bar
“So you have eaten traditional foods and experienced some upmarket cuisine now its time to refresh the palette. This is what those restaurant type critics write and say. Well we say at viewGhana does anyone fancy some ice cream.
In Ghana before you end up going to an ice ream parlor we really recommend you stop a local Fan Ice cream vendor and buy some local ice cream.
At times dependent on how long the vendo has been out and about and if his block of ice in his cooler is still cold you will be guaranteed a cool Fan ice bar. Try the assortment of flavors our team loved the mango and traditional milk.
Heritage Indian Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for some spicy Indian cuisine, look no further than Heritage Indian restaurant . From flavorful curries to aromatic biryanis, this restaurant brings the vibrant flavors of India to Accra. Don’t forget to try their homemade naan bread and refreshing mango lassi.
Hmmmm
Ghanaians tend to be fans of Indian food, and Heritage often gets pointed to as one of the best curry houses in the capital. The atmosphere inside is elegant and quiet, with some fabulously detailed Indian carvings on display. The food is equally pleasing, being authentic, spicy and taken from a diverse menu of largely North Indian dishes. Service is attentive.
Conclusion
Accra’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and cultures, offering a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and preference. Whether you’re craving traditional Ghanaian cuisine, international flavors, street food delicacies, or fine dining experiences, Accra has it all. Explore the city’s best restaurants and local eateries, and let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure.
From casual cafes to upscale fine dining establishments, Accra’s culinary landscape is sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate. So, grab your fork and embark on a gastronomic journey through the flavors of Accra. Bon appétit.
