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Best Nigerian Restaurant in Los Angeles

Jollof and plantains near South Park
Egusi with pounded yam

Egusi with pounded yam

Start here if you want a soup. The pounded yam is soft and fresh, and the egusi is rich and flavorful.

First time with Nigerian food?

Tell us and we'll help you pick something. We're happy to walk you through it.

A drink for the road

Tell us you've got a long drive ahead and we'll send you off with a free drink. Zobo is the hibiscus one.
On Oak Street, downtown

On Oak Street, downtown

Look for the Mayowa sandwich board out front. Call in a pickup and we'll have it ready when you walk in.

We ordered jollof rice with chicken and plantains for the kids, and it was an instant hit. The rice was perfectly seasoned, rich and flavorful without being overwhelming, and the chicken was tender and well cooked. The plantains were perfectly done. My husband and I went for the pounded yam with efo and goat meat, and it was incredible. The efo was deeply comforting, packed with bold, authentic flavor, and the goat meat was tender, juicy, and cooked just right. Every bite tasted like real…

Flo

Wow! I'm very impressed with how delicious this Nigerian food tastes. I got the Egusi soup w/white yam (fufu), the Jollof rice plate w/stew goat meat, the Efo-Riro, and hibiscus drink. Everything was very tasty, flavorful, and cooked just right. The goat meat was moist & tender, just the way I like it. Yummy yummy to my tummy! And the portions are well worth the Do-Rey-Mi. Chef's Kiss! Compliments to the owner: Timi is niiice. He rendered outstanding customer service skills. Very kind,…

Shay T.

I grew up in Nigeria, so I know what real Nigerian food should taste like and this is one of the best I’ve ever had! The beef fried rice was packed with meat (no skimping here!) and bursting with flavor. The beef was tender and juicy, the rice perfectly seasoned. On top of that, the owner is incredibly kind and clearly pours his heart into the food. Highly recommend!

Modupe O.

let me tell you—this is the best Nigerian food I’ve had in LA! From the moment I opened my plate, I knew I was in for something special. The smell alone made my mouth water. The jollof rice was full of flavor, not dry or bland. The egusi was amazing and the pounded yam was soft and fresh, just how it's supposed to be. I also tried the suya wraps and it was so good. I’ve never had that before but I’m definitely going to purchase again. Great authentic Nigerian food in LA that hits every time!…

Alisiante W.

I came to LA on vacation and googled this kitchen. Though the negative reviews I read had initially discouraged me, I gave them a try and was glad I did. Their food banged 💯. Eforiro lacked pomo but great taste 9/10, succulent amala perfect 10/10, jollof rice 10+/10. Thank you to the guy who served me for keeping to time. $105 well spent. I highly recommend them.

Abraham I.

Mayowa Nigerian Cuisine Rewards

Mayowa Nigerian Cuisine Rewards

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are your most popular dishes?

Mayowa Nigerian Cuisine is known for hearty West African comfort food. Our most popular dishes include:

  • Fufu, Soup, & Protein: A soft, stretchy swallow called fufu served with a rich soup and a protein, with a choice of swallow, soup (Egusi, Efo-Riro, or Okra) and protein.
  • Egusi Soup: A rich, savory West African soup of ground melon seeds simmered with tender fish bits and leafy greens, hearty and nutty.
  • Jollof Rice, Plantains & Protein: Signature smoky Jollof rice simmered in a rich tomato-and-pepper sauce with aromatic spices, served with sweet, crispy fried plantains and a choice of protein.
  • Beef Suya: Thinly sliced beef coated in a suya spice blend of roasted peanuts, ginger and smoky chili, then grilled over an open flame.
  • Golden Fried Plantains: Sweet plantains fried until golden, a simple dish built around a single ingredient.
  • Jollof Rice: Long-grain rice simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce with aromatic spices, for a smoky, flavorful signature Jollof rice.

Check out our full menu.

What are you known for?

We’re known for Nigerian favorites in Los Angeles, including jollof rice, suya, hearty soups, fufu, and golden fried plantains.

  • African Food: Nigerian dishes range from rice and plantain plates to fufu with soup and protein, with larger meals for groups. Examples include Jollof Rice, Plantains & Protein, Fufu, Soup, & Protein, Honey Beans, Plantains, & Protein, Asun (Peppered Goat Meat), and Feast Special (Feeds 15–20).
  • Gluten Free Food: Rice, yam, and plantain dishes offer satisfying bases alongside Nigerian soups, sautéed meats, and fish. Examples include Jollof Rice, Yam Fufu, Golden Fried Plantains, Sautéed Mackerel Fish, and Egusi Soup.
  • Nigerian Food: Comforting Nigerian staples include suya, peppered goat, beans with plantains, and boiled yams served with egg sauce. Examples include Beef Suya, Asun (Peppered Goat Meat), Honey Beans, Plantains, & Protein, Boiled Yams with Egg Sauce, and Egusi Soup.
  • Drinks: Pair your meal with a sorrel drink, malt beverages, bottled sodas, or water. Examples include Zobo (Natural Sorrel Drink), Vita Malt, Maltina, Coca-Cola, Bottle, and Bottled Water.
  • Soups: Hearty soups feature egusi, okra, and leafy greens, alongside red stew and a pepper soup paired with plantains. Examples include Egusi Soup, Okra Soup, Efo-Riro Soup, Red Stew, and Pepper Soup & Plantain Medley.

Additionally, explore Chicken.

What meals do you serve?

We serve Lunch and Dinner

Do you offer delivery & takeout?

Yes, we offer Takeout and Delivery

Do you offer catering?

Yes! Mayowa Nigerian Cuisine offers catering for parties, office lunches, family gatherings, and other events.

Visit our catering page for more information.

What payment methods do you accept?

When you order online, we accept credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover), Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Services & amenities

Is there parking nearby? Yes, there is parking nearby.

What areas do you serve?

We serve the following areas: Jefferson, Nevin, Pico-Union, Cienega, University Park, East Los Angeles, Westlake, Florence-Graham, Downtown, Leimert Park, Harvard Heights, Huntington Park, Dayton Avenue, Temple-Beaudry, Historic Filipinotown, Baldwin Hills, Vernon, Little Bangladesh, Inglewood, and West Adams.

Our location

Map showing the location of Mayowa Nigerian Cuisine on 1432 Oak St in Los Angeles
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