Best Restaurants in Accra: The Complete Guide to the City’s Dining Scene
Accra is West Africa’s current culinary powerhouse. The food scene moves fast, shifting from traditional roadside chop bars to high-end fusion spots in Cantonments and North Ridge. You will find heavy hitters like Jollof rice and banku, but you will also find world-class sushi, French patisserie, and contemporary reinterpretations of Ghanaian ingredients. The common thread is flavor; Ghanaian spice profiles are bold and unapologetic. Whether you want a $2 plate of Waakye under an umbrella or a multi-course tasting menu overlooking the Atlantic, Accra delivers.
Must-try dishes in Accra
Before deciding where to eat in Accra, you need to know what to order. Start with these staples:
- Jollof Rice: Spent grain rice cooked in a rich tomato, onion, and pepper base. The Ghanaian version uses long-grain basmati and carries a specific smoky heat.
- Waakye: A breakfast staple of rice and beans cooked with dried sorghum leaves, giving it a deep burgundy color. It is typically served with shito (black pepper sauce), spaghetti, and wele (cowhide).
- Banku and Tilapia: Fermented corn and cassava dough served with large, grilled saltwater tilapia and a side of fresh salsa.
- Red Red: A comforting black-eyed pea stew cooked in sustainable palm oil, served with fried sweet plantains.
- Kelewele: Diced plantains seasoned with ginger, salt, and chili, then fried until caramelized.
- Fufu and Light Soup: Cassava and plantain pounded into a smooth, elastic dough, served submerged in a spicy, thin broth with goat or fish.
Best restaurants in Accra for a splurge
If you are looking for the absolute best restaurants in Accra for a special occasion, these three spots define the city’s fine-dining landscape.
Skybar 25 (Airport Residential Area)
Perched atop the Alto Tower, Skybar 25 is the highest dining point in the city. The menu is international, featuring high-quality steaks and seafood. You come here for the 360-degree views of the skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. It is expensive, exclusive, and requires a reservation.
Santoku (Airport Residential Area)
This is arguably the best Japanese restaurant in West Africa. The design is minimalist and sleek, while the menu—developed in collaboration with Nobu veterans—features world-class sashimi, wagyu beef, and signature cocktails. It is the primary spot for business dinners and high-end dates in Accra.
Kozo (Airport Residential Area)
Kozo offers a refined take on Pan-Asian dining with a heavy focus on aesthetic. The outdoor-indoor garden setting is lush and moody. The food is consistent, with the crispy duck and rock shrimp tempura being crowd favorites. It is vibrant, loud, and consistently packed with the city's elite.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
For reliable quality without the formal dress code, these are the best restaurants in Accra for a mid-week dinner or a long lunch.
Chez Clarisse (Osu)
A legendary spot specializing in Ivorian and Ghanaian grilled dishes. You come here for the Acheke—steamed cassava granules served with grilled tilapia and a mountain of onions and tomatoes. It is loud, unpretentious, and always busy. It is the quintessential Osu dining experience.
Buka Restaurant (Osu)
Buka is the gold standard for mid-range West African dining. The restaurant is set on a covered terrace, providing a breezy, tropical atmosphere. The menu covers Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and Côte d'Ivoire. Order the Jollof or the okra stew; you won't find a better representation of regional flavors in a comfortable setting.
Capitol Cafe & Restaurant (Cantonments)
This Turkish-owned spot is a favorite for families and expats. It offers everything from pide and kebabs to pasta and burgers. The outdoor seating area is expansive, and the service is some of the fastest in the city. It is a highly practical choice for a consistent meal.
Starbites (Multiple Locations)
Starbites is a successful home-grown chain that serves "food for the soul." They do a bit of everything—pizza, stir-fry, and local rice dishes. It is the go-to for a casual meeting or a quick solo lunch. The East Legon branch is particularly popular for its laid-back vibe.
Best cheap eats and street food
Finding where to eat in Accra on a budget is easy if you follow the crowds. Street food is the backbone of the city's food culture.
Auntie Muni Waakye (Labone)
Auntie Muni is a local institution. Located on a busy strip in Labone, this stall serves what many consider the city’s best Waakye. Expect long queues on weekend mornings. You point to what you want—eggs, meat, fish, or extra shito—and pay by the portion.
Katawodieso (Osu)
Located just off Oxford Street, this open-air local kitchen has been serving traditional Ghanaian dishes for decades. It is famous for its authentic Jollof and palm nut soup. It is rustic and authentic; don’t expect white tablecloths, but do expect deep, complex flavors.
Republic Bar & Grill (Osu)
While primarily a bar known for its "Akpeteshie" cocktails, Republic serves excellent, affordable street-style snacks. Their cassava chips and gizzard skewers are perfect accompaniments to a night out. It is the heart of the Osu nightlife scene and offers a great entry point into local snacks.
The Grills at Container (Osu)
Across Osu, you will find various "containers" or stalls grilling tilapia and chicken late into the night. These spots are the soul of Accra’s late-night food scene. The fish is caught fresh, seasoned heavily with ginger and pepper, and served with banku or yam chips for a few dollars.
Best breakfast and brunch
Accra takes its weekend brunch seriously. These spots offer a mix of European pastries and heavy Ghanaian morning staples.
Cafe Kwae (Airport Residential Area)
This modern, airy cafe focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They serve excellent coffee and a mix of healthy bowls and indulgent waffles. Their "Full Ghanaian" breakfast—a refined take on local staples—is a great way to start your day.
Kukun (Osu)
A coworking space and cafe with one of the best garden patios in Osu. The menu is simple and effective: avocado toast, pancakes, and solid breakfast burritos. It is a quiet oasis in a chaotic neighborhood, perfect for a long Saturday morning read.
Pinocchio (Multiple Locations)
While famous for its gelato, Pinocchio offers a massive breakfast menu that is popular with families. From savory omelets to sweet crepes, it is a reliable, high-volume spot. The Osu branch on Richmond Avenue is particularly lively on Sunday mornings.
Best rooftop or view dining
Accra’s humidity is best managed from a height. These spots offer breezy views of the city.
Luna Rooftop (Airport Residential Area)
Located atop the Marina Mall, Luna offers a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired menu and a view over the airport's runways. It is a prime spot for sunset drinks and small plates. The decor is chic, and the atmosphere leans toward a lounge vibe as the night progresses.
Rooftop at The Mix (Osu)
The Mix Design Hub features a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant. The architecture is modern and industrial. It offers an elevated view of Osu’s bustling streets while providing a refined menu of fusion dishes. It is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
If you want to explore without a set plan, head to these three districts:
- Osu: The epicenter of Accra’s nightlife and dining. Oxford Street is the main artery, but the side streets are where the gems are hidden. You will find everything from high-end French bistros to the best street-side "indomie" noodles.
- Airport Residential Area: This is where you find the global flavors. It is more spread out than Osu, so you will need a car, but it contains the highest concentration of the best restaurants in Accra for luxury and international cuisine.
- East Legon: A rapidly growing neighborhood popular with the "Returnee" community and local influencers. It is the place to find trendy cafes, new brunch spots, and upscale outdoor grills. It has a high-energy, modern Ghanaian feel.
Note: Restaurant hours and reservation policies in Accra are subject to frequent change; call ahead to confirm.