Quicklinks:
West African flavors take center stage at ChòpnBlọk, a fast-casual restaurant founded by James Beard semifinalist Ope Amosu (pictured above), whose Nigerian roots shape every dish. The brand’s original location at POST Houston was launched in 2021, followed by the flagship Montrose outpost, which opened on October 1, 2024 — Nigerian Independence Day. This highly-regarded fast-casual restaurant is known for its fusion of West African flavors and Western presentation. The foundations of their recipes are curated from well-revered “home cooks,” chefs, and family members. Try the popular Golden Bowl, which features smoky jollof rice, coconut curry, and tender chicken.
Grilled Red Fish & Yuca Fries with braised collard greens and tamarind chutney. Photo by Chef Jenni.
JUNE 17 - 26, 2026
Local chef Jennifer Sebasigari (Chef Jenni) is celebrating Cape Verde visit to Houston through food in Lymbar. She has created a limited-time West African-inspired menu that highlights the bold flavors and culinary traditions of Cape Verde, blending fresh seafood, tropical ingredients, and the country’s Portuguese and West African influences. Available exclusively at The Lymbar from June 17–26, the Taste of the Flavors collaboration offers Houstonians and visiting soccer fans the opportunity to experience a cuisine rarely showcased in the United States.
The menu includes:
- BBQ Pork & Plantain Nachos with black bean and pickled onion
- Grilled Red Fish & Yuca Fries with braised collard greens and tamarind chutney
- Mandazi Beignets with coffee, banana, ginger and nutmeg honey
Don't miss a visit to Nando’s PERi PERi in Montrose’s historic Tower Theatre block on Westheimer. This is the third Houston location, The other two are located in Post Oak and Cinco Ranch. The star of the show here is the chicken—marinated for 24 hours in Southern African herbs and spices before hitting the flame grill. The Montrose menu features Nando’s fan favorites, from the classic ½ Chicken with Chips to the loaded PERi Chicken Bowl and the Nandoca’s Choice garlic bread sandwich. Drinks range from bottled wine and beer to frozen treats like the Passion Fruit Frosé to enjoy on the patio.
Just in time for the summer's biggest soccer tournament, the brand is launching its viral "Saka Sauce" in the U.S. for the first time, anchoring a month-long celebration of the global game, including launching the first Free Chicken & Chips Day nationally on June 12th. Created in collaboration with England soccer star Bukayo Saka, the limited-edition sauce—which sold out repeatedly across the U.K.—is custom-designed to pair perfectly with Nando's signature craveable, flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken.
Since opening in 2001 in Houston's Midtown, The Breakfast Klub has become a top tourist attraction, as well as the local favorite breakfast spot, lining up droves of cheerful patrons on a daily basis. The spirit and entrepreneurial mastermind behind The Breakfast Klub, Marcus Davis, a native Houstonian, recognized a void in the market for a unique breakfast restaurant serving signature items in a soulful, relaxed community environment. He chose two of his favorite dishes from opposite ends of the country – Katfish & Grits from the East Coast and Wings & Waffles from the West Coast, and the rest is history. This come-as-you-are hot spot seems to always have a line, but it moves fast and just serves to build anticipation as you watch the waddling diners leave with a satisfied grin. Also featured on the menu are Pork Chops & Eggs, breakfast sandwiches and their mouth-watering daily lunch specials.
The food Tiffaney and Rasak Odewale grew up eating holds a special place in their hearts. So, when they noticed the need for authentic Nigerian food in their community, they jumped at the chance to follow their passion and connect with fellow locals. At Taste of Nigeria, located in the Galleria area, they cook with the freshest West African ingredients and use traditional recipes passed down by generations. Their menu is so authentic you can taste it in your soul, and with everything, from oxtails to pepper soups, available, you'll have no trouble finding a favorite dish.
Chefs Without Borders
Back to Top of List
Black chefs and entrepreneurs have earned a notorious place in this gastronomic landscape, not only through excellent African restaurants but also through international and fusion cuisines, going far beyond soul food and revitalizing the food scene in H-Town with their talent and creativity.
It doesn’t take long for visitors to Lucille’s in the Museum District (pictured above) to understand that family is important to Chef/Owner Chris Williams. The restaurant pays homage to Williams’ great grandmother Lucille, who made cooking a family affair with her cookbooks and entrepreneurial spirit. Southern cuisine reigns supreme, with specialties such as braised oxtails, oyster sliders, fried green tomatoes and Lucille’s famous chili biscuits which Lucille once served to Eleanor Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. But many of these regional recipes have been paired with newer flavors such as chimichurri quinoa.
With a culinary family history, food has always played a prominent role in Greg Gatlin's life. But it took some time for the owner and pit master of Gatlin´s BBQ in the Heights to discover that the restaurant business was his calling. From ribs to brisket, Cajun-style sausage to pulled pork, this place has what it takes to satisfy your 'que cravings. The sides are equally tasty, with everything from homestyle dirty rice to potato salad and baked beans. And you'll want to save a little room for the Southern-style bread pudding.
Located at 5925 Almeda Road in Houston, Davis Street at Hermann Park is a Black-owned fine dining restaurant unlike any other. It combines the legacy of Southern hospitality with a global blend of flavors, offering guests more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of excellence, culture, and elevated dining in the heart of Houston. Since opening in 2014, Davis Street has become known for food that crosses boundaries. The menu highlights Southern classics, bold Pan-Asian flavors, and Latin-inspired creations, all crafted with chef Mark Holley’s signature touch. Each dish reflects a unique style while uniting in one vision: refined cuisine as vibrant as Houston itself.
Chef Mark Clayton, a partner of this charming neighborhood spot in The Heights, leads Squable. Get ready for refined, European-inspired dishes rooted in Southern comfort and seasonality. Squable offers mainly shareable plates, with only a handful meant for a single diner. Popular dishes include the meaty, marinated mussels on grilled bread with calico beans and the lush heirloom tomatoes with a tonnato sauce and breadcrumbs.
