B&B African Restaurant

- 587A Central Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018

For residents and visitors in the Northern New Jersey area, particularly those in or around Essex County, finding truly authentic West African cuisine is a delightful discovery. B&B African Restaurant, located right in East Orange, stands as a local culinary destination dedicated to bringing the rich, complex, and comforting flavors of West Africa—and particularly Nigerian dishes—to the community. This establishment provides a taste of home for those familiar with the cuisine and an exciting, flavorful adventure for newcomers looking to explore one of the world's great food traditions.

The culinary focus at B&B African Restaurant is squarely on traditional West African fare, which is known for its hearty stews, savory soups, and satisfying starchy accompaniments. The menu is robust, featuring staples like Jellof Rice and an array of soups often served with “swallow”—a collective term for starchy sides like Pounded Yam, Gari (made from cassava), Wheat, or Oatmeal. Diners in East Orange will appreciate the dedication to classic recipes and the substantial portions that embody the spirit of West African hospitality and comfort food.

Introduction / Overview

B&B African Restaurant is a dedicated West African eatery situated in the heart of East Orange, NJ. It prides itself on serving authentic, flavorful, and deeply rooted traditional dishes. The atmosphere is consistently described as casual, making it a comfortable and welcoming spot for a quick bite, a satisfying lunch, or a full dinner with family and friends. The restaurant caters to a family-friendly crowd and is well-known locally for its generous serving sizes, offering good value for customers seeking a genuine taste of West Africa in New Jersey. The extensive menu, featuring everything from signature soups to special menu items like Goat Head (Isi Ewu), ensures a wide variety of choices for every patron.

Understanding West African cuisine often begins with its staple dishes. For example, Egusi is a hearty soup made from ground melon seeds and leafy vegetables, typically served with a choice of meat or fish. Similarly, Oha is a unique and flavorful vegetable soup prepared with the leaves of the Oha tree, often thickened with cocoyam or a similar agent. Jellof Rice, a globally recognized West African dish, is a one-pot meal of rice cooked in a savory and often spicy tomato and pepper-based stew. These are the kinds of authentic, complex flavors that B&B African Restaurant specializes in delivering to the New Jersey community.

Location and Accessibility

B&B African Restaurant is conveniently located in East Orange, a major hub in Essex County, New Jersey. The address is:

587A Central Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018

The location on Central Avenue makes it easily accessible for local residents and those traveling from nearby towns. East Orange is well-served by public transportation and major roadways in the region. The restaurant’s strategic placement on Central Avenue is beneficial for walk-in traffic and is noted to have parking options nearby for customers who choose to drive. Whether you're coming from Newark, Orange, or other surrounding areas in New Jersey, this location is positioned as a local go-to spot for authentic West African meals.

Services Offered

B&B African Restaurant provides multiple services to accommodate various dining preferences, ensuring customers can enjoy their food whether they prefer to eat on-site or take their meal home. The services include:

• Delivery for convenient at-home dining throughout the local area.
• Takeout options for quick pick-up meals.
• Dine-in service with comfortable seating.
• Table service for a traditional restaurant experience.
• Lunch and Dinner options, making it a viable choice for any main meal of the day.
• Accepts reservations for groups or those planning ahead.
• Accommodates various payment methods including Credit Cards and Debit Cards.

Features / Highlights

The menu at B&B African Restaurant is extensive and offers many appealing highlights that draw customers seeking authentic and comforting food. The focus is on a variety of traditional items, with options for customizing meals based on soup and meat/fish preferences. Key highlights include:

• A vast selection of traditional soups, including Egusi, Oha, Okra, Bitterleaf, Vegetable, and Ogbono, often paired with 'swallow' starches like Pounded Yam, Gari, Wheat, or Oatmeal.
• Hearty protein selections such as Goat Meat, Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Cow Foot, Stockfish, Dry Fish, and Regular Fish, available in various combinations with soups or rice.
• Special menu items like Goat Head (Isi Ewu), a traditional delicacy, and Boiled Yam With Stockfish Or Dry Fish.
• Availability of comfort food classics like Jellof Rice With Any Meat And Plantain and Beans (Black Eye Pea) & Any Meat Or Fish.
• Dining options that cater to quick bites, late-night food, and small plates, ensuring flexibility for all schedules.
• A casual and family-friendly atmosphere that is welcoming for all ages and suitable for groups.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or to place a takeout order, B&B African Restaurant can be reached using the following details:

Address: 587A Central Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018

Phone: (973) 676-8320

Mobile Phone: +1 973-676-8320

What is Worth Choosing

B&B African Restaurant is a noteworthy choice for anyone in the New Jersey area looking to experience genuine West African cuisine, specifically the flavors and culinary traditions of Nigeria. The restaurant's strength lies in its specialized menu that offers classic, authentic pairings. For those seeking a taste of something traditional and hearty, the numerous combinations of rich soups and starchy sides are the main attraction.

For first-timers, a pairing like Goat Meat or Beef with Egusi Soup and Pounded Yam is highly recommended as it provides a complete and classic West African meal experience. The Jellof Rice is another universally popular choice for those preferring a rice-based dish. The option to choose your preferred protein—whether it’s Chicken, Goat, Stockfish, or a Mix Meat option—and pair it with a variety of classic soups ensures a customizable and satisfying experience every time. Despite some mixed customer feedback regarding consistency and service, the establishment remains a recognized local resource for those craving the specific and authentic flavors of West African comfort food right here in New Jersey. The commitment to a broad, authentic menu and generous portion sizes underscores its value as a genuine taste of Africa in East Orange, NJ.

B&B African Restaurant

587A Central Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018, USA