Malina’s Kitchen

- 2345 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY 10468

Malina's Kitchen: Bringing the Rich Flavors of West Africa to Jerome Avenue, The Bronx

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine and vibrant culinary experience, Malina’s Kitchen stands out as a must-visit destination in the Bronx. This welcoming establishment is not just an "african restaurant"; it’s a dedicated purveyor of authentic West African cuisine, offering a taste of home for many and an exciting discovery for those new to the region's rich culinary traditions. The menu at Malina's Kitchen heavily features popular Ghanaian dishes, bringing favorites like Tuo Zaafi, Banku, and Kontomire Stew right to the heart of New York City. The restaurant proudly identifies as a Black-owned and women-owned business, adding a layer of community significance to its operation. Known for its casual atmosphere, top-tier service, and delectable comfort food, it has quickly become a local gem. Whether you're craving a satisfying lunch, a hearty dinner, or just a quick, flavorful bite, Malina’s Kitchen provides an unforgettable dining experience. Customers consistently praise the quality of the food—one enthusiast raved, "I'm still dreaming about my meal Fried Rice with assorted meat...yummy. We will definitely visit again and i highly recommend." Another highlights the whole experience: "I just found out about this spot, I’m so happy their service is top tier, beautiful decor and good food." This dedication to excellent food and service solidifies its place as a key spot for African and West African cuisine in the five boroughs.

The cuisine served at Malina's Kitchen is deeply rooted in West African culinary heritage, with many dishes tracing their origins to Ghana. Specialties found on the menu include the highly-rated Jollof Rice, a savory one-pot rice dish that is a staple across West Africa, and Waakye, a traditional rice and bean stew. For the adventurous palate, and highly recommended by a satisfied customer, the Tuo Zaafi (TZ) and ayoyo soup offers an authentic taste. Tuo Zaafi itself is a soft, cornmeal-based staple food, often accompanied by Ayoyo soup, which is made from jute leaves, creating a delicious and culturally significant pairing. Other traditional items include Banku & Tilapia (fermented corn dough served with fish), Fufu served with various soups like Abunuabunu or Light Soup, and Kontomire Stew with Plantain, featuring cocoyam leaves in a flavorful stew. This focus on traditional, well-executed dishes showcases Malina's Kitchen's commitment to culinary authenticity.

Location and Accessibility

Malina's Kitchen is conveniently located at 2345 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY 10468, USA, placing it in a well-trafficked and transit-rich section of the Bronx. This area is known for its residential charm and urban convenience, situated near neighborhoods like Fordham Manor, Bedford Park, and University Heights.

Accessibility is a major advantage for both local residents and visitors from other parts of New York City. The Jerome Avenue corridor itself is well-served by mass transit, making it easy to reach from Manhattan and other boroughs. The restaurant is situated along the route of the IRT Jerome Avenue Line, which is served by the 4 train. Nearby subway stops on the 4 line include Kingsbridge Road or Fordham Road stations. Additionally, the B and D trains run beneath the Grand Concourse, just a few blocks east, providing another quick connection option. Numerous local bus routes also crisscross the area, ensuring that a quick trip to satisfy a craving for Jollof Rice or Waakye is never far away. The restaurant itself has prioritized physical accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. The location makes it a great spot for lunch or dinner, especially for those commuting through or residing in the central and northern parts of the Bronx.

Services Offered

Malina's Kitchen offers a comprehensive range of dining and service options to meet the needs of a modern, fast-paced New York clientele.

• Dining Options: The restaurant welcomes guests for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, with seating available for a relaxed, casual meal.
• Full Service & Seating: In addition to general seating, the restaurant provides a Counter Service option and a full Bar onsite, complete with an Alcohol offering for those looking to enjoy a drink with their meal.
• Off-Premise Services: For those on the go or preferring to eat at home, Malina's Kitchen offers Takeout and Delivery. For increased safety and convenience, both Curbside pickup and No-contact delivery options are available.
• Event and Group Services: Planning a party or corporate event? Catering services are offered to bring the delicious flavors of West Africa to your gathering.
• Reservations: The restaurant Accepts reservations, a useful feature for planning dinner or group outings, especially during peak hours.
• Payment Flexibility: Customers can easily pay using a variety of methods including Checks, Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

Malina's Kitchen distinguishes itself in the competitive New York City dining scene with a variety of features that appeal to a broad customer base.

• Ownership and Identity: The establishment is proudly Black-owned and women-owned, supporting diverse entrepreneurship in the Bronx community.
• Atmosphere and Crowd: The ambiance is Casual and highly Family-friendly. The restaurant fosters an inclusive environment, identifying as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace.
• Speed and Efficiency: A key highlight is the Fast service, ensuring that even customers on a tight schedule can enjoy a satisfying, authentic meal. This focus on speed makes it popular for both Lunch and grabbing a Quick bite.
• Entertainment: For those looking for more than just a meal, the restaurant offers Live music and is a great spot for enjoying Sports, adding a lively dimension to the dining experience.
• Cuisine Offerings: The menu centers on rich, flavorful Comfort food and includes options for Small plates, perfect for sampling or a light meal, alongside full Lunch and Dinner portions.
• Kid-Friendly Amenities: The restaurant is well-equipped to host families, being Good for kids and featuring a dedicated Kids' menu and a changing table(s) in the restroom.
• Convenience and Comfort: Amenities include a clean Restroom and complimentary Wi-Fi for both casual diners and those needing to catch up on work while they eat.
• Accessibility Features: Commitment to all patrons is clear through Wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, making the space welcoming to everyone.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, place an order, or inquire about catering, you can reach out to Malina's Kitchen using the following information:

Address: 2345 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY 10468, USA

Phone: (929) 263-1805

What is Worth Choosing

Malina’s Kitchen offers several compelling reasons why it should be your next stop for dining in the Bronx. Firstly, the food is authentic, high-quality West African cuisine, specifically featuring Ghanaian specialties that are both flavorful and deeply satisfying. The menu is a journey in itself, offering both familiar favorites and an opportunity to explore new tastes. Dishes like the highly-rated Jollof Rice, the traditional Waakye, and the customer-praised Tuo Zaafi with ayoyo soup are prime examples of the must-try offerings. These are not merely meals; they are prepared with the kind of care and flavor profiles that evoke traditional home cooking, delivering true comfort food.

Beyond the menu, the restaurant's commitment to exceptional service and a truly welcoming environment makes a significant difference. One customer review specifically praises the "top tier" service and notes how a server "went above and beyond, accommodating every request with a smile." This personalized attention, combined with the fast service highlight, means you get a great experience without a long wait.

Furthermore, choosing Malina's Kitchen is a conscious way to support a Black-owned and women-owned local business, which adds value to the community. The restaurant is highly inclusive, positioning itself as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all New Yorkers. Whether you're dining solo, which the restaurant is popular for, bringing the whole Family-friendly crew, or looking for a casual spot to enjoy Live music or watch Sports with friends, Malina's Kitchen caters to all needs. With full services ranging from Brunch to Catering and convenient Delivery and Curbside pickup options, and a location easily accessible by the 4 subway train and bus routes on Jerome Avenue, Malina's Kitchen is a standout culinary gem that New Yorkers should certainly prioritize visiting for a taste of authentic West Africa.

Malina’s Kitchen

2345 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY 10468, USA