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CalabarCross River State

Updated 1 month ago

Best Buka Restaurants in Calabar — 2026 Rankings

Looking for the best buka restaurants in Calabar? We've ranked the top 20 buka restaurants in Calabar, Cross River State, based on Google ratings, customer reviews, photos, profile completeness, and our proprietary ranking algorithm.

How the algorithm scored this20 businesses ranked

Ranked
20

businesses

Reviews analyzed
5.6K

Google reviews

Photos verified
20

cover images

Last refresh
1 month ago

editorial review

How to choose safely

What to check before choosing buka restaurants in Calabar

Rankings are a starting point. For this category, these are the checks that most often separate a useful recommendation from a risky one.

  • Check recency

    Restaurants change fast. Recent reviews and photos matter more than old popularity signals.

  • Match the occasion

    Confirm ambience, parking, reservation rules, family-friendliness, and menu availability before going.

  • Watch consistency

    Repeated comments about service speed, cleanliness, portions, and pricing are more useful than one viral review.

20 results
  • Editor's Selection#1 in the city
    1
    City Grillz | Best Shawarma Calabar — photo

    City Grillz | Best Shawarma Calabar

    74.7/ 100
    5.05.0 out of 5 stars34 reviews

    124 Old Ikang Rd, Big Qua Town, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Extra creamy and meaty shawarma with perfectly done chicken.

    • best shawarma
    • creamy
    • meaty
    • fast delivery
    • friendly staff
    • value for money
    Why ranked #1? ▾
    • Google rating95
    • Review volume51
    • Review recency47
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment100
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Hellena Fs ★★★★★ Delicious food and delivery was super fast!
    • Eve O. ★★★★★ The best shawarma I've had so far. The hotness was the first green flag🥹.It was very creamy and filling and the chicken was nicely done too.
  • 2
    The Home Restaurant and Lounge — photo

    The Home Restaurant and Lounge

    72.7/ 100
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars57 reviews

    75 Ndidem Usang Iso Rd, Big Qua Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Cozy, home-like atmosphere with standout dishes like isiewu and Arabian tea.

    • serene environment
    • delicious food
    • hospitable service
    • cozy atmosphere
    • isiewu
    • arabian tea
    Why ranked #2? ▾
    • Google rating88
    • Review volume59
    • Review recency50
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment86
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • GODSUPREME S. ★★★★ Teary food. Wonderful parfait. Yummy shawama. Costly climax.
    • BTX T. ★★★★★ I went there yesterday..the atmosphere is relaxing, the osun rice was delicious but I didn't like the chicken peppers soup wasn't spicy..but I will certainly try the ogbono soup next..
  • 3
    Bulavaad Fun Space — photo

    Bulavaad Fun Space

    70.2/ 100
    4.14.1 out of 5 stars321 reviews₦₦

    Etta Agbor Layout, University of Calaba, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Has a swimming pool and snooker, but suffers from extremely slow service and food quality issues.

    • swimming pool
    • snooker
    • slow service
    • food poisoning
    • nice ambience
    • clean
    Why ranked #3? ▾
    • Google rating77
    • Review volume84
    • Review recency67
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment56
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Don-Caleb A. ★★★★★ It’s top notch , I was there once or twice and the energy was amazing there, I’d definitely recommend !!
    • Trisha E. ★★★★★ The place is nice ,cool swimming pool, snooker,cool vibes and everything
  • 4
    Domino's Pizza Calabar — photo

    Domino's Pizza Calabar

    69.7/ 100
    4.24.2 out of 5 stars460 reviews₦₦

    former, 73 Ndidem Usang Iso Rd, Marian road, Leopad Town, Calabar 240212, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Suya pizza and cinnamon roll deals are popular menu highlights.

    • good customer service
    • suya pizza
    • cinnamon roll deal
    • spacious environment
    • variety of pizza
    • slow improvement needed
    Why ranked #4? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume89
    • Review recency6
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment71
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Amobi V. ★★★★★ It's quite a thrilling experience, though I went there on a Monday, there wasn't much of a crowd, so I did enjoy my stay. The suya pizza is dope, a little above N5,000 for the particular size in this picture
    • Rhoda E. ★★★★ The smallie smoked bbq added to my original medium sized bbq chicken order was a complete MESS! It was just made of pepper! Please don’t do that, if at all you want to add to a persons order when they’re paying for it please confirm if they even tolerate pepper or whatever rubbish you put in it. That was very awful and unpleasant…. Extremely disappointing.
  • 5
    Native Delicacies Restaurant Calabar — photo

    Native Delicacies Restaurant Calabar

    68.1/ 100
    3.83.8 out of 5 stars1.7k reviews₦₦

    118 Murtala Mohammed Hwy, Ikot Ekan Edem, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Offers locally prepared African dishes at good prices, but service and AC issues noted.

    • local dishes
    • good price
    • slow service
    • tasteless food
    • ac not working
    Why ranked #5? ▾
    • Google rating65
    • Review volume100
    • Review recency56
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment56
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Emmanuel B. ★★★★ The food was very okay. The customer service needs to improve and be better.
    • THOMAS E. ★★★★ For your Peace of Mind please avoid this place, their food (coconut rice) is totally tasteless and nonsense, even a toddler cook better than whoever was in the kitchen on Friday 7th November 2025 AC
  • 6
    8tte barbecue and cocktails — photo

    8tte barbecue and cocktails

    66.9/ 100
    4.44.4 out of 5 stars16 reviews

    Eyo, 33 Nsefik Road, marian Road, layout, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Best small chops and pastries in Calabar with wheelchair accessibility.

    • tasty snacks
    • spicy barbecue
    • small chops
    • clean facility
    • good service
    • wheelchair accessible
    Why ranked #6? ▾
    • Google rating86
    • Review volume41
    • Review recency67
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment91
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Kingsley E. ★★★★★ Tasty snacks and spicy barbecue
    • chinenye O. ★★★★ I had a really yummy purchase from here. Buns,puff puff,samosa, spring roll and liver and they all tasted so good. All costs about N6,300. Staff were polite and attention, service was swift and there was a good parking space, also to mention was the fact that this place is accessible to persons on wheel chair, quite commendable. You should grab a bite from them.
  • 7
    Crispy Chicken — photo

    Crispy Chicken

    66.3/ 100
    4.04.0 out of 5 stars910 reviews₦₦

    Effio-Ette junction, Ikot Eyo, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Wide variety of chicken dishes and sides, including unique peppered croaker fish.

    • affordable meals
    • professional staff
    • varied menu
    • peppered fish
    • good fried rice
    • wheelchair accessible
    Why ranked #7? ▾
    • Google rating73
    • Review volume99
    • Review recency3
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment78
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

  • 8
    Mustard Seed — photo

    Mustard Seed

    65.7/ 100
    3.93.9 out of 5 stars289 reviews₦₦

    Leopad Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #8? ▾
    • Google rating69
    • Review volume82
    • Review recency63
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Emmanuel ★★★★ I'm going to be a little bit graphic so permit me. I visited this restaurant with a senior friend of mine on the 29th of March for lunch. It turned out to be the biggest mistake of the week! The young guy who was taking orders was unnecessarily rude and arrogant. He acted with so much impunity. We both demanded for fisherman soup and white rice. It took almost 1hr for it to get to us. When it finally came, boy! I was super excited when I saw the contents of the soup but I was skeptical about how it looked - it was the strangest I've seen. My very first swallow confirmed my fears. The taste was horrible! The fish was also bad. Who in God's name uses "achi" to prepare fisherman soup?! The okra in it was forgivable. Barely 10mins into the meal, I found myself in the rest room, stooling all the liquid from my stomach. Diarrhea followed for the next 3 days. This is by far my worst experience with any Calabar restaurant. This is supposed to be a zero star rating if that was possible. I really hope this gets to the management.
  • 9
    Zing Zone — photo

    Zing Zone

    65.0/ 100
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars21 reviews

    200 Murtala Mohammed Hwy, Ikot Mbo Rubber Esta, Calabar 540261, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #9? ▾
    • Google rating88
    • Review volume45
    • Review recency70
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • William ★★★★★ Is Mr William Taraba state comedian make happy with me thanks 🙏
  • 10
    Beuberry cafe — photo

    Beuberry cafe

    64.2/ 100
    4.04.0 out of 5 stars108 reviews

    2 Old Marian Rd, Big Qua Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #10? ▾
    • Google rating73
    • Review volume68
    • Review recency69
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment45
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Uche N. ★★★★ Very unserious people. The lady who is supposed to be the Manager I guess could not be bothered to engage with customers, appeared rude and condescending, the waiter did not know what was on the menu or if they could make it.....and worst bit, despite the restaurant being empty a few minutes past 11.00am, they insisted they had closed the breakfast menu. Very unprofessional staff. Owners need to train their people in hospitality.
    • Isaac J. ★★★★ I was excited to visit Beuberyy based on a recommendation from a friend, but unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. After being directed to the wrong location on Google Maps and making several calls to get proper directions, we finally arrived at 11:19am, only to be told that breakfast had ended at 11:00am. While I understand cut-off times, the restaurant was empty at the time, so it was surprising that no flexibility was offered, especially for a group of four ready to order. What was more concerning was the attitude of the staff member on duty. She seemed completely uninterested, more focused on her lollipop than assisting four paying customers. There was no attempt at accommodation or even basic warmth. I hope management takes this feedback into consideration, as first impressions are important.
  • 11
    Suya Arcade — photo

    Suya Arcade

    63.8/ 100
    4.14.1 out of 5 stars165 reviews₦₦

    X85H+JHH, Bogoberi, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #11? ▾
    • Google rating77
    • Review volume74
    • Review recency65
    • Profile completeness33
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Michael M. ★★★★★ If you never chop suya for bogobiri, you de play... You de miss big time😋😋😋
    • Thankgod A. ★★★★★ Noisy and rowdy but very lively place to be
  • 12
    Crispy Chicken — photo

    Crispy Chicken

    63.2/ 100
    4.04.0 out of 5 stars109 reviews

    One (1, Bogoberi, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Spicy rice is a standout menu item for spice lovers.

    • bad mince
    • spicy rice
    • friendly staff
    • dusty packaging
    • casual staff
    Why ranked #12? ▾
    • Google rating73
    • Review volume68
    • Review recency62
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment44
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Nsibiet A. ★★★★ Great restaurant for outing. Houses the prestigious medplus calabar pharmacy
    • Eranke O. ★★★★★ I bought a plate of beans from their branch at effioette obviously because I was hungry only to get the food and there was dust all over the cover of the plate, you can imagine how cold my throat felt.
  • 13
    AMC — photo

    AMC

    62.6/ 100
    4.44.4 out of 5 stars53 reviews

    103 Ndidem Usang Iso Rd, Atekong, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Combines a pub atmosphere with an open space and outdoor feel, ideal for both lounging and partying.

    • good ambience
    • open space
    • chill spot
    • great drinks
    • good dj
    • family friendly
    Why ranked #13? ▾
    • Google rating86
    • Review volume58
    • Review recency8
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment84
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Marian E. ★★★★★ One of the best in the city of calabar
    • Giovanna J. ★★★★ Very lovely place to chill in Calabar 😎 The DJ & MC did a good Job! 👍 I was gladly entertained.
  • 14
    Mosby restaurant — photo

    Mosby restaurant

    62.5/ 100
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars11 reviews

    10 Murtala Mohammed Hwy, Big Qua Town, Calabar 540261, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Specializes in traditional Nigerian soups like Afang and Fisherman soup.

    • traditional soups
    • afang soup
    • fisherman soup
    • excellent service
    • sunday brunch
    Why ranked #14? ▾
    • Google rating88
    • Review volume36
    • Review recency3
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment100
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Christiana D. ★★★★★ I had the best time at The Slessor Restaurant. The food was everything! Personally, I enjoyed the Afang and Vegetable soup. Will definitely be going back there on my next visit to Calabar.
    • Chris O. ★★★★★ Delicious meal, love the Fisherman soup most especially and Sunday brunch.
  • 15
    Apples Fried Chicken Ltd — photo

    Apples Fried Chicken Ltd

    62.2/ 100
    3.93.9 out of 5 stars346 reviews

    by Fi Ekong Estate, Ndidem Usang Iso Rd, Atekong, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #15? ▾
    • Google rating69
    • Review volume85
    • Review recency31
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Grace L. ★★★★★ We dropped by here to grab some food and charge my phone. There are power points (not many... but yes), there is air conditioning. Large fush roll deep-fried 1000 NGN ($0.60 USDll). I got the meat pie instead, not much meat but very tasty.
    • Perpetual N. ★★★★ First when I saw the name Apples🍎, I thought it was a store for phones and accessories. Not until I saw the menu😄 The environment is clean and attractive, their services are okay, quality of food is nice and very affordable. There's a variety of food to choose from. Their staff are nice
  • 16
    Freddy's Restaurant — photo

    Freddy's Restaurant

    60.0/ 100
    4.24.2 out of 5 stars48 reviews

    95 Atekong Dr, Atekong, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Offers Lebanese and international cuisine alongside freshly prepared Nigerian dishes.

    • freshly prepared dishes
    • lebanese food
    • good service
    • nice environment
    • parking available
    Why ranked #16? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume56
    • Review recency6
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment86
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Ransome I. ★★★★★ The place is nice I really enjoyed myself you have a good life style hair environment is beautiful everywhere is cool a nice
  • 17
    DIDI'S EATERY — photo

    DIDI'S EATERY

    59.7/ 100
    5.05.0 out of 5 stars2 reviews

    91 IBB Way, Atu, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #17? ▾
    • Google rating95
    • Review volume16
    • Review recency87
    • Profile completeness33
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

  • 18
    Tata Fish — photo

    Tata Fish

    59.6/ 100
    3.73.7 out of 5 stars870 reviews₦₦

    Atekong St, Atekong, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #18? ▾
    • Google rating60
    • Review volume98
    • Review recency2
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment65
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

  • 19
    Tatafish Restaurant — photo

    Tatafish Restaurant

    55.6/ 100
    3.73.7 out of 5 stars58 reviews₦₦

    110 Marian Hill Rd, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #19? ▾
    • Google rating60
    • Review volume59
    • Review recency54
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Sho ★★★★ I love the point-and-kill option as it ensures you get freshly grilled fish always. The grilling is well done and tastes really nice. It's a bit tricky getting drinks especially if you don't drink alcohol, and but it's usually sorted in the end . Doubles as a viewing centre and bar so it's really rowdy and attracts all sorts. Do not recommend for kids.
    • Isah A. ★★★★ Nice treatment by the attendant
  • 20
    The Table & Sauce Restaurant — photo

    The Table & Sauce Restaurant

    48.0/ 100
    3.63.6 out of 5 stars13 reviews

    Effiong Bassey Street, Ntioro Street, Atekong, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Slow food service despite good ambience and decor.

    • slow service
    • good ambience
    • poor lighting
    • inconsistent food quality
    • cozy environment
    • long wait times
    Why ranked #20? ▾
    • Google rating55
    • Review volume38
    • Review recency54
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment43
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Sho ★★★★ They don't seem to open during the day, and do not have any pointer or service person to actually state it. So you end up wandering aimlessly till you figure it out and leave.
    • OBETEN G. ★★★★★ Good ambience and cozy environment for dates. Great customer service, but their food is nothing to write home about. I was on a date last week, and we made an order for coconut rice, it took over an hour to get it served. Worst part of it was that the food wasn't nice. Tasted like food that has been cooked for days and rewarmed. Waisted my 13k for nothing. I can't recommend Table and Sauce to anyone. Their food doesn't make any sense.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest-rated buka restaurants in Calabar?

City Grillz | Best Shawarma Calabar is currently ranked #1 with 5.0 stars from 34 Google reviews.

How many buka restaurants are in Calabar?

We currently track 20 buka restaurants in Calabar, Cross River State.

How are these buka restaurants ranked?

Our composite score combines Google rating (40%), review volume (25%), review recency (15%), profile completeness (10%), verification (5%), and paid placement (5%).

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