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CalabarCross River State

Updated 1 month ago

Best Nigerian Restaurants in Calabar — 2026 Rankings

Looking for the best nigerian restaurants in Calabar? We've ranked the top 21 nigerian restaurants in Calabar, Cross River State, based on Google ratings, customer reviews, photos, profile completeness, and our proprietary ranking algorithm.

How the algorithm scored this21 businesses ranked

Ranked
21

businesses

Reviews analyzed
4.1K

Google reviews

Photos verified
19

cover images

Last refresh
1 month ago

editorial review

How to choose safely

What to check before choosing nigerian 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.

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

    City Grillz | Best Shawarma Calabar

    72.0/ 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 recency53
    • 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
    E3 Restaurant — photo

    E3 Restaurant

    68.2/ 100
    4.24.2 out of 5 stars360 reviews₦₦

    X86F+P7P, Duke Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Buffet on Sundays offers good value at 13k per person.

    • good food
    • slow service
    • nice ambience
    • expensive
    • seafood pasta disappointing
    • buffet
    Why ranked #2? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume85
    • Review recency69
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment56
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • JE I. ★★★★★ VERY lovely ambience. I ordered the seafood pasta (take away) and ate less than half of the meal. For the VERY expensive price I paid, that food was not appealing at all. Don't think I will take the risk of trying another food after wasting some money previously. On the fair side, maybe it was just a bad day to order seafood pasta.
    • Bukky B. ★★★★ The food is good and it's a lot. I was never able to finish any of my portions. Service takes forever though and they hardly ever have fresh fruit juices.
  • 3
    AREMO1 AMALA SPOT (Yoruba kitchen) — photo

    AREMO1 AMALA SPOT (Yoruba kitchen)

    67.4/ 100
    4.24.2 out of 5 stars49 reviews

    Mary Slessor Ave, Bogobiri St, Bogoberi, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Specializes in Amala with Ewedu, Gbegiri, and assorted meats in Calabar.

    • delicious amala
    • good customer service
    • friendly chef
    • homey atmosphere
    • takeaway available
    Why ranked #3? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume57
    • Review recency74
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment71
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Nk F. ★★★★★ Everything was okay I love it They are the best spot in calabar
    • Entertainment G. ★★★★ Very bad customer service, was completely ignored. Untidy environment
  • 4
    Chef Zhanga Foods — photo

    Chef Zhanga Foods

    66.4/ 100
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars136 reviews

    No 1 ACB Road Federal Housing Estate, Federal Housing Esta, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #4? ▾
    • Google rating88
    • Review volume71
    • Review recency69
    • Profile completeness33
    • Review sentiment75
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Eskor E. ★★★★★ Love his energy, love the food and he gives you so much food. Great atmosphere nice and clean worth visiting if you’re in Calabar.
    • Some G. ★★★★★ Chef Zhanga is going to hate this review, because he ensures his humbleness outshines his talent. I have eaten in quite a few places in Calabar, but I would eat here everyday just for the chance to sp
  • 5
    CHEFGreen signature Local street kitchen ( The best in the city of CALABAR) — photo

    CHEFGreen signature Local street kitchen ( The best in the city of CALABAR)

    65.4/ 100
    4.94.9 out of 5 stars12 reviews

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

    Review analysis

    Best Ekpang in Calabar, available late at night from Atekong spot.

    • best ekpang
    • topnotch service
    • late night
    • hidden gem
    • friendly staff
    Why ranked #5? ▾
    • Google rating94
    • Review volume37
    • Review recency61
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment93
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Sho ★★★★★ Chef Green makes one of the best Ekpang's in this city, and it's great that you can get it even late at night from the Atekong spot. 10/10 experience always.
    • Dr. S. ★★★★★ Hidden gem i discovered via Google maps while on a work trip to Calabar. Best ekpan I have ever had!
  • 6
    Native Delicacies Restaurant Calabar — photo

    Native Delicacies Restaurant Calabar

    65.1/ 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 #6? ▾
    • Google rating65
    • Review volume100
    • Review recency63
    • 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
  • 7
    BOLEROES Grills — photo

    BOLEROES Grills

    64.8/ 100
    4.24.2 out of 5 stars83 reviews

    Atu, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Best bole and fish plug in Calabar with lots of pepper.

    • great taste
    • long wait
    • clean setup
    • good sauce
    • accepts transfers
    • lots of pepper
    Why ranked #7? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume64
    • Review recency61
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment78
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Sho ★★★★ Nice grilling but long wait time. Still, I recommend them always as they have one of the best sauces to go with their bole. Prices are fair and as obtainable on the average. My favourite thing about them is how clean the setup is unlike most vendors. 💯 Recommend
    • iriri F. ★★★★ My best ever plug in calabar when it has to do with bole and fish, great taste with lots of pepper, if you don't love pepper avoid bolerose
  • 8
    Crispy Chicken — photo

    Crispy Chicken

    62.9/ 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 #8? ▾
    • Google rating73
    • Review volume99
    • Review recency3
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment78
    • Verification0

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

  • 9
    Tummytreet Restaurant & Lounge — photo

    Tummytreet Restaurant & Lounge

    61.8/ 100
    4.94.9 out of 5 stars7 reviews

    No.3 Ntiero Close, Housing Estate Rd, off Duke Town Drive, State, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Serene ambiance with easy accessibility.

    • great food
    • serene place
    • good ambiance
    • wonderful service
    • easy accessibility
    Why ranked #9? ▾
    • Google rating94
    • Review volume30
    • Review recency30
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment77
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Eric B. ★★★★ Nice 👍🏾 food served in a serene place
    • Ani I. ★★★★★ A lovely place to be any time and any day.. What I love most about Tummy Treet is their food and the ambiance
  • 10
    Beuberry cafe — photo

    Beuberry cafe

    61.7/ 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 recency78
    • 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

    61.1/ 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 recency74
    • 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
    calabar aroma lagos — photo

    calabar aroma lagos

    60.4/ 100
    4.04.0 out of 5 stars198 reviews

    24 Adebayo Doherty Rd, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos 234001, Lagos, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Authentic Nigerian soups like afang and seafood okro, praised by Cross River and Delta natives.

    • great food
    • lovely ambience
    • helpful staff
    • large portions
    • order ahead
    • awful smell outside
    Why ranked #12? ▾
    • Google rating73
    • Review volume77
    • Review recency46
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Colin U. ★★★★★ Great food, lovely ambience, cozy VIP area
    • Edith A. ★★★★ Fresh meals served hot just how you ordered it. 9 out of 10 times, the food was spot on, so kudos to the kitchen staff. My concern with the restaurant is the awful smell that greets customers from the waste outside right out of the car. It doesn't help the mood for the next experience. I'll advise you to order ahead if you do not have 35 minutes to 1 hour to wait for the food.
  • 13
    Mosby restaurant — photo

    Mosby restaurant

    60.1/ 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 #13? ▾
    • Google rating88
    • Review volume36
    • Review recency4
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment100
    • Verification0

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

  • 14
    Eden's Native Delicacies and Treats — photo

    Eden's Native Delicacies and Treats

    56.3/ 100
    5.05.0 out of 5 stars1 reviews

    1, By Goldie St, Etonko Street, Efut Ekondo, Calabar 540241, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #14? ▾
    • Google rating95
    • Review volume10
    • Review recency68
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Loral H. ★★★★★ The best abacha in Calabar I ever had. Taste so exquisite that I keep coming back for more😋. Plus affordable packages and mindful customer services, top notch!
  • 15
    Eme Inn Calabar — photo

    Eme Inn Calabar

    55.2/ 100
    3.83.8 out of 5 stars141 reviews

    Ediba Rd, Leopad Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #15? ▾
    • Google rating65
    • Review volume72
    • Review recency38
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Louis E. ★★★★ I got isiewu from them, omo....I purged horribly for more than 4 days plus! It was a terrible experience! Even my dad experienced serious purging, my cousin when I told him said he experienced the same stomach upset when he bought isiewu from them in December! My God...be extremely careful with the isiewu...I say, for 4 to 5 days, I was constantly purging, even after taking flagil and tetracycline! Please be very careful
    • Anna J. ★★★★ This place is horrible the customer service is terrible. I came with my family to eat and the workers were very disrespectful they didn't attend to us for like 1 hour and to add upon it
  • 16
    De Sauce Rooftop — photo

    De Sauce Rooftop

    55.2/ 100
    4.24.2 out of 5 stars99 reviews

    92 Murtala Mohammed Hwy, Ikot Ekan Edem, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Rooftop venue with a popular food spot (Munchies and Shakes) in the compound.

    • good dj
    • nice waiter
    • great aesthetics
    • amazing food
    • limited beer options
    • good ambiance
    Why ranked #16? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume67
    • Review recency5
    • Profile completeness33
    • Review sentiment78
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Joy O. ★★★★★ The ambiance, music, food, customer service were just amazing ❤️
  • 17

    Baby girl Restaurant

    54.2/ 100
    5.05.0 out of 5 stars2 reviews

    Shop 112 malabor republic, unical, University of Calaba, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #17? ▾
    • Google rating95
    • Review volume16
    • Review recency95
    • Profile completeness0
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

  • 18
    SeanAndre Place — photo

    SeanAndre Place

    52.7/ 100
    4.34.3 out of 5 stars30 reviews

    150 Mcc Rd, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #18? ▾
    • Google rating83
    • Review volume50
    • Review recency1
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

  • 19
    Tonye's kitchen — photo

    Tonye's kitchen

    51.1/ 100
    5.05.0 out of 5 stars3 reviews

    Bashumo refilling gas plant, off Mcc Rd, Ikot Uduak, Calabar 540222, Cross River, Nigeria

    • delicious food
    • affordable
    Why ranked #19? ▾
    • Google rating95
    • Review volume20
    • Review recency6
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

  • 20

    Queensarah Calabar Delicacy kitchen

    44.3/ 100
    5.05.0 out of 5 stars1 reviews

    11 New Obutong, off MCC Rd, street, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #20? ▾
    • Google rating95
    • Review volume10
    • Review recency23
    • Profile completeness0
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

  • 21
    Hot Pot, Amala and more — photo

    Hot Pot, Amala and more

    44.0/ 100
    3.93.9 out of 5 stars21 reviews

    22 Barracks Rd, Akim Qua Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #21? ▾
    • Google rating69
    • Review volume45
    • Review recency8
    • Profile completeness33
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Austin I. ★★★★ From the steaming hot, delicious amala to the most pleasant staff, neat and airy environment, it has become my no 1 spot for meals. Even the gents was very neat The only down side is the meals are too pricey, and they didn't have ewedu to go with the amala. But the okro and gbegiri still made for a delicious meal.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest-rated nigerian restaurants in Calabar?

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

How many nigerian restaurants are in Calabar?

We currently track 21 nigerian restaurants in Calabar, Cross River State.

How are these nigerian 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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