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CalabarCross River State

Updated 1 month ago

Best Pepper Soup Joints in Calabar — 2026 Rankings

If you're on the hunt for the best pepper soup joints in Calabar, Cross River State, you're in for a treat. The city is renowned for its rich culinary scene, and pepper soup is a beloved local favourite. Our top-ranked spot, SPAR Market Calabar Mall, leads with a 4.1★ rating from over 2,500 reviews, but other gems like The Home Restaurant and Lounge (4.5★) and E3 Restaurant (4.2★) also shine. We rank these places using a combination of Google ratings, review volume, recency, profile completeness, verification, and paid placement, so you can trust our list to guide your next spicy meal.

How the algorithm scored this18 businesses ranked

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1 month ago

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How to choose safely

What to check before choosing pepper soup joints 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.

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    Call or WhatsApp before visiting to verify hours, address, pricing, and availability.

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18 results
  • Editor's Selection#1 in the city
    1
    The Home Restaurant and Lounge — photo

    The Home Restaurant and Lounge

    69.7/ 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 #1? ▾
    • Google rating88
    • Review volume59
    • Review recency54
    • 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..
  • 2
    E3 Restaurant — photo

    E3 Restaurant

    67.8/ 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 recency66
    • 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
    Bulavaad Fun Space — photo

    Bulavaad Fun Space

    66.9/ 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 recency72
    • 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
    Native Delicacies Restaurant Calabar — photo

    Native Delicacies Restaurant Calabar

    64.7/ 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 #4? ▾
    • Google rating65
    • Review volume100
    • Review recency60
    • 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
  • 5
    Deluxe Grill, Bar & Restaurant In Calabar — photo

    Deluxe Grill, Bar & Restaurant In Calabar

    63.0/ 100
    4.24.2 out of 5 stars110 reviews₦₦

    5b Nsefik Road, Eyo Layout, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Known for its Deluxe Signature Fish and mouth-watering milkshake.

    • serene environment
    • good food
    • fish pepper soup
    • good music
    • wheelchair accessible
    • table tennis
    Why ranked #5? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume68
    • Review recency5
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment86
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Mr C. ★★★★ It’s a wonderful place for bar relaxation, there’re so many dishes and drinks. I enjoyed my time there, and I do recommend you to try it out.
    • Ndiana W. ★★★★★ Serene environment, good food, mouth watering milkshake, spicy fish peppersoup, good music, and nice service.. 💯
  • 6
    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 #6? ▾
    • Google rating73
    • Review volume99
    • Review recency3
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment78
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Muhammad N. ★★★★★ This place has hearty, delicious and affordable meals. If ever you need something quick to eat you can drop by here for satisfaction. Their staff are very professional and polite.
  • 7
    Mustard Seed — photo

    Mustard Seed

    62.7/ 100
    3.93.9 out of 5 stars289 reviews₦₦

    Leopad Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #7? ▾
    • Google rating69
    • Review volume82
    • Review recency67
    • 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.
    • Oke J. ★★★★★ Serves one of the best freshly prepared meals in Calabar. Sure plug for fisherman soup , Afang, Vegetables and pepper soup.
  • 8
    Zing Zone — photo

    Zing Zone

    62.3/ 100
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars21 reviews

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

    Why ranked #8? ▾
    • Google rating88
    • Review volume45
    • Review recency76
    • 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 🙏
  • 9
    Queenieez Kitchen (The FirewoodGirl) — photo

    Queenieez Kitchen (The FirewoodGirl)

    62.1/ 100
    4.34.3 out of 5 stars126 reviews₦₦

    X87P+2FR, Ndidem Usang Iso Rd, Akim Qua Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #9? ▾
    • Google rating83
    • Review volume70
    • Review recency42
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Emmanuel G. ★★★★★ The queen of good and tasty meals in the city of CALABAR, I recommend this brand for the best fresh meals ..she is the QUEEN
    • john M. ★★★★ They came highly recommended unfortunately the owner or the staff who chats on WhatsApp or picks up the calls for orders is a very rude person. In trying to make inquiries on the swallow she had, she cut the line and even told the person who recommended the kitchen to me that I was shouting at her. Smh...abysmal. It's bad enough that one is uncouth, but to also lie is irritating.
  • 10
    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 #10? ▾
    • Google rating88
    • Review volume36
    • Review recency4
    • 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.
  • 12
    Apples Fried Chicken Ltd — photo

    Apples Fried Chicken Ltd

    59.1/ 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 #12? ▾
    • Google rating69
    • Review volume85
    • Review recency33
    • 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
  • 13
    Finger's Bar — photo

    Finger's Bar

    57.1/ 100
    4.84.8 out of 5 stars13 reviews

    2 Bassey Ayam, Obame Ikoya St, Edibe Qua Town, Calabar 240212, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #13? ▾
    • Google rating93
    • Review volume38
    • Review recency57
    • Profile completeness33
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Glory E. ★★★★ The food and customer service was wonderful and I had a great time. I highly recommend 💯
    • Agbor B. ★★★★★ Free internet I enjoyed the services Every weekend promo and live dj
  • 14
    Tata Fish — photo

    Tata Fish

    56.5/ 100
    3.73.7 out of 5 stars870 reviews₦₦

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

    Why ranked #14? ▾
    • Google rating60
    • Review volume98
    • Review recency2
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment65
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Chinedum E. ★★★★★ Great place. One of the few joints in Calabar that offer "point and kill" fish peppersoup/grill. The music volume could be reduced a notch. You end up shouting to hear each other in the evenings due to the high volume of the music.
  • 15
    Tatafish Restaurant — photo

    Tatafish Restaurant

    53.2/ 100
    3.73.7 out of 5 stars58 reviews₦₦

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

    Why ranked #15? ▾
    • Google rating60
    • Review volume59
    • Review recency58
    • 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
  • 16
    Happy Food — photo

    Happy Food

    51.5/ 100
    3.73.7 out of 5 stars168 reviews₦₦

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

    Why ranked #16? ▾
    • Google rating60
    • Review volume74
    • Review recency44
    • Profile completeness33
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Moyo A. ★★★★★ We went to the Chinese bakery twice. The selection is OK considering I had stopped at four bakeries before landing there with very poor pastry selection. The service during the first visit was OK. On our second visit, the entire team was watching a football match. They did not acknowledge us when we walked in. It almost seemed like we interrupted their retreat :-). There was a young man not in uniform standing by checkout. When I asked if he worked there, his response was to summon the team to help by making some sarcastic comments about them being his Ogas and Madams. If he is a supervisor, he failed The young Lady who helped us had a stinking attitude. She was getting our snacks from the case and watching TV at the same time. Although she used a clear plastic bag to get the snacks, her dirty fingers were still a turn off. She was pissed when I asked for an itemized receipt. Naija, who do us?
    • Sara S. ★★★★ The food portions are too small, the sweet and sour sauce is too red, and not tasty it can be much better. We ordered also chicken with oyster sauce, the sauce was ok but the chicken were not good as if cartilage was not removed well and the chicken coat is thicker than the chicken itself. Not all items on menu are available, just a few, we wanted to order cashew nuts sauce, not available. We asked for spring rolls (only vegetables spring rolls are available) but they said it needs 45 mins to be done, and it is an apetizer it should take maximum 15 mins. No wonder why the restaurant was empty on a saturday night, it can be much better.
  • 17
    BakerSquare — photo

    BakerSquare

    51.3/ 100
    5.05.0 out of 5 stars4 reviews

    5 Ediba Rd, Marian market, Leopad Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #17? ▾
    • Google rating95
    • Review volume23
    • Review recency2
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

  • 18
    St. Mary's Kitchen — photo

    St. Mary's Kitchen

    46.7/ 100
    3.63.6 out of 5 stars46 reviews₦₦

    283V+MFX, Ikot Akasuk, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #18? ▾
    • Google rating55
    • Review volume56
    • Review recency25
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Arabell B. ★★★★★ As far as varieties of best food is concerned here is the best I assure you
    • Owoidoho U. ★★★★ Food has been great, actually more satisfactory in the last several weeks when it's open! The irregular timing responsible for my down rating my number one lunch place! 😭 Twice in w weeks have driven all the way from Calabar South, 123 Calabar road for lunch and the place was closed! The last time I met it open I had asked "We went for outside catering" Came with a heart 💖 felt apology but I vhad driven at least 4kms with costly fuel to fine my lunch place closed! My advice call before heading there. I now do that

Frequently asked questions

Which pepper soup joint in Calabar has the highest rating?

The Home Restaurant and Lounge holds the highest rating among pepper soup joints in Calabar, Cross River State, with a 4.5★ score based on 57 reviews. It is ranked second overall on our list.

What is the most reviewed pepper soup place in Calabar?

SPAR Market Calabar Mall has the most reviews, with 2,519 reviews and a 4.1★ rating. It is ranked first on our list of best pepper soup joints in Calabar.

Are there affordable pepper soup joints in Calabar?

Yes, several pepper soup joints in Calabar have a price level of 2, indicating moderate pricing. These include E3 Restaurant (4.2★, 360 reviews), Bulavaad Fun Space (4.1★, 321 reviews), and Native Delicacies Restaurant Calabar (3.8★, 1,684 reviews).

How many pepper soup joints are ranked in Calabar?

Our directory ranks a total of 19 pepper soup joints in Calabar, Cross River State. The top five include SPAR Market Calabar Mall, The Home Restaurant and Lounge, E3 Restaurant, Bulavaad Fun Space, and Native Delicacies Restaurant Calabar.

Which pepper soup joint in Calabar has the most reviews after SPAR?

Native Delicacies Restaurant Calabar has the second-highest number of reviews with 1,684 reviews, though it has a 3.8★ rating. It is ranked fifth on our list.

More in Calabar

Pepper Soup Joints elsewhere

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