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CalabarCross River State

Updated 1 month ago

Best Shawarma Joints in Calabar — 2026 Rankings

Looking for the best shawarma joints in Calabar? We've ranked the top 20 shawarma joints 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
6.4K

Google reviews

Photos verified
19

cover images

Last refresh
1 month ago

editorial review

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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
    Crunchies Fried Chicken Ndidem Usang Iso — photo

    Crunchies Fried Chicken Ndidem Usang Iso

    74.4/ 100
    3.93.9 out of 5 stars792 reviews₦₦

    39 Ndidem Usang Iso Rd, off Marian road, Akim Qua Town, Calabar 540242, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Beautiful building but inconsistent food quality and rude staff.

    • clean environment
    • affordable
    • tasteless food
    • rude attendant
    • good service
    • beautiful building
    Why ranked #2? ▾
    • Google rating69
    • Review volume97
    • Review recency70
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment59
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Francisca E. ★★★★★ The atmosphere was good the place is grt crunchies Mayne Avenue
    • Maenu C. ★★★★ Crunchies calabar 5 Mayne-avenue: Okay, if you’re into chicken, you gotta check out crunchies fried chicken 🐔. I mean, their menu’s got so much going on—tons of options, all super tasty😋. Plus, the service! Always on point, like they actually care about you leaving happy.🥳
  • 3
    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 #3? ▾
    • 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..
  • 4
    Crunchies Fried Chicken Mary Slessor, Cross River — photo

    Crunchies Fried Chicken Mary Slessor, Cross River

    71.8/ 100
    3.93.9 out of 5 stars579 reviews₦₦

    8 Mary Slessor Ave, Bogoberi, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #4? ▾
    • Google rating69
    • Review volume92
    • Review recency65
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • obioha L. ★★★★★ When I walked in from the door way to the counter, the reception was warm from the security who opened the door to the sales personnel who attended to me. Her smile and welcome note was captivating, the way she gave me options of what they have and the services was absolutely great. The taste of the meal was sumptuous, the drink was chilled. I felt satisfied spending my money. I'll visit there again and often. Thank you, keep the good work.😊
    • evison A. ★★★★★ Wow I really enjoyed the services rendered and the food was very yummy
  • 5
    E3 Restaurant — photo

    E3 Restaurant

    71.1/ 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 #5? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume85
    • Review recency61
    • 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.
  • 6
    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 #6? ▾
    • 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
  • 7
    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 #7? ▾
    • 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
  • 8
    Lavida Shawarma Joint Calabar — photo

    Lavida Shawarma Joint Calabar

    68.0/ 100
    5.05.0 out of 5 stars10 reviews

    Plot 96 Mekenge Layout, Akim Qua Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Shawarma so good it converts non-fans into lovers.

    • amazing food
    • underrated
    • magic taste
    • loving every bite
    • dripping goodness
    Why ranked #8? ▾
    • Google rating95
    • Review volume35
    • Review recency58
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment93
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Tausin A. ★★★★★ The food is amazingmy good however the turnout time is
    • Favour A. ★★★★★ Not a fan of shawarma but this one I tasted am loving every bite
  • 9
    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 #9? ▾
    • 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.
  • 10
    Food Villa Restaurant and Bar — photo

    Food Villa Restaurant and Bar

    64.9/ 100
    4.74.7 out of 5 stars97 reviews

    124 old Ikang, Marian Road, Airport Area, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Known for creamy, meaty shawarma with a sweet and spicy flavor profile.

    • creamy shawarma
    • meaty
    • spicy
    • sweet
    • prompt delivery
    • customer friendly
    Why ranked #10? ▾
    • Google rating92
    • Review volume66
    • Review recency3
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment71
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Joy C. ★★★★ This shawarma from food villa is the worse I have eaten. Not tastee. All previous reviews are fabricated. I'm really disappointed. To know that I ordered this shawarma because of the fake reviews here
  • 11
    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 #11? ▾
    • 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.
  • 12
    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 #12? ▾
    • 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
  • 14
    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 #14? ▾
    • Google rating60
    • Review volume98
    • Review recency2
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment65
    • Verification0

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

  • 15
    Shawarma Grill N' Creamery — photo

    Shawarma Grill N' Creamery

    58.9/ 100
    4.74.7 out of 5 stars12 reviews

    Atekong St, Big Qua Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #15? ▾
    • Google rating92
    • Review volume37
    • Review recency26
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Favour N. ★★★★ I tried placing an order through their WhatsApp business platform and they told me that it wasn't possible to make deliveries
    • Kohwo S. ★★★★★ Don't underestimate the delicacies of Shawarma Grill N' Creamery.
  • 16
    De Sauce Rooftop — photo

    De Sauce Rooftop

    58.1/ 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 recency4
    • 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
    Glazerz Kitchen Calabar — photo

    Glazerz Kitchen Calabar

    57.6/ 100
    4.24.2 out of 5 stars16 reviews

    Before Marian hotel, 124B Old Ikang Rd, off Marian Road, Big Qua Town, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #17? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume41
    • Review recency43
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • chinenye O. ★★★★★ I like the concept of having to place an order from 10am for shawarma So impressive I also like that Ram suya shawarma is stated clearly that it is usually ready from 6pm. That is brillant. However, the one I had today was too salty to say the least. Being a first timer and also because it came highly recommended, I was super surprised that this happened. Also, delivery time from when I placed the order was more than 3hours.
    • Gift A. ★★★★★ The shawarma was amazing. I hope the quality doesn't reduce 😭
  • 18
    Obua Crispy Chicken — photo

    Obua Crispy Chicken

    54.9/ 100
    4.74.7 out of 5 stars3 reviews

    X8MJ+XR4, Old Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #18? ▾
    • Google rating92
    • Review volume20
    • Review recency28
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Emmanuel E. ★★★★★ A very beautiful place to eat delicious meals.
  • 19
    BestBite Shawarma — photo

    BestBite Shawarma

    51.7/ 100
    5.05.0 out of 5 stars3 reviews

    Garment factory, Calabar 900001, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #19? ▾
    • Google rating95
    • Review volume20
    • Review recency18
    • Profile completeness33
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • ibor B. ★★★★★ Bestbite is Indeed the best,, so yummy and creamy
    • Emmanuel O. ★★★★★ The difference is indeed in the taste. The Shawarma was super delicious
  • 20
    Fiesta Fries — photo

    Fiesta Fries

    48.7/ 100
    3.33.3 out of 5 stars137 reviews

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

    Why ranked #20? ▾
    • Google rating40
    • Review volume71
    • Review recency61
    • Profile completeness33
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

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

    Recent reviews

    • Brendan J. ★★★★★ This is one of the best places to be in Calabar. It's situated at the heart of Marian just by Atekong junction. It has clean scenarios and great view of the bus roads down the front. Great service and nice dishes and drinks. I really recommend.
    • Sho ★★★★ It doesn't exist anymore. Has been closed down for over 4 years.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest-rated shawarma joints in Calabar?

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

How many shawarma joints are in Calabar?

We currently track 20 shawarma joints in Calabar, Cross River State.

How are these shawarma joints 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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