Comfort's African Cuisine — Restaurant in Lake View Township

Every city that I go visit in the US, I do always take time to visit ethnic restaurants, with an emphasis on West-African restaurants, given my personal background. This restaurant does so much well that the late Prof Pius Adesanmi would be smiling at how the culture of mediocrity has been expunged and replaced with something exemplary.

The other review/ have spoken on the food, so I won’t belabor the point. I will focus on other details for other sojourners who are curious as to what makes this place stand out.

Ambiance: They spent their time with the interior design, with Nigerian artwork on display both on the ground floor and on the second floor where the lounge is. They have traditional instruments displayed on the wall, with a piano in the corner that makes one think of those personable and intimate jazz clubs in the past. Additionally, the bathrooms were in pristine condition with all the amenities one should demand from a restaurant, which sometimes is severely lacking in many ethnic restaurants. This may seem like a very odd remark but I do know many people will know exactly what I mean. This should be the norm we demand from all establishments and they’re passing with flying colors.

-Location: It’s in the Lincoln Park area. Most times one has to drive to a random hole in the wall in the middle of nowhere to get great African cuisine. There’s even a joke that the more questionable the place is, the more the food would “slap”. This I’ve seen prevail in many ethnic restaurants and find that to be a disservice as it is impossible to have fantastic food, be in a good location and have reasonable prices - they are not mutually exclusive. The owners here really did their homework and understand the importance of showcasing Nigerian cuisine not only to people from the continent, but from all walks of life. African restaurants need to be in areas that are accessible to all!

Service: The whole team here really I give credit where credit is due. Things we take for granted as tiny as explaining how certain foods are eaten, having floss after eating ( a small but great improvement from regular toothpicks ), bringing water out to wash one’s hands before eating etc cannot be underemphasized. I saw them take time and describe all these things to those that were trying this food for the first time and I was very happy about that.

Wait time: This is always the question on everyone’s mind when they enter a restaurant serving fish, and pounded yam/fufu with multiple soup options. I was expecting to be frustrated at waiting 40-50 minutes thinking my order was still in the works. At Comfort’s kitchen, rest assured the wait time is between 15 and 20 minutes with fresh food. I couldn’t believe it myself.

Food: I was greedy and ate Efo-riro with fish and cow-skin, plantain ( yes , in addition to the poundo), and had palm-wine to help push it down. The chef knows how to cook, hands down.

Lounge and Liquor- License: We know what this means. They went the extra mile and I appreciate that. I do like to have a drink with my meals, and being able to do that while listening to Afro-beats on the ground floor, or watching a premier league game on the second floor with friends ( which I will do next time I come!) does make me feel at home. It’s family -friendly and I can easily see events being held up stairs.

Summary:

I’m very happy with what this restaurant has but more importantly what it stands for. It represents a new standard that should be emulated by other ethnic restaurants when it comes to location, accessibility , pricing and ambiance. I’m confident that they will succeed because they have the right...

This was my first time trying African cuisine overall and I'm glad to say it was amazing! There are not many places that I am aware of back home but I will definitely be seeking them out. I got the Jollof Rice with Meat, which was a whopping $20.00 without tax! But on the bright side, the Doordash pricing was the same as ordering in-person. I got the entree with chicken and was pleasantly surprised at how it tasted. I know that I should have gotten Puff Puffs with the rice but the pricing was already that much and the additional $3.00 was something I couldn't justify spending. It reminded me of Mediterranean Rice Pilaf in the initial taste but the rice wasn't seasoned with saffron, the sauce enamored the rice amazingly, and the kick of the spices was very much noticeable after a second. Once I started, I couldn't stop! I finished the entire thing in 15 minutes. The only critique I have of the dish overall is that the chicken was on the bone and some of the pieces were kind of sharp. I wish that the chicken was at least taken off the bone (in chunks, shredded, etc.) and served in larger quanity given the price point of the food. I have to rate it 4 out 5 Stars because I will not forget this...

Such a lovely find! The diversity of cuisine in Chicago is unbeatable. I was stoked to stumble upon this cute,new spot on Broadway. The dishes,the aromas,the atmosphere—beautifully reflects the essence of West African culture. The food proves the restaurant's expertise in bringing out the authentic flavors of West African cuisine. It was a true celebration of taste, texture, and tradition.

I indulged in the Jollof Rice and tofu,a dish that exceeded all expectations. The rice was impeccably seasoned, infused with a delightful blend of spices, and accompanied by grilled vegetables that added a delightful touch and extra layer of nutrition. The tofu was richly seasoned, perfectly cooked,and that’s not an easy task.

Apart from the yummy grub—the service was impeccable,kind,knowledgeable and authentic. My experience was nothing short of exceptional. It not only satisfied my palate but also offered me an insightful glimpse into the rich and diverse culinary heritage of West Africa. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking a gastronomic adventure or just great nutritional comfort foods! I cannot wait to return and explore more of their...