Palace Gate Restaurant — Restaurant in Lake View Township

Overall Thoughts: This is a small, homey family restaurant serving up traditional, delicious Ghanaian dishes. There was only one other party there when we came for dinner on a Sunday. My only suggestions are around the menu… it’s pretty hard to navigate if you have no prior knowledge of or experience trying Ghanaian cuisine, as there are no descriptions or even prices on the menu. It would’ve definitely been helpful to know the prices before ordering, but the prices seemed overall reasonable when we got the receipt at the end. The server (who seemed to be the owner’s daughter) helped answer any questions we had, and the food came out pretty quick. Otherwise, the food is wonderful and bursting with flavor— would totally recommend!

Food I tried: Kenkey with Fish (4.7/5): I liked this dish best out of everything we ordered. The kenkey itself had great starchy, umami flavor, and its soft, mushy texture paired perfectly with the fish which was crispy, well-fried, and flavorful. Combined the spicy shito and onions and neutral tomato, all the flavors came together perfectly.

Beans (Red Red) with Egg and Plantains (4.5/5): There weren’t a lot of vegetarian options on the menu, but this dish was a delicious, filling option. The beans were full of flavor and the plantains were some of the best I’ve ever had— they were perfectly fried and the oil brought out their maximal sweetness and softness.

Jollof Rice with Chicken (4.6/5): This was another favorite dish. The jollof was full of spice and flavor, and comes with plantains and your choice of protein. The chicken was super tender and fell off the bone; doused in flavorful sauce, the flavors were robust and hearty.

Peanut Soup with Rice Ball (3.6/5): I wasn’t a huge fan of the peanut soup here… It wasn’t as peanut buttery as I would’ve hoped, but I recommend getting the rice ball with it, if you order this dish. It’s slightly sweet on its own, and really soaked up the flavor of the soup.

Waakye with Beef (4/5): This was pretty good and flavorful. The beef was tender and the rice and beans were flavorful. —

Price (relative to peers): 4.3/5 Food: 4.4/5 Ambience: 4.3/5 Service: 4.8/5 Overall...

Amazing Banku, Kenkey, and Fufu options! I love the Kontomire and Fish! So good! The owner is an incredibly hard working woman who puts love, passion, and care into every plate. I highly recommend Palace Gate!

I am white and the owner has always been very patient and flexible while communicating with me about Ghanian food. She has even adjusted the spice levels past the traditional norms for me! I have been going to Palace Gate for years now. The reviews about white people getting ripped off and the owner being rude are nonsense and extremely offensive!!! These reviews are from a place of white entitlement and/or class entitlement. Don't expect a small family owned and operated restaurant to have the speed and service of a highly staffed downtown corporate restaurant. The sweet owner is sometimes tired from working long hard hours everyday and now surviving a pandemic as a small business owner. Have some compassion!

-Additionally, to the price comments... People need to understand that she adjusts price sometimes based off of local market availability, the overall size of the order, and how often you order, which is to be expected from a small LOCAL family owned/operated restaurant! It's the old school family traditional style, hello? It has nothing to do with privileged white people. To think otherwise is speaking form a place cultural...

How rudeee!!! I call today to find out what fish was on the menu aside from Tilapia because it was not displayed on there menu. I needed to know how much it would cost, if the store only excepts cash due to COVID. She wasss so rude she sound irritated. I am a customer I was getting ready to order a pick up when she told me she was to busy. First off I don’t live in the area and you to busy for me. I believe in supporting black owned businesses but it is hard. The arrogance and tone of the lady over the phone was so rude. You to busy to take a order over the phone in a time where all you can do is pick up. Promise after talking with her on the phone I no longer want to ever be a customer at your restaurant low class...