Nneji — Restaurant in New York

If it wasn't normal to give a place with no obvious flaws a 5 star review, I might give it a 4, but I've had very little of this cuisine, so I will credit my four star like of the food to my ignorance. (TBH, it very well could be the very best example of the cuisine in NYC)

The place is a little hole in the wall, cooking mostly stews done in back and kept in a steam table for the very limited service hours. They love the food and are happy to talk about it and give samples to get you to understand what you're getting, and work with you on mixed plates for one person. Amazingly they also prefer (!) card to cash, which is awesome to me.

As I said before. They're stew specialists. Both normal (chicken) and interesting meats, as well as a bunch of vegan options that I, as a meat eater, have no issues eating and enjoying.

I'm not planning to go back weekly, but expect to be back about once a month. (oh, and they do a ton of good giving back stuff if you care about...

Absolutely delicious. It was my first time at Nneji and the owner, Beatrice, gave me a full tour of the menu. I got the West African Red Stew and Yassa with fonio grain. And a Vita Malt drink (sweet barley deliciousness). Walked the 45 minutes home, made the plate and oh oh oh, my tastebuds were thankful. I had to slow myself down to savor it. Both dishes were full of flavor, and while I came in planning to only get the red stew, the yassa ended up being my favorite (the onions - perfection)!

Not only was the food yummy, but the service was amazing and personable. Beatrice was kind and thoughtful; she took the time to describe each dish to me + highlighted the health benefits. I hope this restaurant gets the business and love it deserves. Next time I'm in Astoria I'll be sure...

Beatrice you are awesome. I came here with my fiancé after my colleague told me to try it out. I am glad we came. Our family loved it. It was spicy but it was also with flavor. The salmon in my jollof rice was fresh and simple. It was buttery (not in taste but texture) and it was fresh, as if it was recently caught. When you can smell the ocean and seasonings, that is how you know it is quality. My only critique is that there should be a small container that is rectangular so people can choose either the 16 oz or larger ounce if they want more per serving. I also like that there were African textile products and even Dr. Bronner soap, which I actually had to restock on. Thank you so much for gifting us (really unexpected) some sparkling waters as well. I really...