The Village PVD — Restaurant in Providence

Portions are small, food is prepared haphazardly, the meat is overcooked, and food is pre-made cafeteria style so it’s sitting for hours and doesn’t taste fresh.

I have been a customer since the restaurant was located in Pawtucket. It got to the point, that I preferred to drive to Suya joint in Boston because the service at the Village was abysmal with long wait times and limited selections that depended on the mood of the chef. My friend catered food from them for his baby’s naming ceremony and they forgot to include meat in his tray of stew. 🤦🏾‍♀️.

In 2020, Abinchin Plateau opened and felt like a God send because their food was fresher and tastier. However, when they closed, I circled back to the Village & was hopeful that things would improve since they moved and rebranded themselves.

So far my experiences have been disappointing. Most recently, I was there 2 days ago. I ordered the Efo and pounded yam. The portion of yam was so small that I thought it was an accident. The price was $5 more than what was advertised on their website and the portion was shameful.

I’m hoping this review motivates the owner to make some real changes. If you are looking to try Nigerian food, please do not use this place for your first experience. I recommend “Lagos” in Time Square, NYC, for the best Nigerian food I’ve had on the East Coast, or Suya Joint in Boston. Rumor has it that Abinchin is returning this year...

This was my first time trying fufu and stew after years of wanting to try it. I've had traditional Ethiopian food before, authentic injera bread, Asa Wot, etc. African food is some of the best food I've had, so my expectations were high ordering from this place. I will agree that at first I was a little nervous walking in and seeing the food cafeteria style and on display, but decided to just try the food and form my own opinion- and I'm glad I did! I ordered take out and had about a 25 minute drive to the place, I was nervous the food was going to be cold because it was ready almost immediately upon me ordering it, and would be sitting for at least 25 minutes. I then had a 25 minute drive BACK home before I ate it, and WOW the food was still hot, it tasted fresh, and the spice was amazing. The spinach and red stew my friend got was soooo good, and I got The Designer and the Egusi. The Designer is HOT so watch out but the flavors are very complex and its great in small portions- the egusi was great. I love food that tastes like multiple hands have made it- and this place has just that. Great experience- AND the lady behind the counter yesterday (6/3) was very sweet and nice. It is rare to get great food and kind service these days, so I am thankful for the...

Atmosphere: 5 The entrance to the restaurant is actually inside the Citizen Bank door on the left. The restaurant is spacious and the menu is on screens over the counter. The staff is super friendly and laid back. It was my first time having Nigerian food, and he was completely non-judgey and answered all my questions.

Portion: 5 I ordered the Efro Riro spinach stew and it was way more than enough for me. I had the stew with fish and was pleasantly surprised at how much spinach was underneath the fish! We were also provided a pouch of potato that had a similar texture to mochi.

Flavors: 5 The food was super delicious! I felt like I was over at someone's home eating a home cooked meal! It wasn't too salty, super flavorful, and complex. I also ordered the pepper soup (which was just as delicious and full of flavor), and had the ginger tea. I love that the flavors seem authentic and didn't seem to have been "altered" to gear to American taste buds.

I wish we had a restaurant like this near me. I'd go there all the time! The food is delicious. Highly recommend coming here. For my first time trying Nigerian cuisine, I was super happy with the experience and food. I felt welcomed by the staff and I'm hooked on...