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Welcome to Calabash African Cuisine & Bar

Calabash African Cuisine & Bar celebrates the vibrant flavors of West Africa in a welcoming setting in Alexandria, VA. Our story began with a passion for sharing authentic dishes that evoke home, blending traditional recipes with a creative twist. Guests are treated to an array of delightful options, from our savory Jollof Rice to the hearty Spinach Stew—each crafted with fresh ingredients and vibrant spices. The restaurant embodies the essence of African hospitality, ensuring every visit feels like a warm embrace. With a commitment to culinary excellence, Calabash stands out as a destination for both familiar dishes and exciting new flavors.

Calabash African Cuisine & Bar: Reviews & Ratings

Andriana Bolds
Andriana Bolds

Calabash is a great restaurant, and the food is fresh! The owners were amazing to work with, and thank you for supporting my business as well. I look forward to eating there again.

Akua
Akua

After hearing rave reviews from a few friends, I decided to visit Calabash African Cuisine and Bar while I was in Alexandra this weekend, eager to see what the hype was all about. I must say, I was truly impressed! The restaurant boasts a unique decor and a welcoming ambiance that immediately made me feel at ease. The staff were professional yet warm, embodying the best of African hospitality. For my meal, I went with a quick take out lunch option: Waakye with assorted meats, accompanied by a side of salad, Red-Red with fried plantain, and topped off with a light soup. Every bite was absolutely delicious. What stood out to me was the restaurant’s creative twist—pairing these traditional dishes with Caribbean flavors. The jerk chicken that accompanied the Waakye was a delightful fusion that I thoroughly enjoyed. Kudos to the team at Calabash for such a fantastic culinary experience! I’ll definitely be returning with friends to explore more of the menu.

Aji B
Aji B

Lovely west African restaurant. Great environment and tasty food!

Zarin B
Zarin B

Boyfriend and I stopped in to try Ghanaian food for the first time. We ordered the egusi (spinach stew) with beef, jollof with fried fish, and fufu in peanut soup with chicken. It was a bit of a wait for the food because they had to make more fufu (about 30 min) but we had no problem waiting. And boy was it WORTH it. I was a little nervous I wouldn't like the fufu since I'd never had it before but it was SO YUMMY!!!! The peanut soup was flavorful, a bit spicy, and had a richness to it. The egusi was full of tasty vegetables and big chunks of beef. I was torn between if the egusi or the fufu was my favorite. Both were amazing. You can tell the ingredients are fresh, and the food is seasoned expertly. The portions are also really generous. Above all that, the waitress was so so sweet too. Best kind of service (and I don't even prioritize service when I go to restaurants usually).

Jazlyn Keating
Jazlyn Keating

I’ve seen this place many times and was always curious to try it out. I finally went and have been hooked! The service is top tier and super hospitable. The hosts are super friendly and even educated me on their different entrees and how to properly prepare/eat meals with fufu. The female host was even nice enough to give me samples of food that I haven’t tried before. The food is very flavorful and came out piping hot, just how I like it. I had the egusi with chicken, okra stew with beef, waakye, and plantains. This place is a must try!

Jessie Rose
Jessie Rose

just finished eating this delicious Waakye meal from Calabash and it was AMAZING!!! First of all, the customer service was so nice and friendly, and the portion size was very generous. When I asked for any African drink they had, they mentioned palm wine and I knew for sure it was going to be one of those adulterated ones. I still went for it, and boy am I glad I did This palm wine is the best I’ve ever tasted in America. It was pure, sweet, and had the nostalgic taste from back home. Wow! I had a great meal today and thank you Calabash team for your service

Con Wren
Con Wren

The food is delicious! I was a little concerned from some of the negative Google reviews, but they are just wrong. The service was great, the portion sizes were great, plenty of greens in my girlfriends spinach stew haha. I had the chicken and the literally award winning jollof rice that lived up to the hype. Clean restaurant with really great service, great atmosphere, great music and decor.

Casondra Kabir
Casondra Kabir

I love this place! Out of all the African restaurants I’ve eaten at, this is the best! I love that the chicken they put in everything. it’s jerk chicken and has so much flavor.( most places put chicken with no flavor) I have tried a couple items from the menu and I have no complaints.

Location

Welcome to Calabash African Cuisine & Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Alexandria, VA, at 514-c S Van Dorn St. This vibrant culinary destination brings the heart of Africa to your plate, offering an extraordinary selection of authentic dishes that celebrate the rich flavors and heritage of West African cuisine.

From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a warm and welcoming ambiance. The decor showcases elements of African culture, providing a perfect backdrop to enjoy a delightful meal. The hospitality at Calabash is impeccable, with staff members who embody the spirit of African friendliness and warmth—ensuring every guest feels at home.

Let’s dive into the menu highlights. A must-try is the Tilapia, available grilled or fried, served whole with your choice of rice, plantains, or banku. This dish packs a punch and is priced at just $19.00. For those seeking a traditional experience, the Jollof Rice—a beloved staple in many West African countries—can be paired with chicken, beef, fish, or goat, making it a versatile favorite at $13.00.

  • Egusi with Beef: A comforting spinach stew bursting with flavor.
  • Fufu in Peanut Soup: This unique dish showcases the richness of West African flavors.
  • Waakye: A delicious combination of rice and beans, served with assorted meats.

The culinary experience at Calabash is enhanced by innovative twists on traditional dishes. Customers rave about the creative fusions, like the jerk chicken accompanying the Waakye, infusing Caribbean vibes into authentic meals. Every bite is a journey, reflecting the zest of cultural heritage.

Feedback from patrons highlights the freshness of ingredients and the expert seasoning that defines Calabash's cuisine. One customer notes, “You can tell the ingredients are fresh, and the food is seasoned expertly.” Portions are generous, ensuring you leave satisfied, enabling you to explore a variety of tastes without hesitation.

For those who enjoy a light starter, consider suya kebabs or small plantains to whet your appetite. Both options are perfect complements to your meal. The vibrant staff adds to the experience, offering insights into meal preparation and how to enjoy dishes like fufu—creating an educational and delicious outing.

In essence, Calabash African Cuisine & Bar is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of culture, hospitality, and incredible flavors. Whether you're a seasoned fan of African cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore, Calabash promises an unforgettable dining experience. Don’t miss out—make your reservation at +1 703-823-1333 and prepare your taste buds for a delightful adventure!