Sensory Synergy: Gen Z Outdoor Dining Tastes in Africa’s Cultural Hotspots
Publisher’s Note: Special thanks to food reviewer and blogger SOPHIA ADDY (@eatwithsophz) 🇬🇭 and Travel and Lifestyle content creator ADAM MAINA (@adammaina) 🇰🇪 for their editorial contributions to this story.
Expensive restaurants can be a treat…when they are actually good.
Accra, a city with a metropolitan personality has recently reinvented itself as a throbbing nocturnal megalopolis, the ‘Gateway to Africa’ and, a diner’s haven. The city has become home to serial restaurant openings, aimed at tourists and ‘dbees’. Dining choices are plentiful across Osu’s commercial Oxford Street or along the length of the city's coastline with beach clubs like Sandbox, Rehab and Bella Sunclub peering over each other even sharing adjoining walls.
Orchidea Flowers and Coffee, a flower shop burrowed in Roman Ridge in Accra directly opposite another restaurant, the Ethiopian Azemra, offers a shopper’s Camelot—in-store dining. But among the multitude of impossible choices are the ritzy epicurean haunts; the enticing gastronomic temples that promise the same fantasy as a Michelin star gastronome, or as close to that feeling as possible. And aesthetic content for your TikToks and Instagram feeds.
When a restaurant opens these days, a few considerations are noticeable: decor is prioritised, ambience reigns supreme, an oversized selfie mirror always lurks in the corner against a backdrop of some imposing signage.
The Italian fine dining, Ernesto’s Country Club, owned by the multimillionaire Tarricone family of Accra, sits on the Luciana Boulevard within the posh Trasacco estates, has a mirror and lounge chaise positioned facing the cursive ‘Ernesto’s’ signage, sleek and minimalist as the interior and experience. A friend and dining aficionado, Juanita, raved to me about the subtle and fresh flavours on their menu and the salmon, and the sleek interiors that made for a “grown and sexy” night.
The Sunday Times Live Times South Africa called Mama Samba in Johannesburg “The ‘It’ spot among the proliferation of offerings in Rosenbank’s The Zone.” The ambiance at Mamasamba is rated 4.7 stars on Dineplan with a lush concrete oasis ground floor dining room with high ceilings, tall palms, vinery and a view of the live-fire kitchen, broken up by an imposing mirrored emerald staircase leading up to the rooftop “supper club”.
In Abuja, Gusto offers a remarkable rooftop lounge and bar best experienced at night when their neon signage is more photogenic and the lili-pad lighting fixtures awe the most. Indoors, the restroom offers perfect mirror selfie lighting, set behind wooden panels radiating from behind bare oval mirrors, jade tile sink tops and a striking emerald green and fuchsia Monstera wallpaper for extra prop.
With Gen Z, dining is no longer a mere gustatory experience.
What does Gen Z want out of dining out?
Madison Bregman, founder and CEO of the Gen Z marketing consulting firm GirlZ told Forbes that the digitally native generation rate tête-à-tête dining particularly because of our digital lives, “We’ve always been entrenched in digital, so face-to-face is like a break for us and we actually prefer it.” She adds, “We use the real world to escape from social media.” Think: dopamine detoxing.
South African marketing and consumer data analytics company KLA reported that in 2021, 81% of South African Gen Z aged 18-21 years old with access to the internet like to try out new food and cuisines, while 52% think restaurants could improve the diversity of their menus by including more vegan/vegetarian options.
From a Kenga survey of 71 young Africans aged 11-26, we found that 42.3% of Afro Gen Zs consider ambience when deciding on a place to eat, with only 5.6% of respondents saying they’ve never influenced by the restaurant vibe. For Afro Gen Z, restaurant aesthetics are second only to quality of service and menu factors like pricing and meal options, with 45.1% percent of responses selecting that aesthetics create more value in a dining experience.
Least of their worries—exclusivity.
Because Gen Z doesn’t dine out often, a larger portion (28.2%) of our sample mentioned reserve dining out for special occasions, 19.7% maintain a monthly ritual, 23.95% rarely dine out and only 12.7% as often as weekly or biweekly. Explaining why they prefer dining out occasionally, respondents cited the fun of dressing up, the intimacy of dining out with friends and family, and the convenience of being served food as their top reasons.
“Dressing up and eating out is fun”, wrote one responder. “I wish I could do it everyday really but it’s also costly and I’m only a student.” Another explained that dining out “allows for a more leisurely and enjoyable dining experience. I enjoy being able to take my time and savour the flavours in the food, as well as enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant. I also appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a meal with friends and family.”
On the other hand, the respondents who preferred delivery/pick-up food serviced still found dining out to be “generally expensive” or simply prefer home cooking. “My mom makes the best food. Kenkey and [stuffed yam or rice] balls.”
It’s giving ‘there’s food at home’ 😌
To expand my search, I enlisted two food and travel experts to help identify restaurants that are a welcome escape for Gen Zs in Accra, Nairobi, Lagos, and Johannesburg.
[Sophia Addy 🇬🇭]:
“It is no secret that Accra is fast becoming a home to numerous restaurants, and the restaurant scene has evolved beyond mere gastronomic experiences. Beyond the delightful flavors and tantalizing aromas, a growing trend of aesthetically pleasing restaurants has taken the city by storm.
These aesthetically pleasing establishments elevate dining to an art form, fusing exquisite interior designs, unique decor elements, and stunning architectural features to create dining experiences that are as visually appealing as they are gastronomically satisfying. The bigger question of whether the aesthetics match the quality of food is a topic for another day.
Whether you're a local seeking a memorable night out or a traveler eager to explore Ghana's culinary treasures, these aesthetically pleasing restaurants in Accra are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression and add a dash of magic to every dining affair.
ILONA
Nestled in the Airport Residential Area, this newly opened restaurant is decorated with beautiful art pieces, bright lights and has a cozy ambience that immediately draws you in. The outdoor area, with a large LED decorative piece of a Vitruvian Woman, offers a stunning view of the city. Although reservations are not a strict requirement, you’re better off reserving a table to avoid any trouble when you get there as it is currently a favorite. Affordable fine dining is a thing of the past in Accra, and Ilona is no exception. With their starters and desserts costing as much as main meals in other fine dining restaurants, you’re sure to do a lot of spending if you dine at Ilona.
What you should get:
Starters - their “Tender Chicken Strips” is a must try. It comprises chicken strips braised in white wine and garlic, and it tastes amazing.
Main meal - their “Tagliatelle Al Ragù Alla Bolognese” is a great choice for a main meal. It’s a classic bolognese, but with Tagliatelle instead of spaghetti. The portion size is reasonable, and the flavors are great. If you like spicy food you should request for it to be spicy, as this takes it up a notch.
Dessert - their “Cheesecake Trio” is absolutely genius. The dessert, as the name suggests consists of 3 cheesecakes; an Oreo cheesecake with caramel, a lemon cheesecake, and the classic raspberry cheesecake. It’s perfect because you get variety without breaking the bank.
No. 19
The restaurant is a tribute to the culinary heritage of Ghana and Africa as a whole, and promises to set you on a gastronomic journey that explores the authentic flavours and culinary traditions of Africa. Every single item on the menu is fused with Ghanaian elements, and this makes their menu a very unique one as compared to other fine dining restaurants. The aesthetic of the restaurant is lovely; a rustic theme with wood and rattan details that will have you pulling out your phone to take some Instagram-worthy photos.
What you should get:
Starters - I can bet all of the coins in my bank account that you have never tried a Wagashi Salad. It’s the starter you need to try. Although this is a very non-conventional way to introduce Wagashi; a popular fried cheese street food, inserted into the fine dining setting, it works well and you have to try it.
Main meal - their “Lamb Chops,” although the most expensive thing on the menu is no doubt the best choice. The lamb chops are grilled to perfection, and the flavours from the ‘kpakposhito’ (ghanaian chili) and vegetables are absolutely divine.
Dessert - their “Pistachio Nougatine Glacée” consists of roasted pistachio in marshmallow parfait with a sobolo (hibiscus juice) glaze, raspberry macarons, mango juice, fried strawberries and ginger crumbles. If this description isn’t enough to convince you to try this dessert, then I don’t know what will.
[Adam Maina 🇰🇪]:
“Nairobi is a city of vibrant culture and delicious food, with restaurants that cater to every palate. But for those who appreciate not only the taste of their meal but also the ambiance of their dining experience, there are some standout spots. From the swanky and mysterious Hero Restaurant to the warm and intimate Copper the Urban Grill, these restaurants offer not only delicious food and drinks but also an unforgettable atmosphere that will transport you to another world.
Hero Restaurant
Hero Restaurant in Nairobi is a swanky restaurant located inside Trademark Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya that will transport you to a world of fantasy and indulgence. The speakeasy-style entrance and prohibition-era bar add a touch of mystery and intrigue, inviting guests to be members of an exclusive club. The interior design is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant colours and playful motifs that make for perfect photo opportunities. The small plates menu is inspired by the idea of superheroes and their superpowers, with each dish being a delightful surprise for the senses. The braised beef and sushi are highly recommended, but don't miss out on the prawns tartare with avocado or the braised brisket over rice with vegetables. The barbossa cocktail is a must-try, with its unique combination of coconut oil-infused rum, pineapple, and other white rum. The service is impeccable, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure that guests have a memorable experience. The quality of food, drinks, atmosphere, and service makes it a worthwhile treat-yourself option. Whether you're looking for a casual night out or a fancy business meeting spot, Hero Restaurant is the place to be.
Copper the Urban Grill
Located inside The Social House Nairobi, this is the perfect spot for wine and meat lovers. The New York-style open fire grill is a sight to behold, with many beef, chicken, and fish options on the menu, as well as vegetarian-friendly dishes. The warm and intimate ambiance is perfect for a romantic evening or a business meeting. The concise menu delivers well-presented and prepared dishes, with the chef's emphasis on meat, fish, and vegetarian options. The steaks, prawns, and salmon are all mouth-watering selections, with perfectly balanced flavours that will leave you wanting more. The appetisers are a treat, and watching the chefs flamme the grill for the main course is a show worth seeing. The staff are professional, respectful, friendly, and attentive, ensuring quick and professional service. The wine selection is quite good, adding a touch of sophistication to the dining experience. The prices range from KES 4,000 to 4,500, but the quality of food and service make it worth it. Make sure to reserve a table, as Copper the Urban Grill is a popular spot.”
SLoW
Perched in Lagos’ Victoria Island, the Afro-Latin inspired brasserie features a low lit, floor lit jungle inspired pathway on entry, into a deep toned leather, patterned tiled, banana leaf interior made warmer by ivory white and cream accents keeps its marble bar at the heart of the restaurant and literally in the centre of the room, unlike the conventional sidebar. They claim on their website to take “food and fun seriously, and [they] take it Slow.” An indulgent experience and nearly impossible to seat without reservation, their main dishes are the real treat; consider a vegan option of Chimichurri with patata bravas, salmon fillet on Peruvian rice, or the duck confit served with roast potatoes. As a bonus, all their herbs and vegetables are grown in-house on indoor and outdoor hydroponic farms—an extra star for sustainability.
Che! Argentine Grill
Diners rave about the no-fluff, charmingly dinky experience of Che! Argentine Grill in Parkwood Johannesburg with its open kitchen that fills the space with wafts of their expertly done steak—of which they have nine options, romantic candle lit interior , atmospheric al fresco patio and specialty wine. The menu is indulgently Argentine, Chimichurri and sourdough or some empanadas for a starter, followed in course by your choice of steak or vegetarian tapas of spinach stuffed ravioli served with Napolitana sauce; a tomato, olive oil, chili, garlic and caster sugar marinara, then followed by standard Churros, or one of their many less sweet house ice cream servings topped with berry sauces.
UKKO
EAT OUT South Africa praised the Med-Asian fusion restaurant UKKO, an elegant relaxed natural stone and warm wooden colour palette room with macrame dividers and ambient lighting, a bar decorated with white herringbone tile, offset with a turquoise chaise framed by a wooden slat back wall at the back of the restaurant and copper accents, for their Tapas style serving. While GQ South Africa recommends the “hearty vegetarian option”, the brinjal and feta salad made with chargrilled brinjal, feta cheese, baby spinach and heirloom tomato.
While many restaurants have deftly exploited the power of visual allure among Gen Z, stepping back from the grandeur of the labyrinth that is high-end and “aesthetic” dining across the continent reveals a paradox that challenges Gen Z’s expectations—these alluring facades perfectly curated for the digital generation sometimes mask an underwhelming reality; lacklustre service and food. But not always.
The devil is not in the detail when it comes to Gen Z, but lies in the delicate dance between surface glamour, good food, and tangible ethics which are the expectations of outdoor dining for young people in Africa.