Akadi Reviews

We waited 15 minutes for a host, only to wait another 20 minutes for a reserved table. We ordered drinks and a large shared hors d’oeuvre. The first taste was tasty well seasoned chicken and plantain pastries. However, the drinks arrived long after finishing the first round. 20 minutes after finishing our drinks the waiter returned and we ordered wine with dinner. 5 minutes later dinner was served, no wine. While finishing our last bites of what was a flavorful and unique meal the hostess stopped by to tell us they were looking for wine glasses. The wine arrived after the plates had been cleared. Needless to say we finished our wine and skipped dessert.

I decided to eat here at Akadi after reading the Tripadvisor review and a review in Willamette Week. I had been searching for a place that served goat and I was glad to read very positive reviews about the goat stew. Goat is the most consumed meat in the entire world, the place where it is the least consumed is the United States. Americans do now know what they are missing. Goat is healthier than beef, chicken, lamb, and pork. It tastes just like beef to me so I can't figure out why it is not popular. Maybe it is old Christian superstition that goats are of the devil so they can't be eaten. Regardless I recommend to anyone, regardless of race, creed, color, religion to make an effort to eat some goat stew here at Akadi because it is delicious to the taste, healthy, and it is not too expensive. The Goat Stew is made in a wonderful, moderately spicy, tomato based sauce that tastes excellent. The Fufu that comes with the stew has the consistency of a mashed potato, but is actually a boiled yam. You can use the Fufu like a bread and soak up the remaining sauce in the stew and eat it just as you would mixing mashed potatoes with gravy. I also ordered an appetizer of chicken Samosas and they were the best I have ever had. To drink I had the hibiscus tea which is amazing! The service here is excellent and the people are very nice and kind. The restaurant is clean and there is a beautiful mural on the wall of the African Savannah. It is really stylish looking. This place has the best West African food in Portland. A very charming restaurant and I highly recommend eating here.

I lived in West Africa for two years and Akadi has all the dishes I've been craving since I got back! The stews are so full of flavor, and enough that I always have leftovers. Both my mom and my boyfriend are huge fans of the chicken yassa, it's probably the best thing on the menu. Try the hot sauce too! 🔥

Having just returned from the southern part of the African continent, I was looking forward to trying cuisine from another section to start rounding out my African food experiences. Perhaps if they'd had goat, which I had hoped to order, when we went, I would have felt very differently about the entree. The other 3 in the party were going to order different foods anyway, but none of them felt that their meals were particularly special. There certainly is plenty of food, just the fufu itself would be ample for many, although it's a heavy tuberous filler. The decor is cafeteria simple. The service is not knowledgeable to say the least. Thank goodness that a fellow stepped in who I assume was the owner. If he'd been our service person, I would have thought very highly of the waitstaff. Novel yes, but I doubt very much any of us will be back.

Loved the food, the ambiance, the cleanliness and the waitstaff. I grew up with West African food in the house every day so I did have higher than average expectations. We ate as many different things as we could in one visit and we’re not disappointed. I live no where near Portland but if I ever find myself back I will definitely visit again. Still hoping they make their sauce available for purchase and shipping in the future!

Some friends introduced us to this gem. It doesn't look like much, and the service is inconsistent, but all that matters is the food which is outstanding. Chef/owner Fatou Ouattara, from Côte d'Ivoire, prepares West African cuisine with a French flair. I had the Goat, a savory, cinnamon rich stew with yam fufu, which is essentially a large starch ball used to sop up all the delicious sauce. Other dishes were similarly great.

I had never eaten West/Central African food before. I was not disappointed! I had the peanut butter stew/mafe with fufu. I actually looked forward to the next day to eat my leftovers. I can't wait to return! The only negative was that it took almost 1.5 hours for me and my table mate to get our food. Be prepared for a wait. As long as you're expecting that, you'll be fine.

Walls of this simple storefront restaurant are painted with bright African murals. Service was attentive and friendly. One of our party had a fish soup, which she enjoyed very much. Two of us had chicken skewers over a cabbage salad with friend plantains. I loved every bite. Hearty and delicious food. Another testament to Portland's reputation as a "flavor town" and a shining example of just one of the many ways immigrants enrich our country.