Best International Restaurants in Accra
- The Anonymous Hungry Hippopotamus
- May 21
- 2 min read
Accra’s dining scene primarily reflects the local and traditional Ghanaian and West African dishes that I will dedicate my next post to. Its role as a cosmopolitan, West African capital however, reflects how the city has increasingly embraced international cuisine ranging from Italian and Japanese to Persian and pan-Asian. This post is about two standout international restaurants I visited in Accra.
Santoku
The first is Santoku, a restaurant that represents the high-end, globalized side of Accra’s restaurant scene. It is a contemporary, Japanese fine-dining restaurant situated at the bottom of the tallest residential building in Accra.
The name “Santoku,” means innovation and experimentation.
Just as the restaurant blends traditional Japanese culinary techniques with modern flavors, it also combines Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury.
Santoku is a restaurant inspired by the team behind Nobu. Like their restaurants in the U.S., U.K. and U.A.E., the chefs are skilled and the food is great.
We started with an eggplant tempura topped with aioli and sriracha.
That was followed by another appetizer of pork ribs in a tangy and sweet soy glaze.
Our nigiri sushi selection consisted of tuna, amberjack, octopus, mackerel, squid, salmon, scallop, shrimp and seared toro. Every piece tasted fresh and delicious.
The same can be said of our hamachi roll topped with fresh wasabi.
For dessert, we selected a green tea and vanilla ice cream.
Cheesecake with Mango Puree
Just when we thought we were done, the incredibly hospitable staff surprised us by sending out one of the best cheesecakes I've ever tasted, gratis.
Located at the top of the 26-story building in which Santoku is located, is Skybar 25, a rooftop bar with breathtaking views.
This rooftop venue with its panoramic views of Accra’s skyline is an extension of the Santoku experience.
25 Cocktail
Skybar is known for its upscale atmosphere and cocktails including this one called "25." It is made with Tanqueray, cucumber juice, lime juice, coconut water and agnostura bitters.
It was fantastic. I sipped on the drink slowly, chatting away with locals and enjoying the view and the twinkling lights of Accra.
Bella Afrik
Bella Afrik represents a different dimension of international dining in Accra. The restaurant was founded as an “Italo-Afro” concept, combining authentic Italian techniques with fresh, locally sourced produce and tropical flavors.
Bella Afrik is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, blending dining with entertainment such as live music and themed events.
The outdoor patio has plenty of shaded seating and a great upbeat vibe.
The restaurant sent out freshly baked bread that tasted like the soft, pillowy, slightly crispy crust on a well-made pizza. It was dusted with a touch of dried oregano and served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
The main course was ravioli, served in a savory oxtail, reduction sauce and topped with diced carrots and a drizzle of olive oil.
The individual dumplings were stuffed with slow cooked oxtail and parmesan cheese.
It was exciting to experience international restaurants in Accra and the bridge they build connecting Ghana to global food culture.
That said, I was even more excited about the local cuisine I primarily ate during my three weeks in Ghana. Up next are many of the dishes I experienced and an adventure in Cape Coast where I learned to make several.
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