Sumah's West African Restaurant, located at 1727 7th St NW in Washington, DC, has garnered impressive accolades from its patrons for its authentic and hearty dishes. Many customers, like Asiyah Timimi, rave about the warm, familial atmosphere cultivated by the owner, Sumah himself. The restaurant offers a delightful menu featuring West African staples such as pepper soup, egusi, and jollof rice, all lovingly prepared and served in generous portions. Reviews highlight the exceptional service, with diners appreciating the owner’s attention to detail and genuine hospitality. Christina Harris noted the value of patience during busy service times, ultimately rewarded with delicious shared plates that provide a tantalizing taste of West African flavors. Beth Price emphasized the cozy ambiance paired with outstanding customer service, describing the owner’s generous act of loaning an umbrella during inclement weather. Food enthusiasts like Jesmed F. Suma celebrated the richness of dishes like cassava leaves, okra soup, and pounded yam, each brimming with authentic flavors and nutrients. Sumah's West African Restaurant promises not just a meal but an enriching culinary journey, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of West African culture. Whether you dine in or order delivery, the comforting flavors and warm service will leave a lasting impression.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves halal food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Photos
Reviews For Sumah's West African Restaurant
Asiyah Timimi
May 15,2025
The Best African food I have ever had. Sumah is so pleasant and he makes you feel like family.
Christina Harris
May 13,2025
I read the reviews so I was prepared and able to exercise patience in order to enjoy my visit. It took a long time for us to be seated (like 10 min of being ignored) and way longer for the waitress to come over to get our order. She brought a sample plate since my friend never had west African food before. I loved getting to taste everything so that I could see which dishes they really do well. We ended up ordering pepper soup (with cow foot), egusi, and palava sauce. All of it was AMAZING!! I also tried the ginger juice since I wasn’t aware it was BYOB and neglected to bring a bottle. The owner was very nice and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The food was much better than it was at Appioo. I’ll definitely be back!
Beth Price
May 9,2025
Amazing authentic food in a humble setting. The owner takes customer service to the extreme! When we went to leave it started raining and he insisted that we borrow his umbrella! Portions are large and delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant!
Holly Holman
Apr 19,2025
OUTSTANDING service and delicious food. He drove to DC to deliver to our hotel hot and fresh! We are beyond pleased and very grateful. Glad to know who to call for good food when we're in town. Blessings
Jesmed F. Suma
Mar 26,2025
The food is delicious, a real authentic West African cuisine. Jollof Rice, white or brown rice served with different sources made out of Okra reach in Iron called Okra Soup, Sweet Potatoe Leaves and Greens both of which are very rich in Vits A, C & B6, Riboflavin and fiber. They have egusi Soup, Pounded Yam, Foofoo, Goat meat soup but above all I enjoyed the Cassava leaves the most cooked in rich Western African palm Oil.
Mouanda Badinga
Mar 8,2025
Best African restaurant ever! I'm from Houston, I'm just visiting DC for a couple days and I had to tried it. I had heard so many things about this place and I was so excited to try it. Don't listen the haters guys. This place deserves 10 . Great costumers services. I had a great experience. Ms Sumah looks like my mom btw lol. Anyway, I enjoyed and believe me you will as well.
Kia Kelly
Feb 19,2025
The food is Amazing! My wife and I were looking for some good African food and we discovered a hidden gem. We had the Egusi, cassava leaf and okra. All five stars! The method of delivery was a little untraditional but I’m glad we trusted the process.
Towanna Taylor
Feb 17,2025
I have been eating at Sumah's since 1990's the food is delicious ...
Reviews For Sumah's West African Restaurant