Ubuntu, a plant-based restaurant highlighting the flavors of West Africa, announces its grand opening on August 1. The restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Shenarri “Greens” Freeman, a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist and 2023 VegOut Awards nominee, known for her work at New York’s renowned Cadence.
Ubuntu, located at 7469 Melrose Avenue, two blocks beyond WeHo city limits, is a testament to Chef Shenarri’s travels and ancestral roots. The menu is a harmonious blend of traditional dishes from countries such as Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and North Africa, with vegetables taking center stage. Signature dishes include Jackfruit Yassa, Curry Jollof Arancini, Suya, and a delectable Charred Okra Salad.
The restaurant’s bar program, curated by acclaimed mixologist Colin Asare-Appiah, author of “Black Mixcellence: A Comprehensive Guide to Black Mixology,” complements the culinary offerings. The cocktail menu is a fusion of innovation and cultural pride, featuring African ingredients. In addition, the wine list showcases labels from Black-owned vintners, including Aslina, Kumusha, and House of Brown, adding a layer of social consciousness to Ubuntu’s dining experience.
Ubuntu’s interior design, reminiscent of a refined garden party, features lush greenery and pops of vibrant yellow, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Natural materials adorning the walls and lighting fixtures further accentuate the restaurant’s connection to the earth.
Ubuntu will operate from 5-11pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and will also offer “Soul Food Sundays” from 12-8pm. For more information, visit UbuntuLA.com or follow @Ubuntu.LA on Instagram.
This business is not in West Hollywood.
Worth reporting on for a number of reasons … particularly the speculation that businesses are choosing adjacent properties in Los Angeles over WeHo
Thanks for being honest about the agenda here.
Does’t seem like any “agenda” here, just good honest reporting about a business reality. Hopefully knowing about these openings will get some people (and commentators) around here to get their heads out of the sand.
Another independent business opening??? Damn!
Yey to the highest minimum wage in the country and to someone whose middle name or known name is Chef Greens.
but since they are opening just outside of weho borders, where the west hollywood rules do not apply. Your ‘gotcha’ comment seems to have backfired on yourself. PS, just because a business opens does not guarantee success, many planned this a year in the works and many others live on on hope and dreams of an entrepreneur and are not in touch w the reality on the ground.
I forgot to check. It’s the second one outside oif our boundaries.
Didn’t backfire too badly.
Most restaurants fail.
I wish all of them good luck.
Same to all new businesses,
Thank you.
It’s in LA genius. Oops!
Notably in LA not WeHo
This week Wehoville reports two restaurants closing in West Hollywood and two restaurant opening in LA City. Is this a trend?
So I guess you are just glossing over the restaurants that have OPENED in West Hollywood recently?
Many other restaurants have closed in LA City as well. We should include those in your “trend” findings.
Birdies just opened and closed, and Kings and Queens too, its one thing to speculate and open a business and its another to live in the reality that if your not clicking at 200 per hour for an employee or two you wont be able to pay the daily costs.
Please point them out as you see them, we’d love to cover them!
Name one.
Animal on Fairfax just closed after 15 years