Yaya's Kitchen

630 Dundas St, London, ON N5W 2Y8, Canada
+1 519-319-3463
$$$ Restaurant
(227 Reviews)

If you're seeking a vibrant culinary journey that transcends the ordinary, Yaya's Kitchen, located at 630 Dundas St, London, ON, is a must-visit destination. This remarkable restaurant not only serves food but also crafts an immersive experience that invites you to explore the rich tapestry of West African flavors. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or joining one of their enchanting dinner series, expect the unexpected at this gem tucked away in Museum London.

The menu at Yaya's Kitchen reflects a sophisticated yet approachable take on West African cuisine, with standout dishes that are as visually stunning as they are tantalizing. Start your meal with their Suya Brussel Sprouts and Suya Mushrooms, both of which explode with savory spice and character. Accompanied by the fresh Salad Greens & Fig Dressing, every bite is a delicate balance of flavor and texture that sets the stage for the culinary adventure ahead.

For the main event, don’t miss the Ghanaian Red Red, a hearty dish that embodies the essence of West Africa. Infused with rich, authentic flavors, it represents not just food, but a story of tradition and cultural heritage that each guest has the privilege to savor.

Dining at Yaya's Kitchen is an experience that delights all the senses. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, complemented by the genuine hospitality of the family-run establishment. Chef Melvin, famed for his charming narratives, personally introduces each course, ensuring that diners are informed and entertained with fascinating insights about the ingredients and their origins. This unique touch fosters a sense of connection—every meal becomes not just about eating but about storytelling and exploration.

What truly sets Yaya’s apart is the glowing feedback from patrons who have come to find more than just exceptional food. Reviewers like Yvonne Ben and Chad Downes have praised the restaurant for beautifully plating their dishes and creating an atmosphere that fosters connection. Yvonne describes Yaya’s as offering a "refined culinary journey" while Chad highlights the engaging seven-course preset menu that combines humor and geography, making every meal both entertaining and enlightening.

Moreover, L L expresses that dining at Yaya's provides an "entire experience of culture, respect, and food that warms the soul," emphasizing the spiritual satisfaction that comes from their meals. It’s clear that each visit is not just about satisfying your hunger but also about nourishing the spirit through authentic culinary traditions.

In a city filled with dining options, Yaya's Kitchen is a hidden treasure that promises an authentic taste of West Africa amidst the innovative atmosphere of Museum London. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, take the time to indulge in this unique dining experience—you won’t regret it!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves halal food
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Parking
Paid parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

227 Reviews
Yvonne Ben

23 Sep 2025

I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Yaya’s Kitchen in multiple ways, from their café inside Museum London to their signature dinner series and every single time has been phenomenal. They don’t just serve food, they offer a refined culinary journey through West Africa. The flavors are bold and authentic, the dishes are beautifully plated, and the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. Their seasonal menu, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, speaks volumes about their commitment to both tradition and creativity. If you’re in London, Ontario and looking for a fine dining experience that blends culture, cuisine, and storytelling, Yaya’s Kitchen is a must-visit.

Chad Downes

18 Sep 2025

Yaya’s is an incredibly unique dining experience in London. A 7 course preset menu with flavours from around the globe. They describe each impressive course with geographical information and a dash of humour. We hosted a fundraiser dinner and it was the perfect atmosphere, with a resident artist and all. Highly recommend to any foodies in the area

James Skelding

31 Aug 2025

What an incredible experience! Amazing food and service. Chef Melvin stands up front and talks about each course and explains how the ingredients are traditionally used and eaten and where they come from. After finishing your plate he'll even come around with fresh versions of the ingredients for you to see/handle/smell, especially the ingredients that aren't as common in stores around here. The Ground Provision Soup was definitely my favorite menu item, followed closely by the Ghanaian Red Red. Apologies my photos aren't the greatest.

L L

28 Aug 2025

Amazing! This food is very delicious. The service was superb. You’re not just getting a good meal but an entire experience of culture, respect, and food that warms the soul. I highly recommend YaYas if you’re in London at London Museum. I’ll be back for sure!

M M

25 Aug 2025

A Hidden Gem for lunch Inside the London Museum! Yaya’s Kitchen is such a wonderful surprise. Tucked inside the London Museum, this family-owned café makes the whole museum experience even more special. From the moment you walk in, you feel the warmth and care that only a family-run spot can bring. The owners are the nicest people and truly love what they do! The food is fresh, flavourful, and thoughtfully prepared, real soul food you can taste the love in every bite. Whether it’s a quick coffee, a light snack, or a heartier plate, everything feels homemade and authentic. The atmosphere is cozy yet vibrant. I loved the handmade decor! Loved the chilli oil and talking to the chef about the process of making it! It’s rare to find a café that manages to be both a destination on its own and the perfect complement to a museum visit. Yaya’s Kitchen has achieved just that. I’ll definitely be coming back just for the tasting menu nights!

Joe Morrison

15 Aug 2025

Yaya's Kitchen is a unique and wonderful experience. We had the Saturday evening tasting menu (available only on scheduled dates). It was a fantastic pan-African-Caribbean meal, presented as a sequence of small, interesting, beautiful dishes chosen by the chef. Exotic, unusual flavors and textures. Delicious and not overly spicy. Malvin explained the history and details of each dish, and brought around samples of the various herbs and spices that went into them, so it was fun and educational as well. Great drink menu, featuring the excellent wines of Nyarai Cellars - perfect matches for the food. In my opinion one of the top dining experiences in London, Ontario. Highly recommend if you're looking for something new and different.

Miguel A.

15 Aug 2025

For Father’s Day, my family surprised me with a visit to Yaya’s Kitchen, and it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable dining experiences we’ve ever had. From the moment we were greeted, the attention to detail was exceptional. Each dish was meticulously explained and the ingredients used as well , enhancing our appreciation of the meal. The presentation of the food was immaculate, and the flavors were simply amazing. Every bite reflected the love and dedication that went into preparing each dish. You could truly feel the passion and care in every aspect of the meal.

Kevin H

29 Jul 2025

We absolutely loved our experience at Yaya's. The entire team are culinary magicians! The passion for their mission to provide delicious food & educate visitors about cuisine from the global south shines through in every dish. We came away with happy bellies and so many spice and preparation takeaways that we plan to try at home (thank you for the African thyme cutting!) Highly recommend this experience for all adventurous foodies. London is so lucky to have Yaya's Kitchen.

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