WEST-AFRICAN & INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT
Experience the finest fusion of West – African flavors and international cuisine in the heart of Kigali. Our award winning chefs create unforgettable culinary experiences in elegant upscale setting.
Experience a fusion of global flavors with a soulful twist at our restaurant and lounge. From tantalizing appetizers to savory main courses and delectable desserts, we offer a diverse menu to delight every palate. Join us for a memorable dining experience filled with great food and welcoming ambiance.
Our guests can’t stop talking about the bold flavors, ambiance, and exceptional service.
The waitress who served us is so friendly and understands client request and orders I recommend her to continue serving VIP clients, Kobusinge Devotha aka Orga was the best to welcome clients
Essence Bar & Grill is entering an exciting new chapter. As we transition from our current home at Masterpiece Mall in Remera to a larger, more refined location in Kigali, we will be temporarily closed beginning Tuesday, November 18th.
This move allows us to elevate your dining experience with a more upscale space, enhanced service, and an atmosphere truly worthy of the Essence brand. We appreciate your patience and continued support during this brief closure, and we look forward to welcoming you back with a grand opening celebration soon.
Essence Bar & Grill was born from a vision to bring authentic West African flavors to the cosmopolitan city of Kigali, Rwanda. Established in 2024, our journey began with a simple mission: to create a culinary bridge between West African tradition and contemporary international cuisine.
Our culinary team artfully blends traditional West African recipes with international techniques and locally-sourced Rwandan ingredients. Each dish tells a story of cultural exchange, innovation, and our deep respect for quality ingredients and authentic flavors.
More than just a restaurant, Essence is a destination where business leaders, diplomats, tourists, and locals come together to experience exceptional dining in an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance.
Our executive chef recommends exploring these signature dishes that truly capture the essence of our West-African and International fusion cuisine.
– A Note From Our Chef
“At Essence, we believe in creating dishes that blend tradition with innovation. For first-time visitors, I recommend trying at least 3 of our signature dishes to truly experience the breadth of our culinary vision. Begin with a starter like our Pepper Soup, move to a main course such as our Lagos Party Jollof Rice, and finish with a creamy dessert to balance the spice.”
— Executive Chef, Essence Bar & Grill
Your Party Deserves More Than Just Food — It Deserves a Feast
From intimate dinners to weddings, birthdays, and office events, Essence makes it easy to reserve unforgettable West African catering that gets your guests talking (and going back for seconds).
Whether you’re planning weeks ahead or need something ASAP, our team is ready to deliver fire dishes, perfectly packed and portioned — no stress, no mess.
Craving bold, authentic West African flavors? Don’t wait. Place your order or book Essence for your next event and let the taste of home come to you. We’re just a click away — Kigali, we’ve got you covered!
Join the Essence Rewards Program and get more with every bite. From free jollof after your 5th order to birthday surprises, VIP catering perks, and early access to new dishes — we reward our loyal foodies the Essence way. It’s free to join, easy to earn, and designed to show love to our biggest fans.
Yes! Caladash specializes in catering for all kinds of events — weddings, birthdays, office lunches, and more. Just let us know your guest count and preferred dishes, and we’ll handle the rest.
We currently deliver across Maryland (including areas like Silver Spring, Laurel, and Baltimore) and New York City (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx). Delivery zones may vary, so check availability at checkout or message us directly.
Ordering is easy! You can place your order directly through our website, through WhatsApp, or via select delivery platforms. For catering, just fill out the reservation form or contact us directly and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
2nd Floor, Masterpiece Mall, KN 5 Rd, Kigali, Rwanda
+250 796 164 714
info@essencebarandgrill.com