Born from two
continents.
One family.
"Food was always how our family said everything that words couldn't. We cooked together, we ate together, we argued over who made the best jollof."
JARA started as a simple idea between three siblings — Henry, Titus, and Bisi — who grew up between Lagos and London with Caribbean relatives, a grandmother who cooked everything from scratch, and a shared belief that Afro-Caribbean food deserved a proper home in South-East London.
The name JARA is a Yoruba word meaning "extra" — the little bit more you get when someone truly cares. That's what we put in every dish. Not a recipe followed to the letter, but something extra: more time in the marinade, more depth in the stew, more care in how it reaches you.
You'll find us at The Cafe, 3 North Rd in South-East London — a neighbourhood that understands food that travels, food that tells stories, food that brings people together.
The JARA Way
From Scratch
Nothing in a tin. Nothing frozen. Every sauce, marinade, and base is made fresh daily.
Roots & Routes
Our menu travels between West Africa and the Caribbean — honouring both without pretending they're the same.
Family First
JARA is a sibling business. Every decision is made by three people who care deeply about getting it right.
No Shortcuts
Oxtail braises for 6 hours. Jerk marinates overnight. If it takes time, we give it time.
Hire the Kitchen
We host private dinners, corporate events, birthday celebrations, supper clubs, and catering for groups of 10 to 80 people.
Tell us the occasion, we'll build the menu around it.
Enquire Now