Authentic Nigerian/African Cuisine With Afro Fusion Dishes.
Enter the world of Zeenah’s Palace, a culinary haven where flavors ignite and cultures converge. Opened on July 8, 2024, this African restaurant in Carbondale, Illinois, offers an exquisite array of authentic Nigerian and African cuisine infused with a modern, Afro fusion flair. Immerse yourself in a symphony of delectable dishes, from traditional favorites to innovative creations bursting with vibrant seasonings and spices. Step into Zeenah’s Palace and let your palate embark on a culinary journey like no other. Right from the doors, the tantalizing aromas emanating from the kitchen promises a dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your senses!
Austin Boy
Traveled from Louisiana and wanted to try something new. Spent $40 for two plates of ramen noodles and rice. Was charged $8 more for a tiny piece of fish. Not all that tasty, definitely not worth it. Waste of money. Photos below, eat plate $10, $18 for the one with the tiny piece of fish.
… moreCandace Monae
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy good food. Today was the perfect day to order take out
We ordered:
Jollof rice (seasoned so well, flavorful with the perfect hint of spice)
Gizdodo (a flavorful mix of chicken gizzards, onions, bell peppers, and plantain)
Fish (pan fried seasoned whiting fish)
Plantain (in the banana family, a sweet fried side)
Egusi with chicken (a dish often eaten with fufu and includes spinach)
Not only was the food seasoned perfectly but every dish felt like a home cooked Nigerian meal.
*they even came in nice takeaways which can be reused*
TRY THEM OUT! I love to see a good business thrive.
… moreOlivia M
This is the second time I’ve had this place and it’s so consist which is so nice because some places in the area aren’t. This place is so good and it’s so refreshing to have different options in Carbondale since I feel like it’s the same thing different place but this place is a must go if your in the mood to try something new! And for the price this place is fantastic for the amount you get I got egusi with fufu n chicken and it was sooo good! Definitely will be back again!
… moreRebecca Vaughn
Amazing! Was so happy to see Zeenah’s Palace had opened when I came to visit family in the area. It’s a restaurant more optimized for take out but my friend and I were able to sit at one of the tables inside to eat which was great! I’ll definitely be ordering each time I’m in town now. The jollof rice and chicken dish was seriously fantastic but the sweet potatoes and stewed spinach dish was the highlight of the dinner – SO delicious. The prices are also great! We got an order of plantains to split and all of this was enough for 1-2 more meals as leftovers. I hope word continues to spread about this gem of a restaurant!
… moreOrin
Absolutely delicious. I got the the okra soup with chicken, poundo/fufu (a slightly bouncy mashed potato ball), and puffpuffs (kind of like beignets in ball form). Mild is already spiced very well, so start there unless you’re confident with spice. I would absolutely recommend Zeenah’s Palace and will be returning – So glad Carbondale has a Nigerian restaurant.
… moreLamarana Jallow
I had the cat fish pepper soup at ZP. I don’t know when was the last time a delicious pepper soup like it. The food is amazing. I am trying the Fufu with Okra and goat meat today.
… moreLondon Mestel
It’s pretty good food if you like your spice. You should probably go a level under your typical preference. Default spice is still above average.
I also recommend you order in person and just come back. It’ll probably take longer than estimated if you order online.
Been twice so far. First time I had the jollof rice with chicken and fried plantains. Pretty good. Worth 20 bucks, I think. Definitely want to go back.
Second time, I had the ramen fusion. Also decent. Tasted like a maruchan ramen packet with extra spice and vegetables plus shrimp and turkey. I liked it, probably won’t get it again just because I need to watch my sodium and those ramen packs are loaded.
Edit: Tasted/smelled like maruchan because garlic and onion powder, not because they used the seasoning.
Otherwise, definitely recommend.
… moreOluwatosin Promise
As a graduate student, there are days you simply don’t have the bandwidth to cook – especially after spending the whole day teaching and doing research. The situation is worse when you’re living more than 6000 miles away from home and not in the mood for burgers and fries. Zeenah’s Palace is a lifeline for those of us who miss the flavors of Naija but don’t always have the time or energy to cook it ourselves. The meals are flavorful, authentic, and, most importantly, affordable – perfect for a student budget. Whether it’s jollof rice or poundo and egusi, every dish is rich in taste and takes you back home almost instantly. For anyone searching for a pocket-friendly way to enjoy Nigerian food without sacrificing quality, Zeenah’s Palace is the place to go. Highly recommended! 5 stars!
… morejosephine antoine
The customer service was so delightful and pleasant. I was told about the ingredients so if I had any food allergies to be cautious. I’m very lucky not to have any so everything was perfect for me. My first time trying the dishes was absolutely amazing. Definitely worth going to consistently being that it is very hard to make these dishes due to the ingredients that are required. Amazing!!!!!!!!!!
… moreSister Robinson
My first visit, I was immediately greeted by great aromas in the air. The cashier was kind, made recommendations and explained the menu. I ordered the turkey fufu, the meat was scarce, 2 small pieces that’s filled with big bones and fat. Strangely there were 2-3 tiny pieces of shrimp in the dish. Flavored well with a fair portion. I would not order that item again but willing to try other things in the menu.
… more