Food & Drink
Cafe Songhai: Western African cuisine meets high-end dining
International Restaurants: Find Cuisines from Across the Globe Just Down the Road
Although the U.S. Census Bureau uses five racial and ethnic categories (six if you count “other”), the world is made up of so many diverse cultures that it would be nearly impossible to categorize them all.
Perhaps more interesting than categorizing people is learning to enjoy the different cuisines they share with others.
One of the greatest aspects of living in one of the most diverse counties in the country is that Gwinnett is home to a variety of food styles.
While Italian, Mexican and Chinese dishes may be familiar, have you ever tried a West African, Jamaican or Persian dish?
Peachtree Corners Magazine visited purveyors of these different fares operating here in town. We encourage you to give them a try.
You’ll never know if your taste buds have more in common with a place across the globe than with the food you’ve been eating your entire life.
Bon appetit! Or, in other words, Ɛyε dε, Eat good or Nooshe jân!
If you’re craving fufu or jollof rice, you’re in luck. Those traditional Nigerian dishes are on the menu at Cafe Songhai, a West African-themed restaurant in Peachtree Corners.
Owners Matthew and Catherine Owusu opened the restaurant in 2017 with a desire to feature the cuisine of Matthew’s native land.
“My husband is Ghanian by birth and moved away from there in his early twenties,” said Catherine. He went to England to study and worked in the pharmaceutical industry.”
But his passion for cooking was strong. So, he worked part-time in an African restaurant as well. He eventually moved to the U.S., where the two met.
Catherine is a Bermudian and a professional in the banking industry. While studying in South Carolina, she applied for a Green Card during a lottery period for Bermudians. She was awarded permanent residency but was required to maintain a full-time job.
To do that, she worked at her uncle’s dental office in Nashville. Upon graduation, she applied for a banking job, but the city didn’t have many options for international banking, her specialty.
So, she ended up in Atlanta at Wells Fargo.
By 2008, Matthew was working with and helping one of the major West African restaurants in Atlanta. As a result, he wanted to open his own with his wife helping in the background.
“He’s the one that manages the restaurant day to day. I am typically there on the weekends because I still have a full-time position,” she said.
Catherine now works in fintech but enjoys her role at Cafe Songhai.
A new concept is born
With Matthew’s strong culinary skills and science background, it was clear that he would run the kitchen.
The two came up with the concept together and chose the name based on an old West African kingdom, the Songhai Empire.
“My husband did a lot of work to open the place, renovating it and everything,” she said. “I am typically the one who is there in the front, overseeing and managing it while interacting with customers and the staff.”
Cafe Songhai opened in 2017. Its goal was to be an upscale West African restaurant for metro Atlantans.
“We knew that there was a market for it. That’s why we chose a location in Peachtree Corners,” she said. “It met certain criteria — it had a diverse population, it was close to a population who would perhaps not be West African but would be open to trying that sort of food, and it had a patio for outside dining, was accessible and had parking.”
She added that Atlanta parking can be challenging to find, and accessibility is so crucial to customer satisfaction. Finding parking can add another $20 to the evening’s expenses.
A few years after Cafe Songhai opened, the COVID pandemic wreaked havoc on the restaurant industry, but Matthew’s versatility was a saving grace.
“Where many places had to close down or lay off their staff because they just weren’t getting the business, he was able to cook it, serve it up and hand it to those customers who were ordering takeout,” Catherine recalled.
“There were times when he was there by himself doing takeout online orders. We made it through because he could handle it,” she explained.
At the time, the couple revamped their restaurant style and pivoted to online takeout only.
“I distinctly remember that day; it was a Friday. That sounds like a song or an intro to a book,” she said. “It was a Friday, and I was there, and I remember we just started getting a lot of phone orders.”
Again, luck was on their side. They had just implemented an online takeout system and managed to keep up with the demand of loyal patrons who still wanted Ghanaian and Nigerian dishes but wouldn’t eat out in public.
“We never closed. I know a lot of places closed for a couple of weeks,” she said. We reopened to full service a little later than others, but we needed to rebuild our staff, and we wanted to do it right.”
Catherine credits resilience, reputation, and customer loyalty for their continued success.
“We have customers who have been with us from the beginning,” she explained. “I wouldn’t want to go through that again, but [my husband] was able to keep us going, whereas maybe some other owners weren’t necessarily able to do that.”
Come for the food, stay for the ambiance
Now that everything is back up to speed, the Owusus continue offering an excellent West African dining experience. During the day, the focus is more on takeout and quick orders. But in the evening, the operation turns to upscale dining.
“We aim to educate people,” she said. “I know there are some who come, and they just want to try West African food. They’re not familiar with it.”
She and the staff have no problem explaining the options.
“We’ll even try and equate the food to the familiar,” she said. “For instance, I will ask someone, ‘Where are you from? Where is your family from?’”
Those familiar with Black American soul food can relate to black-eyed peas, rice and okra.
Someone with Caribbean roots might be steered toward a whole grilled fish, plantains and spicier options.
“We might have someone who just wants to try a certain dish like fufu,” she said.
More Americans are familiar with African fare thanks to food and travel channels and social media.
“There was a big fufu challenge on TikTok or Instagram not long ago,” she said. “So, we had quite a few people who would say, ‘I want to try fufu.’”
“It’s a starch that you eat with something else,” she said. “There are soups and stews that go with fufu.”
For the complete experience, the eatery offers live music on some Friday evenings.
“We have good food portions and a really good quiet but comfortable atmosphere,” she said. “My husband has excellent music. He plays anything from Marley to Afrobeat to jazz to pop. And we’ve had customers who will ask for a copy of his playlist.”
The Owusus work hard to make Cafe Songhai very personable and unique based on the food, the atmosphere and the art.
Cafe Songhai
3380 Holcomb Bridge Rd
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
www.cafesonghai.com
470-359-2969
Find two dozen more international restaurants in Peachtree Corners here!
Photos by Tracey Rice
Nando’s PERi-PERi honors Nelson Mandela’s legacy by fighting food insecurity — one meal at a time
This Friday, July 18, Nando’s PERi-PERi — the South African restaurant brand known for its spicy flame-grilled chicken — is inviting guests across the U.S. to turn compassion into action by joining a nationwide food drive in honor of Nelson Mandela Day.
The reward? Good karma and complimentary flame-grilled chicken and chips (aka fries).
From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., all U.S. Nando’s locations, including the location in Dunwoody and the one that opened earlier this year at The Forum in Peachtree Corners, will offer a free ¼ chicken and PERi chips to guests who donate non-perishable food items.
About the cause
Nelson Mandela Day is a global celebration of the life, legacy and activism of South Africa’s beloved leader, Nelson Mandela. Each year on July 18 — Mandela’s birthday — individuals and organizations around the world are encouraged to devote 67 minutes to doing good, symbolizing the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for social justice, equality and human rights.
With deep South African roots and a mission to serve the neighborhoods that its restaurants call home, Nando’s is launching Nando’s Pantry Raid, a community-focused campaign to fight food insecurity in honor Mandela’s vision of unity and compassion.
By simply raiding your pantry for 67 seconds and bringing those non-perishable donations into Nando’s, guests can enjoy a flavorful meal while helping neighbors in need. All food donations collected will be distributed to local food banks and pantries to support families facing hunger.
In metro Atlanta, donations will go to PAWKids, a local nonprofit and community hub that supports Atlanta families with education, wellness and essential resources.
Nando’s Pantry Raid for Mandela Day details
- WHEN: Friday, July 18, 2025 | 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- WHAT: Get a free 1⁄4 chicken and PERi chips in exchange for a non-perishable food donation, which will go to PAWKids.
- WHERE: All Nando’s restaurants across the U.S.
- HOW: Bring in at least one non-perishable food item. Get rewarded with a hot, fresh meal — on Nando’s.
“All it takes is one small act of kindness,” said Sepanta Bagherpour, chief marketing officer at Nando’s PERi-PERi. “This Mandela Day, we encourage everyone to take just 67 seconds to do something good and leave with a full heart and a full plate.”
For more information visit nandosperiperi.com or follow @nandosusa on Instagram.
Our Opening Bites series showcases photo highlights from the newest restaurant launches, menu debuts and culinary happenings around town.
Sheesh Mediterranean
Open since January, Sheesh Mediterranean in Peachtree Corners is another fresh, chef-driven concept tucked into the Politan Row food hall at The Forum. Embracing healthy Mediterranean cooking with big, vibrant flavors, the menu features a colorful mix of mezze, sharable plates, fresh salads and signature meats.
Mezze offerings include classic dips such as hummus, smoky baba ghanoush and spicy muhammara (which can be ordered together as a trio). Highlights from the small plates menu are the loaded Sheesh fries (topped with cheese, onions, tzatziki and your choice of meats) and the popular shawarma eggrolls. And on the mains menu, diners have their choice of wraps, bowls, plates and platters — all customized with your picks of protein, toppings and sauces.
Meat-lovers will want to try the chicken shawarma or savory beef kofta entree — each prepared with aromatic spices and served alongside rice, vegetables or salads that highlight the essence of the region; while vegetarians will not be disappointed with the deliciously crispy, flash-fried falafel. Add harissa or green zhoug sauce for a spicy kick or keep it cool with the lemon and herb tahini or creamy tzatziki.
Ideal for communal dining in the stylish Politan Row setting, and perfect for fresh summer meals, Sheesh provides a delicious journey through authentic Mediterranean cuisine without leaving Peachtree Corners.
Food photos courtesy of Sheesh Mediterranean
Sheesh Mediterranean
5155 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 455, Peachtree Corners, 30092 | sheeshatl.com
This Opening Bites restaurant spotlight can be found in the July/August issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine.
Opening Bites newsletter
Our Opening Bites newsletter premieres July 1, bringing the latest restaurant launches, menu debuts and beverage trends in and around our north metro Atlanta neighborhoods straight to your inbox.
From news and reviews to a look at food-focused events and must-try spots for cocktails, casual bites or memorable evenings, we’ll cover the places where your friends and neighbors are gathering next. Sign up here.
Explore Gwinnett celebrates a decade of culinary creativity with $10 chef-crafted burgers at 23 locally owned restaurants
Explore Gwinnett, the official tourism organization of Gwinnett County, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its popular Gwinnett Burger Week. Making its anticipated return March 17–23, 2025, the event invites burger lovers to enjoy exclusive, chef-crafted creations for just $10 at 23 locally owned restaurants across the county.
“We are proud to celebrate a decade of Gwinnett Burger Week and the incredible talent of some of our very best local chefs,” said Lisa Anders, chief operating officer of Explore Gwinnett.
“What started as a way to highlight locally owned eateries has grown into a beloved tradition, and we cannot wait for the community to see what we have in store for them this year!”
Throughout the week, each of 23 participating restaurants will feature an exclusive, off-menu burger.
Peachtree Corners highlights include:
- “The Alma” at Marlow’s Tavern — a perfectly seasoned and grilled burger with salsa verde, pepper jack, fried jalapenos, avocado, tortilla strips, lettuce, tomato and onion on a buttered sesame brioche bun.
- “The Blue Flame” at LOL Burger Bar — a 5 oz. premium beef patty topped with homemade macaroni and cheese, pulled pork, blue cheese crumbles and the restaurant’s secret sauce to add a bit of spice.
- “Fired Up Burger” at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill — a wood-grilled burger, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese, jalapeno bacon jam, fried onions and tangy mayo topped with fried pickles garnish.
- “K-BBQ Burger” at Stäge — an Angus beef smash burger with Korean BBQ glaze, roasted cheese corn, house-pickled veggies and gochujang mayo on a sesame brioche bun.
Gwinnett Burger Week digital pass
Back for its second year, the Gwinnett Burger Week Digital Pass encourages diners to check in at participating restaurants and earn points throughout the week, which are redeemable for prizes.
Each check-in is worth one point. Points can be redeemed for exclusive Gwinnett Burger Week merchandise from Explore Gwinnett, including restaurant gift cards, t-shirts, totes, sicker packs and a special edition 10th anniversary burger sticker designed by Lawrenceville-based artist Max Eve in celebration of this milestone.
Diners can also vote for their favorite burger by uploading an image of their receipt to the Gwinnett Burger Week website.
The Wall of Fame
Participants who track their dining experience at 10 or more restaurants throughout the week will be inducted into the Gwinnett Burger Week Wall of Fame with their photo published on Explore Gwinnett’s website.
“Our 10th anniversary milestone reflects the passion and creativity of Gwinnett County’s culinary community and the enthusiasm of all those who make this event a success year after year,” said Anders. “We can’t wait to indulge in the exclusive $10 burger creations ourselves, as we toast to 10 years of one of our favorite events!”
More details
To sign up for the Gwinnett Burger Week Pass, visit ExploreGwinnett.org/Gwinnett-Burger-Week/Burger-Week-Prize-Pass and provide the participant’s name, e-mail address and mobile phone number. A link will be sent to the participant’s phone, allowing them to access the pass and add the pass icon to their home screen.
For a full list of participating restaurants and limited-time burger offerings, visit exploregwinnett.org/gwinnett-burger-week.
Stay up-to-date on the latest Explore Gwinnett news by following @ExploreGwinnett on Instagram or ExploreGwinnett on Facebook. Diners are encouraged to share their experience on social media by using the hashtag #GwinnettBurgerWeek.
Curiosity Lab Welcomes New Partners & Collaborators to Peachtree Corners
New Exhibit Buzzes into Fernbank Museum
Digital Edition: July/August Peachtree Corners Magazine
Natural Wonder: A Stevie Wonder Tribute Will Play the VoxStage on July 12
Over 150 Runners Participate in PCOM Georgia Blaze 5K
From the Mayor: Let’s Get Growing – Welcoming the Peachtree Corners Garden Club
City of Peachtree Corners Extends Its International Reach
One Can for One Meal: Raid Your Pantry for Free Nando’s on July 18
One Can for One Meal: Raid Your Pantry for Free Nando’s on July 18
City of Peachtree Corners Extends Its International Reach
New Exhibit Buzzes into Fernbank Museum
Curiosity Lab Welcomes New Partners & Collaborators to Peachtree Corners
From the Mayor: Let’s Get Growing – Welcoming the Peachtree Corners Garden Club
Over 150 Runners Participate in PCOM Georgia Blaze 5K
Natural Wonder: A Stevie Wonder Tribute Will Play the VoxStage on July 12
Digital Edition: July/August Peachtree Corners Magazine
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