Here’s the thing: belonging isn’t up for debate. And if you really want proof, just look at these eight Black-owned businesses and cultural spaces, serving up suya skewers, good coffee, big art, and even bigger vibes.
These businesses and organisations prove what’s possible when creativity, culture, and resilience lead the way. They aren’t just places to eat, drink, or gather—they’re proof of belonging in motion. In a climate where division gets too much airtime, they remind us of something far more powerful: joy, culture, and connection.
Little Lagos
125 Enmore Rd, Newtown, Sydney
Image Credit: Little Lagos | Instagram
What it is: A Nigerian dining pop-up turned cultural anchor, now one of Sydney’s most vibrant restaurants. Expect smoky suya skewers, rich jollof rice, and events that feel like Lagos itself has landed in Australia.
Why it matters: Founder Adetokunboh “Ade” Adeniyi, Nigerian-born, saw a multicultural Australia that still had a gap: authentic African food. Little Lagos was his answer, a place that’s as much about cultural pride as it is about food.
In their words:
“Little Lagos was created to represent West African food, music, culture and community. Our tagline is ‘come home’ and we mean that in the literal sense. We want people to feel a genuine human connection and understand that our cultural differences are not a threat to anyone. There is beauty and strength in diversity—and what better way to get to know someone than over a nice home-cooked meal?”
Black-Owned Businesses: Melbourne
BIBIS
54 Rose Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne
Image Credit: BIBIS | Facebook
What it is: A Nigerian catering company dishing up jollof rice, puff-puff, suya, and party spreads across Melbourne’s events scene.
Why it matters: BIBIS brings the vibrancy of Lagos street food to Melbourne tables, ensuring Nigerian flavours take their rightful place in the city’s cultural fabric. BIBIS is more than catering—it’s a statement of belonging, served hot.
Little Homey and Honey Bones
46 Trafford Street, Brunswick
Image Credit: Little Homey Cafe | Instagram
What it is: A Brunswick café-gallery hybrid and cultural hub, where you’ll find DJs, exhibitions, and a menu that fuels as much as it connects.
Why it matters: Founder of Little Homey Cafe Chad Camp, Australian-born of South African heritage, built Little Homey because he couldn’t see a space that felt like home in Melbourne. Now it’s one of the city’s most authentic cultural venues.
In their words:
“I wanted to create a space that I felt Melbourne lacked—a space that represented and celebrated Black music, art and culture in an authentic and homey way. I strive for the feeling you have when you’re at a Black family BBQ at someone’s home: you’re treated as family, you get to meet and talk to someone, and you get to experience the joys of Black culture.”
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Sam’s Café St Kilda & Mary’s Collingwood
158 Barkly Street, St Kilda
Image Credit: Sam’s Café & Mary’s Collingwood | Instagram
What it is: Two venues from the same founder, Mary Toyin, a South-East Nigerian, born in Manchester. Sam’s Café is already creating a sense of home, while Mary’s Collingwood is on the horizon—both designed as spaces for culture, care, and belonging.
Why it matters: These aren’t just cafés—they’re places where belonging is built daily. Whether it’s over coffee, food, or conversation, Mary’s vision is to create havens where people feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
In their words:
“I think showing our people that we are together and have the capacity to make each other safe whilst showing who we are—joyous, beautiful, strong and proud—is so important to me.”
Black-Owned Businesses: Brisbane
The New Black
694 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image Credit: The New Black | Instagram
What it is: A bright, modern café in Fortitude Valley with brunch at its heart.
Why it matters: More than a stylish café, The New Black has built its reputation as a place of belonging. It’s where great food and warm hospitality prove that dining is always about culture and connection.
Mu’ooz
54 Mollison Street, West End
Image Credit: Mu'ooz | Instagram
What it is: An Eritrean and East African social enterprise restaurant in South Brisbane.
Why it matters: Mu’ooz is a rare gem: part restaurant, part social mission. Here, you’ll find injera, spice-rich lentils, and stews alongside a mission to provide training and employment for refugee and migrant women. Every plate supports belonging through empowerment.
Black-Owned Businesses: Perth
Aseda Jeegs Perth
267 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn
Image Credit: Aseda Jeegs | Facebook
What it is: A Nigerian restaurant in Mount Hawthorn, serving West African staples from suya to fufu.
Why it matters: Founder Pastor Gladys Boadi, originally from Ghana, came to Australia in 2006 and, while pregnant, found herself unable to access the food she craved. That frustration became her mission: to open a restaurant where cravings could always be met.
In their words:
“When I first arrived in Australia, I craved West African food and couldn’t find it anywhere. I resolved that one day I would open a restaurant where you could enjoy our food any time you craved it. Since opening, I’ve seen migrants come through because they miss home, and I’ve seen Australians and Asians trying fufu with soup and loving it. Our goal has been to provide a home away from home experience at all times.”
Black-Owned Businesses: Sydney
African Australian Advocacy Centre (AAAC)
41 Hunter Street, Parramatta
Image Credit: African Australian Advocacy Centre | Website
What it is: A not-for-profit, African-led organisation advocating for people of African descent across Australia through research, policy, mentorship, and grassroots action.
Why it matters: Founded by Noel Zihabamwe, an Australian of Rwandan origin, AAAC was created as a platform where African Australians could be heard, represented, and empowered. Noel’s own experiences of conflict, displacement, and resilience shaped the vision for an organisation dedicated to justice, equity, and human dignity.
In their words:
“I founded AAAC because I saw the urgent need for a platform that champions the voices of African Australians, challenges barriers, and builds pathways for success. Too often, communities from refugee and migrant backgrounds are seen through the lens of disadvantage, rather than through their strengths, skills, and aspirations. At AAAC, we believe in unlocking this power through advocacy, mentorship, research, and collaboration.”
Black-Owned Businesses: National
African Women Australia (AWAU)
Image Credit: African Women Australia (AWAU) | Facebook
What it is: A national not-for-profit led by African-Australian women, building programs and platforms that centre women’s leadership, visibility, and voice.
Why it matters: For more than a decade, AWAU has been creating spaces for African women to thrive—from leadership development to advocacy around health, justice, and cultural pride. It’s a movement dedicated to ensuring women and families are not just supported, but celebrated. In doing so, AWAU shows us that when African women rise, whole cultures and generations rise with them—proof that belonging is never one-dimensional, but built across family, gender, and heritage.
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