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Kess Kitchen African Cuisine in Florida

Explore Kess Kitchen African Cuisine, offering a warm atmosphere and authentic flavors inside RD International Market Food Court in Jacksonville.

4.5 61 reviews $20–30 African Restaurant American · Southern

Inside RD International Market Food Court, 7534 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216, United States

FoodPlacee Passport United States · Florida · 9340
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Kess Kitchen African Cuisine

Sans Souci, Jacksonville, FL, USA

Jollof Rice Ogbono Soup and Pounded Yam Egusi Soup with Pounded Yam Okra Soup with Pounded Yam
Rating★ 4.5 / 5
Price$20–30
CategoryAfrican Restaurant
Today Closed

Overview

About This Food Place

Kess Kitchen African Cuisine offers an inviting taste of authentic African flavors right inside the RD International Market Food Court in Jacksonville, FL. This African restaurant is celebrated for its comforting dishes made fresh daily, including local favorites such as Jollof Rice, Ogbono Soup with Pounded Yam, and Egusi Soup with Pounded Yam.

The casual and quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for relaxed dining, whether stopping by for lunch or dinner. The friendly service and welcoming environment reflect a place where diverse cultures come together, supported by wheelchair accessible parking and family-friendly amenities.

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Photos from Kess Kitchen African Cuisine

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

Discover why Kess Kitchen African Cuisine is a favorite spot inside RD International Market Food Court for flavorful African dishes and welcoming atmosphere.

Highly Rated Authentic Flavors

With a 4.5-star rating from over 60 reviews, the restaurant offers true African comfort foods like Jollof Rice and Egusi Soup that keep guests returning.

Convenient Takeout & Dine-In

Open for lunch and dinner with options to dine quietly inside or grab takeout for a quick, delicious meal.

Family and LGBTQ+ Friendly

A welcoming, safe space for families, solo diners, and the LGBTQ+ community, featuring a casual and quiet dining atmosphere.

Accessible Location with Parking

Located inside a vibrant international market with free parking lots and street parking, plus wheelchair accessible facilities for all guests.

Fresh, Healthy Small Plates

The menu features freshly made small plates with healthy options that highlight traditional African culinary techniques and ingredients.

Personalized Customer Service

Friendly staff and the chef’s attentive hospitality create a memorable, authentic dining experience every visit.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Perfect for those who appreciate hearty African comfort food in a relaxed setting, ideal for family meals or solo visits.

Many patrons praise the warm hospitality and fresh, flavorful dishes that make every visit memorable. Whether dining in or grabbing takeout, the thoughtful service and rich menu have earned high marks across the community. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Family-Friendly Meal

With good accommodations for kids and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great choice for a comforting and culturally rich family dinner experience.

Solo Dining

The quiet and casual setting invites solo diners to savor traditional African dishes in a calm, comfortable space.

Lunch Break Escape

Stop by for a midday meal featuring authentic recipes, perfect for a flavorful and energizing lunch away from the usual spots.

Quick Takeout

Accessible takeout options allow for enjoying fresh African cuisine on the go without sacrificing quality or taste.

Casual Dinner

Come for a relaxed dinner after work or on weekends, with menu items like Okra Soup and Jollof Rice offering a filling and wholesome end to the day.

Best for

Highly Rated Family-Friendly Solo Dining Takeout Available Free Parking LGBTQ+ Friendly Lunch & Dinner

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

WF
William French 2 month ago

"5 stars. The woman cooking the food was very nice and the food was awesome. Reminded my wife of home."

JW
Jennifer White 3 month ago

"That okra soup was phenomenal! Kess was so sweet, she made sure I got the full experience. We will definitely be returning to try her other dishes"

HM
Hannah McNally 4 month ago

"Kess is amazing and kind hearted. After hearing that it was our first time coming, specifically for her to try the fufu and okra soup, she came over to our table to see how everything was and even offered a bowl of water to wash our hands. I got the okra soup with beef, absolutely phenomenal and perfectly tender, the fufu was perfectly fluffy. I will most definitely be coming back!"

JC
Janet Cormier 4 month ago

"I’ve been wanting to try fufu and egusi soup ever since I saw it trending on social media! Jess’s Kitchen was amazing! Plus it’s set in a huge food market —RD International Market on Beach Blvd- with other food vendors which gives you a whole experience! Definitely check them out! Great experience!"

AT
Aimee Tariq 4 month ago

"Settled in a food cafeteria in an international supermarket, bringing cultures together, She cooks everything fresh and all by herself. How does she do it? Shes a hero. She brings happiness and joy to every person she feeds. Her regular costumers sat and talked to me and were so sweet and filled with love and appreciation for her and told me that every thing they order is always amazing and consistent. Her food brings everyone together regardless of background. When food is able to do that, then you know it’s really special. If you come and there is a wait then be patient. She’s doing it all herself and it’s worth it. Anyone who says it’s not the best is lying. Simply lying."

TS
TeeJay Smith 5 month ago

"Great African and Caribbean meals. It caters to everyone who loves to eat organic foods. Give it a try, and I hope you will thank me for patronizing this place that just opened to the public about 5 months ago. Shalom"

JR
Jordyn Rong 5 month ago

"Been wanting to try African food for the longest and finally got to try it out my partner and I order the Egusi soup with beef , jollof rice with chicken and meat pie. As we both wanted to try fufu for the first time but she was more excited about trying jollof rice We both agreed on the Egusi as a lot of people recommend it online and seen a lot of people order it as well The egusi soup was flavorful but does have an aftertaste of fish but the fufu tasted fresh and hot ! The jollof rice was spectacular The meat pie was my favorite was a perfect balance of spice in there and a lil spicy kick !"

JH
Jenny Hizall 6 month ago

"It. Was worth the drive.I ordered the chicken with rice plantains and fresh vegetables with cabbage. The workers were very friendly , and the chef even came out to greet all of her patrons"

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 11:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Friday 11:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

The ideal visiting hours align with lunch and dinner service when the kitchen is fresh, and the market buzzes with activity.

Wednesday to Sunday, 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM Perfect for family lunches and quiet dinners Plan ahead as weekends may have a wait due to popularity

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to Kess Kitchen African Cuisine in Florida .

Address Inside RD International Market Food Court, 7534 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216, United States
Phone +1 904-899-2645
Area Florida
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about Kess Kitchen African Cuisine, including menu options, dining experience, and accessibility.

Popular dishes include Jollof Rice, Ogbono Soup and Pounded Yam, Egusi Soup with Pounded Yam, and Okra Soup with Pounded Yam, offering authentic African comfort food with healthy options and small plates.

Open Wednesday to Thursday from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday and Saturday until 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Closed on Monday and Tuesday. Hours may change, so it’s best to confirm before visiting.

The restaurant is family-friendly and good for kids, with a casual and quiet atmosphere. It is also an LGBTQ+ and transgender safe space, welcoming all guests.

Yes, both dine-in and takeout options are available, providing flexibility for enjoying meals at the food court or on the go.

Free parking is available, including a parking lot with wheelchair accessible spots and free street parking nearby for added convenience.

Credit and debit cards are accepted for easy and secure payments. Cash payment options may vary.

Inside RD International Market Food Court at 7534 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216. This setting offers a unique food court experience with multiple international vendors.

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.