Liberian cuisine will be featured at Little Liberia, a new restaurant that opens March 5 in Detroit’s East English Village at 16530 East Warren Ave. (just east of Outer Drive).
Founded in 2016, the Afro-fusion pop-up began hosting community-centered dining experiences, steadily growing from a grassroots concept to now a permanent destination.
“For years, Little Liberia has been about more than food. It has been about visibility, culture, and creating space,” says Chef Ameneh Marhaba, founder and owner of the restaurant. “Opening a permanent home in Detroit feels deeply personal.
“These are the recipes I grew up with and the flavors that shaped my understanding of family and belonging. Sharing them here is both an honor and a responsibility.”
Little Liberia’s opening menu highlights traditional Liberian flavors rooted in West African culinary traditions. Guests can expect a curated selection of beef, goat, seafood, and vegan dishes.
The restaurant prepares halal meat options, alongside house-made desserts and a cocktail program featuring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings.
Little Liberia will operate Thursday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., welcoming both walk-ins and reservations.
In addition to dine-in service, Little Liberia offers catering for private and community events, a private gathering space for small groups and celebrations, and branded merchandise available for purchase on-site.
Little Liberia’s journey to brick-and-mortar has been supported by Detroit’s small business development ecosystem. In 2021, Marhaba graduated from ProsperUs Detroit’s Entrepreneur Training Program.
In 2022, the restaurant won the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, receiving a $100,000 grand prize to support its permanent location. In January 2024, Little Liberia was awarded an additional $80,000 grant through Motor City Match Round 25, and participated in the program’s development track to secure and build out its East Warren Corridor home.
For reservations, updated hours, and general information, visit littleliberia.com.
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