Downtown Providence will soon experience a culinary and cultural revival with the highly anticipated opening of Suya Joint on December 21. Situated on the ground floor of the Kinsley Building at 320 Westminster Street, the new restaurant will bring the bold, vibrant flavors of West African cuisine to the heart of the city, crafted by award-winning chef Cecelia Lizotte.
“I spent a lot of time searching for the right location for the next Suya Joint,” says Lizotte, who launched her culinary career in 2012 with a Boston-based catering business that later expanded into a Roxbury restaurant and a popular food truck. “When I saw the Westminster space, I knew it was perfect. I’m thrilled to open and share my food with the Rhode Island community.”
Lizotte’s commitment to showcasing Nigerian cuisine has earned her widespread acclaim, including a 2024 James Beard nomination for Best Chef: Northeast and the title of Best West African Restaurant from Boston Magazine in 2023.
The Providence location will feature Lizotte’s acclaimed menu, including Nigerian staples like jollof rice, fufu, and beef suya – a flavorful spiced meat skewer. To ensure authenticity, several key ingredients, such as ogbono (mango seed) and kuli-kuli, a family recipe, are imported directly from Nigeria. The menu is entirely dairy-free, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cecelia and Suya Joint to the downtown neighborhood,” says Joanna Levitt, director of commercial at Cornish Associates. “Guests will not only enjoy Cecelia’s exceptional menu but also have the chance to participate in engaging programs like cooking classes and live music performances.” Following its December 21 debut, Suya Joint will offer lunch and dinner service from Tuesday to Saturday, 12-10pm, and Sunday, 2-8pm. For more details, visit SuyaJoint.com.
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