Funmi’s Cafe Announces Closure

Restaurants

Nov 22

Funmi’s Cafe, the Nigerian restaurant on Bardstown Road, has closed.

The restaurant’s owners announced the closure via the restaurant’s Facebook page, saying, “We are retiring from the restaurant industry, and as a result Funmi's Cafe is closed.”

The restaurant’s primary owner and executive chef was Funmi Aderinokun, who opened the business in 2009 after having come to America six years earlier. The menu offered hearty stews, plenty of vegan/vegetarian options, whole tilapia and a number of sides.

“We may be saying farewell to Funmi's Cafe, but the immeasurable support from each and every one of you over the past 13 years has been remarkable,” the Facebook post reads. “While this marks the end of our restaurant, we're forever grateful for the friends we made, all the beautiful memories shared, and the amazing love we experienced. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for the amazing journey you shared with us.”

I recall having a delicious bowl of goat stew during a visit to Funmi’s when I was in the midst of writing my book Unique Eats & Eateries of Louisville. Here is the chapter I wrote on the restaurant:

A rare outlet for African food in Louisville, Funmi’s was founded in 2009 by Yomi and Funmi Aderinokun. Hailing from Nigeria, the couple infuses accents from world cuisine, while also creating a unique atmosphere that features regular daily specials such as peri-peri chicken and tofu (Fridays); moin-moin; flatbread with beef, chicken, mushroom, or tofu (Thursday); and others.

Of course, there’s a diverse menu of starters, lunches, and dinners that will likely require a few minutes to navigate. As the Aderinokuns explain on the Funmi’s website, Nigerian cuisine draws from many West African cultures, using spices and herbs with oils to create flavorful sauces and soups that often carry a chili-pepper kick. Don’t be surprised when you find that goat meat is a staple, as are whole tilapia, beef tripe, and cow skin. What it all adds up to is unique flavor and a unique dining experience.

“The food delights available in Nigeria are as rich and varied as the culture and history of Nigeria’s people,” the culinary description explains, describing Nigerian feasts as “colorful and lavish.” I tried a spicy goat meat stew and was immediately sold.