Nande Afro Caribbean Lounge and Restaurant

You'll find Nande tucked away on Victoria Road, where the smell of jerk spices and slow-cooked stews hits you the moment you walk in. It's the sort of spot that takes its food seriously without any faffing about—think authentic Caribbean plates alongside West African classics, all done with genuine care. The lounge side means you can kick back with a drink and proper conversation, which honestly beats most of the chain restaurants dotted around Romford town centre. It's become something of a local favourite, and once you've tried their stuff, you'll understand why people keep coming back.