Niema's Cuisine Opens in Downtown Shreveport
Niema and Matthew DiGrazia have opened their West African and Caribbean restaurant on Texas Street.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Niema's West African and Caribbean Cuisine has officially opened its doors in downtown Shreveport. The new restaurant is located on Texas Street, situated directly on top of the Robinson Film Center.
Why it matters
The owners sought to create a unique local space defined by warmth, personality, and vibrant colors. The restaurant launch follows the pair's previous experience operating a cafe inside Sunshine and a food truck.
The restaurant held a 3-day opening celebration to mark its debut on Texas Street. This follows the owners' previous operation of a food truck and a café within Sunshine.
The players
Niema DiGrazia
She is a chef and owner of the new dining establishment who previously operated a food truck and café.
Matthew DiGrazia
He is a chef and owner who co-founded the restaurant following his background in mobile and cafe food services.
Edward Nader
He is an interior designer who was commissioned to create the restaurant's visual style and atmosphere.
Robinson Film Center
This is the established downtown cultural building that houses the restaurant on its top floor.
The details
Owners Niema DiGrazia and Matthew DiGrazia lead the kitchen and operations for the new venture. To curate the aesthetic of the space, the owners hired designer Edward Nader to execute a vision of warmth and vibrant color.
Timeline
October 2026: The restaurant hosted its three-day opening celebration.
Market Landscape
The arrival of Niema's Cuisine follows the pattern set by the downtown Shreveport revitalization initiative to activate upper-floor commercial spaces. This move helps diversify the local food landscape against more traditional downtown dining options.
Downtown visitors now have a new dining option situated atop the Robinson Film Center on Texas Street. The restaurant is currently open for service following its three-day celebration period.
The takeaway
Supporting local culinary ventures often relies on the unique atmosphere created by owners and specialized designers. Residents looking for new dining experiences can now find this establishment in the heart of the city's film district.
Further reading
For more on local dining, browse our Shreveport Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Shreveport Times.
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