Dakhla
Located on a busy shopping street, Gladys serves up well-priced tajines to a loyal band of locals. Aside from the food, it's a great place to check out…
Must-see restaurants in Africa
Chefchaouen
Once one of the finest places in town, La Lampe Magique, aka Casa Aladin, has dropped off a cliff, dishing out subpar and dare we say inedible Moroccan…
Sidi Ifni
In addition to the fish market, produce market and surrounding cafes, look out for the courtyard of smoking grills. In this atmospheric outdoor spot,…
Cotonou
Great-value local food. More an upmarket African eatery than a maquis, this hugely popular venture serves a good mix of local classics such as ndole (a…
Ouagadougou
The Institut Français' gorgeous restaurant is a lovely spot for lunch: sit in colourful raffia chairs under the modern paillote (straw awning) and tuck…
Agadir
If you find yourself hungry along the strip of tourist restaurants on the busy Blvd de 20 Août, Le 20' (formerly Le Petit Dôme) is a fine option. Its…
West Coast & Swartland
Also known as Emil's Place, Nancy's is in need of a bit of a revamp. The shady patio is still a pleasant place for a pot of tea with a jumbo scone though,…
Ouagadougou
You'll find no cheaper place for a sit-down meal in the city centre. Order a riz gras (rice with a tomato sauce), a tô (millet- or sorghum-based pâte) or…
Côte d'Ivoire
A fantastic little place on the waterfront in Assinie Mafia, serving up Ivoirian specialities such as chicken kedjenou (slowly simmered chicken or fish…
Anti Atlas Mountains
Located on the edge of the souq at the southern end of Tata's main drag, Oasis de Rêve has a friendly, welcoming owner with a smidgen of English and the…
Malawi
Sit inside or outside under an awning at this popular local hangout, with an Afro diner feel and a menu spanning pizzas, burgers, steaks, shawarmas,…
Tunisia
Restaurant Panorama is a cheap, kid-pleasing spot where pizzas, panini, grilled meats and couscous take up equal space on the menu. The food won't knock…
Northern Cape
In a small mall on the western side of town, this cafe is one of few alternatives to the various fast-food chains. The long menu includes burgers, quiches…
Cotonou
Fill up on poulet moyo at this crazily popular lunch joint set up under an awning and corrugated iron roof. Plates are piled high with chicken, aloko …
Dakhla
What's on the menu here? There is no menu. But there's fish and Coca Cola, and rumour has it you can get a beer disguised in a teacup if you ask nicely.
Conakry
Tucking into fresh barbecued fish or spice infused local dishes here, where diners eat out under bendy coconut trees overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it…
Abidjan
Next to the war memorial, this restaurant housed in a renovated colonial building has a great range of dishes, including escargot, sauce feuille (manioc…
Southern Morocco & Western Sahara
Near Place Bir Anzarane, this Westernised snack bar serves dishes ranging from pizzas, burgers and spaghetti to tajines and pil-pil prawns with olive oil,…
Cairo
Inside the built-for-tourists Souq Al Fustat complex, this restaurant-cafe mostly deals with tour bus groups. Prices are reasonable though the menu is…
Côte d'Ivoire
A simple maquis (open-air restaurant) in Taï town. You can get the usual grilled chicken or fish with aloco (ripe bananas fried with chilli in palm oil)…
Northern Madagascar
In addition to the Patisserie Mimi where breakfast of a croissant and coffee will set you back Ar6000, there is a large, somewhat dark, restaurant…
Burkina Faso
This cool den off the main drag boasts an inviting covered terrace and a vividly decorated interior. It churns out a good range of satisfying dishes,…
Zanzibar Town
Despite its name, the restaurant is not actually floating, but perched over the water on a pier at Forodhani Gardens. And despite the wonderful location,…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
This cheerful cafeteria is no place to escape the crowds, but the food is tasty and great value. Pastries are the reason to come, with a tempting choice…
Cotonou
One of Cotonou's older Chinese restaurants, this has an atmospheric covered roof terrace overlooking the bustling Carrefour de Cadjéhoun, a row of red…
Southern Morocco & Western Sahara
Just outside the port entrance, Casa Mar's cafe-restaurant serves whatever's fresh from the fish market, from sole to calamari and octopus. The cafe, a…
Harare
No longer the buzzing spot it once was, this smart bistro has changed its menu and now specialises in wood-fired thin-crust pizzas, steaks and ribs to…
Southwestern Uganda
Located above the popular Hot Loaf Bakery, this rather dark and characterless place nevertheless offers an eclectic menu of Western, Indian, Chinese and…
Kampala
Chargrilled steaks and fish are the speciality at this old-school, budget-traveller hangout. The vegetable stew is pretty good too. It also has good…
Abidjan
Brochettes (kebabs), beer and beats: this fantastic outdoor spot, with dozens of vendors grilling meats, sizzles until late. Once you arrive you'll be…
Malawi
With plenty of local characters frequenting it, this simple eatery has vibrant red walls and sits on the main drag by the harbour. Authentic Malawian fare…
Northern Kenya
Northbound self-caterers should head here for provisions, as there's very little available elsewhere. The supermarket doesn't have lots of fresh food…
Tafraoute
Facing the Atlas, this is Tafraoute's favourite cafe for a continental breakfast in the morning sun. After serving breakfast, L'Etoile remains open for…
Cotonou
This well-run eatery rates equally highly with Beninese and expats for its amazing West African food. Prices are very reasonable and the jugs of freshly…
Botswana
The fact that we include this place should be read as a statement about the lack of choice in Ghanzi more than as a recommendation of quality. Wilted…
Southeastern Tanzania
A large, makuti-roofed place near the market with grilled chicken or fish and chips, plus fruit juices. Take the first left after coming up the hill from…
Cap Bon
If you’re on the beach and on a budget, this cheery, casual place does standard plates of pasta, fish and grilled steak. Service can be slow, but with a…
Malawi
Run by a local Indian family, the Palace has seating in a diner-style interior or outside. Feast on a menu spanning Northern Indian cuisine and Western…
Western Sahara
A popular place with families, the Madone specialises in thin-crust pizzas with a variety of bizarre topping combinations, like calamari and turkey…
Abidjan
An upmarket, yachting-orientated seafood restaurant (ignore the hotel!) that has fresh fish and luxurious seafood offerings. Popular with the expats. In a…
