Restaurants in Africa
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Fat Cactus
reviewed
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Carlucci's
reviewed
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A
Carlucci's
reviewed
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Carlucci's
reviewed
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B
Le Grand Café de la Poste
Once a French colonial hotel and favourite café of the dread Pasha Glaoui, this place has recently been restored to its flapper-era, potted-palm glory. Mediterranean chef Cyril Lignac and Moroccan Sana Gamas create a seamless blend of cuisines in signature dishes: roast chicken with wild Berber thyme and olives, and a stellar salad with local goat cheese and citrus-herb vinaigrette that will have you smacking your lips for days after.
reviewed
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Caffé Roma
If you are thinking of a night in Kabalagala, why not kick off with an affordable Italian meal at this place up on Tank Hill. Pizza comes with all the favourite toppings and there is a good choice of popular pasta dishes.
reviewed
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Frankie's
An Accra institution, the upstairs restaurant serves burgers, pizzas and fried chicken, as well as salads, baguettes and sandwiches.
reviewed
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Half London
A Kampala institution that now houses a small branch of the famous Carnivore from Nairobi. Both the space and menu are tiny when compared to those in Kenya, but this is the place to try bush meat if you must. Service is slow to the point of non-existent, however. The outdoor bar is one of the places to check out in the evening. The music is a great introduction to the best the region has to offer and this place is always heaving at the hinges. Get here early on the weekend if you want a table.
reviewed
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C
Fiesta Restaurant & Bar
Despite the Latin resonances of a Hispanic name and bright adobe-style décor, the brand-new Fiesta doesn't have anything remotely Tex-Mex on offer, concentrating instead on a fine selection of upmarket international dishes. Staff are smiley and almost unnervingly eager to please, and the chefs do themselves particular credit on some very un-Kenyan recipes such as nasi goreng and pork chops with a honey and mustard glaze. The popular bar area occasionally hosts low-key live crooners.
reviewed
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D
Le Pub
The dark mirrored windows and bouncers on the door make you wonder what you’re letting yourself in for, but Le Pub is a welcome change if you’re feeling tajine fatigue. The menu is split in two – half offering continental dishes, the other branching into a Moroccan take on Chinese and Thai dishes. We preferred the oriental dishes over the pasta, but there are some good steaks too. As befits the name, alcohol is served.
reviewed
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E
Marhaba Restaurant
This canteen-style place is adorable – its essence is cheap and cheerful – and is loved by everyone, judging by how busy it is of an evening. While you can get tajines and the like, do as everyone else does and fill up on a bowl of harira, a plate of makoda (potato fritters) with bread and hard-boiled eggs – and walk out with change from Dh15. We defy you to eat better for cheaper.
reviewed
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F
Arabica Café
Funky and lived-in, this upstairs cafe is frequented by teens and older students, who gather to study and doodle on the paper-topped tables. And unlike at slicker competitors, you can actually get some Egyptian food here along with your latte – breakfast options include fuul and shakshouka (spicy scrambled eggs), and you can order sweet or savoury fiteer anytime.
reviewed
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La Table de Julien
Opposite the railway station, this terribly French venue was the flavour of the month when we visited. Creative dishes like filet de daurade au sel du lac Assal (sea bream cooked with salt from Lake Assal) as well as the restaurant's signature dessert, fondant au chocolat (chocolate cake), will have you gushing superlatives. Wash it all down with a glass of well-chosen wine.
reviewed
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G
Restaurant Marrakech
A charming restaurant that goes from strength to strength behind thick wooden doors. Red tadelakt walls and dark furniture, with a cushion-strewn salon at the back add ambience, while the menu’s variety refreshes the palettes, with dishes like chicken tajine with apple and olive, or lamb with aubergine and peppers (there’s also a set three-course menu).
reviewed
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H
Le Verdoyant
If you ask expats for their favourite Ouaga restaurant, chances are a good number will choose the Italian Le Verdoyant. It's best known for its pasta (the lasagne here is the best you'll find in Africa) and wood-fired pizzas, but the outdoor tables are pleasant, the service good and the menu (mostly fish and meat) varied enough to cater to most tastes.
reviewed
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I
Sabai Sabai
Even if you’re not craving Thai food, you might want to visit this mellow little restaurant for its quiet outdoor terrace. Salads and appetisers have all the requisite lemon grass and herbs, and the curries have just the right balance between searing heat and rich flavour. Taxi drivers may know the street by its old name, Sharia Maahad al-Swissry.
reviewed
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J
Porterhouse Restaurant
Steak-lovers should make this discreetly swish 1st-floor restaurant their first port of call: apart from a few token dishes such as chicken kiev, the menu here is entirely dedicated to the art of carving chunks of cow, and with a two-person Chateaubriand for just around KSh900 it's easy to get into the moo-d (ahem).
reviewed
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K
Buchannan's Grill
One of Lilongwe's newest offerings, this place is set in the gardens of beautiful Four Seasons Centre. It's a lovely spot; eat out on the terrace if you can, which overlooks a beautiful rockery and pond. As the name suggests, this place specialises in grilled meat and the menu is a carnivore's dream.
reviewed
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L
Restaurante El Palmar
Hidden among banana trees, a stone's throw from the main highway, it would easy to drive right by the Palmar, so keep an eye out for the road sign. Both the food and the atmosphere are comfy and welcoming. Try the cazuela (thick fish stew) and be sure to have a chat with the friendly owner.
reviewed
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M
Marlin
Housed in the colonial-era Lusaka Club, this perennial, wood-panelled favourite is the best steakhouse in Zambia. While they do serve gargantuan portions of every cut of meat under the sun, most guests come for the aged fillet with mushroom or pepper sauce. Reservations are strongly recommended.
reviewed
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N
Perima's
It's worth venturing into the suburbs to sample Perima's authentic South Indian cuisine, served in a colourfully decorated room that avoids the usual clichés of the genre. The spicy curries will have your taste buds swaying in time to the Bollywood soundtrack.
reviewed
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O
Borj Eddar
This restaurant overlooking the sea has a menu of excellent fresh fish and seafood dishes. The next door Restaurant de la Plage has a similar menu and the same views. There’s little to choose between them: both have glass-fronted terraces overlooking the ocean.
reviewed
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Bar-Restaurante El Puerto
Specialising in - what else? - fresh fish, this too-bright (the fluorescent lights lend it a bit of a fast-food air) place by the port is one of the best spots in town to try local delicacies such as grilled peto and medregal (local fish).
reviewed
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P
Café Restaurant La Noria
This café is tucked away in the Bou Jeloud Gardens next to an old waterwheel – a delightful retreat from the bustle of the city. The shady courtyard is perfect to relax in, and in addition to drinks and juices, there’s a good dining menu if you’re peckish.
reviewed
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Q
Al-Makka
Popular with meat-eating local families, this place is famous for its excellent fresh kebabs and kofta (mincemeat and spices grilled on a skewer) , as well as pigeon and chicken, all served with bread, salad and tahini.
reviewed