Benin
This delightful maquis is a winner. Marguerite prepares exquisite Beninese cuisine in a jovial atmosphere. She also prepares crêpes in the morning, with…
Must-see restaurants in Benin
Benin
This hidden gem near the Route des Pêches is on the edge of the lagoon. Food is European in style but local in production. A secure car park is signposted…
Cotonou
Considered by some connoisseurs to be one of the most refined restaurants in town, with excellent French and fusion cuisine, and an ambience that's as…
Cotonou
This small French restaurant, in a pretty residential area next to the US embassy, is a perennial favourite that churns out excellent French and local…
Cotonou
This is a super atmospheric Beninese maquis (rustic open-air restaurant) with little more than a few wooden benches and tables under a corrugated iron…
Benin
The chef, Guillaume, serves up French-Moroccan–North African fare such as Moroccan lamb and tagine, creamy hummus, excellent meats and river fish, all…
Le Secret de la Vieille Marmite
Benin
Le Secret de la Vieille Marmite, with its lively ambience and bright-blue cladding, does some of the best Beninese grub around.
Benin
Highly original is this appealing eatery set in a tata somba house with superb views of Nati and the Atakora Mountains. Book ahead for the house…
Benin
Fish lovers, you'll find nirvana here: Côté Pêche has a wide assortment of fish delivered daily from the harbour, including barracuda and grouper. The…
Benin
This colourful, friendly spot serves a mix of sandwiches and pizzas, fresh salads and attiéké (a dish from Côte d'Ivoire made with cassava, beans, fish,…
Benin
No one seems to remember a time before Java Promo. Hidden behind the aquamarine shutters of a crumbling colonial building and shielded from the sun by a…
Cotonou
This long-standing no-frills canteen off Blvd St Michel has a large selection of West African dishes scooped from steaming pots. There's no decor except…
Cotonou
This fine establishment serves delicate French cuisine and features an extensive wine list. The old colonial dining room is the perfect setting for a…
Benin
This eatery overlooking the beach has garnered high praise for its ultra-fresh fish and seafood platters.
Benin
This unpretentious maquis, with no more than a couple of wooden benches, is famous for one thing and one thing only: porc grillé sauce sang (grilled pork…
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…
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 …
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…
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…
Benin
Locals swear by this restaurant, just south of Pl Kokoyé. It's not an attractive place (bare concrete walls), but the mashed yam is excellent and the…
Benin
This is a bit of a mix of African and European fare. Decent schwarma, basic rice and beans plus a fish of the day is served up in this friendly little…
Cotonou
The bread, croissants, éclairs and cakes from this little bakery next to the Air France office can rival those of any French bakery.
