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Benin

Restaurants in Benin

  1. A

    Le Costa Rica

    Don't be scared off by the paintings at the entrance of those formidable Gauls, Asterix and Obelix - this French-owned joint is the coolest city-centre spot to sink a draft beer. Its pizza, steak and seafood dishes are also popular.

    reviewed

  2. Indiana

    This Indian-run restaurant with garden seating, on the same street as Le Livingstone, does a delicious curry.

    reviewed

  3. B

    Pili Pili

    This slightly upmarket maquis (open-air restaurant) rates equally highly with Beninese and expats for its amazing West African food. Prices are very reasonable and the jugs of freshly squeezed pineapple juice at lunch time are a refreshing godsend.

    reviewed

  4. C

    Maquis le Mandingue

    Dishes such as fish of the season, in gombo (green vegetable), yassa (lemon, onion and mustard) and arachide sauces, are available in this popular but tranquil place with a garden and, on some nights, a harmonica player.

    reviewed

  5. D

    Sandwich Ladies

    The stalls in front of Maquis Le Lagon Grill on Blvd Steinmetz are perennial favourites, as are the Sandwich Ladies on the same street as Paradise nightclub. They allow you to create your own rolls with sausages, hot pepper sauce and loads more.

    reviewed

  6. E

    Chez Maman Bénin

    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 but a couple of blaring TVs showing the latest football action.

    reviewed

  7. Chez Clarisse

    This small French restaurant, in a pretty residential area next to the US embassy, is a perennial favourite that churns out excellent European and African specialities.

    reviewed

  8. F

    Hai King

    Close to Haie Vive, Hai Kind is popular with expats and serves great Chinese food on an atmospheric covered roof terrace overlooking the bustling Carrefour de Cadjéhoun.

    reviewed

  9. G

    Maquis Le Lagon

    Tasty but stingy portions of grilled chicken and chips and the like. You eat on the boulevard and get a front-row view of one of Cotonou's quieter thoroughfares.

    reviewed

  10. Restaurant Romantica

    A limited menu but a mellow atmosphere and a great location next to Hôtel du Lac, in view of the zemi-johns hurling themselves over Pont Ancien.

    reviewed

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  12. Restaurant l'Amitié

    About 100m southwest of Hôtel Babo, this Senegalese lunchtime joint is one of the best places in town for a spot of fish and rice.

    reviewed

  13. H

    La Verdure

    Tucked away, just west of Blvd Steinmetz, is this great little French seafood restaurant, which also has a bar with a pool table.

    reviewed

  14. Restaurant Mandarine

    Turkish cakes and coffee in the morning, kebabs later on. Next to the Air France office on the southwestern edge of town.

    reviewed

  15. Faim Gourmet

    Right across the road from the Novotel Orisha, this place serves delicious steaks and fish in a pleasant garden.

    reviewed

  16. I

    La Gerbe d'Or

    The best shop for fresh bread, croissants and pastries, yoghurt, ice cream, cheese and wine.

    reviewed

  17. J

    Le Petit Four

    A classy, air-conditioned café for croissants and coffee, and beers at night.

    reviewed

  18. K

    Le Sorrento

    This is the only authentic Italian restaurant in Cotonou, serving decent pizza, pasta and other Mediterranean dishes. It's at the back of the Halle des Arts complex.

    reviewed