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…
Must-see restaurants in West Africa
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)…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
Lomé
This Lomé institution is somewhat suffering from its popularity and location on the increasingly polluted Blvd Circulaire, but it's still a cool place to…
Abidjan
An upmarket, yachting-orientated seafood restaurant (ignore the hotel!) that has fresh fish and luxurious seafood offerings. Popular with the expats. In a…
Conakry
The large garden is a favourite for family parties and live concerts. The menu is made of fast-food staples, but the garden space is pleasant and as good…
Guinea
It's hardly haute cuisine but the Petit Dakar, which doubles as a corner shop, stands out for its friendly vibe. Food is of the burger and greasy-fried…
Burkina Faso
This maquis (open-air restaurant) on the main street is a Pô institution, with regal service and delicious daily specials (grilled chicken, couscous,…
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…
Côte d'Ivoire
You can find great attiéké (grated cassava) – a slightly bitter, couscous-like dish – and brochettes (grilled meat or fish cubes) in this low-key eatery.
Abidjan
This Plateau dining hall has a good French menu, featuring everything from local grilled fish to fois gras and créme brûlèe infused with Nutella.
Abidjan
Don't miss this energy-infused local strip of different maquis (rustic open-air restaurants) offering fresh Ivoirian dishes served with a side of banter.
Burkina Faso
One of the town's better maquis, right in the centre of town; expect the usual rice or tô (millet- or sorghum-based pâte) with sauce.
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…
Côte d'Ivoire
A nice and simple maquis on the beach, popular with local families at the weekends. Rustic Ivoirian food is served at the simple wooden terrace.
São Tomé
It's a bare affair, with a few pastries and passable coffee, but this is the only downtown cafe with wi-fi and ai-rcon, making it a lifesaver at times.
Lomé
You'll find all the usual Togolese favourites served in hearty portions at this informal joint right in the centre. It has outdoor seating.
Côte d'Ivoire
Part of Le Brennus hotel, this restaurant offers anything from simple omelettes to steamed lobster.
Cotonou
The bread, croissants, éclairs and cakes from this little bakery next to the Air France office can rival those of any French bakery.
Abidjan
French bistro chain Hippopotamus provides Le Plateau's business population with steak frites, cocktails and decent burgers.
Burkina Faso
Meals and cold Brakina beer are available in a lovely garden setting. It's a great place to meet local people over food and drinks.
Côte d'Ivoire
More upmarket and expensive than the other maquis clustered by the lake – the excellent food here makes it worthwhile.
Abidjan
An excellent local strip of maquis (rustic open-air restaurants) serving Ivoirian dishes in a jolly, lively atmosphere.
Lomé
This basic supermarket has a wide variety of options. It's a solid spot to stock up on picnic supplies and other essentials.
Abidjan
This patisserie offers exactly what it says: great, freshly baked breads, chocolate puddings and divine fruit-topped cakes.
Liberia
Bobby's tea shop does the best breakfasts in town: think beans, spaghetti, instant coffee and greasy egg baps.
Abidjan
At this vast supermarket in Les Deux Plateaux you can get anything your heart desires. Food-wise, anyway.
Côte d'Ivoire
The chef here throws the day's catch on the grill – sometimes it includes swordfish and barracuda.
Cameroon
Handy supermarket in Bafoussam, at the opposite end of Rue de Marché to Boulangerie La Paix.
Burkina Faso
Great range of grocery items – ideal for stocking up ahead of picnics and bus journeys.
Abidjan
A well-stocked supermarket from the Cash Center chain. More can be found around town.
Liberia
This is a popular meeting spot that serves cheap Liberian dishes and European mains.
Côte d'Ivoire
Serves great pastas, crêpes and local fare, as well as its namesake pizzas.
Mauritania
Laid-back Spanish restaurant, with a heavy (and oily) emphasis on seafood.
