Best restaurants in Djibouti City

This perennial favourite specialises in poisson yemenite (oven-baked fish). There are no menus; just choose your glistening beastie (usually sea bream, grouper or barracuda) in the fridge and it’s barbecued a la...

You wouldn't know it from the street, but Time Out is one of the most enticing places in town for tasty Italian and Ethiopian food (the owner is Ethiopian-Italian). Savour palate-pleasing pizzas, pastas, steaks...

In business for ages, this Djibouti City icon is famous for one thing and one thing only: poisson yemenite (oven-baked fish). It's served with a chapati-like bread and a devilish mokbasa (purée of honey and...

Dining at this upscale gourmet restaurant is a treat. The elegant dining room is decorated with earthy tones and classy furniture, and Café de la Gare is justly revered for its refined French-inspired cuisine...

This place has plenty of character and serves up good Ethiopian food as well as pasta and sandwiches at puny prices. It occupies a rooftop, with a moodily lit dining area and an open kitchen – not to mention the...

Seafood, seafood and seafood – that’s all that matters at La Mer Rouge, Djibouti City’s premier address for crustaceans and fish. The menu revolves around whatever happens to flop onto the quayside. If they’re on...

This popular joint overlooking the main square serves well-prepared French favourites as well as a good selection of Chinese dishes and sandwiches. The decor is easy on the eye, with a thoughtful blend of rustic...

This Yemeni-run institution serves well-prepared fish and meat dishes without fuss. Some reliable choices are skewered fish, fillet of barracuda, camel steak and poisson yemenite. There are some good pastas and...

Feast on palate-blowing Italian specialities in this zingy trattoria-like venue. The menu roves from faultlessly cooked pizzas to pasta and from salads to meat dishes. A homemade pie or a chocolate mousse will...

If you have a sashimi or yakitori craving that must be met while in Djibouti, head to cute and cosy Melting Pot for authentic Japanese food. The menu also features French classics, burgers and camel steak (yes!)....

Inside the Sheraton Djibouti Hotel, you’ll find a casually elegant restaurant that is noted for its lavish dinner buffets – don't miss the seafood buffet on Thursday and the oriental buffet on Tuesday. Lunch is a...

Subdued lighting, cosy surrounds, a soothing blue colour scheme and an ample selection of taste-bud-titillating specialities have made this restaurant one of the most popular in town for a fancy meal. Among the...

This Ethiopian restaurant is a good initiation to the cuisine of neighbouring Ethiopia, with all the classics, including vegetarian dishes. European dishes, including beef fillet, also feature prominently. An...

If pastas, pizzas or creamy risotto make your stomach quiver with excitement, slide into this great Italian restaurant inside the Djibouti Palace Kempinski. It's also known for its great 'business lunch' buffet...

Unusually for Djibouti City, this cafeteria comes with a touch of character, created by its snug interior. It's a good place for a light meal any time of the day, with an eclectic menu featuring burgers, salads,...

Located right in the centre, this trendy cafeteria-cum-fast-food outlet is a handy spot for a cheap, uncomplicated, walk-in bite. Tuck into well made sandwiches, panini or burgers. The concise menu also includes...

This well-established restaurant serves an exquisite selection of authentic Vietnamese and Chinese dishes – those in the know claim that the pork chop suey is among the very best this side of the Rift Valley....

A great place to quieten a growling stomach without breaking the bank, this busy Djiboutian place serves simple fish dishes, salads, rice and spags. It serves great shwarmas (kebablike dishes) in the evening too.

This well-stocked supermarket has a good selection of wines and beers.

Part of Djibouti Palace Kempinski hotel, this restaurant is renowned for its themed buffet meals. The Friday brunch is popular.