Must-see restaurants in West Africa

  • Papa Figo

    São Tomé

    This charming, well-kept and ever-popular tin-roofed patio restaurant is laid-back in style, but no slouch in the kitchen. Everything on the menu has an…

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    Roça São João

    São Tomé

    This well-known restaurant, an ever-popular weekend drive from the capital, occupies a sprawling deck at a classic roça administrator's house, with valley…

  • Le Lagon I

    Dakar

    Perched on stilts over the bay, Le Lagon is one of Dakar's top seafood spots, with a spread of culinary treasures – oysters, sea urchins, chargrilled fish…

  • Khana Khazana

    Accra

    Tucked behind a petrol station (Engen Filling Station, next to Avenida Hotel), this outdoor Indian restaurant is a gem – cheap, delicious and with long…

  • Buka

    Accra

    Ever-popular Buka serves some of the best West African food in Accra, in stylish surroundings to boot. Hearty plates of jollof rice, tilapia and groundnut…

  • Fado Crioula

    Boa Vista

    This creative, art-filled space serves up market-fresh fare that changes daily: expect delightful salads, creative appetisers and a fresh-grilled fish of…

  • L'Odika

    Libreville

    This lovely colonial-style veranda restaurant in the heart of the Quartier Louis is very attractive. You'll find tempting dishes such as beef ndolé (a…

  • Franco's

    Sierra Leone

    Half an hour from Freetown is Sierra Leone foodie institution Franco's, sprawled on Sussex Beach (beside the lagoon). Run by an Italian–/Sierra Leonean…

  • Oasis

    Sierra Leone

    This charming little cafe is an oasis indeed. Set in a garden off Murray Town Rd, it feels hundreds of miles away from the chaos of Freetown. Though it's…

  • Sea Shells

    Serekunda & Atlantic Coast Resorts

    Despite the unfortunate location on the highway, Sea Shells is well worth a visit for its creative and beautifully prepared dishes. Pop by at lunchtime…

  • Celvas

    São Tomé

    Hidden behind a wall on the main street of Guadeloupe, this restaurant comes as a shockingly good surprise. You'll find two gazebos set in a garden, with…

  • Casa Cafe Mindelo

    Mindelo

    Near the waterfront, this buzzing place serves up some of the best cooking in town amid chunky wooden tables and industrial light fixtures, with…

  • Pipi's

    Cabo Verde

    Overlooking a small plaza, Pipi's fires up some of the best cooking in Fogo. Senegalese-style maffé (a peanut-sauce) with grilled tuna or chicken is first…

  • Maracujá

    Cabo Verde

    Inés, who spent 40 years in France, brings a touch of Europe to her cooking in this cheery cafe across the road from Gamboa beach. Market-fresh…

  • Calypso

    Serekunda & Atlantic Coast Resorts

    Much-loved Calypso serves delicious grilled fish, snacks (such as prawn spring rolls), panini and an African dish of the day, plus a full English…

  • Iya

    Cameroon

    A rarity in Cameroon: a stylish restaurant with warm attentive service. The minimal interior has white walls brightened with feathered hats and geometric…

  • Butcher's Shop

    Serekunda & Atlantic Coast Resorts

    Driss, the Moroccan celebrity chef (and TV star), fires up some of the best cooking in The Gambia at this elegant eatery with terrace seating on busy…

  • Le Bistrot

    Gabon

    Funky decor, friendly staff, a lovely garden terrace and a cool, chic interior make this the best find in Port-Gentil. Add to that the excellent food and…

  • Caleta

    Santo Antão

    A bistro-like restaurant with sidewalk tables on the waterfront, Caleta has a French owner who conjures up a mix of European and Cabo Verdean specialities…

  • View Bar & Grill

    Kumasi

    Without a doubt the best restaurant in Kumasi. Delicious and beautifully presented food is served up in stylish surroundings, with expansive windows…

  • 5 Sentidos

    São Tomé

    The 'Five Senses' has rapidly emerged as one of the top gastronomic options in the city. Powered by Lisbon chef João Nunes (formerly of Omali Lodge), it…

  • Beramar

    Boa Vista

    Under the helm of a talented Milanese chef, Beramar showcases high-quality local ingredients with creative accents in its dishes, which are ideal for…

  • La Ferme Beach

    Rio Muni

    La Ferme (pronounced Fermay for taxi drivers) is a lovely beach resort about 20 minutes south of Bata port. It has a large terrace, gorgeous pool…

  • La Kora

    Senegal

    La Kora has earned a stellar reputation for its fabulous cooking, the warm welcome from Peggy (the proprietor) and staff, and the lovely setting –…

  • Cape Fruit

    Sal

    Just inland and a few blocks east of the beach, Cape Fruit serves creative salads, hummus and grilled veggie sandwiches and fresh tropical fruit juices…

  • Le Fermier

    Togo

    For excellent European and African food, try this low-roofed, intimate spot on the northwestern outskirts of town. You can't really go wrong – everything…

  • Chez Delphano

    Benin

    This delightful maquis is a winner. Marguerite prepares exquisite Beninese cuisine in a jovial atmosphere. She also prepares crêpes in the morning, with…

  • Maracujá

    Cabo Verde

    One of the best eateries in Tarrafal, Maracuja serves up delicious seafood and grilled fish plates, with French accents. The arroz de marisco (seafood…

  • Côté Jardin

    Lomé

    Hands-down the most atmospheric eatery in Lomé, Côté Jardin has an exotic pleasure garden replete with tropical plants and woodcarvings. The supremely…

  • Okorye Tree

    Ghana

    Attached to the Black Star Surf Shop, the Okorye Tree does a roaring trade in pancakes, burgers and great big burritos. Grab a table on the wooden deck,…

  • Baobab Vegetarian Moringa Restaurant

    Cape Coast

    A tiny organic food bar with a wholesome touch, Baobab serves up great veggie stews and curries, black-bread sandwiches and refreshing juices, smoothies…

  • La Guingette

    Senegal

    Tucked down a small lane near the entrance to Saly, La Guingette earns rave reviews for its delectable, market-fresh cuisine and its colourful garden…

  • Bab's Dock

    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…

  • Bushman Café

    Abidjan

    This rooftop terrace restaurant is number-one for gastronomic delights in Abidjan, drawing locals from across the city to come and dine under the stars…

  • La Fourchette

    Cameroon

    A smart and tasteful option, La Fourchette's menu is out of this world if you're used to the more normal Cameroonian choice of chicken or fish. Here you…

  • L'Atelier

    Malabo

    All wood, brick and leopard print, this modish restaurant is the place to be seen. There's a bar at the entrance and a cabaret lounge upstairs. The menu…

  • Restaurant Îles des Joies

    Conakry

    Our favourite restaurant in downtown Conakry, this very simple, family-run place is hidden down a dirty side-alley and, at first, looks rather uninviting,…

  • Il Pepe Nero

    Republic of Congo

    Sleek and stylish, with tables scattered across a terrace overlooking a well-kept lawn, this Italian restaurant is one of Pointe-Noire's best and is a…

  • Mami Wata

    Brazzaville

    Hands down Brazza's best restaurant, the 'Mermaid' has the best and breeziest river terrace in town, and attracts a wealthy crowd of locals and expats…

  • Kactus Restaurant

    Republic of Congo

    This excellent Pointe-Noire institution in the heart of downtown has a large and high-quality menu. Choices run from excellent salads and pasta dishes to…