The 17 Must-Try Restaurants in Dakar

Known simply as Mrs. Kodjo, this vendor has been delighting the streets of Dakar with her mouthwatering beignets for over 20 years. Her stall, situated in the Ouest-Foire neighborhood, draws a diverse crowd of locals. As you near the stand, you’ll see the lively matron skillfully rolling batter into balls and dropping them into sizzling hot oil. The beignets are crispy on the outside and sweet and fluffy on the inside, making them a must-try. Assisting her are two helpers who manage other popular offerings, including akara (black-eyed pea fritters) and pastels, small fish-filled turnovers. 

Located at the far end of Les Almadies, this restaurant was once a hidden treasure but has gained popularity across the city in the past decade. Known for its seafood paella and wood-fired grill dishes, be sure to try the Thai beef with red curry and coconut milk or the crab and shrimp gratin. For a delightful experience, visit on the weekend for brunch and a refreshing dip in the pool.

This vibrant venue attracts a youthful crowd, thanks in part to its breathtaking views. As the sun sets, guests enjoy creative cocktails like the sweet-and-sour Maad, made with the local fruit of the same name (saba Senegalensis). The menu features a delightful fusion of Senegalese and European dishes, including slow-cooked lamb shank and prawns in mango curry.

Nestled along the Petite Corniche on the way to Les Almadies, Le Cabanon offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. This picturesque location complements chef Joshua Dobson's luxurious menu. Begin with roasted goat cheese granola paired with beetroot salad or braised ox cheek with herbs. For the main course, try the Provencal king prawns with pastis or the Angus rib-eye, and don't miss out on dessert—choose between creme brulee or pain perdu. The restaurant is family-friendly and welcomes guests throughout the day.

This family-owned cafe, run by the well-known Senegalese food blogger Aistou Cuisine and her sisters, specializes in healthy, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients while supporting local farmers. Moringa, celebrated for its health benefits such as vitamin C, potassium, and calcium, features prominently in several offerings, including moringa cookies and a moringa latte. Other highlights are the Nioro du Rip wrap filled with cowpea hummus and the Tekrour bowl, which combines shrimp, mango, corn, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and fonio for a delightful nutty flavor. Complement your meal with refreshing baobab juice or a kinkéliba latte.

Since its opening six years ago, Melo has garnered a loyal customer base thanks to its beloved brunch and welcoming staff, often resulting in waits during the weekend rush. Owner and pastry chef Anna Gueye Diagne attracts patrons with delightful baked treats like lemon pie and Oreo cheesecake, alongside savory options such as breakfast tacos, succulent roasted lamb kebabs, and refreshing vegan salads. The ambiance is enhanced by vintage elements like chandeliers and vibrant velvet armchairs, creating a cozy atmosphere.

This lively pub and restaurant, owned by the amicable Cape Verdean entrepreneur Frederic Da Costa, offers a diverse menu featuring Senegalese and African cuisines alongside European and vegetarian dishes. Begin your meal with light appetizers such as marinated octopus with sweet pepper, a seafood gratin filled with shrimp, prawns, and mussels, or a gizzard salad topped with a poached egg. For the main course, consider the spiced honey ribs or the savory minced meatballs. Unique Senegalese specialties with a twist include grouper filet prepared with shrimp and the classic chicken yassa served with caramelized onions.

Known for its warm atmosphere, Lulu is managed by two cousins who represent the fourth generation in the family’s furniture trade. Named after their grandmother, who fell in love with Senegal two decades ago, this eclectic venue serves as a home goods shop, a café for breakfast and lunch, and a coworking space for both locals and expatriates. The daily menu features delights like a jerk chicken bowl or sautéed prawns with herbs. Don’t miss the deli/market section, where seasonal fruit jams, cashews, sourdough, and even salt from the famous pink Lake Retba can be found.

Under the glow of floodlights and the warmth of fiery grills, this cluster of seafood vendors along the beach near the Terrou Bi Hotel and the Court of Cassation offers a picturesque dining experience. Enjoy succulent shrimp, prawns, and fresh fish like sea bream or thiof (grouper). Choose the vendor with the most appealing catch, select your seafood, and head to one of the beachfront tables while your meal is prepared.

Le Mboté is a beloved dibiterie in Dakar, specializing in dibi, the city’s cherished grilled street meat. This cozy spot invites you in with the warmth of a roaring fire in a large roasting area. With sheep carcasses hanging above, the cooks work diligently, seasoning the meat with just salt and pepper. Once grilled to perfection, the meat is chopped into pieces and served with generous portions of onions and mustard in brown paper. Due to its limited seating, you might want to take your dibi to go.

Nestled in the Sandaga Market in Plateau, Bante Yi is renowned for its barbecued meat and poultry skewers. The alley is bustling with patrons and clouds of smoke as a few vendors serve up delicious bites. Inside, diners enjoy their meals on wooden benches surrounding the grills, where skewers sizzle over intense charcoal flames. Enhance your dish with mustard and kankan, a spicy dry blend featuring ginger, chile, and pepper, adding a lively kick to each mouthful. Regulars recommend experiencing Bante Yi in the evening for the best atmosphere.

This renowned upscale restaurant, the flagship of Group La Fourchette, has been a staple in Dakar for over 25 years, continually evolving to captivate its clientele. Its menu features a diverse array of global cuisines, spanning Japan, Italy, Mexico, and France. Highlights include the three-cheese gnocchi and the seafood linguine, both complemented by an exquisite wine selection.

Chez Loutcha, a family-run Mytoury located in the Plateau district, is operated by Cape Verdeans and is known for its hearty comfort dishes. The menu features feijoada, a savory black bean stew typically prepared with pork or lamb, and cachupa, a slow-cooked stew combining hominy, dried beans, yucca, and either salt pork or corned beef (varieties of cachupa are available on Thursdays, with options for meat or vegetarian). The serving sizes are impressively large.

Becoming a regular at Kotao Coffee is effortless, particularly with brunch served daily. With locations in Plateau and Les Almadies, this cafe provides a chill atmosphere alongside freshly made treats. While everything on the menu is enticing, don't miss the standout savory waffle adorned with avocado, turkey bacon, poached eggs, and a zesty lemon sauce, or the bo-bun bowl featuring rice vermicelli, stir-fried beef, onions, and crushed peanuts. Be sure to try the banana bread with chocolate chips and the caramel macchiato.

One of the finest complements to your meal in Dakar is a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean — especially with a refreshing drink in hand — at the open-air restaurant of Hotel Sokhamon. The terrace is perfect for unwinding while enjoying popular Senegalese dishes like mafé, a flavorful chicken stew made with peanut butter, as well as grilled fish, steak or chicken sandwiches, and ceviches.

Le Beluga infuses a taste of Peru into the heart of Dakar. The menu features a variety of ceviches and other seafood dishes based on the day's catch, with highlights like ceviche criollo made with aji amarillo (yellow Peruvian chile pepper) and any dish drizzled with the restaurant's truffle sauce. Salmon shines throughout the menu; be sure to try the spicy grilled salmon or the salmon poke topped with avocado and soy sauce.

Oceanium serves as both a diving center and a cozy bed-and-breakfast, but its bistronomy-inspired restaurant is a destination in itself. The culinary team takes pride in sourcing ingredients locally to support Senegalese farmers. Don’t miss the fritto misto, Camembert roti, filet de kassaw (demoiselle) with a passionfruit sauce, and pesto gnocchi.