The Best Places To Eat in Dakar

Hey guys, Happy New Year! It's been a while, eh? I hope you're all doing well. I took a break from blogging to enjoy time with my friends and family, and focus on myself. I now feel refreshed, motivated, and ready to tackle 2021!

I ran a poll back in December on my instagram to ask you guys what you'd want for the next lifestyle post and most of you requested one on all things food in Senegal. Well, I heard you loud and clear - this blogpost is going to be about the best places to eat in Dakar! I've divided the restaurants up in two categories : casual and fancy/more high-end. The nice thing about Dakar is that you can find any kind of cuisine you want or crave - there's really something for everyone.

CASUAL

Lulu's Cafe

First up, we have Lulu's Cafe! Lulu's is located on the corniche and has some of the best salads, bowls, and sweet treats in Dakar. If you're looking for a cafe which has affordable healthy food and juices (prices run from about 5000-8500 FCFA/$10 to $17 USD) which use locally sourced ingredients, then this is the place for you.

Mama Hilo

Mama Hilo makes delicious poke bowls and smoothies. They are located in Mamelles and the great thing about them is that they can deliver to your home or workplace (great during this pandemic). They have different kinds of poke bowls on their menu and you can also make your own which is nice!

Kotao Coffee

Kotao is one of my favorite breakfast and coffee bars in Dakar. Their menu is so affordable and has a ton of variety. You can find anything, from salmon & avocado toasts, to acai bowls, to pancake and waffles platters. I also love how cute the place itself is. If you decide to check it out, be sure to try their banana bread, it's their most popular item.

Maison Kayser

The French bakery and cafe Maison Kayser has two locations in Dakar: one downtown and one in Fann(which has an amazing oceanside view). Maison Kayser serves great breakfast and light eats for lunch or an afternoon snack.

Melo

Melo is probably one of Dakar's most popular brunch spots. They offer different kinds of brunch menus (american, mediterranean, etc) and are super generous with their portions. Apart from brunch, they also sells baked goods. Here's a picture of the brunch my sister and I tried when we went back in December 2020:

Mawa's

Mawa's (also known as Mawa's Taste of America) is an American brunch restaurant. If you want a taste of the US while you're in Senegal, then check them out. They offer American classics such as fried chicken and waffles, pancakes, and your eggs/sausage/hash browns combo.

Redstone

Redstone is a Mexican restaurant located in Almadies, right next to the American Food Store. It's a casual spot and has some good eats. I recommend their flatbread and burgers.

Le Carre

Le Carre is one of Dakar's most popular beachside restaurants. No seriously, it was always packed throughout December and January. It's located on the corniche des Almadies and is known for its amazing cocktails and seaside view. Many go there to catch the sunset, and eat some grilled fish.

Cop21

Cop21 is another beachside restaurant located on the corniche des Almadies. It's well-known for its grilled meat dishes. Some of the best steaks I've had were there.

Le Kiosk

Le Kiosk is Dakar's newest cafe - it sells baked goods, sandwiches, and it's a also a tea room! It's located in Mamelles, in front of the Phare.

La Crepe Bretonne

If you like crepes then you must go to la Crepe Bretonne at la Pointe des Almadies. This is the original crepe place. It's been around for years and to this day - it's still the best one. Trust me, you won't regret going.

Sweet Coffee

Sweet Coffee is another spot that has been around for ages and is still an all-time favorite for a lot of Senegalese people. You can find any type of cuisine on the menu (Senegalese, Italian, Lebanese, etc) and their desserts are to die for (be sure to try the pain perdu, it's literally heaven).

Noflaye Beach

If you want some fresh seafood, you should check out Noflaye Beach. It's name is fitting as its located right in front of the ocean. The place overall is very casual and chill - it's always nice to hear the waves while you eat some yummy grilled fish.

Le Jardin

Le Jardin offers European cuisine and is well known for serving the best paella in Dakar.

Le Dionevar

Le Dionevar serves French food and on Sundays, it has a wonderful and generous brunch which is about 12 500 FCA (about $24 USD).

My Way

My Way is a Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant that seems to be very lowkey. Every time I go, I find it to be empty which is weird because their food is so fresh and good!

L'Orientale

L'Orientale is another Lebanese restaurant located in Plateau (=downtown Dakar) and compared to My Way, it seems to be way more popular. If you want classic Lebanese eats such as hummus, chicken kebabs and tabbouleh, then this is the place for you.

Marina Bay

Marina Bay is a restaurant which also has a pool and private beach. Their fine dining menu isn't the greatest in my opinion but their casual/poolside menu definitely has some good options, especially the pizzas. I tried their goat cheese and honey pizza recently (pictured below) and oh my, it was so good!

Boma Lifestyle Hotel

Boma Lifestyle Hotel recently opened and it's right across the street from Marina Bay. I find their food to be a bit better than Marina's and the hotel decor itself is stunning, it feels like you're somewhere in the Caribbean.

Oceanium

Oceanium is another of my favorite places. The restaurant is downtown, behind the Presidential Palace. The staff is so welcoming and the food is always fresh and yummy! It also doesn't hurt that Oceanium is located right in front of the Anse Bernard beach.

Garden Terrace

I've only eaten at Garden Terrace once and I 100% want to go again. They make a great smoked salmon toast and other goodies like poke bowls and eggs benedict.

Mamma Pizza

In my opinion, Mamma Pizza serves the best authentic pizzas in Dakar and it literally feels like you're in Italy. They offer sweet (the nutella pizza is to die for) and savory dishes and are located downtown.

FANCY/HIGH-END

La Fourchette

La Fourchette is my all-time favorite restaurant. The food, the decor, the staff, the ambiance - it's all perfect to me. La Fourchette offers French food ; it's probably my #1 recommendation to anyone in Dakar looking to have a great night out in a chic/sophisticated place.

Alkimia

Alkimia is a French restaurant in Almadies. The ambiance there is lovely and the staff caters to your every need. It's owned by the same group as La Fourchette.

La Parilla

If you're a meat lover, then La Parilla is for you. It's an Argentinian steakhouse that serves only the finest meats. The only downside to it is that it's a relatively small place - I never feel like I have enough space when I'm eating there.

Beluga

Beluga is probably my 2nd favorite all-time restaurant. It offers South American cuisine - the service is excellent and the food is delicious. It's quite up there in terms of upscale places but it's definitely worth it.

Il Pappagallo

Il Pappagallo is an Italian restaurant located in Sekubi, a hotel in downtown Dakar. The view at this place is stunning and the food never disappoints. Whenever I'm craving some well-made pasta or burrata, I go here!