Quick answers — eating in Dakar
- Best restaurant overall
- Le Lagon 1
- Best value
- Chez Loutcha (XOF 15,000-30,000 / USD 25-50)
- Strongest cuisines
- Middle Eastern, French, Modern European, Mexican & Latin, Seafood
- Dishes to try
- Thieboudienne, Yassa Poulet, Mafe, Pastels
- Booking window
- Book at least 1-2 weeks in advance for popular fine-dining spots, especially for weekend evenings or tables with views. Some may require a credit card guarantee.
Booking ahead, especially for dinner on weekends, is highly advisable. Dress code tends to be smart casual to elegant. Tipping is appreciated, usually 10-15%. Dinner service typically commences around 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM, extending into the late evening.
Middle Eastern
Best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dakar
Middle Eastern tables are built around sharing — dips, flatbread, grilled meat and salads arriving together rather than in courses.
Restaurant Farid
Acclaimed local fine diningLebanese & Mediterranean · Fann Hock · XOF 18,000-35,000 / USD 30-60
Restaurant Farid is a longstanding favorite, celebrated for its exquisite Lebanese and Mediterranean fare. The menu features an array of mezzes, grilled meats, and fresh seafood, all prepared with authentic spices and care. Its elegant, yet welcoming, decor provides a pleasant setting for a relaxed meal.
Order: Mixed Grill Platter, Hummus with Lamb
Le Ryad
Acclaimed local fine diningMoroccan & Middle Eastern · Almadies · XOF 15,000-30,000 / USD 25-50
Le Ryad offers an immersive Moroccan dining experience, with decor reminiscent of a traditional riad and an authentic menu. Guests can savor aromatic tagines, succulent couscous, and other Middle Eastern delights in a beautifully themed setting. It’s an ideal choice for a flavorful and culturally rich meal.
Order: Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon, Lamb Couscous
French
Best French restaurants in Dakar
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Le Lagon 1
Acclaimed local fine diningFrench-Senegalese Seafood · Plateau · XOF 25,000-50,000 / USD 40-80
Perched on a pier overlooking the Atlantic, Le Lagon 1 offers a quintessential Dakar dining experience. Its menu masterfully blends classic French techniques with fresh Senegalese seafood, creating elegant dishes. The ambiance is refined yet relaxed, making it a beloved institution for both locals and visitors.
Order: Grilled Lobster Thermidor, Catch of the Day en Papillote
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Dakar
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Le Thiourou
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Senegalese · Mermoz · XOF 20,000-40,000 / USD 35-65
Le Thiourou elevates traditional Senegalese cuisine with a contemporary twist, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation. The restaurant provides a chic, intimate setting, perfect for experiencing the rich flavors of Senegal in a sophisticated environment that appeals to discerning palates.
Order: Revisited Thiéboudienne, Yassa de Poulet Gourmand
Mexican & Latin
Best Mexican and Latin American restaurants in Dakar
Latin American kitchens have some of the fastest-moving cooking anywhere: masa ground in house, ceviche cured to order, and Nikkei menus mixing Peruvian and Japanese technique.
La Pampa
Acclaimed local fine diningArgentinian Steakhouse · Mermoz · XOF 25,000-55,000 / USD 40-90
For prime cuts and a robust wine list, La Pampa stands out as Dakar's premier Argentinian steakhouse. The restaurant prides itself on perfectly grilled meats, offering a sophisticated alternative to seafood-centric menus. The ambiance is stylish and inviting, ideal for a refined carnivorous experience.
Order: Ribeye Steak, Empanadas Argentinas
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Dakar
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Marina Bay
Acclaimed local fine diningInternational Seafood · Mermoz-Sacré-Cœur · XOF 20,000-45,000 / USD 35-75
Marina Bay offers a picturesque dining experience with stunning ocean views. The menu focuses on high-quality seafood, prepared with international flair, ensuring a diverse array of options. The setting is bright and airy, making it a perfect spot for sunset dinners and romantic occasions by the water.
Order: Seafood Platter, Grilled King Prawns
Mediterranean
Best Mediterranean restaurants in Dakar
Mediterranean menus borrow freely across the sea — olive oil, fish, vegetables, citrus — and tend to be the easiest choice for a mixed table.
Le Savana Restaurant (Terrou-Bi)
Acclaimed local fine diningMediterranean & International · Corniche Ouest · XOF 25,000-50,000 / USD 40-80
Located within the luxurious Terrou-Bi Resort, Le Savana provides a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on Mediterranean and international cuisine. Diners enjoy elegant surroundings, often with views of the pool and ocean. The menu features a refined selection of dishes, prepared with attention to detail and fresh ingredients.
Order: Rack of Lamb, Fresh Seafood Grills
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Dakar
Chez Loutcha (original location)
While its fine-dining counterpart exists, the original Chez Loutcha offers hearty, affordable Cape Verdean dishes in a more casual setting, great for live music. Expect to pay XOF 5,000-10,000.
Relais de l'Espadon
A reliable spot for classic French and Senegalese dishes with a consistent quality. Good for a solid, reasonably priced lunch or dinner. Meals typically cost XOF 7,000-15,000.
La Calebasse
Known for its traditional Senegalese cuisine in an authentic, welcoming atmosphere with a small craft shop. Try the generous plates of Thiéboudienne or Yassa. Prices around XOF 6,000-12,000.
Street Food at Marché Kermel
Explore the vibrant stalls around Marché Kermel for delicious and incredibly cheap local street food like dibi (grilled lamb), pastels (fish empanadas), or fatayas. Dishes are typically XOF 1,000-3,000.
Presse Café
A popular, casual cafe chain for light meals, sandwiches, salads, and excellent coffee. Great for a quick, fresh bite in a relaxed environment. Dishes range from XOF 3,000-8,000.
Local dishes
What to eat in Dakar
Thieboudienne
Senegal's national dish, a flavorful combination of fish, rice, and tomato sauce cooked with various vegetables like carrots, cassava, eggplant, and pumpkin. The rice absorbs all the rich flavors, creating a truly satisfying and iconic meal. Enjoy it at Chez Loutcha in Plateau.
Yassa Poulet
A popular Senegalese dish featuring chicken marinated in lemon juice and onions, then stewed until tender and served with a tangy, sweet-and-sour onion sauce, often accompanied by white rice. The caramelized onions are the star, providing depth and deliciousness. Find it at Le Lagon 1.
Mafe
A rich and hearty peanut stew, often prepared with beef or lamb, simmered in a creamy peanut butter sauce with vegetables like carrots and potatoes. The sauce is thick and savory, offering a comforting and deeply satisfying meal. Try an authentic version at La Calebasse.
Pastels
Small, deep-fried empanada-like pastries filled with seasoned fish, often served with a spicy tomato dipping sauce. These savory snacks are a ubiquitous street food in Dakar, perfect for a quick bite or appetizer. Look for them at local markets or street vendors like Chez Yaya.
Poisson Braisé
Whole grilled fish, typically fresh from the Atlantic, marinated in a blend of herbs, garlic, and spices. It's often served with 'attieke' (cassava couscous) or rice and a fresh onion-tomato relish. The smoky flavor and tender flesh are a delight. Sample it at Le Lagon 1.
Brochettes de Poisson/Viande
Flavorful skewers of grilled fish or meat, often marinated in a piquant blend of spices. These are a popular street food and appetizer, offering a smoky, savory bite. They are quick to prepare and satisfying, perfect for a casual meal. Find excellent ones at Le Thiès.
Accras
Deep-fried fritters, often made with black-eyed peas (Accras de niébé) or fish. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are a beloved snack, usually served with a chili sauce. They're a delicious and light option found at many local eateries.
Fataya
Another popular street food, Fataya are small, savory turnovers typically filled with spiced ground meat or fish. They are deep-fried to a golden crisp and often served with a fiery 'sauce d'accompagnement'. A quick, flavorful snack for any time of day from street vendors.
How to book a table in Dakar
- · Book at least 1-2 weeks in advance for popular fine-dining spots, especially for weekend evenings or tables with views. Some may require a credit card guarantee.
- · Many higher-end establishments do not require deposits but confirm bookings a day or two prior. For no-shows, a charge might apply, so always cancel if plans change.
- · Consider lunch menus at fine-dining restaurants; they often offer a similar quality experience at a more accessible price point than dinner. Enquire about daily specials.
- · Be aware of typical dinner hours, usually starting around 7:30 PM. Arriving punctually is appreciated, and a late arrival without notice might risk losing your reservation.
FAQ
Dakar restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Dakar?
Le Lagon 1 in Plateau is the benchmark table — French-Senegalese Seafood, acclaimed local fine dining, around XOF 25,000-50,000 / USD 40-80 per person. Order the Grilled Lobster Thermidor, Catch of the Day en Papillote
Where is the best Middle Eastern restaurant in Dakar?
Restaurant Farid in Fann Hock is the Middle Eastern table to book in Dakar (XOF 18,000-35,000 / USD 30-60 per person). Other strong options: Le Ryad.
Where is the best French restaurant in Dakar?
Le Lagon 1 in Plateau is the French table to book in Dakar (XOF 25,000-50,000 / USD 40-80 per person).
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Dakar?
Le Thiourou in Mermoz is the modern European table to book in Dakar (XOF 20,000-40,000 / USD 35-65 per person).
Where is the best Mexican and Latin American restaurant in Dakar?
La Pampa in Mermoz is the Mexican and Latin American table to book in Dakar (XOF 25,000-55,000 / USD 40-90 per person).
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Dakar?
Marina Bay in Mermoz-Sacré-Cœur is the seafood table to book in Dakar (XOF 20,000-45,000 / USD 35-75 per person).
Where is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Dakar?
Le Savana Restaurant (Terrou-Bi) in Corniche Ouest is the Mediterranean table to book in Dakar (XOF 25,000-50,000 / USD 40-80 per person).
Where can I eat well in Dakar without spending a fortune?
Chez Loutcha is the best-value table on this list at roughly XOF 15,000-30,000 / USD 25-50 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Chez Loutcha (original location), Relais de l'Espadon, La Calebasse.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Dakar?
Book at least 1-2 weeks in advance for popular fine-dining spots, especially for weekend evenings or tables with views. Some may require a credit card guarantee. Many higher-end establishments do not require deposits but confirm bookings a day or two prior. For no-shows, a charge might apply, so always cancel if plans change.
What food is Dakar famous for?
Thieboudienne, Yassa Poulet, Mafe, Pastels, Poisson Braisé — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Senegal's national dish, a flavorful combination of fish, rice, and tomato sauce cooked with various vegetables like carrots, cassava, eggplant, and pumpkin. The rice absorbs all the rich flavors, creating a truly satisfying and iconic meal. Enjoy it at Chez Loutcha in Plateau.
Planning the rest of Dakar?
The full Dakar guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Dakar travel guide