The Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants In West Africa

Nestle under the wooden awning for a night in one of Chad’s most popular restaurants, Ali Baba, comprising of a huge outdoor seating area scattered with aesthetically pleasing potted plants. This Lebanese restaurant serves mezze, fresh tabbouleh, hummous and labneh, all served with characteristic Chad joviality. One of the most refreshing elements of this institution is that it features fresh crudities to add color and crunch to the traditional Lebanese fare. Their famous flatbreads are well seasoned and the sheer variety of food on offer presents a pleasant alternative to the typical Western cuisine and pan-African dishes available across the Chad district.

The long tables and convivial atmosphere in the alfresco, verdant space of Restaurant Layalina provide a perfect introduction to West African food and hospitality. Enjoy traditional Lebanese food in the form of succulent mezze with smooth baba ganouj and tagine de poisson, or perhaps sample something a little heartier such as the steak Roquefort or the delicately spiced, braised lamb shanks. The homemade pita breads are locally famed for flavor, perfect with their selection of dips or simply on their own, to accompany a Guinness from Cameroon. Take a seat under the metal awning and imbibe the jovial atmosphere, taking advantage of the complimentary shisha or kicking back with a beer.

Evident in their by-line ‘tradition is in the details’, excellent quality and unflappable service are guaranteed at Luanda’s Pimms restaurant. Promising culinary harmony between Angolan and Portuguese influences, Pimms provides upmarket a la carte dining in the heart of West Africa. Choose from a selection of some of the finest wines and champagnes in the world and take a chilled glass out onto the terrace, or perhaps relax in the vibrant bar area. From this ambient start, progress to the restaurant to enjoy cod au gratin with fresh, seasonal vegetables or a seared tuna steak with a fragrant onion sauce.

Consistently described by expats as one of the most sophisticated places to eat in the city, Oon Dah is perched at the top of the Escom tower. The chic, stylish and contemporary feel of the restaurant is achieved via its textured furnishings and muted color scheme, providing the perfect backdrop for an indulgent meal or even just for a cocktail or two. Begin with lobster tempura before progressing to the ever-popular lobster risotto, or try their sensational line of fresh, sharply cut sushi. The Oon Dah steaks are particularly favored, succulent and responsibly sourced they offer a flavor of New York in Africa, perfect alongside a dry martini.

A beautifully styled and recently refurbished restaurant with unparaleled views across the wide stretch of coast, Le Phare du Large is well known for its fresh, fragrant prawn dishes and white fish risotto. In addition to excellent food, the service is consistently attentive with staff seemingly anticipating your every need. Giving the impression of dining in a ship’s cabin, complete with porthole windows, Le Phare du Large offers the chance to escape from the day and relax in the mellow monochrome restaurant, with characterful beams stretching across the low ceiling. Begin with homemade fois gras or perhaps crab tartar with avocado before progressing a lightly pan fried fillet of capitaine.

Roma Restaurant offers a slice of Italy in the heart of Libreville – but don’t come expecting pizza. Moving away from Italy’s biggest export, Roma pledges to broaden exposure of Italy’s diverse culinary traditions, preparing delicate beef carpaccio, perfectly steamed seafood platters and classic pastas with African notes. With famously hospitable service and authentic ingredients shipped in from Italy, Roma Restaurant is a cut above the rest. Like any good Italian restaurant, the deserts are top notch.