How about savoring exquisite fine French cuisine in the heart of Djibouti? Or maybe you’ve got a craving for Italian food? You’re in luck – Djibouti City has an incredibly diverse culinary scene ranging from Yemeni through to Ethiopian dishes. Here’s our pick of the best restaurants in town.
The long-established Mukbassa Central Chez Youssouf is the place to go for the famous traditional Yemeni fish meal of the same name. Thanks to the savoir-faire of Youssouf, the owner, you will have an outstanding culinary experience and a discovery of the traditional ways the fish is prepared and cooked. The dish is created with Yemeni Arabic spices and served with spicy sauces, along with banana paste drizzled with honey.
Tentazioni Restaurant of the Kempinski Palace Djibouti is the place to be for Italian cuisine lovers. It offers fine dining with an excellent sea view on Djibouti Bay, with indoor and outdoor dining. With an excellent selection of Italian wines, it’s the ultimate culinary temptation with a vast variety of Italian specialities. Ranging from the pizzas to different risottos and steaks, Tentazioni deserves to be on your to check-list while in Djibouti.
Havana Café has just recently opened in Djibouti City and it is still a hidden gem among locals and expats. This family-friendly restaurant brings Western African cuisine to your table, rich in flavors and colors. Considered as the place to be for fresh fish and seafood, it makes for a great evening for family gatherings or business talks on the terrace.
Café de la Gare is an exquisite restaurant that offers French fine dining. The building dates back to 1898 and is known as one of the chic addresses in Djibouti City. Before dining, you can enjoy a drink at the bar, and peruse the menu which offers a great variety of seafood and fish, notably the scallops with mango. When it comes to meat, do not miss the honeyed duck.
This spot is an exclusive quaint boutique restaurant at the Sheraton Djibouti with a stunning seaview. It offers a wide selection of international and regional cuisine. Famous for its rich and varied buffets, it is a prime location for business meetings and ceremonial events. You can also enjoy a late brunch by the poolside or indulge for a cocktail dinner with colleagues or friends.
La Mer Rouge restaurant is one of the finest spots in Djibouti City for seafood lovers. You will get to choose your lobster and crab from the tank and see master chefs at work stretching noodles in front of you. Though the quality/price ratio is high in comparison with other local restaurants downtown, it is totally worth it. The seafood is extremely fresh, and there is a great selection of fish including the famous king fish and red tuna catch from the Red Sea. The restaurant also has a private parking lot.
Located downtown, La Chaumière restaurant serves fine French cuisine and is a well-known address among expats, mostly frequented late afternoons and at night. You do not want to miss on the steak with ginger served with the teriyaki sauce once there. The service is quick and correct, portions are generous and there’s a good quality/price ratio. Enjoy the French homemade desserts in the terrace that gives on La Place du 27 Juin.
This is the best choice for travelers and expats downtown for authentic and succulent Ethiopian and Italian cuisine. It is a great address in the Place Menelik, and is open at convenient times for all categories of clients. They serve delicious affordable pizzas and Ethiopian specialities – perfect to grab a quick meal or to sit with the family and friends.
Located in the Ilot de Héron in Djibouti City, this place is ideal to try a wide variety of cuisines ranging from French to Indian. Made only with fresh ingredients, the generous portions are to die for and the food is made on the spot and served hot. The restaurant also has a great selection of homemade fresh juices and local drinks, with a small bar indoors and a smoking area. Enjoy your plain naans dipped in a rich beef broccoli pot served with biryani rice and many other specialities in a convivial atmosphere.
Melting Pot is the choice of working people who want a calm lunch indoors or on the terrace. There’s a varied menu of Japanese cuisine, Middle Eastern dishes and some original local recipes – make sure to try the chicken escalope with cheese, an enhanced version of cordon bleu chicken, and check out the grilled meat and fish too. The service is great and it has a nice atmosphere.
