Restaurant Benin - The 10 best restaurants Benin in 2024

Practical information : Eating out Benin

Timetable

In Cotonou, restaurants generally serve from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 19:00 to 22:00, or even 23:00. And, in general, every day. The maquis of the capital and the tables or bars of the rest of the country serve for the most part 7 days a week and continuously from 8 am to 10 pm.

Budget & Tips

There is something for every taste and budget. You can eat in the street or in a maquis (between 1,000 and 2,000 CFA francs) as well as treat yourself to a gourmet meal in a good restaurant. The maquis offer very simple dishes: braised chicken or peanut sauce, spaghetti, brochettes, etc. These cheap eateries are often a good opportunity to meet the local population and make friends. Small restaurants offer African and European cuisine, in addition to these cheap eateries. In Cotonou, a few restaurants with more elaborate menus prepare excellent European, African, Italian and even Asian cuisine. Lovers of fish and shellfish will also be delighted, with beautiful proposals of fish and seafood, especially on the beaches of Fidjrossè in Cotonou or in the seaside resort of Grand Popo in the southwest.

What costs extra

In Benin, we like to be rewarded with a small tip. If you were satisfied with the service, a few coins or a bill will make the staff happy. Even if there is no obligation!

The local way

In the maquis or the small street cafeterias, one savors the cuisine of the tantis! You wait (often a little longer than expected), you chat with your guest, then your neighbor, then your neighbor's neighbor, and you salivate at the idea of a good grill, a slightly (or well) spiced fish, mashed yams with peanut sauce or a peuhl cheese. Once served, the dish is shared with fellow travelers and eaten with the fingers. In general, a small basin of water is used to rinse the hands before resuming the road.

To be avoided

Even though it is not usually offered to tourists, be careful not to drink tap water, which is usually not drinkable. Prefer bottled water and sweetened drinks. When you go off the beaten track, some street cafes are not recommended for the faint of heart

Kids

Children are always welcome around a Beninese table. They will even be particularly pampered!

Smokers

It is forbidden to smoke in closed places and, anyway, Beninese people almost never smoke. However, there is no need to worry about smoking on the terrace or in outdoor places.

The best restaurants Benin

LE BÉLIER

LA CABANE DU PÊCHEUR

LE HUBLOT BRASSERIE ET GUESTHOUSE

LES NOUVEAUX ALIZES

L'AMICALE

LA NOUVELLE BRASSERIE

LE LIEU UNIQUE

L'ENDROIT BY OLABISSI

AUBERGE DE GRAND-POPO

CENTRE NONVIGNON

LA PLAGE BY CODE BAR

CHEZ THÉO

L'IMPREVU BISTROT

POULET PIQUÉ

CHEZMÀGANVIÉ

LA VOILE BLEUE COTONOU

HAKUNA MATATA RESTAURANT GRILLADES

AUTO-ENTREPRISE

ETABLISSEMENT LA BOCA DEL RIO

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