Gourmet products local specialties and wines Pointe Noire

An integral part of the Pontenegrin landscape, La Citronnelle is an unmissable meeting place - usually for business - and a good haunt for newcomers to the city. Above all, it's a very good bakery-pastry shop, with a wide choice of viennoiseries and cakes. The establishment also serves fast food for savory cravings. Its terrace on the avenue allows you to observe the hustle and bustle of the street, even if the general hubbub doesn't facilitate conversation: in this case, prefer the inside and its large air-conditioned room.

Opened at the end of 2017, Park'n Shop has become a second alternative for Pontegrins to find Western and also Indian products. Prices are double or even triple those in France, as many of the products are imported. However, African specialties such as honey from the Congo can be found at affordable prices. The delicatessen section is very interesting. Beware, however, of Western wines, whose labels may have been altered. There may be some nasty surprises...

The Casino supermarket, a direct competitor of Park'n Shop, is very well stocked. You'll find everything, at very different prices: private labels are still affordable, while some imported products, such as cheese and dairy products, are at least three times more expensive than you're used to. You'll find all your favorite French products, but at much higher prices. Don't hesitate to compare prices with Park'n Shop before you go shopping, and you might just save a few bucks.

Jean-Maurice Ouakatoulou, a former biochemistry student who studied in Cameroon and Japan, had long had the idea of making his own chocolate. Now he has his own small factory in Pointe-Noire! In the adjoining boutique, you can buy delicious 100% Congolese chocolate. Let yourself be tempted by his original chocolates, such as whisky and amarula. He also sells aphrodisiac sweets, cocoa powder and spreads.

It's the place to be for Congolese families and Westafs to come and enjoy an ice cream at the weekend. The ice creams, although industrial, are tasty and delicious. There's something for everyone: strawberry, mango, yoghurt, chocolate, salted butter caramel... The establishment also offers hamburger menus and inexpensive Asian formulas, as well as pizzas and meat brochettes. The place isn't very big, but you can sit in the small interior room or on the terrace overlooking the city's main boulevard. Friendly welcome.

After developing her pastry, confectionery and chocolate-making skills in France, Mam'Irène, a French-Congolese born in the Congo, returned to her native country. The adventure began in her kitchen, where she concocted jams from seasonal fruits. Her friends and family were won over by the quality, and she launched her own business, which was an immediate success! Mango, passion fruit, pineapple or more surprising blends such as pineapple-moringa, the sweetness of the flavors is sure to please gourmets. Mam'Irène has also launched her own chocolate production business. A real delight.

Like its big sister in Brazzaville, the Pain de Sucre bakery-pastry shop delights lovers of French baguettes, viennoiseries, cakes, artisanal ice creams and espresso coffee. Popular with Pontegrin families and expatriates alike, it's a popular spot for breakfast and snacks, where the temptation of the tempting shop window is easily tempted. In Pointe-Noire, the establishment boasts a large, shady, leafy terrace, a pleasant place to relax. A smiling welcome and a competent team.