The best restaurants Ivory Coast

The local way

The quality of welcome, service and cuisine can be uneven from one occasion to the next (inconsistency is unfortunately a constant in many Abidjan restaurants), and varies according to various factors such as arrivals, crowds, the presence or absence of the owner, etc. It should be noted that the service culture in Côte d'Ivoire is not highly developed, and sometimes lacks dynamism or responsiveness. Of course, if you arrive at a restaurant in a herd of fifteen - most of whom are used to rather modest tables and will quickly go into overheating mode - don't expect to be served at lightning speed. Try to be patient and understanding, especially as consumers are becoming increasingly demanding, and the situation is starting to move in the right direction. Slowly, but surely. Finally, if you're not satisfied and feel they're open to criticism, don't hesitate to tell the restaurateurs, who for the most part work under difficult conditions and go to great lengths to satisfy their customers.

Vegetarian friends, know that in Côte d'Ivoire, you'll eat very well and that Ivorians will adapt. Here, meat is revered in all its forms, but starchy foods and oil are also immeasurably popular! A salad is the thinly sliced, seasoned onions and tomatoes that usually accompany grilled and braised meats. Even if the design of a vegetarian plate isn't quite what you'd expect (potatoes, allocos, rice...). Ah, there's a little bit of green bean and two mushrooms fighting under the lettuce leaf!

Fresh fruit juice. Ivorians and the French don't have the same understanding of this term. Where the French understand "pressé", for the Ivorian it means that the juice comes out of the fridge, which is why you'll always be told yes. To avoid any misunderstanding, ask for a natural fruit juice.

Alcohol: be aware that some Lebanese supermarkets and establishments (or those run by Lebanese people) do not sell or consume alcohol. So if you fancy a glass of wine or a nice cold beer to accompany your meal, make sure it's available beforehand. This applies in particular to the commune of Marcory (especially in residential Marcory, known as "Little Beirut") and certain establishments in Zone 4.