Restaurant Benin - The 10 best restaurants Benin in 2024

Practical information : Eating out Benin

Timetable

In Cotonou, restaurants generally serve from 12pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 10pm, or even 11pm. And usually every day. The capital's maquis and bars in the rest of the country mostly serve 7 days a week, non-stop from 8am to 10pm.

Budget & Tips

There's something for every taste and budget. You can eat on the street or in a maquis (between 1,000 and 2,000 FCFA), or treat yourself to a gourmet meal in a good restaurant. 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 low-cost options. In Cotonou, a few restaurants with more elaborate menus prepare excellent European, African, Italian and even Asian cuisine. Fish and shellfish lovers will also be delighted, with fine fish and seafood offerings, notably on the beaches of Fidjrossè in Cotonou or in the seaside resort of Grand Popo in the south-west.

What costs extra

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

The local way

In the maquis or small street cafeterias, you can savor the cuisine of the tantis! You wait (often a little longer than expected), chat with your guest, then your neighbor, then your neighbor's neighbor, and 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. A small basin of water is usually available for rinsing hands before setting off again.

To be avoided

Even if it's not usually offered to tourists, be careful not to drink tap water, which is generally undrinkable. Bottled water and sugary drinks are preferable. When you're off the beaten tourist track, some street cafés are not recommended for the faint of stomach.

Kids

Children are always welcome around a Beninese table. In fact, they'll be especially pampered!

Smokers

Smoking is forbidden in enclosed spaces and, in any case, the Beninese hardly ever smoke. However, you can enjoy a smoke on a terrace or in the open air.

The best restaurants Benin

LE BÉLIER

LA PLAGE BY CODE BAR

LA CABANE DU PÊCHEUR

LE LIEU UNIQUE

LE HUBLOT BRASSERIE ET GUESTHOUSE

LES NOUVEAUX ALIZES

MAQUIS SUPER PILI-PILI

MAQUIS DELPHANO

CHEZ AMY

MAQUIS LE KÉDJENOU

BANGKOK TERRASSE

LA BRÈCHE DE NATI

MAQUIS LA RÉSIDENCE

LE LIVINGSTONE

FESTIVAL DES GLACES

L'AMICALE

RESTAURANT KARIM 24

CHEZ MAMAN BÉNIN

NEUER BIERGARTEN RESTAURANT

MAQUIS DU PORT

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