The best bistros and brasseries 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

Bars and cafés are generally open all day from 8 or 9am, until 11pm, or even 1am for some. Some bars organize concerts by local bands, especially in Cotonou.

Petite Béninoise, the local beer, costs 500 FCFA in 25 cl bottles. A cocktail costs between 2,500 and 3,000 FCFA. A soda, known in Benin as a "sucrerie", costs 300 FCFA.

Age restrictions

Night bars are open to people over 18. In some cases, you'll need to show proof of identity.

What's very local

In bars and cafés, Beninoise is the most popular national beer in Benin. It is produced by the Sobebra brewery and you will see it everywhere. In the markets, especially in the north of the country, you can taste the tchouk, a local beer made of millet or sorghum served in a calabash. Not to be missed!

Kids

Don't worry about your charming toddlers, they're welcome anywhere in the country!

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited in cafés and bars. Most of the time, however, you'll be on a terrace, where it won't be a problem.