Kinshasa Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Kinshasa

September 1, 2017 Marianna Hollaway

Kinshasa (/kɪnˈʃɑːsə/; French: [kɛ̃ʃaza]; formerly Léopoldville (French: Léopoldville or Dutch  Leopoldstad (help·info))) is the capital and the largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is beside the Congo River.
Things to do in Kinshasa

1. Le Cafe Conc

13 avenue de la Nation | Kinshasa-Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff French, European, International Lunch, Dinner HK$118 - HK$235 +243 818 993 090
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 40 reviews

Le Cafe Conc

Sea food French Gastronomie

Reviewed By BryanDubai - Dubai

The menu reads like a traditional french cookbook contents page- all the old favourites. The service and staff knowledge is probably the best in Kinshasa. If anything, it's probably a bit overpriced. A pity there's no outdoor seating- the weather in Kinshasa makes dining outdoors my preference.

2. Le Cercle Gourmand

Cercle de Kinshasa | 414 Avenue du Cercle / Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Reservations, Private Dining, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol European, French, International Lunch, Dinner HK$157 - HK$314 +243 817 155 252
Excellent
33%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
7%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 78 reviews

Le Cercle Gourmand

Reviewed By TroisChatsLies - Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tonight some friends and I attended an event that was catered by the Cercle Gourmand. It was all German food (the place is owned by Germans so it is authentic cuisine): pasta salad, sauerkraut, spaetzli, sausage, potatoes, goulash. Everything was tasty and the chefs were really friendly. My favorite was the cheesecake!

3. Le Mandarin

Boulevard de 30 Juin, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol Chinese, Asian Lunch, Dinner HK$78 - HK$196
Excellent
23%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 73 reviews

Le Mandarin

Reviewed By Amaan S - Burnaby

I have been going to this place for almost like 19 years now. This place place portrays the classic essence of Chinese culture. The food over here is simply magnificent. However, sometimes the service over here can be a bit slow on some busy weekends. The chilli beef with rice is a must try over here. The view from the place is quite good and it is a very good place to come with family and friends.

4. Chez Gaby

Av. Mongala 9 B | StendarBank, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol European, Portuguese, French, International, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$314 - HK$785 +243 819 904 213
Excellent
57%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 89 reviews

Chez Gaby

Un restaurant bar tres chic ou les gens continuent a se regrouper en quete de haute cuisine, de cocktails exotiques, et de differentes specialites portugaise et internationales. Gaby a concu une carte renouvelee regulierement, ou sont mis a l'honneur, quelques terroirs selectionnes pour leurs produits exclusifs et travailles de facon saisonniere.. Des l'entree, Gabi vous recoit avec sourire et professionnalisme.

Reviewed By Ellipse - Johannesburg

I ate at this restaurant a number of times during more than one visit to Kinshasa. I did not do so out of personal choice; I was constantly taken there as if someone were doing me a favour. While Gaby is friendly, the food itself is just average. I wish I could say something nicer than that but I cannot think of anything. I sometimes dreaded it when I knew people were planning on doing me "a favour" by taking me there.

5. Chez Maman Colonel

10 Avenue Bayaka Kimbondo | Bandal, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Reservations African, Barbecue Dinner, Lunch, Late Night +243 999 909 672
Excellent
43%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 96 reviews

Chez Maman Colonel

A Kinshasa institution beloved by locals and expats for excellent rotisserie chicken.

Reviewed By Gillian B - Blantyre, Blantyre, Malawi

Went here on a rainy night so we sat inside. The place was welcoming and definitely had a nice feel to it. We ordered the chicken (of course) with chips and vegetables. Get the whole chicken if 2 people there as it is cheaper than buying 2 1/2 chickens. It is slow so be prepared to wait. Love the way they gave us hot water to wash our hands before eating. That is a nice touch. (You wash your hands African style in the restaurant). The only thing I would say I was disappointed in was the green vegetables which they told me was their version of Lenga Lenga and it looked nothing like Lenga Lenga as I know it.

6. Chez Philo

Near Boulvard 31 Juin, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol African, European, French, Belgian Dinner, Lunch, Late Night
Excellent
28%
Good
63%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 57 reviews

Chez Philo

Reviewed By secheresse - Montreal, Canada

Philo is a safe choice, calm place, not pretentious with a large selection of classic bistro food including local dishes and game meat (not from endangered species). Ambiance is cool and the service is good.

7. Limoncello

Avenue Tombalbaye 20 - Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Delivery Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$118 - HK$235 +243 815 141 111
Excellent
46%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 344 reviews

Limoncello

Reviewed By Martijn t - Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Went here with a large group from work. The location (at night) not the best, a dingy side street but inside very beautiful and tastefully decorated. Lots of staff, but they were watching mostly football on TV. Staff was friendly but also quite clueless. However the food and wine was delicious, truly good and considering Kinshasa prices very fairly priced. One of the best places in town, foodwise.

8. O'Poeta

4 Avenue Du Cercle, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available Italian, Pizza, European, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +243 999 229 097
Excellent
24%
Good
55%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 187 reviews

O'Poeta

Reviewed By Steeve P

I went twice to O'Poeta so far, once at noon for a pizza and the second time at night, for my birthday party. The first time, I was with my best friend and the second time with eight other friends. I must say that I prefer the ambiance at night. There are mosquitoes, because the restaurant is mainly outdoors, but the lights are great. There are also many plants and a slightly African décor that matches well with a cooler temperature and the coziness that brings the night. For the mosquito issue, just tell a waiter or a waitress: they will provide mosquito coils. The staff is friendly. Even if they don't seem to understand what you want, they will do whatever they can to satisfy you. I remember the first time I went I asked a pizza without mozzarella. I repeated it twice, to be sure the waitress had understood. She went away without saying anything. I was worried because I know that at the Limoncello for example they bother you for half an hour and in the end tell you that it can't be done. "A pizza without mozzarella? Why not a cup of coffee without cup?" But that's not the mindset of O'Poeta. They brought me a delicious sea food pizza without any trace of cheese. And the second time, for my birthday, it was just perfect, the food, the service, the ambiance,... everything was good.

9. Al'Dar

Boulevard du 30 Juin, opposite Kinmart supermarket, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Halal, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner
Excellent
22%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 61 reviews

Al'Dar

Reviewed By 1alwaystraveling - Richmond, Virginia

Well, I will say the food is relatively cheap, and service fast. But the Shwarmas were nothing special. The fries inside were extremely cold, but the chicken very good. Was told previously they had great food but changed management or something and the quality has gone downhill. I was not impressed at all. Burgers have the over grind and gamey taste found at most places that serve burgers. But that issue norm here.

10. ASK Tabuinhas

Avenue de La paix n1 / Comune de Ngaliema | Association Sportive Kinoise, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Delivery, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, French, Mediterranean, European, Portuguese, International, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast HK$16 - HK$275 +243 819 777 767
Excellent
89%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 72 reviews

ASK Tabuinhas

Reviewed By Tom M

Went there on Sunday for the lunch buffet starting at 13:00.
Friendly welcome, food is very good and you have a large choice of meals.
For 30$ per adults, I think it s a good value for money taking into account the prices in Kinshasa.
Room for improvement in the place itself. The facilities could be renovated, it would not arm...

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.