Location: Cotonou
Top Restaurants in Cotonou
Countries
Top 10 restaurants in Cotonou, Benin
Home to many diplomatic services and the largest population in the country, Cotonou is the de facto capital of Benin, although not the official one. Its location at the crossroads between numerous neighboring countries makes it a commercial hub, instrumental in opening trade to the African interior. From Cotonou travelers may depart for tours of the outlying regions. The nearby stilted village of Ganvie is a short day trip from the bustle of Boulevard St. Michel and the Dan Topka market.
Things to do in Cotonou
1. Livingstone
Overall Ratings
4 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By WandaSer - London, United Kingdom
Very very tasty food. Even ratatouille was exceptionally good :). You might need to wait a bit and in the evening it gets quite busy. On the main restaurants street in Cotonou. Recommended
2. HOTEL DU LAC
Overall Ratings
4 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By Roonishere - Malaysia
It's nice to have a grilled fish and see the lovely sea, nice place with good food but in Africa the service is so slow in general, it's part of the culture there, clean food they serve which is rare too.
3. Hai King
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Serginho1970 - Bonn
When staying in Cotonou, I ate there numerous times. the service is excellent, the food exquisite. You can sit on a terrace/balcony away from the noise and smog, enjoy a draft beer and eat real good food. The menu is good and quite extensive. However, some of the seafood is not always available.
The staff is polite, attentive and efficient. One of my favourites in Cotonou. it also is very conveniently located. I will definitely come again.
4. Le Sorrento
Overall Ratings
4 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By MTolik - Toronto, Canada
Expensive, with small portions. The worst- unfriendly, slow staff.
Interior- ok, the taste of food- fine.
However, I am upset with overall situation with this place. Must be improved in order to be visited. It has potential, but managed poorly. Wish you improvements and positive changes.
5. Pili Pili
Overall Ratings
4 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By ArynAjalaTravel - Lagos Nigeria
I can't help it. How can I visit Cotonou without lunch or dinner at Pili Pili. When worn begin... The fresh pineapple juice chilled to perfection or the native chicken or fish grilled with all kinds of herbs.
Eating in Cotonou isn't like going to a fast food restaurant it's real dining no matter what level the restaurant is. The French really enjoy their food and relish in eating it. Pili Pili is recommended. Just ask a taxi driver to take you there. It's that popular.
6. Maquis du Port
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By anuka9 - kigali
This isn't a fine dining place and the wine choices leave much to be desired but the seafood was delicious. Lots of locals and expats come here and it offers a nice, relaxed, friendly atmosphere (it is air conditioned :) ).
7. Bangkok Terrasse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By 127Fred - London, United Kingdom
A nice grotto-like environment, a private security guard outside setting a friendly atmosphere: these are one of the few items that can rise eyebrows the positive way.
A Thai cashier, with the rest of the staff having no chance of pretending to be Thai, with clothing having nothing to do with Thailand, remind the client again that Thailand has drifted apart very far, some million years ago.
The food did not inspire much confidence in its digestibility for stomachs enjoying so little immunity. Hence the blandest dishes were chosen. These did pass through with no excess of difficulties.
8. Shamiana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
one of about two Indian restaurants in Cotonou... past a Ministry/government building
Reviewed By Elnok - Washington, DC
Excellent-tasting food, tables large enough to accommodate parties, very reasonable prices, very nice air conditioning, very friendly service. I've nothing negative (or even middling) to say about this place. (Except the picture, which is of take out from the restaurant, doesn't do the place justice.)
9. Le Prive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By anuka9 - kigali
This is a beautifully decorated high end restaurant with very good food and a nice wine selection. It's pricier than most restaurants but well worth it. Has a very nice ambiance. There is a nice bar/lounge area attached to the restaurant. The foie gras was divine! Would definitely recommend this place and go again next time I'm there.
10. La cabane du pecheur
Overall Ratings
4 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By magnif - London, United Kingdom
Went for a family lunch. Nice view from the rear deck overlooking the sea. Small play area for the kids.
Food was a bit lackluster. Frog legs were under seasoned and wife's salad featured rubbery prawns. Pizza was great. Would still go back for the ambience.
