Where to Eat in Bamako: The Best Restaurants and Bars

September 23, 2017 Marlin Saiz

One of the fastest growing cities in the world, Bamako sprawls across the flat plains to the north and south of the Niger River, with the Presidential Palace overlooking from the northern escarpment. The city is a major port, home to Mali's largest international airport and the Dakar-Niger Railway. Bamako is also a cultural hub, boasting multiple museums, a zoo, botanical gardens, the Bamako Grand Mosque and the Cathedral of Bamako.
Things to do in Bamako

1. Appaloosa Restaurant

Rue 311 | Quartier du Fleuve, Bamako, Mali Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Delivery, Free Wifi American, Bar, Pub Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks HK$110 - HK$204 +223 76 66 99 99
Excellent
52%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 162 reviews

Appaloosa Restaurant

All new remodeling with the same great foods and service ( never judge before trying ) the best food in town . NEW APPALOOSA : newly nicely remodeled SMOKE FREE dining and lounge area where you can enjoy a quiet diner or a cocktail during your business meeting away from the music and the bar crowd . APPALOOSA , always trying our best for the comfort of our valued customers . KARAOKE NIGHTS every Wednesday ( come and enjoy the only KARAOKE BAR with your friends in BAMAKO ) NEW APPALOOSA : come and enjoy our DAILY OPEN BUFFET with over 24 entrees ( salads , cold meats and fish and a wide variety of succulent dishes ) ,plus 4 different main courses that vary daily and a delicious fruit salad for the only price of 8.500 Fcfa ( 17 $ ) . For your business lunches or for a fast service meal only one address APPALOOSA ... BON APPETIT.

Reviewed By The-Specultor - London, United Kingdom

Two years ago when I visited it was a cool place, now??? The first thing that struck me was the 10 European girls behind the bar, smoking and drinking! Mostly Russian, East European., judging by the languages and accents.
It was a decidedly uncomfortable feeling, it was like they were all on display?...
Food was not as good, waiters still wearing the cheesy hats and service ok.
But what exactly is Appaloosa? Pub? or something else a little more risqué the apparel worn would suggest the latter
Off my list of recommended places.

2. Le Campagnard

Koulikoro road between Fourmi and Azar | Niar�la, Bamako, Mali Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff European Lunch, Dinner
Excellent
34%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 43 reviews

Le Campagnard

Reviewed By Leanne D - Pretoria, South Africa

French atmosphere and French inspired cuisine. Whilst an environment of the country has been tried to be created, it is okish for families, food is satisfactory, not a great variety but a good selection of desserts including ice cream

3. San Toro

Route de Koulikoro 169 | Hippodrome, Bamako, Mali Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Outdoor Seating African Dinner, Lunch HK$78 - HK$157 +223 91 31 00 00
Excellent
40%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 67 reviews

San Toro

San Toro is a well known restaurant in the center of Bamako with 20 years of history. Koffi Annan and the current King of The Netherlands are well known visitors. The food and the characteristic decoration are traditional African. The grilled fish and meat have an excellent reputation like the delicious local juices. The large garden and paillote offer excellent opportunities for meetings and seminars. Alcohol is not served.

Reviewed By TheChouchous - Brindisi, Italy

We had been to many "french" styles restaurant so San Toro's menu was an interesting change. Note, they do not serve alcohol but delicious juices. The food was amazingly delicious with light spices (or stronger if you want). Musicians were playing local music. I would definitely recommend.

4. Soukhothai

Rue 313 | Quartier du Fleuve, Bamako 00000, Mali Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner HK$157 - HK$392 +223 20 22 24 48
Excellent
55%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 131 reviews

Soukhothai

Reviewed By devinewise - New York City, New York

Nice relaxing atmosphere... The garden manicured garden in front with the calming waterfall not too big space so either you reserve a space or be prepared to seat outside. it all makes for a great dining experience inside or out. The food is OK, a bit pricey so will recommend for special occasions unless you flowing with wads. Otherwiseenvironment makes for a cozy date with friends or business partners.
Te owner is hands on and on site so adds to the great experience.

5. Restaurant Le Loft

Rue Achkabad 687, Bamako BP E 1520, Mali Delivery, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Reservations, Private Dining, Accepts Credit Cards French, European Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$141 - HK$471 +223 20 21 49 49
Excellent
46%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 176 reviews

Restaurant Le Loft

In a pleasant and trendy ambiance, the Loft cuisine pushes the culinary innovations of the most daring. In LE LOFT de Bamako restaurant, the chef and his team offer a refined gastronomic cuisine, combining tradition and imagination. Throughout the seasons, you will be seduced by a menu of unequaled produce and quality.

Reviewed By Snoze - Istanbul, Turkey

Very chic, club style restaurant. Nice welcoming French owner is paying attention to her clients. Good option if you want to treat you. Main dishes prices around 6000-10,000 Cfa Good security at gate. Very nice deco. High end.

6. Badalodge

Kalabanbougou | P, Bamako, Mali Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Wheelchair Accessible Bar, European, Pub Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +223 65 96 06 06
Excellent
44%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 57 reviews

Badalodge

Reviewed By StevieG_1967 - Bamako, Mali

HAve been ther several times and have always enjoyed it. Teh access road in teh rainy season can be a challenge so make sure you have a 4x4 after heavy rains. Great setting next to the river with a spectacular swimming pool and nice pub. Food has always been good and the evening buffet was great. Nice beef kebabs. Little bit pricey but worth it.

7. Parc national du Mali

Rue de La Liberte, a l'Interieur du Parc National du Mali, Bamako, Bamako, Mali Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff African, International Lunch, Dinner
Excellent
37%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 45 reviews

Parc national du Mali

Le restaurant est situé à l'intérieur du Parc national du Mali, près du jardin zoologique et du Musée national.

Reviewed By CampbellJohn - Geneva, Switzerland

I had lunch here in September with colleagues I was working with from the University of Mali in Bamako. The service as excellent, the food delicious and the location an oasis of peace in the bustling city. I hope to return one day !!!

8. Le Savana

Route de Koulikoro 1031, Bamako, Mali Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Delivery Bar, European, Pizza, Pub Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +223 78 07 77 77
Excellent
49%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 89 reviews

Le Savana

Reviewed By modibo1 - Baltimore, Maryland

Everyone talks about the pizza, but I want to talk about the popcorn. Lots of places in Bamako serve peanuts with drinks - Le Savana does, too - but they kick it up a notch by serving great popcorn, too. It's a bit oily, but not too salty, and a welcome change of pace.
The pizza is good, and the servings are generous. Pies start at about 6000 cfa, and even if you get one of the more expensive ones like seafood, they top out at about 9000 cfa. All pizzas are available with thin (cracker thin) and thick crust.
I had the Sicilian pizza (sauce, anchovies, capers, olives - a salt-lovers pizza), and it doesn't come with cheese. I got the thin crust, and it met my expectations. In hindsight I would have ordered a pizza with some cheese on it, but the sicilian was still good.
There's lots more on the menu - seafood, grilled meats, various appetizers - but we all got pizza. My dining partners with Savana experience were careful, though, to ask whether all 4 cheeses on the 4 Fromages pizza were available. This night they were, but it might be worth noting.
A full bar is available. Le Savana offers beers in small and large bottles, as well as wines by the bottle, glass or carafe. I had a glass of the house red wine and it was very satisfactory.

9. Comme Chez Soi - Bistro

Road 281-Door 37, Bamako 00000, Mali Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol French, International, European Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Late Night HK$47 - HK$102 +223 74 44 22 22
Excellent
39%
Good
53%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 76 reviews

Comme Chez Soi - Bistro

Our bistro is under a large thatch roof with two levels surrounded by plants. There is a large dining room on the top level and a lounge space on the lower level. We currently offer the following services:Weekend Brunch - Saturday and Sunday from 11AM to 3PM Dinner Service - Tuesday - Saturday: Open from 6PM to 10:30PM (last Seating at 10:30PM)

Reviewed By GeekNomad - Jakarta

We dropped in here a couple of weeks ago and had the place all to ourselves. It was lovely. The service was great, the food delicious, and it was just a lovely experience

10. Da Guido Pizzeria

ACI 2000 Hamdallaye face AGETIPE, Bamako, Mali Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Italian, Pizza, European, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner +223 66 79 01 35
Excellent
24%
Good
56%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 130 reviews

Da Guido Pizzeria

Reviewed By Holgi E

At first - this place is one of the more safe ones in Bamako.
Mostly frequented by expads, diplomats, military and other international organisations.
The prices are okay for internationals but almost unaffordable for the regular malians. This automatically reduces the potential malian visitors.
Pizza tastes really good.
Have not tried the meat dishes myself...but they looked also quite good.
Only sad thing is the poor quality of the spicy oil, served with the pizza.
One would expect something better from an Italian patron.
Definitely a GO when you are in Bamako.

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