The best restaurants in the Gambia

Despite the unfortunate location on the highway, Sea Shells is well worth a visit for its creative and beautifully prepared dishes. Pop by at lunchtime for fresh vegetable tarts, curried chicken salad, salmon burger…

Much-loved Calypso serves delicious grilled fish, snacks (such as prawn spring rolls), panini and an African dish of the day, plus a full English breakfast. For peaceful views over the waterfront, head to the upper-…

Driss, the Moroccan celebrity chef (and TV star), fires up some of the best cooking in The Gambia at this elegant eatery with terrace seating on busy Kairaba Ave. You’ll find perfectly grilled fish and juicy steaks,…

This hidden oasis tucked one block south of the Atlantic Blvd is best known for its delectably prepared grilled meats (grilled T-bone, barbecue ribs), though you’ll also find a changing array of seafood and excellen…

Mama’s is a long-running institution in Fajara, with a huge menu of satisfying comfort food: brochettes, grilled fish, schnitzel, spaghetti, salads and local specialities like chicken yassa. You can dine alfresco in…

One of the best eateries in the Senegambia area, El Sol spreads a Latin feast, with enchiladas, quesadillas and fajitas, plus a first-rate grilled red snapper, all of which goes down nicely with a few rounds of marg…

In a converted house surrounded by gardens, the Clay Oven serves up excellent Indian food, with classics like palak paneer, chicken tikka massala and sizzling tandoori grills. On Tuesday, you can try a variety of di…

A song of praise to Italy and its culinary achievements. The pasta is al dente, the pizzas (widely hailed as Gambia’s best) are deep-dish and everything is cooked with the freshest ingredients. Book an upstairs tabl…

One of Gambia’s most renowned restaurants, this has always been the top address for sumptuous and lovingly presented meals; the service and sea-view setting are impeccable.

Gabriel, the talented chef and owner serves up classic Gambian dishes at excellent prices at this cosy open-sided spot in Cape Point. Traditional hits include chicken in domoda (a peanut sauce) and beef benachine (a…

This inspired restaurant is built around the concept of an Asian grill, meaning you have the rare treat of choosing the raw ingredients for your personalised stir-fry and watching them be cooked – unless you wish to…

On the edge of Kotu Beach, Sailor’s is a classic oceanfront spot that serves excellent seafood (including big mixed seafood platters). It has a separate free-standing second-storey terrace for grander views, and it’…

Arty, veggie, healthy and organic, this is an unlikely addition to Senegambia’s loud and boisterous food stations. The airy sculpture garden with its comfy armchairs is a great place to relax, the food is absolutely…

One of Cape Point’s best-known spots, Happy Corner – also known as Mr Bass and Bendula Bar – serves up decent grilled fish (including a respectable barracuda), plus steak, pastas, sandwiches and snacks. In season, t…

At the northern end of Kololi beach, this breezy roundhouse serves excellent grilled fish in a buzzing, youthful atmosphere. As light and sunny as the reggae classics on loop. Grab one of the outdoor tables for prim…

Everyone knows Ali Baba’s, so it’s as much a useful meeting point as a commendable restaurant. A fast-food joint during the day, it serves dinner with a show in its breezy garden. There’s live music most nights, and…