10 of the best restaurants in The Gambia

The diversity and quality of the cuisine available to you in The Gambia is just one reason why many people return, year after year. Here are some of the best restaurants to try while you're there.

From traditional Gambian dishes to Indian curries and Lebanese mezze, The Gambia's restaurants certainly don't disappoint. In fact, there's so much variety, you can sample a different cuisine every night!

To help you locate the very best eateries, we've gathered together our 10 favourite restaurants in The Gambia, many of which can be found in some truly beautiful settings.

 

1. Shiraz

Lebanese cuisine | South Kotu

Sample delicious home-cooked Lebanese food at Shiraz – a popular restaurant in The Gambia with a bar for pre and post-dinner drinks.

Fill up on their mezze dishes before finishing off with a tempting homemade dessert!

 

2. Al Terrace

Continental cuisine | Kololi

Fancy a bit of everything?

Popular with newcomers and returning visitors alike, thanks to its friendly atmosphere, quality food and excellent service, at Al Terrace you can expect everything from pizza, pasta, burgers and steaks to Lebanese cuisine and traditional Gambian dishes.

 

3. Calypso at the Cape

International cuisine | Cape Point

This restaurant in The Gambia comes out on top for its location alone. Overlooking a crocodile pool and surrounded by a wealth of birdlife, this beachside bar and restaurant offers excellent informal dining in a beautiful setting.

Look out for crocodiles as you enjoy delicious tapas, sandwiches and paninis, or why not sample their fresh seafood and African specials?

 

4. Gaya Art Café

International cuisine | Kololi

Influenced by the owners’ Mediterranean and African heritage, this atmospheric restaurant is known for its popular tapas menu and colourful cocktails.

Drop by for happy hour – every day between 5pm – 6pm and 9pm – 10pm!

 

5. Buddha Restaurant & Lounge

Asian cuisine | Cape Point

Enjoying an unrivalled position next to the ocean, Ocean Bay Hotel’s à la carte restaurant serves up ultra-modern and award-winning Mediterranean and Asian cuisine with a smile.

Find out more about Ocean Bay Hotel

 

6. Captain’s Table

International cuisine | Kotu

Perfect for couples looking for affordable wining and dining, this à la carte restaurant’s charming outdoor setting is blessed with an exotic, romantic atmosphere. 

7. The Clay Oven

Indian cuisine | Fajara

With over 26 years’ experience under the owners' belt, this authentic and hugely popular Indian restaurant invites you to enjoy traditional Indian food in its cool, air-conditioned interior or outdoors in the garden terrace.

 

8. Ngala Lodge

International cuisine | Fajara

Celebrating a special occasion? The romantic setting, ocean views and fabulous food at Ngala Lodge’s restaurant will certainly make your meal one to remember. 

Known for its exceptional cuisine, Ngala Lodge's elevated restaurant serves excellent food with daily specials, alongside an extensive wine list.

Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail as you watch the smouldering sun sink beneath the sea.

Find out more about Ngala Lodge

 

9. Gida’s Garden

International cuisine | Fajara

Known locally as the place to eat meat in The Gambia, this restaurant offers something to suit everyone’s taste.

Enjoy your meal in the serene garden setting under the shade of a Bantaba tree.

 

10. El Sol

Mexican cuisine | Kololi

The only Mexican restaurant in The Gambia, El Sol is also known for its perfectly grilled steaks and fresh seafood.

Finish off your meal with one of their finger-licking desserts or a frozen strawberry Margarita!

 

Have The Gambia's restaurants tempted your taste buds? Browse our collection of hotels and start planning your escape to Africa's smiling coast.