The Gambia is renowned for its abundant supply of fresh seafood; lady fish, barracuda, butter fish and Atlantic prawns are just some of what you'll find on many menus.
In beach bars in the south of the country, you can order the 'catch of the day' and the staff will go to the local fishing village and purchase some of the freshly caught fish for you.
Traditional Gambian Dishes
There are four main traditional Gambian dishes which can be made with fish, meat or chicken:
- Benachin - Rice cooked with meat or fish and vegetables and tomatoes.
- Domoda - Meat stewed in peanut puree and served with rice.
- Superkanja - A mix of okra, fish or meat, palm oil, onions and pepper boiled together.
- Chicken Yassa - Chicken cooked with fresh lime, onions and ground black pepper.
Types of Restaurants
Fine Dining:
Ngala Lodge - Fajara
Fantastic international cuisine with a Mediterranean influence in a superb location overlooking the ocean.
Buddha Restaurant & Lounge - Cape Point
Ocean Bay's à la carte restaurant with an unrivaled position next to the ocean.
Coco Ocean Resort & Spa - Bijilo
A choice of restaurants is available at Coco Ocean Resort & Spa, with international chefs producing dishes from Morocco, Thailand, Lebanon and Europe. Enjoy something prepared from one of the following menus in elegant and exquisite surroundings:
Sample menus
Gambian:
Boss Lady – Kotu
Popular restaurant with an informal atmosphere serving good quality authentic Gambian cuisine.
Indian:
The Clay Oven - Fajara
Longstanding and extremely popular Indian restaurant.
Tandoor Indian Restaurant - Kotu Craft Market
Freshly cooked authentic Indian cuisine at reasonable prices in a relaxed setting.
Italian:
Gustos - Kololi
Italian Restaurant and Bar for dinner and/or drinks, newly opened last winter.
Luigi's - South Kotu
Italian dishes served throughout the day and evening, popular for home made ice creams.
Asian:
Buddha Restaurant & Lounge - Cape Point
Modern Asian cuisine with Mediterranean alternatives
Lebanese:
Shiraz - South Kotu
Excellent home-cooked Lebanese food, very popular.
Al Rawshe - Kololi
Traditional Lebanese cuisine, with a buffet night on Fridays
Mexican:
El Sol - Kololi
A contemporary hot spot for cocktails, tapas and Mexican specialties.
Mediterranean:
Leo's Restaurant - Brufut Heights
Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh and healthy local produce in the beautiful modern setting of the Leo's Beach Hotel.
Vineyard - The Village Complex, Kololi
Classy air-conditioned restaurant with an excellent menu.
International:
Al Terrace - Kololi
A newly opened restaurant that is quickly gaining in popularity.
The Brasserie - Kombo Beach Hotel, Kotu
Great food in a relaxed atmosphere plus ocean views.
The Butcher's Shop - Fajara
Quality international restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Calypso - Cape Point
Spectacular beachside setting for informal dining. Read our review.
Captain's Table - Kotu
Excellent à la carte restaurant in an attractive outdoor setting.
Gaya Art café Restaurant - Kololi
Variety of cultural cuisine served in a cosy atmosphere.
Gida's Garden - Fajara
Newly opened last winter, enjoy this serene garden setting under the shade of a bantaba.
Kori d'Or – Kololi
A la carte cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Kori d'Or is also a lovely location for pre or post dinner drinks.
La Cucina Restaurant – Cape Point
Contemporary seafood with a fantastic ambience.
Ningki Nangka Beach Restaurant – Kotu
An à la carte oceanfront restaurant with wonderful food, great service and a tranquil atmosphere.
Reo's Bar & Restaurant – Kololi
Contemporary décor and friendly atmosphere offering pasta, seafood, grills, tapas and African specials plus live football matches and a pool table.
Sea Shells - Senegambia strip
Serves lunch and evening menus with a variety of international cuisine
Discount For Our Customers
When booking a package holiday with us you will receive a copy of The Gambia Experience ‘Gambia Guide’ within your ticket pack.
Within the guide, is an extensive listing plus ‘tear out money off vouchers’ for each of the following restaurants; detailing opening times, a price indicator, a description of the type of cuisine, atmosphere and features, a location map plus contact numbers to enable you to secure a reservation.
The money off vouchers will provide our customers with a saving of 10% off the total bill (in most cases - some variations and restrictions apply).
FREE Gambia Guide
Book with The Gambia Experience and receive a FREE Gambia Guide packed with info and SAVINGS at over 20 restaurants in The Gambia.
Hotel Restaurants
Many of the hotels we feature have a main restaurant and à la carte dining, the following hotels have a greater choice with two or more restaurants for guests.
The quality of a meal at any restaurant can vary and Gambian restaurants are no exception. Our local representatives can offer advice about the current reputation of restaurants and any new establishments that may have opened.
