How about savoring exquisite fine French cuisine in Djibouti’s heart? Or perhaps you have a hankering for Italian cuisine? You’re in luck: Djibouti City has an incredibly diverse culinary scene, with dishes ranging from Yemeni to Ethiopian. Here are our recommendations for the best restaurants in Djibouti city.
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The Best Restaurants in Djibouti City
Moukbasa Central-Chez Youssouf
Mukbassa Central Chez Youssouf, a long-established Yemeni fish restaurant, is the place to go for the famous traditional Yemeni fish meal of the same name. You will have an outstanding culinary experience as well as a discovery of the traditional ways the fish is prepared and cooked thanks to the expertise of the owner, Youssouf. The dish is made with Yemeni Arabic spices and served with spicy sauces and honey-drizzled banana paste.
Tentazioni
For lovers of Italian cuisine, the Kempinski Palace Djibouti’s Tentazioni Restaurant is the place to be. It provides fine dining with a stunning view of Djibouti Bay, as well as indoor and outdoor seating. It’s the ultimate culinary temptation with a wide range of Italian specialties and an excellent selection of Italian wines. Tentazioni deserves to be on your must-visit list while in Djibouti, with everything from pizzas to risottos and steaks.
Café de la Gare
Café de la Gare is an exquisite French fine dining establishment. The building was built in 1898 and is considered one of the most fashionable addresses in Djibouti City. Before you eat, you can have a drink at the bar and peruse the menu, which features a wide range of seafood and fish, including the scallops with mango. When it comes to meat, the honeyed duck should not be overlooked.
La Mer Rouge
La Mer Rouge restaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants in Djibouti City. You will be able to select your lobster and crab from the tank and watch master chefs stretch noodles in front of you. Though the quality/price ratio is high in comparison to other downtown local restaurants, it is completely worth it. The seafood is extremely fresh, and there is a wide variety of fish available, including the famous king fish and red tuna caught in the Red Sea. There is also a private parking lot at the restaurant.
La Chaumière
La Chaumière restaurant, located downtown, serves fine French cuisine and is a popular hangout for expats, especially in the late afternoons and at night. You don’t want to miss out on the steak with ginger served with teriyaki sauce if you go. The service is prompt and accurate, the portions are generous, and the price/quality ratio is favorable. Enjoy homemade French desserts on the terrace that overlooks La Place du 27 Juin.
Melting Pot
If you have a hankering for sashimi or yakitori while in Djibouti, head to the cute and cozy Melting Pot for authentic Japanese cuisine. There are also French classics, burgers, and camel steak (yes!). Another draw is the setting, which includes a gorgeously overgrown garden. It is hidden away on a small side street in Îlot du Héron.
Le Mosaic
The Sheraton Djibouti Hotel has a casually elegant restaurant known for its lavish dinner buffets – don’t miss the seafood buffet on Thursday and the oriental buffet on Tuesday. Lunch is a more relaxed affair, with salads, sandwiches, and fish dishes on the menu. The prices include access to the pool.
Restaurant Le Longchamp
This restaurant, located in Djibouti City’s Ilot de Héron, is ideal for sampling a variety of cuisines ranging from French to Indian. Only fresh ingredients are used, and the generous portions are to die for. The food is prepared on the spot and served hot. The restaurant also has a great selection of homemade fresh juices and local drinks, as well as an indoor smoking area and a small bar. In a convivial setting, enjoy plain naans dipped in a rich beef broccoli pot served with biryani rice and a variety of other specialties.
Time Out
For authentic and succulent Ethiopian and Italian cuisine, this is the best option for downtown travelers and expats. It has a great location in Place Menelik and is open at times that are convenient for all types of customers. They serve delicious, affordable pizzas and Ethiopian specialties – ideal for a quick bite or a sit-down meal with family and friends.