Banjul - Dining

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Dining

Banjul

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Africa Gambia Banjul Dining

Overview

Dining The guide was updated: 2026-04-20

Dining options range widely by cuisine type and service quality, from cheap roadside eateries to fancier, upscale restaurants geared primarily at international visitors. Some traditional local dishes include the domada (a variety of peanut-based stew made with vegetables of the cook's choice, served on rice), benechin (or Jollof rice) — a one-pot rice dish made with meat or fish, chili, and various vegetables, and yassa (a simple chicken or fish dish with a side of rice).

New Dominos Beach Bar and Restaurant (Kotu)

New Dominos Beach Bar and Restaurant (Kotu)

There is something going on at New Domino's on most nights (from live music to dance shows), and the establishment's popularity in the area really speaks for itself. Sunbeds are available to customers. Get here early for the traditional "buffet night" on Wednesdays.

Butcher's Shop (Fajara)

Butcher's Shop (Fajara)

Although slightly more pricey than your average Gambian eatery, Butcher's Shop brings quality to show for its ambition - the menu is varied (with a Moroccan touch - the star head chef comes from Morocco himself), with meats and fish cooked to perfection.

Ngala Lodge (Fajara)

Ngala Lodge (Fajara)

The superb Ngala Lodge (located at the namesake upscale hotel) delivers excellent food and service in an incredible setting with front-row sea views from the dining area. Serves refined, beautifully presented dishes made with fresh locally-sourced ingredients.

Sea Shells Bar & Restaurant (Kololi)

Sea Shells Bar & Restaurant (Kololi)

Do not be turned away by Sea Shells' seemingly unfavourable setting in close proximity to a busy road - the restaurant enjoys a good reputation with locals and visitors alike, and serves some excellent dishes unique to the establishment, featuring locally-sourced greens, meats, and seafood.

El Sol (Kololi)

El Sol (Kololi)

Heralded as one of the best eateries in the area, El Sol leans heavily towards Mexican flavours, featuring dishes such as well-expected enchiladas and fajitas on its extensive menu. The selection extends beyond just Mexican to further local and international offerings.

La Scala (Kololi)

La Scala (Kololi)

Beyond doubt one of the best eateries in Senegambia, La Scala is a restaurant whose (comparatively) elevated pricing is more than justified — food quality is superb and the menu rather varied (order lobster a day in advance, however). To ensure being seated, remember to book in advance.

Calypso Bar and Restaurant (Bakau)

Calypso Bar and Restaurant (Bakau)

This exceptional restaurant is set next to a crocodile pond (no worries — the crocks are all very well-behaved), in a natural environment where bird-watching and animal-spotting are easily done from where you're dining. Serves dishes of regional and international cuisine.

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