Set in Abidjan’s Cocody district, Le Bistrot Palmier marries French bistro classics with distinct Ivorian flavors, all executed under the expert guidance of chef Matthieu Gasnier. The menu includes standout dishes like pan-seared sea bass with citrus beurre blanc and tender beef tenderloin in a rich mushroom sauce. For dessert, diners can indulge in a decadent chocolate mousse or a silky creme brulee. The design of the restaurant, including the relaxing terrace, skews chic.

This classic, open-air maquis is a wonderful place to soak up the energy of street-side dining in Abidjan. Situated in the Deux Plateaux district, Chez Hélène specializes in all things braised and grilled over open flames, including chicken, beef, fish, and giant African snails. Standard accompaniments such as attiéké (fermented cassava), alloco (fried plantains), and rice complete any meal.

Dishes arrive in a mishmash of steel platters, earthen bowls, and decorative china at this sprawling, open-air maquis out in the Bingerville district. The menu is packed with locally sourced ingredients in items like spicy grilled chicken, tender lamb kebabs, and hearty Ivorian stews made with fresh cabbage, eggplant, okra, and spinach. Known for its energetic vibe, Coup de Frein has the feel of a community hub, and you’ll often see locals gathering there for parties. If you want to blend in, order the grilled fish, fried plantains, and yam pottage (porridge) — true staples of the Ivorian kitchen.

Tucked into the Ivoire Trade Center, Le Comptoir de Cocody offers a reinterpretation of Ivorian and international flavors under the direction of chef Patrice Kouadio. The modern space, with a sleek blue tiled bar, sets the tone for a meal that’s equal parts elegance and comfort. Chef Kouadio’s menu takes diners on a flavorful journey, featuring standout dishes like langouste à la crème (tender lobster in a velvety cream sauce) and the indulgent Poulet DG, a Cameroonian-inspired chicken stew served with plantains. For something lighter, try the carpaccio de thon: thinly sliced tuna dressed in citrus and a hint of heat. Many locals stop by just for some expertly brewed Ivorian coffee at the adjoining Africafé, which showcases local flavors through its selection of fresh pastries and drinks; it’s a perfect spot for a post-meal espresso or midmorning break.

This homegrown, retro-style diner chain — outfitted with a variety of leather banquettes, vintage posters, and ’50s-inspired decor across locations — brings a slice of Americana to the city. Known for hearty brunch options, O’Good Food serves a lineup of burgers, pizzas, and other diner favorites throughout the day. It’s casual and reliable.

At Nama, chef Naël Fakhry brings a bold, global approach to Ivorian cuisine, like pairing alloco (fried plantains) or braised short ribs with inventive dips. His eggplant tempura caramelized with miso and crispy prawn spring rolls bring in strong Asian fusion elements, and the menu also ventures into Latin America with black Angus beef tacos and Peruvian Nikkei guacamole. The minimalist yet inviting space mirrors the food’s contemporary edge. Expect every dish to be meticulously plated.

Saakan occupies a fascinating space in the heart of Abidjan’s Plateau district. Inside the sleek, plant-infused dining room — a haven amidst the frantic city — chef Christelle Vougo offers a version of West African food that’s both deeply familiar and refreshing, allowing Ivorian culinary traditions to clash and combine. The chef handles braised fish attiéké (delicately fermented cassava granules akin to couscous) with precision to elevate the dish’s subtle tang and light texture. Sauce graine, a rich and earthy palm nut sauce often served with meat or fish, sits on the menu alongside spiced stews that somehow feel like the Atlantic breeze made edible. The flavors here are at once grounded in the past and vital in the present.

La Taverne Romaine whisks diners away from Abidjan’s Plateau district to the French and Italian Riviera. The pasta is perfectly executed in spaghetti aglio e olio, lasagna, and risotto with seafood or mushrooms, alongside hearty veal Parmigiana and fresh caprese salads. The wine list is just what you’d want after a day getting lost in the city’s chaotic side streets.

Café Continent offers a deep dive into Ivorian coffee culture, which has been going strong since the 19th century. The country is among the world’s top producers of coffee, and Continent sources its beans directly from local farmers, before carefully roasting them in house. Try the café Touba, a traditional spiced coffee blend infused with cloves and pepper that’s popular across West Africa.

Located in Zone 4, Kaiten is a standout destination for sushi lovers. Offerings include a variety of signature rolls, nigiri, and sashimi, all prepared with high-quality ingredients, often imported from Japan. There are also excellent cooked dishes like teriyaki salmon and unagi (grilled eel). The space is dynamic enough for casual friend meetups or date nights. Don’t miss desserts, like the matcha mousse or mochi.

Hit Marrouche, located in Abidjan’s Marcory district, for traditional Lebanese flavors, and don’t miss the spiced kebabs, herb-dusted grilled lamb, and velvety hummus. Though the vibe leans fast-casual, the kitchen doesn’t cut any corners with its slow-cooked meats. Le Marrouche is equally appropriate for a quick bite or unhurried full meal.

Parenthèse caters to a lot of moods throughout the day, turning from bright and welcoming during brunch to a more intimate setting as evening approaches. During the day, the menu highlights a variety of comforting dishes like eggs Benedict, pancakes, waffles, and a selection of fresh oysters. At lunch, you’ll find a variety of salads, grilled meats, and seafood, while dinner includes standouts like ravioles de langouste: delicate lobster ravioli served with a soy emulsion.

Local ingredients such as fresh seafood, cassava, yams, and plantains take center stage in each dish at Kokoma, a hotel restaurant situated not too far from the airport. The “Afro fusion” menu features reimagined versions of classic items like sauce graine (Ivorian seafood and palm nut stew), braised meats, and grilled fish, along with items like guinea fowl confit and jambalaya. With huge windows, large woven chairs, and a relaxing space beneath tall ceilings, Kokoma is a good spot to unwind before or after a flight.