A guide to the best restaurants in Cape Point

Gambian cuisine is all about generous helpings of flavour-packed comfort food, and the restaurants around Cape Point offer this in spades. Spicy one-pot stews, also known as benechin, are easy to find, while the recent rise of tourism on cheap Gambia holidays means European and Indian favourites are found here as well. Read on for our pick of the best places to eat on your trip.

A warm welcome at Mr Bass

Known for its happy-go-lucky atmosphere and live music events, Mr Bass sits under sweeping palm trees within stumbling distance of the sand. Rich Gambian favourites join European burgers and chips at this venue, with a menu and staff that are eager to please.

Eastern delights at Taj India Restaurant

It may not look like much from the outside, but Taj India earns its much-deserved praises by dishing up authentic Punjab curries bursting with flavour. Find them alongside local beers and a few Chinese and English dishes that make sure everyone who visits feels right at home.

Authentically French at Smiling Coast Brasserie

With wrought iron al fresco seating and familiar favourites like chicken in white wine sauce, visits to Smiling Coast are full of European quirks and charm. The house band will serenade you as you dine, but make sure you find time to try the generous breakfasts with a twist.

As fresh as it gets at New One For The Road

Open from morning until midnight, New One For The Road is the place to go if you want to try hearty West African fare with an ocean view on your holiday to Gambia. The fresh catch of the day makes for some of the best fish curry you’ll find, while there’s plenty of choice for vegetarians too.

Wildlife abounds at Calypso Bar & Restaurant

Nestled between the baobab trees, Calypso doesn’t just offer some of the tastiest eats on the Cape Point, but it also comes with wildlife encounters. Watch crocodiles basking in the lagoon nearby and admire native birds sunning themselves in the trees. This peaceful beach venue serves juicy steaks and perfectly prepared Gambian stews, as well as delectable cocktails.

Crafted with care at Kuntas Bar Restaurant

Every dish at Kuntas is made to order, so expect fresh cuisine that’s worth the wait. From bean stews and baobab mocktails to the global classic macaroni cheese, Kuntas is a small venue that puts love into every mouthful.

Barbecue specials at Freddy's Bistro

Meat eaters, rejoice. Freddy’s Bistro is a laid-back barbecue joint offering hot dogs and burgers alongside Gambian afra – your choice of grilled meat, marinated in mustard or spicy chilli sauce. Sip on wonjo juice made from the sweet hibiscus flower and feast until you’re bursting at the seams.

Keep it simple at Rising Sun

This roadside restaurant doesn’t waste time on glitz and glamour, just good, home-style cooking made to order. European soups and sandwiches are pocket-friendly crowd-pleasers, along with vegetable curries and stir-fries. If you’d like something a little more adventurous you won’t be disappointed by the much-revered grilled barracuda with shrimp sauce.

Take a stroll to Gida's Garden Restaurant

Just outside of Cape Point in Fajara is Gida’s, a beautiful open-sided venue with a menu that brings you European classics like dauphinoise potatoes and braised leg of duck. A little more expensive than the other establishments on our list, Gida’s is worth every penny.

Take it easy at Bob's Cafe

Bob’s Cafe is another venue in Cape Point’s neighbour, Fajara, and sits just a short stroll along the seafront. Live reggae sets the scene, and Gambian cuisine offers plenty of flavour alongside top-quality stone-baked pizzas.