A guide to the best restaurants in Kotu Beach
The restaurant scene in Kotu Beach is a delicious mix of local African and international cuisine. From beach shacks serving up Gambian yassa, to grill houses specialising in melt-in-the-mouth steaks, each street hides a variety of tastes from around the world which are worth trying on your Gambia holidays.
Food with a view at Ningki Nangka
You might not expect to find a great Sunday lunch on a holiday to Gambia, but Samba’s Kitchen is here to deliver. With a menu of British and European dishes, this bustling restaurant boasts a popular carvery buffet with all the trimmings. The steak is a firm favourite, too.
Sunday lunch at Samba's Kitchen
You might not expect to find a great Sunday lunch on a holiday to Gambia, but Samba’s Kitchen is here to deliver. With a menu of British and European dishes, this bustling restaurant boasts a popular carvery buffet with all the trimmings you could want. The steak is a firm favourite, too.
Dinner with the captain at The Captain's Table
The Captain’s Table may be slightly pricier than other restaurants in Kotu Beach, but if you’re looking for a quiet and upmarket, beachside dinner, this is the perfect place. The taste, presentation and attention to detail is stunning – what else do you expect when you dine with the captain?
Food and a band at Kunta Kinteh
This popular beach restaurant boasts plenty of outdoor space for dining on the sand. Most dishes make use of fresh fish and the specials board is always worth checking out for authentic Gambian options. Dine al fresco and enjoy a refreshing sea breeze, along with live entertainment on certain nights.
Mouth-watering steaks at JD's
If you’ve got the kind of hunger pangs that only a steak can cure, head over to the charming garden of JD’s. This courtyard restaurant serves beautifully tender steak as well as a good variety of other European and local dishes. After dinner, you may also find yourself making your way through the cocktail and wine menu.
Get your curry fix at Tandoor
This popular Indian restaurant, located close to the craft market, offers something a little different. Head on up to the roof terrace, where you can enjoy fragrant and delicious traditional curries and look out for the poppadom with a side of scotch bonnet chillies – only for the brave.
Great value food at Paradise
Sitting right on the beach, Paradise delivers amazing value for money in a beautiful location. Perfect for watching the sun go down, its menu features a variety of European dishes including pizza and burgers, but the fresh grilled lobster is the real star of the show.
Boss Lady knows how to cook
Simple, delicious Gambian food is on the menu at the lively house of the Boss Lady. Opposite the beach, this popular restaurant specialises in authentic, local dishes served free of fuss and frills. Chicken yassa and domoda are some of the local favourites on offer.
Jamaican flavours at Mosiah's
Newly-opened Mosiah’s restaurant is gaining a reputation for offering one of the warmest welcomes in Kotu, alongside a menu of mouth-watering Jamaican dishes. Try one of the stews or the jerk chicken with rice, and watch the world go by on the terrace.
Oscars on the beach
Although many restaurants line the beach, Oscar’s stands out for its atmosphere, price, and menu. From British favourites including fish and chips and a full breakfast, to Gambian stews and seafood delicacies, Oscar’s serves a huge variety of dishes, right on the beautiful sands of Kotu. Look out for the famed BBQ night every Thursday.