FRENCH RESTAURANTS
Considering Cameroon is a French speaking country it should come as no surprise that it boasts the most exquisite and most extensive variety of French restaurants. From no frills and no fuss to fancy fresh fish platters there is something to suit every taste and budget in the list below.
Cafe de Paris
Description: A popular haunt among the business men of Duala, Café de Paris is a relaxed lunchtime retreat or the perfect after office hours wind down, offering varied French dishes, including seafood, alongside traditional African favourites.
Location: Rue Chanas Akwa, Douala, Cameroon
Contact: +23777 52 51 34
La Fourchette
Description: In the heart of Akwa's business district, this chic and modern restaurant makes for a refreshing evening meal. As well as its salubrious surroundings it offers an interesting French menu, accompanied by a well-chosen wine selection, and desert is not to be skipped.
Location: Quartier AKWA, Rue entrée SHO plus et AXA, Douala, Cameroon
Contact: +237 99 92 64 66
La Mangrove
Description: A unique wilderness setting along the river Wouri, you can enjoy the lush scenery while tucking into a buffet style lunch or opt for the a la carte. Composed of several covered and uncovered spaces arranged in a luxurious garden Mangroves is very reasonably priced, which makes it even more enjoyable.
Location: Port, Douala, Cameroon
Contact: +237 99 84 55 57/ +237 99 81 77 17
La Paillotte "Chez Francis"
Description: Fit for the famous but with an unpretentious atmosphere, Francis offers five star service in a friendly, relaxed setting. Guests are warmly welcomed with good humour and a lilting accent, then left to browse the grills, pizzas and other delights on the menu.
Location: Face au marché des fleurs, Duala, Cameroon
Contact: +237 99 91 97 28 / +237 99 96 57 40
La Taverne
Description: Serving sizzling steaks and salty fresh seafood in a chez chic setting you will not be disappointed with the array of French and European cuisine featured on the menu. Excellent value for money to be washed down with a well-endowed wine list.
Location: Rue UTA (face au Cabanon), Duala, Cameroon
Contact: +237 33 43 73 53
Le Bistro Latin
Description: Renowned for its seafood platter ("Le bristro a la mer"), you get a rich and rewarding experience all for a reasonable price. The menu boasts a wide range of delectable dishes not to mention the changing daily specials board.
Location: Rue Batibois | Quartier Bonapriso, Douala, Cameroon
Contact: +237 99 69 59 69
Le Boj
Description: Mirroring that of an oasis, Le Boj is hip, comfortable and cool (sometimes tough things to find in Douala). It offers a lovely lounge ambience with an even lovelier menu and the TVs are always tuned to rugby when the important fixtures are on.
Location: Face maison de la radio Bonanjo, Douala, Cameroon
Contact: +237 78 53 18 95
Le Cabanon
Description: Prides itself on serving delicious, traditional French cuisine with added specialities from the South West. You can enjoy fine dining or a light lunch, all guaranteed to awaken your taste buds. Le Cabanon is a sunny address that will satisfy the most discerning palate.
Location: Rue UTA (celle du Sorento), Duala, Cameroon
Contact: +237 33 42 10 00 / +237 99 93 11 07
Le Cozii Restaurant
Description: Considered a cut above the rest, the quality of food here is second to none. Its divine dishes include French duck and local fresh fish, to be enjoyed in an environment equally as divine. Perhaps a little pricey but you certainly get what you pay for.
Location: Rue Lapeyrere – Akwa, Douala, Cameroon
Contact: +237 94490808
Le Paquebot
Description: Enjoy fresh fish and French fries in a no frills, pleasant, simple setting on the river front and watch the ships come and go from Douala harbour. Swill it down with an ice cold beer or if you prefer a civilised bottle of merlot.
Location: Base Navale, Douala, Cameroon
Description: + 237 22 07 24 72
Le Sorento
Description: As one of the busiest restaurants in town boasting an extensive, exotic menu, Le Sorento is guaranteed not to disappoint. Delve into the pizza/pasta menu or opt for a sizzling steak. And if you’re feeling adventurous why not tuck into a frogs legs appetiser and dig into some snake or crocodile for main course
Location: Carrefour Hotel de l'Air, Douala, Cameroon
Contact: +237 99 91 01 66
L’Ovalie
Description: Warm atmosphere, a place of pleasure and conviviality. The Chef Jérôme Grayo plays with all your senses and will surprise you with a refined gourmet cuisine, subtle dishes and selected wines. A feast for the eyes, a pleasure for the mouth.
Location: Rue Njo-Njo | (Soppo Priso) Bonapriso, Douala, Cameroon
Contact: +237 96 04 18 64
Le Tournebroche
Description: Le Tournebroche is a fine dining establishment who serve phenomenal French food as well as other European delights, including the full English breakfast. Open from dawn till dusk only fresh ingredients are used to awaken you taste buds and you can wash it down with a beautiful selection of French wines.
Location: Boulevard de la Liberte, Douala, Cameroon
Contact: +237 33 42 26 75
Peche Mignon
Description: Located in the middle of a busy boulevard, this spot is perfect if you are after simple, no fuss French food, local cuisines, pizza and pasta. Great for a lunchtime pit stop or to line your stomachs ready for cocktails at the numerous neighbouring bars.
Location: Rue Casino, Douala, Cameroon
Contact: +237 33432541
Relais de la Porte Mayo
Description: For upscale dining, this is Maroua's best option, popular with the local French community. The restaurant has great French options, including a good-value daily set meal. Tables are scattered around outside in the charming garden.
Location: Red Bridge, Maroua, Cameroon
Contact: +237 22-29-26-92 / 99-50-01-49
Restaurant Le Paradise
Description: Famous for its wood oven pizza you’ll be spoilt for choice with its impressive toppings menu. It boasts two pleasant atmospheres; a quieter retreat to enjoy a civilised meal and a lively bar to catch some afternoon sports with a beer and a bite to eat.
Location: PO Box 13226, Douala, Cameroon
Contact: +237 33 43 31 55