Le Lagon 1

Le Lagon 1 is one of Dakar's longest-running restaurants and a classic choice for a special meal by the sea. It was built in 1956 by Michel Calendini on stilts over the water of the Corniche Est, and the restaurant describes itself as the first sea wharf in West Africa. Saveur magazine reports that the founder's son, Cyril, now runs it, and the same family opened the neighbouring Hôtel Le Lagon 2 in 1976.

The setting is the main reason to come. Tables look across the bay of Anse Bernard towards Gorée Island, and the décor is designed to feel like a luxury boat anchored offshore: a fishing boat serves as the bar, and the walls are hung with mounted swordfish, brass sailing instruments and even an old diving suit. Some find it kitsch, others charming, but it is undeniably distinctive. There is an outdoor deck over the water and a beach area for daytime drinks.

The menu is built around fish and shellfish. Saveur highlights grilled swordfish and marlin, lobster spaghetti, sea urchin and prawns with dakhar (tamarind), while other guides mention oysters and mixed seafood pastas. Ask what has come in that day and how it is best prepared.

This is one of the more expensive restaurants in Dakar, so it suits anniversaries, business dinners and a treat at the end of a trip rather than a quick lunch. Book ahead for dinner and ask for a table on the deck or by the windows. Lunchtime is good for seeing Gorée clearly across the water, while evenings are more atmospheric. Smart casual dress is appropriate.

The restaurant is on the Corniche Est, on the eastern side of the Plateau, a short taxi ride from Place de l'Indépendance and close to the port where ferries leave for Gorée. That makes it a natural place to eat before or after a day on the island. Call the restaurant line to reserve; the hotel next door has a separate number. If you want to stay close by, Le Lagon 2, the family's waterfront hotel founded in 1976, offers Classic, Superior and suite rooms and has its own restaurant-bar, L, with a relaxed atmosphere and jazz in the background, so dinner at Le Lagon 1 can end with a short walk to bed.