Le Bideew

Le Bideew is the café-restaurant in the garden of the Institut Français in the Plateau, and one of the most pleasant places in central Dakar to sit down in the shade. Tables are set out under a large kapok tree, known locally as a fromager, with colourful mosaic tables and plants around them, and the calm atmosphere feels a world away from the traffic just outside the gates.

The food is simple and varied, mixing African and European flavours. The local guide Au Sénégal describes set lunch and dinner menus with a choice of three dishes, and other guides mention vegetable curry, octopus salad, chargrilled meats, grilled fish and prawns with a bissap chutney, as well as burgers, brochettes, salads and snacks. It is just as good for a fresh juice or a coffee in the middle of a day's sightseeing as for a full meal, and the garden seats up to around 150 people.

Its position inside the Institut Français is a big part of the appeal. The institute is one of the busiest cultural venues in the city, with a cinema, theatre, galleries, language courses and an open-air stage, and it hosts concerts, exhibitions, debates, rap nights and dance performances, as well as an annual Christmas market. Eating at Le Bideew before or after an event is a good way to experience Dakar's cultural life.

During the day it attracts students and remote workers who appreciate the quiet, so it is a good spot to rest, read or catch up on messages. Au Sénégal lists it as open from Monday to Saturday from mid-morning until late, and Lonely Planet has mentioned a Sunday brunch; schedules can change with the institute's programme, so check before you go. Card payments are accepted, according to Au Sénégal. Prices are moderate.

The Institut Français is on Rue Joseph Gomis in the Plateau, a short walk from Chez Loutcha on Rue Moussé Diop and within easy reach of Place de l'Indépendance and the Musée Théodore Monod d'Art Africain on Place Soweto. That makes Le Bideew an easy lunch or coffee stop on a day exploring the city centre on foot.