Restaurant
Buka
A long-running Osu restaurant cooking traditional Ghanaian and wider West African dishes, from light soup and fufu to jollof and kelewele, in a two-level dining room.
Makosa
A beachside pan-African restaurant at Sandbox Beach Club in La, pairing ocean views with creative dishes such as yaji lamb with moi moi and gari-crusted wagashi.
At a glance
- Type
- Modern pan-African
- Area
- La, Accra, Ghana
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- makosagh.com
Good to know
- Beach views
- Outdoor patio
- Reservation required
Why we recommend it
Makosa is one of Accra's most ambitious restaurants, a pan-African dining room set inside Sandbox Beach Club on 4th Otswe Street in La. It looks straight out to the Atlantic from an outdoor patio, while the interior is sleek, with earthy textures and tones. The idea is to take dishes and ingredients from across the continent and present them with a modern, creative touch, which makes it a natural choice for a celebratory dinner or for showing visitors how inventive the city's food scene has become.
The menu ranges widely. A deeply spiced North African aubergine tagine sits alongside Ghanaian wagashi, a soft local cheese made by Fulani herders, here deep-fried in a crust of gari, the toasted cassava granules eaten all over Ghana. From Nigeria comes the inspiration for yaji lamb, coated in the spicy suya pepper mix and served with moi moi, a steamed bean pudding. Dishes are carefully plated; ask the staff for current recommendations and for help pairing cocktails or wine.
The beach setting is a big part of the appeal. Sit outside for the sea breeze and sunset views, or inside if it is very hot or windy. Makosa suits couples on a date night, friends celebrating and visitors who want a memorable meal with a view. Because it shares the site with Sandbox Beach Club, the area becomes livelier later in the evening, when the club turns into a nightlife venue, so diners can stay on for drinks.
The restaurant lists opening hours from 12:00 to 23:00, Tuesday to Sunday. Reservations are required and are made online through the restaurant's booking system, so plan ahead, particularly for sunset tables at weekends. Prices are at the upper end for Accra. Smart-casual, beach-appropriate clothing works well, and a light layer is useful when the wind picks up off the ocean.
La lies east of Osu along the coast, in the same district as the Labadi Beach Hotel. A taxi or ride-hailing car is the easiest way to get there; give the driver Sandbox Beach Club as the destination. Combine lunch with an afternoon by the sea, or arrive before sunset for a drink and stay for dinner.
Makosa FAQs
What cuisine does Makosa serve?
Modern pan-African dishes drawing on recipes from across the continent.
What dishes should I try?
Aubergine tagine, deep-fried wagashi in a gari crust and yaji lamb with moi moi have all featured on the menu.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes. Reservations are required and are made online.
What are the opening hours?
The restaurant lists Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 to 23:00.
Where is Makosa?
At Sandbox Beach Club on 4th Otswe Street in La, on the coast east of Osu.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes. An outdoor patio looks out over the beach and ocean.
Is it expensive?
Prices are at the upper end for Accra.
Can I stay for drinks afterwards?
Yes. Sandbox Beach Club, on the same site, becomes a nightlife venue in the evening.