Le N’Gor

Le N'Gor is a long-standing seaside restaurant on the Corniche des Almadies, set right at the water's edge in Ngor. Its terraces look out over the bay and the colourful fishing pirogues of Ngor village, with the island just offshore, and it has been a popular stop for lunch after a morning on the beach or a sunset meal for many years. Ngor itself is a former Lebou fishing village that has kept much of its character, and watching the boats come and go is part of a meal here.

The setting is the main draw. The restaurant has several levels of terraces, so most tables have a view of the ocean, and the décor makes playful use of seashells. It was renovated recently, according to the local guide Au Sénégal, and keeps a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that suits families and groups of friends.

The kitchen focuses on fresh seafood and Senegalese classics. Expect grilled fish, brochettes and paella, alongside poulet yassa, the lemon and onion chicken dish, and vegetarian samosas. The airline magazine Selamta recommended its thiéboudienne, made with salty grouper and spicy tomato rice, and mango milkshakes and ice cream are popular for dessert. Fish is best ordered grilled and simply prepared; ask what has been landed that day.

Prices are moderate by the standards of the Almadies, though seafood platters and prawns cost more, and some diners have found the shellfish dishes less good value than the grilled fish, so check prices and portion sizes when you order. Au Sénégal lists opening hours of 11:00 to 22:00 every day; confirm before travelling across town. Booking is not usually needed at lunchtime on weekdays, but weekends are busier.

Le N'Gor is on the corniche at Ngor, close to the beach where pirogues leave for Ngor Island, so it pairs naturally with a half day on the island or a surf lesson in the bay. Les Almadies, with its hotels, bars and the Pointe des Almadies at the western tip of the continent, is a few minutes away by taxi, and the Phare des Mamelles is a short ride south for a drink after dinner.