I Just had another fantastic meal at Bennachin Restaurant on 1212 Royal Street in the heart of New…read moreOrleans' French Quarter, and as a local from the area, it's hands-down one of my all-time favorites for authentic West African cuisine. If you're craving bold flavors and a cozy spot that feels like a hidden gem, this place never disappoints--highly recommend for locals and visitors alike! The vibe here is warm and inviting, with simple, colorful decor that transports you straight to Cameroon or Gambia without leaving NOLA. It's a small, intimate space, perfect for a casual dinner or even a quick lunch amid the Quarter's hustle. Parking can be tricky on Royal Street, but it's worth the walk--plus, the location puts you right in the mix of historic charm and lively energy. Service is always spot-on: friendly, knowledgeable staff who make you feel like family. Our server chatted about the menu's inspirations and helped customize spice levels, which is great for anyone new to African dishes. Everything came out promptly, even on a busy evening, and they were attentive without hovering. Now, the food--oh man, where to start? It's all about that delicious, authentic goodness. My absolute go-to is the shrimp rice and spinach dish; the jollof rice is perfectly spiced with a rich tomato base, tender shrimp, and just the right kick, paired with sautéed spinach that's garlicky and fresh. It's hearty, flavorful, and reminds me of home-cooked comfort with an exotic twist. We also tried the plantains--crispy on the outside, soft inside--and the akara (black-eyed pea fritters) as starters, which were crispy, savory perfection. Portions are generous, and everything's made with fresh ingredients that shine through in every bite. If you're vegetarian, they've got plenty of options like the vegetable curry that pack the same punch. Prices are reasonable for the quality--entrees around $15-20--and it's BYOB, which keeps things affordable and fun. No frills, just straight-up deliciousness. As someone who's been coming here for years, Bennachin captures the essence of authentic African flavors in a way few places do. Whether you're a NOLA native like me or just passing through, do yourself a favor and stop in--you'll leave planning your next visit!

First time trying food from Gambia and Cameroon, and Bennachin absolutely blew me away…read more We ordered the Bennachin (African jambalaya/jollof rice) with sautéed spinach and got it spicy--super flavorful, comforting, and very reasonably priced. We also had the Naouki-Ngond (Egusi Soup) with beef, garlic, ginger, and spinach in a rich ground melon seed sauce, with fufu on the side. The flavors were bold but balanced, and everything tasted fresh and homemade. On top of the amazing food, the service was outstanding. Our waiter, Mason, was incredibly kind and gave us great advice on things to do while we were visiting, which made the experience feel even more special. Highly recommend Bennachin if you're curious about Gambian and Cameroonian cuisine or just want a delicious, cozy meal.

We had never experienced Senegalese food before and honestly had no idea what to expect. Every…read moresingle course of the seven-course tasting menu was wonderful bold, beautifully layered flavors that felt completely unlike anything we've had before. The way Chef Mbaye weaves West African tradition with local Louisiana ingredients is something truly special, and you can feel the love and intention behind every dish. The service was warm, attentive and genuinely passionate about what they're doing. This is a team that cares deeply about the experience they're creating and it shows. The one thing I'd tell first-timers: clear your evening. This is not a 90-minute dinner. Budget your time accordingly and go in without anywhere to be afterward. When you do, it's a remarkable meal. We will absolutely be back.

Dakar... wow great job Chef/Owner and Team. This was a…read morefantastic experience. I came here for my birthday and of course this is a kitchen type restaurant and it has a lot of culture and culinary traditions that might be close to home in NOLA. This restaurant does not shy away from spices and seasoning so if you too scared of spicy and flavorful delicious food might need to rethink life, because this place feels like life and ancestry. The ambiance for the evening was nice and set with low lighting feels like I am in grandmas house with mask decorating the walls and lighting and sculptures that make this place feel elegant with the dark painted walls. This place is a 10 in my books and that's out of 5 . Definitely a place for a date night and celebrations. If you go, just remember this Review and thank me later!

The ambiance and food was great!! Tried the lamb and grits…read more Wonderful flavor. Check with your waiter if you are sensitive to spice.

Great neighborhood place for very flavorful food. The family style platters are great sharing…read moreoptions and strongly recommend you save space for their affogato with Ethiopian coffee. The staff were sweet and helpful- answering all questions patiently. The music and scents gave the place a wonderful vibe.

Sometimes the best restaurant finds are spontaneous. We were cruising down Magazine looking for a…read moretasty spot for dinner and Abyssinia presented itself, and we gave it a whirl. Five solid stars! Ethiopian cuisine is best enjoyed family style. My wife and I each ordered an entree (hers was fish based; mine was chicken), and each of our entrees came with tasty sides. And, of course, the injera bread that is part of any Ethiopian meal. We ended up with enough food to make two tasty dinners out of our meal, with the reheated dishes being just as tasty. The service was polite and prompt, and we especially enjoyed the sign that said, "when you support a small local business, you support a big dream." So true!

Abyssinia has been consistently great Ethiopian food for at least the last 10 years I've been…read moregoing. I appreciate the prompt and efficient service, I appreciate the outdoor seating, and I appreciate the communal experience of eating with friends here. Haven't had a bad thing yet, but the fish was especially tasty when we went a couple of weeks ago!

I'd been wanting to give them a try but find it hard to monitor where the truck will be even after…read morefollowing them on social media. Well a few months back I finally got my chance to check them out and was so glad I did. The burgers are excellent! The employees super friendly. Can't wait to try them again and sample some of the other dishes they offer.

If you are a local or visiting New Orleans don't second guess! The vegan food that Tangarine…read moreKitchen cook is absolutely delicious. One of my favorites is the Mandela Burger wholesome goodness made with Love! P.S don't forget the baked curry fries Omg! 100% taste 100% customer service

Excellent food and the best service from Jasmine. I brought my best friend and she was very happy…read morewith our lunch choice. We plan to come back and bring our husband's.

This was my first visit to the Grapevine Cafe. I will be back. My server, Jasmine, was wonderful…read more Ask for her when to visit this cafe. You are served hot French bread with real butter immediately. The cup of corn shrimp bisque was delicious and full of nice size shrimp. Seasoned perfectly. The salad comes with your meal. It is a very nice portion. My main meal was the wonderful crawfish cornbread topped with fried fish and crawfish etouffee. Such a large portion, I had to bring leftovers home. Jasmine surprised me with the white chocolate bread pudding to take home as a thank you. Very nice casual dining area. Beautiful bar. Decorated with local art you can purchase. The whole staff was very welcoming. I will be back. Thank you Jasmine, for such a wonderful experience!