Mauritania offers an authentic Saharan adventure with ancient caravan cities, vast desert landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites like Chinguetti, explore Banc d'Arguin's pristine coastline, and experience traditional nomadic culture in one of Africa's most unspoiled destinations.
Mauritanian cuisine blends Berber, Arab, and Sub-Saharan African culinary traditions shaped by the desert environment. Rice, lamb, fish, and dates are the foundations. Thiéboudienne (fish-rice) adopted from Senegal is the national dish. Camel meat, dried and fresh fish from the Atlantic, millet porridge, and dates define the local palate. Mint tea (atai) in three rounds is inseparable from any meal or social gathering.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Mauritania.
Thiéboudienne
The national dish — Atlantic fish cooked in a rich tomato-onion sauce served over rice with vegetables. West Africa's finest fish-rice dish.
Where to try: TATA Restaurant, local diners
Price: $8-15
Méchoui
Whole slow-roasted lamb seasoned with cumin and spices, traditionally eaten at celebrations. Available at restaurants and market butchers.
Where to try: Restaurant Fantasia, Marché Capitale
Price: $10-25
Zrig
Traditional Mauritanian drink of camel milk mixed with water and dates — nutritious, slightly sour, and deeply tied to desert nomadic culture.
Where to try: Desert towns, Atar and Chinguetti markets
Price: $1-3
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
La Palmeraie
Upscale restaurant offering innovative French-Mauritanian fusion cuisine. Known for masterfully crafted dishes including camel steak and fish carpaccio. Elegant atmosphere with attentive service.
Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott
TATA Restaurant
Beacon of West African cuisine offering flavorful stews, grilled meats, and national dishes including the signature Thieboudienne. Warm atmosphere and authentic flavors.
Avenue Kennedy, Nouakchott
SMASH FOOD
Diverse menu showcasing both local and international cuisine. Casual atmosphere, good portions, and reasonable prices make it popular with young locals and tourists.
Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott
Marché Capitale Food Stalls
Collection of food vendors at the main market offering grilled meats, fresh juices, and local snacks. Authentic street food experience at rock-bottom prices.
Marché Capitale, Nouakchott
Café Mauritanie
Traditional Mauritanian tea house serving three rounds of ceremonial tea along with light snacks. Perfect place to experience local tea culture.
Ksar, Nouakchott
Le Diplomate Restaurant
Sophisticated French restaurant popular with diplomats and expatriates. Offers classic French cuisine with excellent wine selection (for non-Muslims) and refined atmosphere.
Near embassies, Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott
Kaizen Restaurant
Popular restaurant serving Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes. Good variety of Asian cuisine with fresh ingredients and reasonable prices.
Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott
Snack Mauritanie
Popular local fast food spot serving sandwiches, burgers, and Mauritanian snacks. Quick service and budget-friendly prices.
Avenue Kennedy, Nouakchott
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
Port Fish Grills
Informal fish grills near the fishing port where fishermen grill their catches. Ultra-fresh fish at the lowest prices in town.
Port de Pêche, Nouakchott
Le Petit Bateau
Upscale seafood restaurant specializing in fresh Atlantic catches. Elegant nautical-themed decor and extensive seafood menu make this a top dining destination.
Near beach, Nouakchott
Beach Bites
Casual beachside eatery serving fresh seafood and sandwiches. Perfect for a relaxed lunch with ocean views.
Nouakchott Beach
Restaurant du Port
Casual seafood restaurant near the fishing port serving ultra-fresh catches. Simple preparation highlighting the quality of fish brought in daily.
Near Port de Pêche, Nouakchott
Grilled Meats
Oasis Grill
Casual grill house serving well-prepared meat dishes at affordable prices. Popular lunch spot for workers and locals.
Ksar, Nouakchott
La Brochette d'Or
Specializing in grilled meats and brochettes. Simple setting but excellent quality meat grilled to perfection. Popular with locals and expats alike.
Avenue Kennedy, Nouakchott
Lebanese
Restaurant El Medina
Fine dining establishment serving authentic Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine. Beautiful traditional decor, excellent mezze selection, and expertly prepared tagines.
Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott
Chez Hassan
Casual spot serving Lebanese and local dishes. Good shawarma, falafel, and grilled meats at reasonable prices.
Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott
Bakery
Le Coin du Pain
French-style bakery and cafe serving excellent pastries, sandwiches, and light meals. Popular breakfast and lunch spot with good coffee.
Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott
Cafe
Café Oasis
Relaxed outdoor cafe with shaded seating, serving coffee, tea, and light snacks. WiFi available, good for working or reading.
Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott
Coffee Shop
Café Latte
Modern cafe serving espresso drinks, cappuccinos, and light meals. WiFi available, popular with young professionals and students.
Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott
Dessert Cafe
Sweet Moments
Dessert-focused cafe serving cakes, pastries, crepes, and coffee. Cozy interior perfect for relaxing with something sweet.
Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott
Fast Food
Resto Express
Quick service restaurant offering burgers, sandwiches, and local fast food. Popular for takeaway and quick meals.
Avenue Kennedy, Nouakchott
Ice Cream
Glacier Paradise
Popular ice cream parlor and cafe offering various ice cream flavors, smoothies, and cold drinks. Great for cooling down from the heat.
Avenue Kennedy, Nouakchott
International
Azalaï Restaurant Marhaba
Premium hotel restaurant offering international cuisine with both buffet and à la carte options. Excellent seafood and professionally prepared international dishes in elegant setting.
Azalaï Hotel Marhaba, Nouakchott
Italian
Pizza Nova
Reliable Italian restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. Casual atmosphere, good for families, and consistent quality.
Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott
Juice Bar
Juice Bar Tropical
Fresh juice bar serving tropical fruit juices and smoothies. All juices made fresh to order with local fruits.
Ksar, Nouakchott
Local Mauritanian
Restaurant Populaire
No-frills local eatery serving authentic Mauritanian dishes at very low prices. Basic but clean with good food.
Near Marché Capitale, Nouakchott
Mauritanian Home Cooking
Le Petit Restaurant
Small family-run restaurant serving hearty Mauritanian home-style meals. Authentic flavors, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere.
Sebkha, Nouakchott
Mauritanian Traditional
Restaurant Al Khaima
Authentic Mauritanian restaurant offering traditional dishes in tent-like setting. Experience real Mauritanian hospitality and flavors.
Near market, Nouakchott
Mediterranean
Le Jardin
Pleasant garden restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. Outdoor seating, relaxed atmosphere, and diverse menu make it popular for lunch and dinner.
Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott
Mixed Street Food
Night Market Food Vendors
Evening food market that springs up with various vendors selling grilled meats, sandwiches, and sweets. Lively atmosphere and cheap eats.
Near Marché Capitale, Nouakchott
Moroccan
Restaurant Fantasia
Charming restaurant featuring traditional Mauritanian and Moroccan dishes. Authentic flavors, generous portions, and friendly service in cozy atmosphere.
Ksar District, Nouakchott
Pastry Shop
Patisserie Nouakchott
French-style pastry shop with excellent baked goods, cakes, and coffee. Perfect for breakfast or afternoon treat.
Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott
Sandwiches
Tevragh Zeina Sandwich Carts
Mobile sandwich vendors in the Tevragh Zeina district. Quick baguette sandwiches filled with various meats, eggs, or falafel.
Tevragh Zeina, various locations
Senegalese
Chez Mamie
Welcoming Senegalese restaurant with homestyle cooking. Generous portions, friendly service, and authentic Senegalese flavors at reasonable prices.
Ksar District, Nouakchott
Shawarma
Avenue Kennedy Shawarma Stands
Multiple shawarma vendors along Avenue Kennedy serving fresh-made wraps. Quick, tasty, and very affordable street food staple.
Avenue Kennedy, various locations
Street Snacks
Beach Road Grilled Corn
Vendors along the beach road selling grilled corn, peanuts, and local snacks. Perfect beach-time munchies.
Beach Road, Nouakchott
Tea House
Tea House Al-Baraka
Authentic Mauritanian tea house with traditional seating and local atmosphere. Great place to relax and observe daily life.
Near Marché Capitale, Nouakchott
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Thiéboudienne (Street Version)
Rice cooked in tomato-fish broth served at neighborhood diner stalls. The quintessential Mauritanian meal eaten from communal platters.
Find it at: Marché Capitale area, Avenue Kennedy stalls
Shawarma
Spiced lamb or chicken sliced from vertical rotisseries into flatbread with harissa and tahini. Widely available in Nouakchott.
Find it at: Throughout Tevragh Zeina and near Marché Capitale
Dibi (Grilled Mutton)
Charcoal-grilled mutton pieces served with hot sauce and baguette. Simple, smoky, and satisfying street staple.
Find it at: Dibi stalls near Ksar district and Marché Capitale
Fresh Grilled Fish at Port de Pêche
Whole Atlantic fish grilled on charcoal at port-side stalls moments after landing. Among the best-value seafood in West Africa.
Find it at: Port de Pêche, northern Nouakchott, 3PM-7PM
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Marché Capitale
Nouakchott's largest market with sections for spices, dried fish, fresh vegetables, grains, and dates. The spice section features Mauritanian blends of cumin, coriander, harissa, and saffron.
Hours: 8AM-7PM daily
Port de Pêche Fish Market
The daily Atlantic fish landing at Nouakchott's fishing port creates a spectacular fresh fish market. Haggle for whole fish, lobster, and shrimp directly from returning boats.
Hours: 3PM-7PM (peak when boats return)
Atar Date Market
The central market in Atar sells some of West Africa's finest dates. Over 30 varieties of Adrar dates available fresh and dried year-round.
Hours: 7AM-6PM daily
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (12PM-2PM) is the main meal — the best thiéboudienne and méchoui is freshest then
Mauritania is entirely halal — no pork available anywhere, alcohol only at some international hotels
Eat with the right hand from communal dishes when dining with Mauritanian hosts
Drink bottled water only — tap water and ice from unknown sources can cause illness
Restaurant Fantasia and TATA Restaurant are reliable for hygiene; street food carries more risk
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street thiéboudienne, dibi stalls, shawarma shops |
| Mid-range | $15-30/meal | Sit-down restaurant with juice and a full meal |
| Upscale | $35-70+/meal | La Palmeraie or Azalaï hotel restaurant |