Chez Maman Benin
Chez Maman Bénin
One of Cotonou's oldest traditional Beninese restaurants, grown from a small street stall into a three-story restaurant that is often full at lunch
Petit Futé calls it one of Cotonou's best traditional restaurants. It began as a small maquis and has grown into a three-story restaurant. It serves Beninese and West African home cooking, including fish and meat stews in sauce, plus local specialties such as snails and agouti (grasscutter). The setting is simple and lunchtime crowds are heavy, though no reservations are needed. A single dish costs about XOF 2,500–8,000, which is very affordable. It is in central Zongo/Saint-Michel, near Dantokpa Market and easy to reach by taxi. Some reviewers feel quality has declined in recent years, but it makes a good introduction to local food.
Opening hours
Daily about 11:00–24:00 (check with the restaurant)
Nearby sights
- Fondation Zinsou
- Centre de Promotion de l'Artisanat
- Dantokpa Market
- Place de l'Étoile Rouge
- Cotonou Cathedral (Notre-Dame-de-Miséricorde)
- Amazon Statue (Monument de l'Amazone)
- Fidjrossè Beach
- Ganvié