Restaurant review: Afrikana
A delightful journey through Congolese cuisine.
Rue du Marteau 29
What’s good? The mix of crispy samosas we ordered as starter were delicious. My companion then went for moambe chicken, drumsticks in a peanut sauce, served with fragrant white rice and fried plantain. I’d already diligently studied the menu before arrival, and had my heart set on the tilapia with a fresh green sauce — I wasn’t disappointed, the fish was grilled to perfection. The staff also went out of their way to create a welcoming environment.
One note: You’ll be out of luck if you’re looking for a light dinner — they don’t serve salads as a main dish. Not that either of us would have ordered one.
What’s not good? The place was packed the Friday evening we went, so it took a while for the food to arrive. Understandable. But what we still haven’t recovered from is that the restaurant ran out of desserts. Like, all of them.
Vibe: Pleasant atmosphere with upbeat African music. Added bonus: The restaurant is close to the POLITICO office, so keen-eyed diners might spot some of our colleagues getting their fill.
It’s not the most intimate spot, rather informal and perfect for celebrations. We witnessed a couple of birthday outings, complete with spontaneous singing — guests joined in too — making it an unforgettable evening for everyone.
Who’s picking up the check? Prices are moderate, especially considering the portions were too large for us to finish. Cocktails are standard, ranging from €10 to €13. But there’s also plenty of delicate wines, such as Ruinart Blanc de Blancs (€ 95), if you like to splurge.
Insider tip: Don’t miss their cocktails (or a mocktail, if you’re working the next day). The sweet African star, a mix of vanilla vodka and passion fruit, is served with a shot of sparkling wine.
How to get there: It’s a 10- to 15-minute walk from the EU institutions. A great opportunity to both get your steps in and help with digestion after your meal, which is guaranteed to leave you stuffed.
Review published on November 14, 2024. Illustration by Natália Delgado/POLITICO.
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