Many come and go to Kinshasa but how many really go to the real institutions? The ones that really define Kinshasa?

I don’t dare say I know Kinshasa very well. But I do have a few places that I like to take an old friend to or places that I will someday reminisce about.

So without further ado, here are some spots that you should definitely visit when you come:

• Le Colibri, opened in 1953, is one of the oldest, if not the oldest bars in Kinshasa. They still serve the age old toast cannibal (raw meat flown in from Goma or the nearby presidential farm!). An acquired taste and a brave meal although I have never fallen sick from it! Touch wood! Get a pint of Tembo to go with it. Their burgers are also delicious. Say hi to Luc and Feli, the couple that own the bar. Don’t talk politics as there are a lot of politicians who go there after work! Unless, of course, you want to have an argument!
• Le Mandarin. A Chinese restaurant on top of a social security building that had been given to a Cantonese family to run by Mobutu. I don’t think they pay rent! A very beautiful Asian decor with red intricate wooden tiles is on display on the ceiling. Go on Wednesday evenings and Saturday lunch time for their all-you-can eat buffets!
• Limoncello. It is not an old restaurant but not many beat the value for money of this Italian stallion. There’s also a very good reason why they call it Limoncello. You’ll find out at the end of your meal 😉
• The Greek or Maison des Mezzes. A Greek restaurant that has all the usual Greek appetizers. I enjoy their souvlaki pita.
• Le Plein Vent was a fondue restaurant on top of an old rundown building, but now the owners have moved and created Meat The Cheese/Fondue & Fondue which is next to Chantilly and Citibank on Justice. I always get the cheese fondue 🙂
• If you want refined French and world cuisine, look no further than Le Cercle Gourmand. Run by a German lady, the place always has frog legs, foie gras and many other French dishes. They make a great cossa cossa (local Tiger prawns) dish and some couscous lamb tagines too! Eat outside, the food is cheaper but also very nice.
• Al Dar (meaning “From the Alder Tree” or “Home” in Arabic possibly) for a quick (and I mean really quick!) shawarma. It’s the McDonald’s of Kinshasa so to speak!
• Yewon for some delicious crispy fried Korean chicken, a seafood pancake or the classic Bibimbap (rice, minced meat, fried egg, fresh vegetables, some kimchi sauce). Order some soju with that!
• If you have the energy, go to Mama Colonel in Ma Campagne for a yummy grilled chicken. They had one in Bandal but it closed down. This place has some musicians roaming around (don’t forget to tip!) and a lovely garden (watch out for mosquitoes!)
• La Villa for some classic French cuisine (it might be closed! I haven’t been in a while). Run by a French chef who is known for making great food for many years in Kinshasa.
• Indian food : fancy and outdoor: Tandoor. Not so fancy : Pili pili or Pomme.
• La Crèche on Rond Point Victoire for some rumba at 1am (just go for drinks)
• Planète J on Socimat for some cheap beer and goat meat but make sure you choose the softest and tastiest pieces from the butcher.
• Cheetah 2 for some goat meat and beer too but in one of the real party districts of Kinshasa.

Of course there are many other hot spots that are newer and swankier, but these have stood the test of time in my opinion.

Did I forget some? Do you agree?

Share in the comments below!

Cheers!