Some of our favourite spots.

Jowlas : Paradise Beach Sanyang.

For a lazy day on the beach this place takes some beating. Sun loungers are free providing you buy the odd cold drink. The food is excellent and great value. Lunch or dinner is around £4-£6 per person, and always cooked fresh. Stay away from the westernised dishes, and soups, stick with fish or chicken.The giant prawns are superb and around 12" long, the best fish in Gambia is butterfish, but take it simple grilled with butter and lemon. In the evening around sunset they will build you an open fire right by the ocean, it is the only way to dine in Africa.

The Butchers Shop : Kololi

Close to all the main hotels this restaurant did start life as a butchers shop. In fact it still is, although the restaurant is now the main focus of the business. Here the service is less Gambian, and more European, and they also have a great selection of wine. Eating meat in Gambia is generally a bit of a lottery, but at this establishment you can order anything and be sure it will come out just as you expect. It is not cheap, but well worth at least pushing the boat out one night. Dinner for 2 including wine should be around £40.

Scala: Senegambia

The menu is simple with a good selection of starters and maincourses. There is something for everyone, including vegetarian dishes, which are not always available everywhere in Gambia. The house wine offers good value, and if you still have room the crepes are superb. Dinner for 2 including wine around £30.