Welcome to La Savane d'Afrique
At La Savane d'Afrique, the vibrant culinary traditions of the Ivory Coast come alive in the heart of Harlem. This charming eatery specializes in flavorful, no-frills dishes that highlight the essence of West African cuisine. From succulent grilled fish to tender poultry and lamb, each plate bursts with genuine taste and originality. Reviews rave about the striking ginger drink and the spicy sauces that add an exhilarating kick to the meals. The cheerful ambiance, enhanced by Ivorian colors and lively music, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. La Savane d'Afrique represents authentic African hospitality, offering both classic comfort and culinary adventure.
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239 W 116th St, New York, NY 10026 Hotline: (646) 490-4644
Welcome to La Savane d'Afrique, a gem tucked away in the vibrant tapestry of Harlem at 239 W 116th St, New York, NY 10026. This restaurant serves as a culinary bridge to the Ivory Coast, with a menu that celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of African cuisine, all presented in a warm and cheerful setting.
The experience at La Savane d'Afrique begins with the tantalizing aroma of spices wafting through the air, immediately beckoning you to explore their offerings. The menu features a simple yet powerful selection of dishes that highlight the rich flavor profiles of the region. Here, you can delve into an array of grilled meats, perfectly prepared to retain their natural juiciness and flavor. From the tender Gigot ($29.00) to the flavorful Dibi Mouton ($23.00) and savory Brochette Beef skewers ($20.00), each bite is a celebration of culinary heritage.
- Seafood lovers will relish the variety of fish options, including the crispy Garba (Fried Tuna) ($20.00) and the Poisson Braisé ($24.00), grilled to perfection and served with sides that complement their flavor.
- The Poultry section features delightful choices such as Dibi Poulet ($23.00) and Brochette Chicken ($18.00), all seasoned authentically to provide a taste of home.
Customer reviews echo the sentiment of La Savane d'Afrique as a place of warmth, not just in atmosphere but also in the harmonious blend of flavors. Kashif K. describes the djolof rice as having a “nice peppery kick,” perfectly accompanying the succulent meats and fishes. Darya S. notes the straightforward but satisfying menu where simplicity reigns supreme, ensuring that every dish is an essential nod to traditional cooking methods.
The cheerful interior, with linen reminiscent of the colors of the Ivorian flag, adds to the restaurant's authentic ambiance. In addition, upbeat West African music creates an inviting atmosphere, enhancing the overall dining experience.
A must-try at La Savane d'Afrique is their natural< i> ginger drink—a refreshing start that pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of the food, as suggested by Mardory V. The combination of spicy sauces and hearty dishes guarantees a journey of flavor that warms the soul.
La Savane d'Afrique is more than just a restaurant; it is a haven for those looking to explore the culinary roots of West Africa without the fuss of excessive options. The emphasis on authenticity and freshness ensures a memorable meal that keeps patrons returning. If you seek a taste of the Ivory Coast, look no further; La Savane d'Afrique welcomes you with open arms and plates filled with vibrant flavors.
Very flavorful Ivorian food and polite (not overly convivial) service. The djolof rice has a nice peppery kick to it, and serves as a great side for the meat and fish dishes. The guinea fowl is a lean bird, and the meat tends to get dry, but the sauces are a nice accompaniment. The interior of the restaurant is cheerful, with linen matching the colors of the flag of Ivory Coast, and upbeat West African music playing.
Had a great meal hear years ago, but it's now CLOSED and the phone disconnected. Had a great meal hear years ago, but it's now CLOSED and the phone disconnected.
The cuisine here is that of the Ivory Coast, run by a Senegalese staff. The food is simple, and the menu even simpler. When we went, there were just 2-3 things on the menu for mains: grilled fish, grilled fowl, and grilled lamb (along with sides). There are just two outdoor tables that fit two people each, and they only accept cash. The limited options are kind of annoying, but I ordered the grilled fish (don't know what kind) and it did not disappoint in portion or taste. It was a little oily, but not so much that it was unappealing. I love that they left the head in there, as I'm one of the few people who love eating fish head - eyeball and jawbones and all. It comes with a very spicy sauce that took my breath away, and I have an incredibly high tolerance for spice. The price was $19, which is unusual for such a hole-in-the-wall type of place, but I'd say it is worth it. I also got the sweet plantains side, which is included with it, and that was so good. I love that it is cut up into very small pieces and that it's not as sweet as it's normally done elsewhere. There's a side salad that comes with it as well, but that was way too oily for my taste. I can't imagine anyone enjoying that one, sadly. Very much a no-frills place. Simple and hearty dishes. Go if you're okay with not having options.
I guess it is about time that I let the secret out for non-Harlemites. This spot is where you want to be to start your Harlem food journey. First and foremost you have to order their ginger drink. Talk about fresh: fresh ginger is pressed, poured into a cup and voìla: enjoy. My next favorite here is the fried fish with attieke and their little hot sauce. Don't be fooled by my calling it little because this hot sauce will slap your mama. If you are really in a mood for flavor drink aforementioned ginger drink after some of this hot sauce. (I will pause here to laugh at you if your tongue clucks). The staff is friendly and very welcoming. They will understand if you need a takeout bag because the portions are large, and worth every bit of your money. Most importantly, the food is delicious so you will not want to waste it. If you don't like it, give it to me or any of my friends who are in the know. All five stars earned.