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Charming, intimate place for vegetarian-friendly West African fare served in art-filled surrounds.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 522-1230
Website: http://www.bennachinrestaurant.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
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Reviews
Ctgb2
If you’re up for something different from the usual New Orleans fare, Bennachin is a really cool spot that surprises you in the best way. It’s a cozy African restaurant tucked into the French Quarter, serving vibrant dishes rooted in Gambian and Cameroonian culinary tradition.
Walking in feels relaxed and unpretentious — nothing flashy, just a warm, friendly vibe that makes you want to settle in and enjoy the meal. The food is definitely the highlight: rich, bold, and full of layered flavors you don’t always find in typical tourist spots. I especially loved the namesake bennachin (West African rice dish similar to jollof — think tomato-rich and hearty, but with its own twist), and the sides like fried plantains and sautéed spinach add great texture and balance to the plate.
What makes it stand out for me is how it showcases food with history — dishes that feel soulful and satisfying, with spice and heart that remind you of home-cooked meals, not just restaurant food. The service is warm, the portions generous, and it’s a refreshing change of pace from heavier fried Creole classics.
Overall, Bennachin is a hidden gem worth trying if you’re craving bold flavors and a bit of culinary adventure in New Orleans.
… moreWalking in feels relaxed and unpretentious — nothing flashy, just a warm, friendly vibe that makes you want to settle in and enjoy the meal. The food is definitely the highlight: rich, bold, and full of layered flavors you don’t always find in typical tourist spots. I especially loved the namesake bennachin (West African rice dish similar to jollof — think tomato-rich and hearty, but with its own twist), and the sides like fried plantains and sautéed spinach add great texture and balance to the plate.
What makes it stand out for me is how it showcases food with history — dishes that feel soulful and satisfying, with spice and heart that remind you of home-cooked meals, not just restaurant food. The service is warm, the portions generous, and it’s a refreshing change of pace from heavier fried Creole classics.
Overall, Bennachin is a hidden gem worth trying if you’re craving bold flavors and a bit of culinary adventure in New Orleans.
Stephen Barrios
A Flavorful Hidden Gem in the Quarter
Bennachin is a quiet, laid-back spot that serves up rich, delicious flavors straight from Gambia and Cameroon — a welcome and refreshing break from the usual French Quarter fare.
The atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious, with a real sense of warmth and authenticity. I had the chicken with spinach and rice, and it was absolutely perfect — tender, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. You can tell the food is made with care and tradition in mind.
One of my favorite parts? The waiter casually playing his favorite music videos on YouTube on the TV. It added a personal, relaxed vibe to the meal that made the whole experience feel even more special.
If you’re looking to try something different and delicious in a calm, comfortable setting, Bennachin is definitely worth a visit. A true hidden gem!
… moreBennachin is a quiet, laid-back spot that serves up rich, delicious flavors straight from Gambia and Cameroon — a welcome and refreshing break from the usual French Quarter fare.
The atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious, with a real sense of warmth and authenticity. I had the chicken with spinach and rice, and it was absolutely perfect — tender, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. You can tell the food is made with care and tradition in mind.
One of my favorite parts? The waiter casually playing his favorite music videos on YouTube on the TV. It added a personal, relaxed vibe to the meal that made the whole experience feel even more special.
If you’re looking to try something different and delicious in a calm, comfortable setting, Bennachin is definitely worth a visit. A true hidden gem!
Brian Kq
Was informed the vegetarian menu can be made vegan. Everything was delicious. It is indeed a slower pace so plan for a leisurely dinner. Spinach dish was awesome. The curry was good, and spicy. We were warned ordering the spicy option would be a lot – but don’t worry about it if you can handle spicy food. It’s not extreme.
… moreCarly P
Bennachin was fantastic. It’s a small and unassuming space with a very friendly waitstaff. They were happy to answer any questions that we had about the menu and the food was fantastic.
… moreNatalie Tan
Absolutely a gem! first meal of the year on New Year’s Day at lunch and this didn’t disappoint at all. Visited with my local buddy who lives in NoLa and my other mate who was traveling to hang with me and although there were street closures due to that incident a few hours earlier, it was lovely to find that the restaurant was open albeit understaffed with just one lady bussing and waiting tables. It took about 30 minutes at minimum for the starters to come out followed by the main plates but it was certainly worth the wait.
… moreB Joseph
Overall, the experience was great. My only bad comment is that the beef plates, the beef was really tough…but overall, the family gave 4 stars for the food. The flavor was great. The service was sweet and the restaurant had an African feel about it. It was in the French quarter. Nice Christmas eve dinner.
… moreJulia Norton
Fantastic Domoda and chicken yasa! So good. I spent a lot of time in The Gambia and Senegal 30 years ago and this food was like a time capsule. I missed the cassava and other veggies in the Domoda but it was absolutely delicious nonetheless. Also get the hot ginger drink! Lovely friendly service. So glad we came in
… moreJoseph Sheffield
Looking for quality home cooked meal, and this place came up in the Google search. They have many options with meat and many vegetarian options. I wanted to get the apricot lamb, but I chose two vegetarian options. Yasa with couscous was delicious with the cabbage and carrot. I had to try the Bennachin as I know it is a staple. I also tried a Black Eyed Peas with tomato stew and coconut rice option, which was my favorite. I cleared the whole plate. I was so full I didn’t need meat. the bread roll is soft/good flavor. I don’t think they make it in house but it’s a good bread choice that works. The Akra Black Eyed Peas fritter with sauce was good. It kind of taste like a hush puppy, but a tad softer inside. Love the Wonjo/Sorrell purple drink. So tasty and unique. I like the coconut rice better than the couscous, but I didn’t want to get the same thing twice. Small restaurant but plenty of comfortable seating with an authentic feel. There were definitely other options I wanted to try so I plan on coming back soon. I highly recommend this place for a premium home-cooked meal at a value price with fast friendly service. It’s good to get away from the normal bourbon street fried food, Gumbo and jambalaya. When I saw the owner cooking in the back, I knew the food would be good. I pray places like these continue to provide authentic meals for the people.
… moreGirish Shekhar
First time at Benachin and it’s a hit or miss for me. African cuisine has so much potential, but this visit was just mediocre.
– Spinach, plantain, and rice: OK, nothing special
– Boiled veggies (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower) over couscous: big miss – unpleasant garlic and raw onion flavor with non existent spice
– Bread roll: decent
Maybe they’ll hit it out of the park next time
… more– Spinach, plantain, and rice: OK, nothing special
– Boiled veggies (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower) over couscous: big miss – unpleasant garlic and raw onion flavor with non existent spice
– Bread roll: decent
Maybe they’ll hit it out of the park next time
Giovanni Royalty
This was my first time tasting authentic African food and I was so excited to try fufu for the first time. I was not recommended to this restaurant but I found it on google. I was looking for something different to try for my short trip to New Orleans.
The restaurant is easy to miss when driving by but when you walk around the corner on Royal Street, you can smell that delicious food. They had the menu displaued before you walk into the restaurant. They have many selections even vegan options. When I walked in with my parents and brother, I told them it was very homey and welcoming. It felt like I was at an aunt’s or grandma’s house. There was one guy servicing us and a couple other people and he was very kind.
Now for the food! I got the Egusi Soup with Beef and Fufu. My parents got the red beans and rice plate and the Jamaican Chicken plate. My brother got the plantains. The Egusi Soup? 12/10! They even give you an option of spicy, medium, or mild. Beef or no beef. It was so delicious! My parents liked their meals too. My brother ate half the plantains before we even left the parking lot.
I will be recommending this restaurant to family and friends!
… moreThe restaurant is easy to miss when driving by but when you walk around the corner on Royal Street, you can smell that delicious food. They had the menu displaued before you walk into the restaurant. They have many selections even vegan options. When I walked in with my parents and brother, I told them it was very homey and welcoming. It felt like I was at an aunt’s or grandma’s house. There was one guy servicing us and a couple other people and he was very kind.
Now for the food! I got the Egusi Soup with Beef and Fufu. My parents got the red beans and rice plate and the Jamaican Chicken plate. My brother got the plantains. The Egusi Soup? 12/10! They even give you an option of spicy, medium, or mild. Beef or no beef. It was so delicious! My parents liked their meals too. My brother ate half the plantains before we even left the parking lot.
I will be recommending this restaurant to family and friends!