There are many cafés in Dakar, but few offer waterfront views, make you feel the energy of the sea breeze or feel like a space where you want to spend your entire morning. And Teddy’s Coffee in Dakar is that space. I recently visited this new café in Dakar as I was looking for brunch spots in Dakar during my visit. So if you are someone who loves brunching as much as I do and are looking for where to brunch in Dakar when you visit Senegal, or even if you live in Senegal, here is my honest review of the experience at Teddy’s Coffee in Dakar: from the food to the vibe.

What to Know Before You Go: Teddy’s Coffee, Dakar

• Location: The Almadies, Dakar
• Price Range: [$$ / $$$ or actual range]
• Cuisine: Western and French cuisine with local touches 
• Vibe: aesthetic open air, designed with simplicity in mind
• WiFi: Yes, which makes this great for remote workers. 
• Instagrammable? Absolutely. The open-space design really invites you to lean in. There is an intentional simplicity that makes you feel very comfortable being there. 

My Experience at Teddy’s Coffee, Waterfront Café in Dakar 

The first thing I noticed when I arrived was how expansive the space is. You get in, and you can move around easily. No overcrowding with seats and tables to maximize customers, no waiters or waitresses bumping into each other because there is not enough space to move around. I immediately felt calmer: I could move around easily and decide to sit down and take in the view: no rush at all. 

And yes, that view: this is not something you see at every café in Dakar. Here again, Teddy’s Coffee scores another point. Visiting a coastal city like Dakar, I wanted to get as close to the water as possible, every single time. This desire for constant closeness with nature came from having lived 15 years in Dominica, and now, I carry it with me everywhere. So, it only felt natural for us (my mom and brother) to pick a table that was directly at the waterfront. 

At Teddy’s Coffee in Dakar, you can choose to sit inside or outside, based on your mood and your vibe of the day. And if you are brunching in Dakar with kids, the inside seating would be more convenient, but don’t worry: with the door-sized glass windows, you can still see and feel the water right in front of you. 

The decor? Simplistic and effective. And it works, especially for a waterfront café in a busy city like Dakar. Sometimes I want to be deep in the culture, and other times, I just want a space where I can exist closer to nature. And Teddy’s Coffee in Dakar is where to go for the latter. 

During my time, I saw a handful of expats and tourists, but it seemed a few locals had picked up on what a hidden gem this café in Dakar is. But the secret won’t be out for much longer anyways, because now I am sharing it with you. 

What I ordered

As a brunch aficionada, I like to try everything (aka “as much as possible”), and that is why I generally brunch with family and friends. That way, we also avoid wasting food and we can take some home if there are leftovers. 

So, we tried two brunch formulas, the “classic” brunch and the “lovely” brunch:

• Classic Brunch: this includes a croissant, brioche, honey, butter and homemade jam, an assortment of 3 cookies, a fresh fruit salad and fresh red berries, as well as eggs (cooked based on your preference. For drinks, you have orange juice and unlimited filter coffee. 
• Lovely Brunch:  this includes a ham and cheese croissant or smoked fish croissant (I picked the latter), a pear or banana compote, banana bread with milk chocolate and a dark chocolate sauce, and dauphine potatoes. For drinks, you also orange juice and unlimited filter coffee
• Cocktails: I also tried their signature Marrakech Cocktail, which felt like a journey into a Moroccan riad, enhanced with orange blossom, honey from Casamance (a region in Senegal) and cascara concentrate. 

The standout for me were the marrakech vibe cocktail, and for food, the pommes dauphines (as I don’t usually eat potatoes like this)., and the smoked salmon croissant sandwich. I loved the flavour of the smokey food layered on a buttery cream. 

My Honest Review of Teddy’s Coffee in Dakar 

Overall, the food quality was excellent: fresh, beautifully plated, and thoughtfully balanced. Portions are notably generous, to the point where taking some home feels almost inevitable. The pastry display, in particular, is a visual highlight: abundant, artfully arranged, and undeniably inviting.

Seated outdoors along the waterfront, I had a clear view of Teddy’s Coffee’s garden, where vegetables and herbs are grown on-site. It’s a small but meaningful detail that reinforces the café’s commitment to sustainability and a more intentional approach to dining in Dakar.

As a relatively new addition to the city’s café scene (open for less than two years) and with a team of predominantly young, local staff, service can occasionally feel like a work in progress, particularly when catering to international guests with more specific expectations. That said, this also speaks to something more important: the café’s role in creating local employment and nurturing emerging talent, which adds another layer to its impact.

One of the most memorable moments came unexpectedly. As we lingered over breakfast, a griot from Guinea moved through the space, serenading guests with personalized renditions of popular African songs. The atmosphere shifted instantly: what began as a relaxed brunch turned into a lively, shared experience, complete with clapping, dancing, and requests for more. It’s these spontaneous, culturally rooted moments that elevate a meal into something far more memorable.

Who is this Waterfront Café in Dakar for? 

I’d recommend Teddy’s Coffee in Dakar for: 

• Solo dates
• Brunch with friends
• Content creators / aesthetic lovers
• Travelers looking for a relaxing place to work remotely while enjoying a great brunch experience. 

Who should Skip this Spot?

This might not be the best fit if you’re looking for budget eats, or local food. There are many other brunch spots that I tested in Dakar, that also offer this. 

Final Review: is this Waterfront Café in Dakar worth it? 

So, is Teddy’s coffee worth it?

I’d say yes, if you are looking for closeness with nature, waterfront views, great portions, an accessible spot with a lot of space for families, and unexpected surprises (like a griot serenading you while you eat). 

Clem’s Travel Tips

Since you are visiting Dakar, starting your day at Teddy’s Coffee is a great kick off for the other things to do in Dakar, such as exploring Ngor Island, shopping Dakar’s bustling markets or taking a day-trip to Goree island.  making it a perfect stop during your day exploring the city.

Looking for more places to eat in Dakar? Check out my full guide to the best brunch spots in Dakar!