Best places to work from in Dakar

 From the moment Covid entered in our country in march 2020, I was forced to work from home. Then after a few months, I gradually returned to the office, once every three days at first, then every other day to finally return fully a year after the pandemic hit. 

Working from home is an interesting concept. I enjoy it because I do not have to get up and get ready to leave the house, face the world and traffic before starting my day at the office. I can almost set my own hours and even have time to do other things when I am done. However, I do not like the fact that I was not connected to my coworkers. I felt lonely at home, not having the opportunity to meet and chat with my friends. Moreover, since I live with my parents, I do not always have the peace and quiet to concentrate on my work. 

That is why sometimes I want to get away. I try working from a restaurant or a coffee shop. Today I wanted to share all the places that I find to be great to work from in Dakar.  Here is the full list: 

- Coffee Loft Dakar 

Having a Dalgona coffee at Coffee Loft

Daily special

with the hot chocolate

 Coffee Loft is a nice space, tucked away in the city centre, near Novotel hotel. They have a very diverse menu. The place offers also free Wi-Fi. There are many people working with their computers or tablets. I was there to work on a weekday before lunch, so the place was not that packed. I also returned several times, once to have brunch with the boys on a Saturday and two times for lunches with girlfriends. The restaurant has a very nice ambiance. The service is alright and so is the food and beverage. The prices are average for a restaurant in Dakar. You can easily spend 10.000 XOF for a meal and a drink. It might be easier to opt for the offer of the day, which is around 7000 XOF. 

- Lulu Cafe

This spot is in Mermoz, right opposite of the Olympic sport club. It is a beautiful space with a coffee shop, a furniture/art/clothes store. The prices are a bit high but the food is very healthy. The space is also very quiet on the days I have been there. However I have heard that it can get very crowded as well. It is the hotspot for expats. I just like the fact that you can visit the store or enjoy the garden to take a break from work. The Wi-Fi is not always stable so I recommend using your own mobile data if you want to work there. 

Hot chocolate

Normal and Bissap (roselle) tiramisu with Senegalese tea 

shared with friends

Vegetable Pasta

- Kotao cafe

During the pandemic I have tried this place in Almadies. Back then, the restaurant was tiny. However the food and the vibes were alright. Now the place in Almadies have expanded and they also have a second space in the city. I prefer the one in the city. It is surrounded by cute little shops and it has an upstairs.The food is good and the service slow but alright. The prices are not very cheap as well, but if you order one coffee, it won't hurt your wallet. The WI-FI is alright. However, my problem is that,  there is a hair salon upstairs, right next door, and the owner and some customers like to come outside to smoke. If you are allergic to the smoke like I am, please avoid sitting upstairs next to the hair salon. 

Location in Almadies

Avocado and salmon toast

with hot chocolate

Location in Plateau

Breakfast at Kotao Coffee in the city

-  Teddy's Coffee 

After my co-workers recommended this place, I finally decided to go check it one day after being tired of working at home. The coffee shop is located on the corniche of Almadies with other hip restaurants. The restaurant is not too big but it has a large outside space that has a beautiful view of the sea. I like the fact that there are seats right in front of the sea. The menu is not too extensive and the prices are on the high side. I actually did not like the food I ordered, although it was edible. The Wi-fi was spotty. I think most people come for the brunch, the cakes and the view. I have to admit that apart from some trendy music, the place was really quiet. It was appropriate for work or just to relax. 

Hot chocolate with a view 

The plantain gnocci in the bowl was the only delicious thing I ate.  

- Keur Gui

This is a new spot in town, 15 minutes walk from my house and righ tnext door to Cinema Pathe. I have been there several times with my friends and with the boys. I have to admit that I have not worked there yet but the ambiance is perfect for it. The restaurant is huge with two stories and outside seatings. The decoration is also very bright and artsy. The prices are a bit steep yet the food is great particularly the cakes. The service is also up to par or at least the times I have been there. 

Eggplant and tomato dish

Ice Matcha latte 

Burger and Chicken wrap

Cakes

Dakar is a hub with lots of restaurants and coffee shops. Even in my neighbourhood, I can find three to four places that I could work from. All you need to work in those places is free Wi-Fi, good menu, affordable prices and a bit of peace and quiet. In any case, you can always use a noise cancelling headphones and buy mobile data. 

What is your favorite restaurant or coffee shop to work from?