Restaurant L'Embuscade Paris 9 — Restaurant in Paris

Together with Eze The Glocalizer (@eze_theglocalizer) I went to visit L’embuscade to try out their menu for Black Love of Food (@blackloveoffood)!

We loved that the place is fully vegan and black-owned. Eze is Cameroonian so to see a fellow Cameroonian owner of such a gem, was obviously extra heartwarming. And yes, I said it: a gem. What a place with dope food. Think African fine dining but without the crazy fine dining prices.

We literally had to ask for some explanations for the dishes (also out of curiosity) and you’re taken on a journey of different African countries such as Senegal and of course Cameroon.

What did we taste?

Drinks: Ginger Lemonade Passionfruit Lemonade

— delicious, fresh, those tropical flavours never get boring. Could literally drink it everyday. We went for alcohol free but ngl that the cocktails looked stellar and there was a cue for it lol.

Appetizers: Cantaloupe Melon and Safou Tartar Crostini with Saka Saka and Pineapple Flambé

— Literally things I’ve never seen on a menu before let alone taste. It was so good. I’m not really one for any type of tartar (which is why it was initially Eze’s dish) but I can truly say it was good, soft on the tongue and really nicely combined in terms of flavour. The crostini was so good I almost melted.

Mains: Mbakhalou Saloum (A Senegalese bowl with a rice base, peanut sauce, black eyed peas, West-African spices and a tamarind glazed portobello mushroom skewer) Mbongo Tofu (A Cameroonian bowl with soy beans, tofu, white sweet potato, sautéed spinach with Mbongo spices, kale and oven baked plantain)

— These bowls were so gooood. I loved the incorporation of West-African spices, filled bowls with so much flavour but also so good for the body. You could feel that they know what’s good for you in all of the senses. We are from each other’s bowls and were sad when they were empty but oh so grateful.

Desserts: Los Diablitos (mini beignets with dark chocolate on a bed of pear, caramel drizzle and shredded coconut) Flambeur (plantain flambé with rum, oat crumble and ice cream)

— These combinations were surprising yet heavenly! We are both not a great fan of liquor in desserts but L’embuscade did the damn thing. With plantain?? Come on now. Creative, delicious, just head over there already.

L’embuscade knows what they’re doing. They also host private events in a nook in the back and their underground cosy club. The owner is such a generous person and literally introduced as to another African restaurant owner that we will tell you more about soon. Their spirit is warm and the audience is so diverse. That’s really lovely to see as someone in the African diaspora, cause indeed, we should get to know these flavours more. Africa is such a big and diverse continent where food is at the heart of the many different cultures.

10/10, don’t miss out on this place in your lifetime, ok?? Ok.

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The food at L'Embuscade is absolutely amazing. The dishes have full-bodied flavour, with such delicate and artful balances of spices and flavours that it feels like art as much as food.

The yassa is divine. It is a lemony, mustardy dish of culinary genius topped with grilled eryngii mushrooms. The iced tea is full of unexpected punchy beautiful flavours and topped with flowers and chocolates. I highly recommend both. The mafé is also beautiful. I'm looking forward to returning so I may try the Saka Saka next. The niebe (bean) dip is also delicious.

The space is cozy, lively and fun. There's a disco ball and lots of art. The staff is incredibly nice and you can tell they care a lot about the food and experience they offer.

I would recommend this place 100/100. It's my new top favourite place for dinner in Paris. Especially if you have not tried African cuisine before, its an absolutely wonderful experience and a must...

We just left, and my wife and I cannot stop thinking about how wonderful and fantastic our experience was. I am overwhelmed. My heart is as full as my stomach.

This is a must visit for anyone or any vegan who is traveling and visiting like we are. Out of every restaurant we've visited during our time in Paris, L'Embuscade was the best and my personal favorite. The food was phenomenal. The service was personal, kind, and forgiving (our French speaking skills need a lot of work, and they were beyond patient and helpful with us).

We hope to go back before we fly out in a couple days. Again, this is a must visit vegan restaurant. Every dish is made with love here, and that's what makes a restaurant perfect. Thank you, L'Embuscade, for an unforgettable time!

EDIT: Seeing some of these reviews that are anything less than glowing - come on! Get off your...