Dakar NOLA — Restaurant in New Orleans

I never write restaurant reviews. Never. I will this time.

Dakar are as serious about their food (absolutely delicious) as they are about their cancelation polices (uncompromising) and communication (disingenuous and confusing). I have no problem pre-paying in full for a special meal, as I did for my meal recently at Dakar. The food was special, let me be clear about that.

Four hours prior to meal time, my dinner partner fell ill, and had to cancel. I had this text exchange (attached). I think the restaurant led me on to believe I could come alone without penalty. From a customer service standpoint, I think the onus was on the restaurant at that moment, to remind me that I could surely dine alone, but have pre-paid for two people, and there would be no refund.

Instead I got, "yes", "what's the name on the reservation", "I'll make a note", "best wishes to your friend for a speedy recovery" and an "of course" when I thanked them for their understanding.

Not only did they replace my cancelled guest with someone who told me how surprised she was to get seated at our communal table that same day (the restaurant double dipped) but after the bill came, and I saw I was only charged $75 for the wine pairing, I mentioned to our sommelier that I just realized that I had been billed for two people, even though I was the under the impression that I had sorted that our hours earlier.

The sommelier told me, "I wish you had mentioned this prior to the bill. In these cases, we'd often comp the wine pairing" I said, "that would be amazing!" She went to check on this and our waiter came back, total game face on, and hit me up with "is their a problem"? I told him my story, and he said there is nothing that could be done.

I emailed the owners, and despite my story, they say there is nothing to do. I suggested that in the spirit of community and hospitality, so central to Senegal and Dakar, that they pay it forward, send the cost of a meal to a food kitchen or whatever. I never heard back.

I paid $470 in food, wine, and service fees for two people. Seems like a more equitable win-win opportunity was squandered, especially when management told me I'd be fine to attend solo, and that the sommelier's hope of a comped wine pairing, was clearly not sincere.

Let me say again, the food was wonderful. Would I go back? Not sure. Feeling slighted (as you can tell) but I might like to share this beautiful food with my wife and daughters next time I'm in Nola.

And chef, congrats on the Beard award. Best new restaurant....

We have dined at Dakar three times now. The first was when they offered their Wednesday three-course menu with a couple of supplements. Each trip was better than the previous. Dining at Dakar in New Orleans is nothing short of transformative. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with warmth, intention, and a palpable sense of place. Chef Serigne Mbaye has created more than a restaurant; it's a soulful, deeply personal celebration of Senegalese cuisine told through the lens of New Orleans' rich culinary heritage, making you feel connected to the heart of the experience.

The tasting menu, priced at around $200/person, is an unforgettable experience. Every dish arrives with a story: Layers of flavor and history beautifully plated. From the ethereal yassa to the smoky Jollof rice and tender seafood preparations, each course was bold, balanced, and thoughtfully composed. Ingredients are treated with reverence, and the connections between West Africa and the Gulf South are both subtle and striking. We loved that he is spotlighting an under appreciated and underutilized rice called Jollof.

But what truly elevates the meal is the service. The staff brings a bowl and pitcher of warm water to the table for you to wash your hands. Washing away the past and moving into the future with this culinary experience that excels on every level. The staff, who treat you like a member of their own family, are gracious, knowledgeable, and passionate about the food they're presenting. There's a familial vibe to the hospitality, warm without being fussy, attentive without being intrusive.

Dakar is more than a restaurant; it's an experience, a conversation, and a celebration of culture. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this is one of the most exciting and meaningful meals you can have in New Orleans right now, inspiring you to explore and appreciate the city's rich cultural tapestry. Expect to see even more great things from Chef Mbaye...

As a passionate food connoisseur with an extensive range of dining experiences, I had the pleasure of enjoying an exceptional evening at Dakar NOLA. This delightful restaurant offered a unique communal dining experience that allowed me to connect with four inspiring individuals, facilitating engaging conversations that flowed as smoothly as the dishes being served.

The highlight of the evening was Chef Serigne Mbaye’s exquisite seven-course tasting menu, a true testament to culinary artistry. Each dish was thoughtfully crafted and bursting with flavor, but a few truly stood out to me. The welcome tea, a fragrant blend that invigorated my senses, set the tone for the meal. The bread course enticed my palate with its warm, freshly baked variety, paired perfectly with a rich, spiced butter. However, it was the shrimp and grits that truly took my breath away—perfectly cooked shrimp nestled atop a bed of velvety, flavor-packed grits, creating a harmonious blend that I will reminisce about for years to come.

This evening was particularly special as I was celebrating my birthday, and the staff at Dakar NOLA went above and beyond to make me feel cherished and celebrated. Their warm hospitality and attentiveness made a lasting impression, transforming my birthday into an extraordinary culinary journey.

This is an experience that I believe everyone should have at least once in their lives—an unforgettable evening filled with delectable food and wonderful company. I will always hold this birthday celebration close to my heart. A heartfelt thank you to Chef Serigne Mbaye and the incredible team at Dakar NOLA for crafting such a...