This is one of the most popular places to try an afternoon or dinner out while in Ouaga. Le Verdoyant is an outdoor restaurant in the heart of the city. According to the 106 amateur critics who rated it on Trip Advisor, Le Verdoyant was ranked #1 of 71 restaurants in Ouagadougou. It also received a Burkinabe Certificate of Excellence in 2013. Per person prices for a filling meal range from $7 to $15 USD. Here you'll see families from around the world, locals, travelers, and expats. Families with children are welcome! I've been there a few times and agree that it is a fun way to enjoy a lunch or evening out while being comforted by the foods we love! Take Ruth along as she needs all the calories she can get (it's true, Ruth, don't hit me!) Here are some recent reviews by travelers:

"Great food, reasonable prices and no stomach worries!"

If you (and your temperamental stomach) are new to Africa, you can set your worries aside when you eat at the Verdoyant. You can even order and enjoy the excellent salads with peace of mind. I've eaten at the Verdoyant dozens of times over the past many years, and it's always been a great experience. The food on their diverse menu is tasty and reasonably priced. The friendly, hands-on owners and the staff make you feel at home. Kids like it, too, both for the open layout that helps people not feel closed in and, of course, for the really good ice cream. I've had business meetings over meals here, met with old friends from Burkina Faso, and hosted visitors from the U.S. and Europe with the certainty that they would enjoy the experience ... and not regret the meal in the morning.

"Very good, reliable restaurant with a varied menu"

Le Verdoyant is a go-to restaurant with it's varied menu and wide selection of comfort foods likespaghetti gratin and the delicious ravioli. I like the food very much and think that they're very reliable in providing quality, well prepared fresh food, but they should work on the ambiance. While it is one of the most popular restaurants in Ouaga, you'd never know from the metal tables and gravel floors. It's true. The pizza here is some of the best you ever will taste in West Africa. The rest of the menu is excellent as well and the food is a real bargain. You will eat outside with all the advantages and disadvantages involved. If only there was a restaurant like this in every West African city!

"Great Food, But Bring Bug Repellent!"

It's too bad this restaurant is al fresco. I ate there twice - once for dinner, when the mosquitoes where a nuisance and once for lunch, when the flies just wouldn't stop. The food was awesome, but they should do something about the bugs!

"Best value for money in Ouagadougou"

When you head to Le Verdoyant, there are several things for certain: the place will be lively, the food excellent, and the service, quick and competent (not so frequent in this nice little town). Plus the bill won't give you a shock! Yes, they have great pizzas. But - and this is the surprise in a landlocked country, and a poor one at that - there is this delicious fish! Sole, daurade, tuna, and - wait for this one - lobster! All very reasonably priced, and excellent. No wonders the large yard gets full by 8 PM.

"Good grub all of the time"

Ouagadougou in general has some of the best pizza I have ever eaten outside of Italy. In certain cases the pizza is better than you would get in Italy. This place does good steaks, excellent pizzas and fantastic desserts.  The starters are of a good quality as are the main courses. It is not pricy either and there seems to be a mix of ex-pat and locals who dine there. The beer is cold and there seems to be a good atmosphere all of the time. The place is always really busy and it comes highly rated. It is not what I would call high end food but that is not the market it competes in. If you like thin crust, Le Verdoyant is your place. Crusts so thin they were barely even there, very good ingredients, very quickly made, in a nice, comfortable setting. I ate there several times in a two-week trip to Ouaga.