I don’t know if you often eat Tiep Bou Dien or Pépé Atiéké soup, but I don’t really. This meant that dining at Waly Fay was a real voyage of discovery, not only for the names of the dishes but also for the great, different tastes on offer. We did our best to eat as much as we could for you… 😉

The restaurant is not too far from Bastille and close to rue Paul Bert that has seen something of a culinary renaissance in the past few years. Friends had recommended the place to eat (and they love their food), saying that booking was very much advised. When we arrived at around 8.30pm, the place was empty, but people started arriving soon afterwards and was full in no time.
We were very warmly welcomed by – it seems – one of the two owners, and she was able to explain patiently all the dishes, as there was very little that was familiar to us.
The high ceilings of what used to be a workshop, together with the dim lighting, give the place a special ambience, a laid-back feel despite the hubbub of neighbouring tables.

Much of the menu sounded delicious, and choosing was not easy.

The wine list is simple, mixing French wines with a few foreign bottles (Californian, Chilean…). Our Chilean red was”thick and robust” as my companion put it!
Our deep-fried cod, sweet potato chips and plantain chips would probably have been enough for a main course. The cod was salty and crispy, accompanied by a slightly spicy sauce. The plantain melted in the mouth, but may be a little too greasy for some. The sweet potato wasn’t particularly memorable (perhaps we ate it too fast!).
To accompany our main dishes, we just had to try all the various side dishes, including Atiéké (made from manioc), Igname Pona à la vapeur (steamed yam) et Miondo (a sticky bar of manio paste rolled up in a banana leaf).

The prawns in ginger sauce lived up to its promise: tender and perfumed. The smoked fish and prawn N’dolé was something we were a little worried about, after our host had explained that some people find the taste too strong, bitter almost. It’s takes a little getting used to, but it’s a truly original taste that I grew to like very much, leaving a lasting impression. The chicken with lime and onion was more of a standard dish, with the chicken and onions both melting in the mouth with their slightly caramelised taste.
Deciding on whether our stomachs could fit in dessert was not easy, but once again – as good reporters – we made the effort for you. It has to be said, the main dishes are quite large, and finishing three courses would be a challenge for anyone.

Although the soursop sorbet and its rum-soaked raisins had its faire share of subtle yet different flavours, the winner – hands down – was the amazing coconut flan and caramel sauce. Simply amazing!
There’s no rush to get you out at Waly Fay. They’re open late and – as I said – it’s a relaxed kind of place. By the time we were ready to go, all the table were full, and many people without reservations had been turned away. You have been warned! The restaurant has been here for the last ten years at least, and you can see that certain diners are obviously regulars. The staff is efficient,discrete and friendly – genuinely friendly and kind, which makes a difference.
We will gladly return to Waly Fay (that flan!) as there are other dishes we need to explore. Perhaps for their brunch?

Expect to pay around 50 euros per person for (a very copious) dinner.

The Waly Fay (here) is open every day form 8pm – midnight. To book a table, call +33 (0)1 40 24 17 79