If you’re planning a trip to Togo, there’s much more to explore beyond its beaches and markets. This small West African nation is full of hidden gems—creative spaces, vibrant eateries, and cultural corners that often go unnoticed by the average tourist. Lomé, the capital, offers a blend of urban energy and traditional flair that comes alive when you take the time to explore it on foot or dive into its art and food scenes. Whether you’re an art lover, someone looking to connect with locals, or just want a quiet place to cool off and admire the beauty of African design, Togo has something special for you.

In this article, I’ll share a few standout experiences from my time in Lomé—each one offering a unique window into the culture, creativity, and charm of Togo. From a captivating gallery tucked away in the city to a stylish bar that left a lasting impression with its decor, and even a scoop of ice cream I won’t soon forget, these highlights show that Togo’s magic often lies in the little things. If you’re open to exploration and curious about local life, these places are worth adding to your itinerary.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Discovering the Heart of Togo

1. Galerie Coin du Terroir – A Treasure Trove of Art
2. Hype Lounge Bar – African Decor Meets Urban Vibes
3. Ice Cream at the Italian Pizzeria – A Sweet Relief in the Heat
4. Chez Brovi – The Famous Spot for Grilled Fish
5. Final Thoughts – Togo Through My Eyes

Explore Local Art in Lomé, Togo

One of the best cultural finds in Lomé is a small yet fascinating art gallery. Packed with handmade wooden crafts, steel sculptures, and bright, colorful designs, this space is a treasure trove for lovers of African art.

The highlight is a hidden room lined with antique wooden masks. The stone floor and soft lighting give it a mysterious, timeless feel. While browsing, I received a small wooden key holder as a free gift from the friendly shop owner—proof of the warm hospitality you’ll find in Togo. You can also buy earrings, furniture, fabric handbags, or enjoy a taste of Togolese juice while you shop.

Galerie Coin du Terroir in Lomé is a delightful space that beautifully showcases Togolese and African art. Founded by Justine Eklou-Edorh, the gallery features over 1,500 works, from intricate bead jewelry to bold sculptures and wooden crafts. During my visit, I was impressed by the creativity on display—each piece felt deeply rooted in cultural heritage. While browsing, I bought a pair of unique wooden earrings shaped like human faces. They’re still one of my favorite accessories to wear to this day—light, artistic, and always a conversation starter.

What made the experience even more memorable was the warmth of the owner. After my small purchase, she graciously gifted me a wooden keyholder as a token of appreciation, along with a brochure about the gallery. It was a small gesture, but it left a lasting impression. The gallery isn’t just a place to shop—it’s an authentic cultural experience filled with heart, talent, and beautiful storytelling through art.

Try Local and International Restaurants in Togo

I didn’t cook during my stay in Lomé, so I relied on restaurants—some local, some international.

Enjoy delicious food at Hype Lounge Bar

Hype Lounge Bar in Lomé is a trendy, beautifully designed venue that stands out not just for its atmosphere but for its decor. While I didn’t eat there, I was completely drawn in by the vibrant African-inspired decoration—my favorite part of the entire place. From woven lampshades to colorful fabric patterns and wood-carved accents, the space feels warm, artistic, and uniquely stylish. It’s the kind of place you’d want to visit just to take in the ambiance, snap a few photos, and soak in the local creative flair. Even without tasting the food, I’d recommend it for the sheer visual experience alone.

A Taste of Italy in Lomé: The Roadside Pizzeria Surprise

Along one of Lomé’s busy roads, I stumbled upon a surprisingly elegant Italian restaurant—the kind of place you don’t expect to find randomly but are glad you did. With its large open terrace, colorful sunshades, and inviting aroma of baked dough and herbs wafting through the air, this pizzeria stands out from the usual eateries in the area.

Although I wasn’t particularly hungry that day, the scorching heat made me crave something cool, so I ordered a single scoop of vanilla ice cream. It arrived in a small glass bowl—modest in size but rich in taste. The texture was creamy, the flavor smooth and subtly sweet, and it melted perfectly in my mouth. It was just what I needed to cool off from the Togolese sun.

How was the ice cream?

As someone who’s mildly lactose intolerant, I usually avoid dairy, but this scoop was too good to pass up. And while I did suffer a not-so-serious allergic reaction afterward, the taste honestly made it worth it. That’s how good it was.

The staff were polite and attentive, and even though I didn’t order a full meal, I noticed pizzas being served at nearby tables—thin crusts topped generously with fresh ingredients, the kind you usually find in proper Italian kitchens. One waiter mentioned they also serve pasta dishes and a variety of gelato flavors, making this a solid spot for both a quick bite and a sit-down dinner.

If you’re in Lomé and want to try something different from local Togolese cuisine, this Italian roadside restaurant is worth a visit. Whether you stop in for a slice of pizza, a bowl of pasta, or just to cool down with ice cream like I did, you’ll likely leave satisfied—and maybe even surprised by how good Italian food can taste this far from Rome.

Chez Brovi: The Local Favorite

Everyone in town seemed to talk about Chez Brovi, so I had to find out for myself what the hype was about. The restaurant doesn’t look fancy from the outside—it’s a modest, no-frills place with basic decor, plastic chairs, and open-air seating. But don’t let appearances fool you. The real magic here is what comes out of the kitchen.

Upon arrival, a staff member brought out a tray of raw fish for me to choose from. This was part of the charm—you actually get to see the freshness of the fish before it’s grilled. I selected a small one that fit my budget, though I’ll admit the prices were a bit higher than what I’m used to back home in Cameroon. For 5,000 CFA, I expected something bigger, but I reminded myself that in Togo, quality often trumps quantity.

About 20 minutes later, my plate arrived. The fish was perfectly grilled—crispy on the outside with a smoky aroma, and soft, flaky meat inside. It looked a little charred in places, but that only added to its flavor. It was served with a bold, spicy raw pepper sauce on the side that hit hard but complemented the fish beautifully.

How was the food?

Another section of the plate featured a simple mix of part-cooked tomatoes and onions. At first glance, it didn’t look like much—definitely not what you’d call a stew—but once I tasted it, I was pleasantly surprised. The tomatoes still held some of their raw freshness, which gave the dish a vibrant, tangy kick. The onions added crunch and mild sweetness, balancing out the fiery heat from the pepper.

There were no fries or rice here—this was straight-up, no-nonsense grilled fish the Togolese way. And that’s exactly why people love it. The experience wasn’t just about food; it was about flavor, authenticity, and culture. The tables around me were filled with groups of locals chatting, laughing, and wiping their mouths with satisfaction. You could tell this was a go-to spot for anyone craving something familiar and well-prepared.

If you’re ever in Lomé and want to eat like a local, Chez Brovi is a must. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s the kind of place where flavor leaves a lasting memory, long after the plate is empty.

Final Thoughts

From hidden galleries and warm local encounters to flavorful food and street discoveries, there are many unforgettable things to do in Togo. Take your time exploring Lomé—you’ll leave with more stories than you expected.

If you are interested in reading about other African countries, here’s a link for older posts.