Le Toukouleur

by lenee v.

my only complaint about le toukouleur is that it isn't a bigger place.  i went there this past saturday with a large group, and we had excellent service with fantastic food.  each one of us loved the meals ambience.  i can't wait to go back!the wine list is pretty good, and they offer a $25 prix fixe for dinner.  pretty wonderful, for what could have been an insanely expensive dinner.

by Kemi A.

Had dinner here last night. I was craving some African food so my friend and I stopped here to chop down.We jumped to the entree list and I go the Tieboujeun which was DELICIOUS. The stew was incredible...I need that recipe. My fish was really tasty.My friend ordered something else that she wasn't too impressed with, she ended up asking for hotsauce because the whole fish was tasteless. And she exchanged her plain couscous for senegalese rice because the meal had no real humph. But again my meal was GREAT. No complaints here.We went elsewhere for dessert--chocolate room.I live in jersey now if I lived in there area, I would definitely be a frequent visitor to this establishment.BTW- the menu has meal descriptions in english

by Rebecca L.

Service and food were unbelievable.Had the crab cake appetizer, chicken with peanut sauce and ginger juice--my s.o. had steak.  The food was literally PERFECT.One of the best meals I've had in a really long time. And possibly my new favorite restaurant?

by S O.

Went to brunch today specifically in the mood for a mimosa and eggs benedict.  NEWS: They NO LONGER serve mimosas with breakfast!The waitress was under-aged and the owner wasn't there so I was told I would have to come back at 4pm if I wanted a mimosa (huh?).  Though I noticed two male cooks in the kitchen who looked old enough to serve.Anyway, I had the eggs benedict with salad and fries.  The salad was a little wilted and the fries were soggy and limp.  However the eggs benedict were fantastic, despite watching the cook handle the buns and test the firmness of the eggs with his bare hands.Service was fast and attentive but I was the only one there for a good 20 minutes.I probably won't be going again, the sight of someone elses fingers on my food left a bad taste in my mouth.Maybe you'll have better luck with dinner?

by Whitney K.

Yum! We had the Fufu (okra gumbo) and Tieboujeun (stuffed fish with vegetables) and the appetizer was a pastry shell with curry vegetables. All of it was delicious especially the Fufu. It's a bit richer food than I am used to eating, but it was a great treat. The waitress was very attentive and made sure to keep our glasses full. Also, free fresh bread, olive oil and olives! So good. The music was a funky mix of ragga and laid back rock, fit the vibe of the restaurant very well. Great neighborhood spot and I will definitely be back.

by Johnny R.

Isaac Hayes was playing need I say more?OK. shrimpavocadotomato app. crabcake w/ perfect meat/breading ratio, grilled calamari, Tilapia w/couscous vegetables, sound good? It is. Authentic too. I had some mango juice that was delicious too. The seating is chairs on one side and some comfortable couches on the other. We shared the appetizers nd I recommend doing that. I honestly doubt you will ever taste better grilled calamari in your life. The prices were very reasonable, but it wasn't McDs. I feel you definitely get what you pay for at Le Toukouleur.The wait staff was attentive friendly and the owner was super cool.

by Phyllis K.

Simply amazing Franco-African food!  I went there recently with some friends, and despite the fact that they ran out of most items, like corn, fish and RICE, what they were able to serve was fantabulous!  The red snapper special was delightful! The lamb kebabs are to die for, as is the shrimp and avocado appetizer!There were a lot of minuses:  -really spotty service, our waitress, though super sweet, messed up our order after she decided to randomly come around to reconfirm, when we had figured she had already put it in.- it was once a BYOB, but apparently there were "complaints" and it had to end, so there is no alcohol-the menu is mostly in French, which is fine except that there are no translations for anything, and though the waitress could explain things to you,I mean, also keep in mind this restaurant  is in Bedstuy!-there is a TV that was at one point blaring Pres. Bush's statements against Hugo Chavez, really hard to talk  over and really distracting.  For a a sports bar I can understand the need for a TV that big and that loud!  But for a place whose decor suggests something more calm...Despite the minuses, overall, it is a great addition to the neighborhood, and the food is truly truly delicious!  Seriously, the food is good!Since it is a new restaurant, I'm sure in a couple of months everything will straighten out!

by Kate G.

I wanted so much to like this place! Le Toukouleur was pleasant right from the door, tastefully decorated.  There is also a seating area outside.  Interesting French music was playing a bit too loud, but it was nice enough.  The bathroom was clean (and I can be picky about a place's restroom).   I didn't like how scented candles were placed on every table, it smelled okay, but who wants to smell Midnight Jasmine while eating?  We were their only guests.  Our waitress was welcoming and standoffish all at once, and she fluctuated between the two for the evening.  She didn't give us a wine list, and listed off some bottles in a hesitant manner, and she didn't know a lot about any questions we had about the wine.  But whatever, we ordered a bottle with our meal.  We ordered the crab cake for our appetizer.  I ordered their chicken stew.  The crab cake came out first, and it was dry and tasted like it came from a can.  Major flop.  Our entrées followed, I think mine was $15, and it was so-so.  The flavors just didn't work for me.  My date got the $17 special, and he was disappointed...it was a small dish and pretty simple.  We thought our meal was saved with their complimentary hookah, but the flimsy hookah didn't work.   Once my date fixed the hookah, we didn't bother staying to smoke because the tobacco was gross.  The bill totaled about $90, and our visit was soooo not worth the mediocre service and crappy food.  Maybe we just came in on an off night?

by Jaclyn A.

My roommate and I were searching for restaurants in the area of our new apartment and came across this little treasure. When we went in, we weren't expecting much-it was an odd hour but still considered "brunch."  One look at the menu and I had changed my mind-everything sounded delicious (brunch menu: meal + drink for $9.95). I settled on the french toast with passion fruit sauce (it had a prettier name, but oh well)-it was the perfect amount. Also tried the Ginger juice-delicious! My roomie had the crab/fish patty sandwich with sweet potato fries and loved it as well. The service was fast and polite-we weren't rushed, yet we got out in good time.I will definitely be returning, and it's so convenient!!!! I'm so happy to have found this place.

by Jen Y.

Dinner on a Monday night at Le Toukouleur was a trip.  It was open mike night, and we heard everything from jazz to a groovy old lady making randy jokes -- in rhyme.  Septuagenarian couples dancing cheek to cheek.We got the fish and a vegetarian entree.  Both were perfectly and delicately prepared.  Lovely wine and friendly, relaxed service.  Really comfy banquettes appealingly decorated to complement the food.A great neighborhood joint with unique and elegant food and a groovy vibe.