Franco's

Top choice in Sierra Leone


Half an hour from Freetown is Sierra Leone foodie institution Franco's, sprawled on Sussex Beach (beside the lagoon). Run by an Italian–/Sierra Leonean couple, this place specialises in seafood and pasta, and is a favourite spot for a long, wine-fuelled Sunday lunch.

Reservations are wise at weekends, and it's worth calling in your order in advance, as food can take a while to prepare at busy times. If you want to make a night of it, Franco's is part of Florence's Resort, a low-key guesthouse which has seven breezy rooms (from US$80 a night).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sierra Leone attractions

1. Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

4.95 MILES

In the dense rainforest of Western Area National Park, Sri Lankan founder Bala created Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a leafy, waterfall-framed hideaway…

2. York Cemetery

6.32 MILES

One of the oldest in the country, this cemetery is the final resting place of several former colonial masters.

3. Town Bell

6.47 MILES

Dating back to the days of the slave trade, the bell was reputedly used to alert people to important events or emergencies. It is used for the same…

5. York Centenary

6.59 MILES

A stone monument commemorating the first centenary of York village.

6. Indian Temple

8.57 MILES

A functioning temple serving the city's Hindu population.

7. St John's Maroon Church

8.79 MILES

St John's Maroon Church is a squat white building with big windows built around 1820. An example of the area's Krio architecture, it was built by returned…

8. State House

8.82 MILES

The State House, up on Tower Hill and overlooking the downtown area, is an example of Freetown's old Krio architecture, which features brightly washed…