Restaurant Le Citizen

We had previously heard great things about Citizen from some fellow travellers we met on our Madagascar trip. The entrance is a tiny doorway which leads to a striking staircase that opens out onto a patio area overlooking Lake Anosy and the city. The lunch started well with the crustiest fresh bread we’ve had in years - the kind we’d have been happy to just fill up with (and had to resist a second portion of so we could appreciate the rest of lunch). The menu is varied with something for everyone. Between the two of us we had swordfish gravadlax and foie gras terrine starters followed by shrimp risotto/bisque and grilled zebu fillet with pepper cream sauce followed by a shared dessert of passionfruit/strawberry millefeuille. All I can say is wow! My swordfish starter was not only visually stunning but probably one of the best starters I’ve eaten in a long time. I’ve never felt the need to photograph my food to show friends but this was my debut. What can I say - every mouthful of every course was a joy. Both of us were so impressd we are going back again before we leave Antananaviro. If you are have the opportunity definitely make the effort to get there as you won’t be disappointed

We originally visited and reviewed Citizen when we first arrived in Antananarivo (Tana) in September and were blown away by the quality and presentation of the food along with the friendly service. A month later, as a result of our flight out of Madagascar being cancelled due to the protests, we found ourselves with a free afternoon. I messaged the restaurant to see if they were open and were told they were so we booked for mid afternoon. When we arrived at the restaurant it appeared closed due to the protests but what we didn’t realise was they had stayed open just for us! Apart from feeling incredibly guilty, as we were the only customers, we were blown away by their commitment to keeping Citizen open during the ongoing troubles. We started with the swordfish gravlax (again) and the cottage cheese/beetroot side followed by the grilled zebu fillet (again) and the fish of the day which was an octopus and prawn dish. For dessert we had a sumptuous lemon souffle and vanilla creme brûlée. Once again the food was in a class of its own and is still the best food we had whilst in Madagascar. If you are in Tana show this restaurant some love for the amazing food and staff commitment to staying open during what was a difficult time for all businesses in the city centre.

Beautiful view of the city, delicious food. Plates are not big but very tasteful. Will definitely come back!