Zanzibar, the stunning archipelago in East Africa, famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and a rich cultural heritage. With a fusion of Swahili, Indian, and Arabic cultures, Zanzibar is a paradise for food lovers.
From traditional Swahili dishes to contemporary fusion cuisine, Zanzibar has a plethora of restaurants that offer mouth-watering delicacies.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the top restaurants in Zanzibar that you must visit.
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Learn More!The Rock Restaurant
Located on a small rock in the ocean, The Rock Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Zanzibar. The restaurant offers a stunning view of the Indian Ocean, and the menu features a mix of seafood and Italian dishes.
The Rock Restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special lunch with your loved one. The best way to visit the Rock Restaurant is to combine with the Snorkeling tour at Blue lagoon in Michamvi beach.
Book a Half day Blue Lagoon Snorkeling Tour.
Emerson Spice
If you want to try the top Restaurants in Zanzibar, then don’t miss this one. Emerson Spice is a boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic quarter. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant offers a breathtaking view of Stone Town and the sea.
The menu features traditional Swahili dishes with a contemporary twist. Don’t miss the hotel’s famous tea ceremony, which is held every day at any time from 11:00am – 4:00pm.
Fisherman's Seafood & Grill
Fisherman’s Seafood & Grill is a restaurant located in Nungwi, a village on the northern tip of Zanzibar. This is the must try Restaurant in Nungwi Beach.
The restaurant specializes in seafood dishes and offers a variety of fresh fish, prawns, lobsters, calamari, and other seafood items, as well as meat dishes and vegetarian options.
Fisherman’s Seafood & Grill Restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with a breathtaking Sunset view, and is popular among both locals and tourists visiting Zanzibar.
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Stone Town Café
Stone Town Cafe is a popular cafe located in the heart of Stone Town it is near to the Freddie Mercury House. The cafe serves a variety of local and international cuisine, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with a great small Garden. On top of that, menu at Stone Town Cafe features a range of dishes, including Swahili-style seafood, pasta, pizza, and sandwiches.
The cafe also offers a selection of freshly baked cakes and pastries, as well as a range of drinks, including coffee, tea, smoothies, and fresh juices.
Check out our Stone Town Tour.
Cape Town Fish Market Restaurant
One of the best restaurants to try in Zanzibar. The Cape Town Fish Market Restaurant is located in Forodhani Garden Zanzibar.
As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes, which are prepared using a variety of cooking techniques, including grilling, frying, and steaming.
The menu at Cape Town Fish Market features a range of seafood dishes, including sushi, grilled fish, seafood platters, and seafood curries. The restaurant also serves a selection of meat dishes, salads, and vegetarian options.
The atmosphere at Cape Town Fish Market is relaxed and casual, it is situated in a seafront location, with stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding area, the Sunset here is spectacular.
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Learn More!Mr Kahawa Restaurant
Mr Kahawa is a popular restaurant located in Paje Beach, Zanzibar. The south east village which is famous for Kitesurfing activities.
The restaurant offers different meals, from traditional Zanzibar cuisines to hot and cold drinks, including coffee, tea, smoothies, and fresh juices.
Additionally, Mr Kahawa serves a range of light snacks and pastries, making it a great place to stop for breakfast or a quick snack.
The coffee at Mr Kahawa is made from locally sourced, freshly roasted beans, and the baristas are skilled at creating a variety of specialty coffee drinks. If you will be staying on the northern beaches, you can still visit this place.
You can combine it with visiting other tourist attractions like Kuza Cave, Blue Lagoon and Jozani Forest.
Kendwa Rocks Restaurant
Located on the best beach of Zanzibar, Kendwa beach. Kendwa Rocks Restaurant offers a variety of local and international cuisine, with a focus on seafood. Some of the most popular dishes on the menu include grilled lobster, Octopus curry, prawn curry, and a variety of fish fillet served with other delicacies.
In addition to seafood, Kendwa Rocks Restaurant also serves a selection of pizzas, pastas, and salads, as well as vegetarian options.
Kendwa Rocks Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also serves a range of drinks. It’s a great spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful views of the ocean and watching the sunset.
Read our guide on the Best Places to Watch the Sunset.
The Island Restaurant
The Island Restaurant is a unique restaurant located in Uroa Pongwe, a small village on the east coast of Zanzibar. The restaurant is situated on a small island just off the coast and can only be reached by boat or just walking when it is low tide.
The setting is picturesque, with tables set up on a wooden deck overlooking the Indian Ocean, watching the locals seaweed farmers in their day to day activities.
The Island Restaurant menu includes fresh fish, prawns, lobsters, and squid, as well as a variety of vegetarian and meat dishes.
If you are planning to stay in two different destinations, like from North and South, then you can visit this restaurant on the day you shift to another hotel. We have this type of transport service in Zanzibar.
Check out our guide on the Best Islands of Zanzibar.
La Taverna
La Taverna Restaurant is a popular Italian restaurant located in Stone Town near to Darajani market. The restaurant is situated in a charming old building with a courtyard and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
The menu at La Taverna features a range of classic Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and seafood. They also have a selection of vegetarian options available. The restaurant prides itself on using only fresh ingredients and homemade sauces.
La Taverna Restaurant has a cozy and romantic atmosphere, making it a great spot for a date or a special occasion. In addition to the restaurant, La Taverna is also situated near the famous Hotels in Stone Town. You can just walk to the Hotels like Spice Island Hotel, Antonio Garden or Mizingani seafront Hotel.
You can check our best Holiday Packages here!
Six Degrees
Six Degrees South is a stylish restaurant and lounge located in Stone Town near Forodhani Garden. The restaurant is situated in a historic building with a modern and chic interior design.
Six Degrees Restaurant is known for its excellent food, stylish ambiance, and friendly service, making it a popular spot for tourists visiting Zanzibar.
The menu at Six Degrees South features a mix of international and local cuisine, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.
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Learn More!FAQ about Restaurants in Zanzibar
What are the top 3 best restaurants in Zanzibar?
There are many great restaurants in Zanzibar, but when it comes to picking the top 3, then we would recommend The Rock Restaurant, Emerson Spice, and Fisherman’s Seafood & Grill.
What kind of cuisine can I expect to find in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar’s cuisine is a fusion of Swahili, Arabic, Indian, and African influences. You can expect to find dishes such as biryani, curries, grilled seafood, and traditional Swahili dishes like Ndizi za nazi, Mseto and ugali.
Is Zanzibar a vegetarian-friendly destination?
Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly restaurant options available in Zanzibar. However, it is always best to check with the restaurant beforehand to ensure that they can accommodate your dietary requirements.
Are there halal restaurants in Zanzibar?
Yes, there are many halal restaurants in Zanzibar, as the majority of the population is Muslim. In the local restaurants, they have only halal options. Read our guide on things to know before visiting Zanzibar.
Do I need to make a reservation to go to restaurants?
It is always recommended to make a reservation for some restaurants, such as The Rock Restaurant and Emerson Spices.
