Top 5 restaurants in Zanzibar

The island of Zanzibar is one of those wonderfully exotic names which conjures up mystery, spices and tropical heat. It is all those things and more. In 2013, it is likely to be your beach destination of choice if you have been on safari in mainland Tanzania or even Kenya. There exist many all inclusive beach resorts on the island but for those who are more adventurous, there is a historic, tropical island to discover and meals to eat! Our team has compiled a list of five restaurants which are gastronomically good or are in interesting locations. In no particular order:

  1. Mercury's Bar & Restaurant, Stone Town. Named after the eponymous band leader of Queen, this seafood restaurant is the only one in town with a seaside location (mainly views of the harbour). The food is more wholesome than gastronomic but the atmosphere and cold drinks more than make up for it.
  2. Mangapwani Beach Grill and Restaurant. Located on the less developed north west coast of Zanzibar near the historically interesting Mangapwani Slave Caves, this is a great place to chill out whilst waiting for your grilled seafood on the beach. If you can imagine sipping a fresh cocktail on a white tropical beach with clear blue water, you have arrived at this destination!
  3. The Rock. Located on the south east of the island, on the Michamwi Pingwe peninsula, about 45 minutes from Stone Town. In a short space of time, this restaurant has become an iconic destination for travellers to Zanzibar. As the name suggests, this thatched restaurant is perched on a rocky outcrop, walkable at low tide and reached by boat at high tide. Excellent seafood but also surprisingly good pasta and more international dishes. Comparatively expensive for Zanzibar but worth every penny.
  4. Mtoni Marine's Restaurant and Sports Bar. This beach side restaurant is located just outside of Stone Town and is a short stroll to the Mtoni Palace. It has a casual atmosphere and is frequented by locals and tourists but it is always a pleasure to dine on a beach by candlelight with your toes in the soft white sand. Highly recommended.
  5. Terrace Seafood Restaurant at Zanzibar Serena Hotel. Gastronomically speaking, one of the best on the island. The restaurant is located on the roof terrace overlooking the bay in Stone Town and features an excellent selection of freshly-caught sea food. Expect to pay nearer international prices but you will not be let down by the quality nor the location.

Top 5 restaurants in Zanzibar

  • Zanzibar Palace Hotel

    Rates on Request

    Zanzibar Palace Hotel is the perfect place to stay for couples, families or honeymooners looking for a wonderfully romantic hideaway in the heart of Zanzibar's historic and culturally rich Stone Town. Zanzibar Palace offers guest 9 amazing rooms and suites all decorated with the influences of Zanzibar's rich history.

  • Kilindi Zanzibar

    Rates on Request

    The absolute in 5-star luxury on the island of Zanzibar, the Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar offers up unique architectural design that embraces a sense of calm and tranquillity throughout all the while offering up the ultimate in privacy and romance.

  • Bluebay Beach Resort

    Rates on Request

    Bluebay Resort is situated on the finest wide, white, sandy beach on the island of Zanzibar, located on the East Coast in an area known as Kiwengwa, the hotel is only 35 minutes drive from the town and the airport on a tarmac road.

  • La Gemma Dell'Est

    Rates on Request

    Modern and comfortable deluxe accommodation designed for the most discerning traveler when staying at the beautiful Star resort of La Gemma Dell'Est Resort, located on the North-Western shores of this fantastic tropical island.

  • Mapenzi Beach Club

    Rates on Request

    On the East Coast in a secluded tropical setting, the Mapenzi Beach Club is set above a powdery white sand beach about 50 minutes from Stonetown and about one hour from the airport, comfortable accommodation refined in every detail.

  • Matemwe Lodge

    From US$ 267.00 pp

    Matemwe Lodge, Zanzibar offers accommodation consisting of 12 beautiful bungalows, built from local materials and surrounded by beautiful garden. Each suite has a private veranda with hammocks and couches overlooking the Indian Ocean.

  • Mnemba Island Lodge

    From US$ 1 270.00 pp

    Mnemba, an Arabic word meaning octopus head, is a 20-minute cruise in a traditional 16 foot flat-bottomed boat from the Island of Zanzibar, just 1 mile in circumference, a pristine island beach surrounded by a tropical forest.

  • Breezes Beach Club

    Rates on Request

    Breezes Beach Club is one of the best known resorts hotels on the island of Zanzibar, this 70 room accommodation resort on the island of Zanzibar (Tanzania) is situated on an untouched beach stretching as far as the eye can see.

  • The Palms Zanzibar

    Rates on Request

    Nestled between tropical gardens and a white sandy beach, The Palms Zanzibar provides a range of beautifully appointed facilities reflecting the warmth and character of the local architecture in an elegant yet relaxed setting.

  • Zanzibar Serena Hotel

    Rates on Request

    Zanzibar Serena Hotel is located in the heart of Stone Town, this stunning property is set in two historic seafront buildings that have been integrated and restored into a unique single property echoing the grandeur of days past.

  • Park Hyatt Zanzibar

    Rates on Request

    The Park Hyatt Zanzibar brings that touch of luxury and class that Stone Town has been missing for so long. The Park Hyatt offers a superb position from which to explore all that is a UNESCO World Heritage site - Stone Town.
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