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. 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 that are gastronomically good or are in interesting locations.
Our list of the Top 5 restaurants in Zanzibar is as follows;
1. Mercury's Bar
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.
Information link: Mercury's Bar
2. Mangapwani Beach Grill and Restaurant
Sea Cliff Resort and Spa
Located on the less-developed northwest 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!
Information link: Mangapwani Beach Grill and Restaurant
3. The Rock
Pingwe, Zanzibar
Located on the southeast 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.
Information link: The Rock
4. Mtoni Marine's Restaurant and Sports Bar
Stone Town
This beachside 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.
Information link: Mtoni Marine's Restaurant and Sports Bar
5. Terrace Seafood Restaurant
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 seafood. Expect to pay nearer international prices but you will not be let down by the quality nor the location.
Information link: Terrace Seafood Restaurant
Top 5 restaurants in Zanzibar by Uyaphi.com
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
Lake Manyara Kilimanjaro Lodge with her exceptional views of Lake Manyara National Park, Mount Meru and in the distance, Mount Kilimanjaro is positioned on the rim of the "Great Rift Valley" and offers travellers 52 luxurious suites and villas.
Lake Manyara Kilimanjaro Lodge is the perfect destination and lodge for those looking for something a little bit more budget-friendly without losing out on the wildlife experience.
Serengeti Simba Lodge
Serengeti Simba Lodge offers up views out over the surrounding plains and wildlife from almost every vantage point and room. An excellent option for budget-oriented travellers.
A comfortable and rustic option in a magnificent location with outstanding Serengeti wildlife and birdlife sightings year-round.
Kwihala Camp
Kwihala Camp is set deep in the untouched and wild heart of Tanzania's amazing Ruaha National Park; the camp offers guests an intimate and exclusive Ruaha safari experience with only six tented suites available.
A Ruaha safari camp, Kwihala Camp, is set amongst towering baobabs and dense forests with wildlife surrounding on all sides, is truly spectacular.
Kibo Palace Hotel
The Arusha Kibo Palace Hotel has been well known to many people for many years for providing excellent accommodation, food and organizing Mt. Kilimanjaro treks; sits amidst landscaped gardens of fruit trees, tropical trees and exotic flowers in Arusha.
Kibo Palace in Arusha offers up the ideal base from which to explore the area and Mount Kilimanjaro, a popular hotel used by hikers.
KIA Lodge
KIA Lodge with her 40 rooms, "your door to Tanzania", just under 3 minutes drive from the Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport, situated on a secluded hill in the heart of beautiful savannah scenery that is so typical for East Africa.
One of the better Arusha accommodation options if you just need a night in the area, KIA Lodge is all about its location to the nearby airport.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a unique blend of world-class luxury, timeless volcanic splendour and ethnic style, as for the views, from lilac-streaked sunrise to indigo star-studded night, the immeasurably ancient NgorongoroCrater delivers a theatre of vistas.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is perfectly positioned on the rim overlooking those famed Ngorongoro crater views.
Oliver's Camp
Oliver's Camp is found in the remote southern corner of Tarangire National Park, offering guests just ten beautifully appointed tented safari suites, all within a spectacular location close to the wildlife-rich Silale Swamps and overlooking the Minyonyo Pools.
Oliver's Camp in the Tarangire is a World-class, intimate and personal camp.
Mount Meru Hotel
Mount Meru Hotel is nestled against one of the most majestic backdrops in Africa, Mount Meru, the sister peak to Africa’s highest summit, Mount Kilimanjaro a few kilometres away from Arusha.
Mount Meru Hotel in the city of Arusha is surrounded by 9 acres of tropical landscape and breathe taking views out over the slopes of the mountain.