
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
Dik Dik Hotel
Dik Dik Hotel in the small Tanzania town of Arusha is the ideal starting point for visitors eager to explore the splendours of the Tanzanian landscape with its rich flora and fauna, eight hectares of lush tropical gardens compliment the forested environment and attract prolific birds.
A popular hotel and for good reason, with excellent accommodation, amenities, facilities and service levels one would be hard-pressed to find better in Arusha.
Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Singita Sasakwa Lodge is situated on top of Sasakwa Hill with panoramic views of the vast Plains below; this Serengeti National Park lodge is built in the style of an East African ranch house.
If it's solitude you seek, then Grumeti Reserves is the place to be, game drive safaris near the Grumeti River are fantastic year round.
The Manor at Ngorongoro
The Manor at Ngorongoro, with 19 rooms is perfectly positioned adjacent to the famous Ngorongoro crater all within a 1500-acre Arabica coffee estate.
One of the first safari lodges of its kind to blend East African hospitality with old-world Afro-European architecture and decor.
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, set high on the saddle of a ridge commanding panoramic views over the rolling reaches and volcanic reefs of the Reserve, is the ultimate fusion of traditional African architecture and world-class style.
Beho Beho Camp
Beho Beho Camp was the first accommodation camp to be sited in the Selous Game Reserve, not on the banks or the flood plains of the mighty Rufiji River, but in the cooler highlands of the Selous so as to enjoy the 'cooling breezes' from which its name derives.
One of the better lodges in Selous for those looking for wild and remote game drives and birding.
Olakira Migration Camp
Olakira Camp, with her nine intimate en-suite traditional safari tents, follows the massive herds of wildebeest to two spectacular locations in the north and south of the Serengeti National Park.
Expert Serengeti and Maasai safari guides and trackers with specialist knowledge showcase all that is one of the natural wonders of the World.
Selous Serena Camp
Selous Serena Camp in the Selous Game Reserve offers guests 12 tented suites that is perfect for couples and families with older children.
The Camp with 360-degree views over the surrounding Selous teaming with birdlife and wildlife is ideal for those wanting to experience this true wildlife region of Tanzania.
Ubuntu Migration Camp
Asilia Ubuntu Migration Camp offers guests seven spacious tented suites that epitomize traditional East African safari charm, and all of this in the tracks of massive herds of wildebeest as they cross the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park in an ancient migration cycle.
With Serengeti wildlife on your doorstep 24/7, Ubuntu Camp offers exceptional game drives.