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
Gibb's Farm
Gibb's Farm with 19 en-suite cottages provides a welcome stay on any safari, and a base from which to enjoy the many activities available in the foothills of the Ngorongoro Forest, The Ngorongoro Crater and Manyara National Park.
Escarpment Luxury Lodge
Escarpment Luxury Lodge with 16 large and luxurious chalets combines luxury, privacy, space and comfort into a unique offering. Exceptional game drives and safari activities in th Lake Manyara National Park make this one of the better options for spotting those elusive tree-climbing lions.
Escarpment Luxury Lodge, close to Lake Manyara that is ideal for couples, romantics, honeymooners or families with older children in tow.
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.
Breezes Beach Club
Breezes Beach Club is one of the best-known resort lodges 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.
One of the best-known resorts and lodges in zanzibar, a tropical hideaway popular with couples and families alike.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp is located in the prime Ngorongoro Conservation Area that offers guests quick access to the famed wildlife on the crater floor.
A small romantic tented camp offers up ten stunning tented suites.
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.
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
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.
One of the better hotels for those looking for something in the heart of Stone Town.
andBeyond Klein's Camp
Klein's Camp's 10 thatched cottages with unbroken views over a gorgeous game-filled valley and the hills beyond, which play host to one of the greatest wildlife migrations on earth, Klein's embodies the very soul of this great African Reserve, the famed Serengeti of Tanzania.
Klein's is remote and wild yet at the same time offers the ultimate in luxury and service, all the while surrounded by the Serengeti wildlife.