Finding the best places to eat in Zanzibar is a wonderful journey through the history of the spice trade and fresh coastal seafood. You can enjoy a luxury meal on a rock in the sea or try affordable street food at a busy night market. These locations offer a unique mix of African, Arabic, and Indian flavors that you will remember for many years.
Eating in this tropical paradise allows you to connect with the local Swahili culture and the friendly island people. We have selected the top spots based on their amazing food and the beautiful views they provide to every guest.
These are the Best Places to Eat in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is famous for its aromatic spices and its fresh harvest from the Indian Ocean every single day. Here are the top ten locations that provide high quality meals and a great atmosphere for every traveler visiting the islands.
1. The Rock Restaurant
The Rock Restaurant is perhaps the most famous and best place to eat in Zanzibar for photography lovers today. It sits on a small coral outcrop in the middle of the ocean near the Michamvi Peninsula. During high tide you might need a small wooden boat to reach the stairs of the restaurant. They specialize in high end seafood platters that include giant lobster, prawns, and fresh calamari for their guests. You must book your table many weeks in advance because there are only twelve tables available inside.
2. Forodhani Gardens Night Market
Forodhani Gardens is the heart of the street food scene in Stone Town and opens every evening at sunset. You can try the legendary Zanzibar pizza which is a thin dough filled with meat, eggs, and cheese. Many vendors also sell spicy seafood skewers and the famous Urojo which is a tangy potato soup. It is a very energetic place where you can meet locals and other travelers while eating very affordable food. Most people enjoy drinking a glass of fresh sugarcane juice mixed with ginger and lime while they walk.
3. Lukmaan Restaurant
Lukmaan is a favorite for both local residents and tourists who want authentic Swahili food at a fair price. It is located in the narrow streets of Stone Town and offers a large buffet where you can point to your choice. Their octopus curry and pilau rice are famous across the whole island for their rich and spicy flavors. You can sit under the large baobab trees and enjoy the cool breeze while you eat your lunch. The portions are very large and the service is very fast even when the restaurant is very busy.
4. Emerson Spice Rooftop
This rooftop restaurant provides one of the most spectacular views of the old Stone Town rooftops and the ocean. You can enjoy a multi course tasting menu that highlights the best local spices and fresh seasonal produce. The dinner starts exactly at sunset so you can watch the sky change colors while you enjoy your first course. It is a very romantic spot and is perfect for couples celebrating a special anniversary or a honeymoon. Many people consider this a top choice for fine dining because of the historical atmosphere and high quality service.
5. Zanzibar Coffee House
The Zanzibar Coffee House is a hidden gem located in a restored Omani palace within the ancient city walls. They serve some of the best Arabica coffee in East Africa alongside fresh pastries and light breakfast meals. You can sit on the rooftop terrace and listen to the sounds of the busy market while you sip your drink. The interior is decorated with antique furniture and beautiful local art that tells the story of the spice island. It is a very quiet and peaceful place to start your morning before you explore the narrow alleys.
6. The Tea House at Emerson on Hurumzi
The Tea House offers a traditional Zanzibari dining experience where you sit on comfortable cushions on the floor. You will enjoy live Taarab music while eating a variety of Persian and Swahili inspired dishes during your dinner. They serve a set menu that includes fresh fish, spicy stews, and sweet desserts made with local honey and cloves. The view from the rooftop allows you to see the minarets of the mosques and the Indian Ocean. It is an excellent place to experience the deep cultural roots of the island through food and music.
7. Upendo Zanzibar
Upendo is a stylish beach club and restaurant located on the quiet shores of the Michamvi region of the island. It features a modern design and a beautiful swimming pool that looks out toward the famous Rock Restaurant. You can enjoy a mix of international dishes and local seafood in a very relaxed and tropical setting. Many people visit Upendo for their famous Sunday brunch which features live music and a very social atmosphere. It is a great place to spend a whole day relaxing on a sunbed while eating fresh salads.
8. The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden is located in the courtyard of a beautiful old building in Stone Town and offers a very quiet environment. It is surrounded by tall stone walls and green plants which makes it feel like a hidden oasis. They serve a variety of fresh juices and traditional Swahili snacks that are perfect for a quick afternoon break. In the evening they often have live acoustic music which adds to the magical feel of the garden. Most guests love the slow pace of life here and the very friendly attitude of the local staff members.
9. Archipelago
Archipelago is a waterfront restaurant that offers great views of the harbor and the traditional dhow boats in Stone Town. They are well known for their fresh ginger crab and their variety of grilled fish dishes for every guest. You can sit on the balcony and watch the sun go down over the water while you enjoy your meal. The menu is simple but focuses on using the best ingredients from the local fish market that morning. It is a very reliable and honest place that has been serving travelers for many decades with great success.
10. 6 Degrees South
6 Degrees South provides a modern and stylish dining experience on the edge of the Stone Town waterfront area. The restaurant features a sophisticated bar and a menu that blends international techniques with local Zanzibar flavors and spices. You can try their unique cocktails made with fresh tropical fruits while you enjoy the sea breeze on the deck. It is a popular spot for the urban elite and expatriates who want a high end night out in the city. The service is very professional and follows international standards to ensure every guest has a very pleasant evening.
Common Traditional Dishes in Zanzibar
Understanding the local food names will help you navigate the menus at the best places to eat in Zanzibar during your trip. Most traditional meals rely on the rich harvest of the land and the sea to create filling and healthy dishes. Here is a table showing the most common items you will find in many local Zanzian kitchens.
| Dish Name | Main Ingredients | Typical Flavor | Best Time to Eat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Curry | Octopus, Coconut milk, Turmeric | Creamy and savory | Lunch or Dinner |
| Pilau Rice | Rice, Cloves, Cardamom, Meat | Fragrant and bold | Celebrations |
| Zanzibar Pizza | Dough, Minced meat, Egg, Cheese | Savory and crispy | Evening snack |
| Urojo Soup | Potatoes, Crispy fritters, Lime | Tangy and spicy | Afternoon snack |
| Biryani | Spiced rice, Thick meat gravy | Rich and aromatic | Friday lunch |
| Mandazi | Flour, Sugar, Cardamom | Sweet and spongy | Breakfast |
Coconut milk is a very important ingredient in almost every Swahili recipe because it adds a rich and sweet taste to the stews. You will also notice that the use of ginger and garlic is very heavy to marinate the fresh fish before grilling. Local people usually eat their main meal during the early afternoon to stay strong for their daily work in the city. Most of the best places to eat in Zanzibar will offer these traditional staples alongside more modern choices for you. Do not be afraid to ask the waiter about the ingredients if you have any allergies or specific dietary needs today.
Important Tips for Dining Safely in Zanzibar
Staying healthy while exploring the food scene is very important for a happy and successful holiday on the islands. Most established restaurants follow high standards of hygiene but you should still be careful with street food in the markets. Look for vendors who have a high number of local customers as this is a sign of fresh and safe stock. Always make sure that your meat is cooked thoroughly and served hot directly from the grill or the pan. You should avoid drinking tap water and always ask for sealed bottled water during your entire stay in the country.
Using a hand sanitizer before every meal is also a smart move to keep the bacteria away from your stomach while traveling. You should also be careful with raw salads at street stalls if you are not used to the local water used for washing. Note that Startlink is not permitted in Tanzania currently so you must rely on local fiber and mobile networks for internet. This means you should download your food maps and restaurant reviews before you leave your hotel or guest house. Taking these small steps will ensure that you have a happy and trouble free culinary adventure in Zanzibar.
- Always wash your hands with soap before eating any traditional meal by hand in a local spot.
- Carry a small amount of cash in Tanzanian Shillings for street food and small local cafes.
- Try the fresh tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples which are grown on the island farms.
- Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid any stomach problems during your visit.
- Ask about the spice level of a dish before you order if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Be patient with the service speed as many meals are cooked fresh to order from the kitchen.
- Dress modestly when visiting restaurants in the old Stone Town area to respect the local culture.
- Use trusted taxi apps or hotel transfers if you are going out to eat late at night.
- Learn a few Swahili words for food like Chakula (food) and Maji (water) to help you talk.
- Check the menu prices before ordering to avoid any confusion when the final bill arrives at your table.
Other Good Zanzibar Dining Spots
1. Tea House Restaurant: This rooftop spot at Emerson on Hurumzi offers a top choice for sunset dinners with traditional music and deep cultural history. You can enjoy a set menu of Persian and Swahili dishes while sitting on comfortable cushions on the floor with your friends. Using best places to eat in Zanzibar guides often leads travelers to this magical and very historical location today.
2. Abyssinian Marit: This is a specialized Ethiopian restaurant in Stone Town that provides a unique communal dining experience for its many guests and visitors. You eat with your hands using traditional sour bread to scoop up various spicy meat and vegetable stews from the center. It is a very colorful and friendly place that attracts many people who enjoy rich African spices and traditions.
3. Badolina Secret Garden: Located in the northern town of Nungwi this garden restaurant is known for its healthy Mediterranean food and very relaxed atmosphere. It offers a great break from the heavy local stews and provides many fresh salads and vegetarian options for the travelers. The environment is very green and peaceful which makes it a perfect spot for a long and quiet lunch.
4. Fisherman’s Grill: This restaurant is situated right on the beach in the Page area and is famous for its large seafood platters and fresh catches. You can enjoy your meal with your toes in the sand while listening to the sound of the ocean waves hitting the shore. It is a very popular spot for water sports enthusiasts who want a hearty meal after a day of kitesurfing.
5. Zanzibar Pizza Stall: While not a formal restaurant the small stalls in the Forodhani Gardens are essential for anyone wanting the best street food experience. You can watch the vendor stretch the dough and fill it with your choice of sweet or savory ingredients in just minutes. It is a very cheap and fun way to eat while enjoying the vibrant energy of the night market.
6. Kendwa Rocks Restaurant: This venue is located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar and offers a mix of local and international buffet options. It is famous for its monthly full moon parties which attract a large crowd of people for music and dancing on the sand. The food is consistently good and the atmosphere is always lively and full of holiday energy for everyone.
Conclusion
Choosing the best places to eat in Zanzibar ensures that your visit to the islands is full of incredible flavors and happy memories today. From the luxury seafood at The Rock to the spicy street snacks at Forodhani, there is a perfect spot for every taste. The island provides a unique culinary journey that combines the best of African traditions with global influences from across the world. Make sure to explore the different neighborhoods and follow the safety tips to have a healthy and happy dining experience. Your time at the best places to eat in Zanzibar will be a highlight of your visit to this beautiful East African nation. Enjoy the fresh flavors and the warm hospitality of the Zanzibari people during your next big adventure.
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