Continuing our series of dining in Africa, we look at the Namibian capital, Windhoek. More and more visitors are becoming aware of the unique attractions of Namibia as a safari destination. Coupled (as with many other African cities) with an increase in economic activity due to mining exploration and direct flights from Europe, Windhoek is prospering.
This increased prosperity brings more choice. Nowhere is too far to travel in this small (and clean) city of 330,000 but be warned when you go out to eat, vegetarianism is not common! Meat and seafood are the principal dishes.
In no particular order our top 5 restaurants are:
JOE'S BEER HOUSE
160 Nelson Mandela Avenue. Vegetarians stay away! Like Carnivore in Nairobi and elsewhere, meat and especially game meat is the menu. Kudu, springbok, zebra are the specialities. Popular with tourists and locals alike. The decor is best described as an African bush lodge transported to the city.
Information link: Joe's Beerhouse Windhoek
RESTAURANT GATHEMANN
175 Independence Avenue. A long-established German restaurant in an old, colonial-era building in the centre of town. One of Namibia's top chefs Urs Gamma has been presiding over Gathemann's for the last twenty years and cooks local ingredients in the German tradition.
Information link: Restaurant Gathemann
NICE
2 Mozart Street. Or the Namibian Institute for Culinary Excellence. Do not be put off by the staid title. Situated in rather hip and contemporary surroundings which hold a selection of private dining rooms, lounges, and courtyards, aspiring Namibian chefs cook contemporary Namibian dishes with Mediterranean and Asian influences.
Information link: Nice
AM WEINBERG RESTAURANT
13 Jan Jonker Road. Formerly a vineyard with one of Namibia's oldest colonial buildings (1901), the restaurant was opened in 2004. It enjoys from its terrace, magnificent views over the Klein Windhoek Valley. The style of food is again; German derived but utilizing the freshest local ingredients. Highly recommended.
Information link: Am Weinberg Restaurant
O PORTUGA
321 Sam Nujoma Drive. As the name suggests, the food is Portuguese inspired combining with local influences, especially from Angola. Probably one of the best restaurants in town for fish dishes as well as vegetarian options. The decor is pure Portuguese. Situated on the airport road not far from Am Weinberg. Popular with locals which are always a good sign.
Information link: O'Portuga Restaurant
Top 5 restaurants in Windhoek by Uyaphi.com
- Avani Windhoek Hotel
The Avani Windhoek Hotel is a tribute to these metaphors and is a stepping stone to Namibia and the gateway to Etosha National Park and the Namib Desert.
The Avani Windhoek Hotel Casino, 173 rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, sky lounge and all this located in the city centre of Windhoek, Namibia.
- Wolwedans Dune Camp
While Wolwedans Dune Camp aims to accommodate those guests in need of relaxed comfort and space, the camp is a more down-to-earth and close-to-nature experience. The camp sleeps a maximum of 12 guests in a perfect setting.
The spectacular NamibRand Nature Reserve awaits with game drives and scenic wonders in every direction.
- Mushara Outpost
The Mushara Outpost lodge accommodates 16 guests in custom-made tent-like structures; each tent is set on a wooden deck, a metre and a half above the ground, giving us a different perspective of the surrounding Namibian bush.
Mushara, one of the best Etosha lodge options for romantics and honeymooners alike.
- Zambezi Mubala Lodge
Zambezi Mubala Lodge is one of Namibia's best-kept secrets with a Zambezi Riverfront setting, 450 species of bird and good fishing all on the doorstep.
The perfect base from which to explore all that surrounds or simply sit back and relax in the lap of luxury.
- Olive Grove Guesthouse
The Olive Grove Guesthouse and boutique hotel in Windhoek is a small, upmarket accommodation establishment situated close to the Windhoek city centre in a quiet and peaceful suburb.
Olive Grove offers guests; free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool and is within an easy walk of Joe's Beer Garden
- Wolwedans Private Camp
Wolwedans Private Camp offers two spacious en-suite bedrooms, a 'Sala' where one can laze away siestas, various decks, and the central lounge, combining a study, living room, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen.