Restaurants in Lilongwe

Malawi is one of the Uyaphi team's favourite African destinations. Relaxed people, safe environment, unique safari destinations where you can be equally at home in bush or beach. The capital Lilongwe, essentially a 1960's creation leaves much to be desired in terms of activities or things to do. Despite it being home to a large expatriate population of NGO and diplomatic staffers, there is not a great variety of night life or dining options. Yet, you may have to overnight in Lilongwe so here is our top 5 choice of restaurants:

  1. The Latitude restaurant at the Latitude 13 boutique hotel, 10 minutes drive from the CBD. A recent arrival to Lilongwe, this is probably the best fine dining experience in the capital. It also has the best wine list in the country. The design, like the hotel, is Afro-chic. Expect to pay about $25 a head without wine.
  2. Bombay Palace restaurant at the City mall in Old Town. Regularly ranked as the number 1 restaurant in Lilongwe on Tripadvisor. Service is excellent and if you are an Indian food lover, this is an absolute must. Expect to pay about $15-20 per head.
  3. Mamma Mia restaurant in the Old Town Mall. Probably the best Italian restaurant In Malawi and well frequented by the expat community. This is not high cuisine but the comfortable offering of pizzas and pasta. Expect to pay about $20 a head with a beer.
  4. Buchannan's Grill at the Four Seasons complex about 10 minutes from the city centre. This is essentially a steak house but the setting is in a lovely tropical garden where you can wander (there is a plant nursery within the complex). Expect to pay about $20 a head.
  5. For something slightly different, go to the Kumbali Village restaurant. It is a recreation of a Chewa village, located about 25 minutes drive from town. It is more about the vibe than the food, the latter really offering easy, comfort food and some local Chewa dishes. At the weekends there are live bands and a choice of local curio shops made by locals on site. If you want to chill out and let children run about, this is the place. Expect to pay about $15 a head.

Restaurants in Lilongwe

Travel To Malawi Now
Popular Malawi Safaris

  • Waters Edge Lofty Hills

    7-night sailing safari on the worlds 3rd largest fresh water lake with over 800 fish species, as well as 7 night Horseback Safari on the Nyika Plateau that offers a wide variety of wildlife and majestic scenery.

  • Luangwa and Lake Malawi Safari

    The ultimate game viewing and beach getaway safari that combines the best of Zambia (Luangwa) and Malawi, perfectly luxurious bush and beach safari holiday without vast travelling distances. A must for those seeking a safari and relaxing holiday.

  • Lake Malawi Sailing Safari

    This fantastic 11-day sailing/ catamaran safari heads North along Lake Malawi's coastline takes in Makuzi beach lodge, Nkhata Bay, Deep Bay, Manda Bay and Likoma Island. Explore, photograph and just plain relaxing and unwind in one of Africa's unique destinations.

  • Malawi Southern Sailing Safari

    The 38 foot Maxim catamaran, 10 berth "Mufasa" is the only live aboard catamaran on Lake Malawi, spend your day's scuba diving, snorkelling, waterskiing, sailing on Hobie-Cats, mountain biking, nature walks, swimming, or just relaxing.

  • Southern Malawi and Luangwa Safari

    A safari takes in the southern and central regions of Malawi and all her attractions as well as the World famous South Luangwa in Zambia, this safari is designed for the more active traveller, as hiking and walking safaris are included.

  • Livingstone Sailing Safari

    Discover the worlds 3rd largest fresh water lake and home to over 800 fish species whilst spending your time on the 38-foot catamaran "Mufasa". "Mufasa" sleeps 10 people comfortably whilst offer snorkelling, waterskiing, and swimming

  • Central Sailing Safari

    5 nights aboard a 38 foot Maxim catamaran along the central region of Lake Malawi's coastline, offering up good fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving as well as fantastic natures walks, birding and photographic opportunities.

  • Luangwa and Malawi Sailing Safari

    One of the most exciting ways to experience the wonders of Africa's premier wildlife reserve (that being the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia) as well as this vast fresh water inland sea of Lake Malawi.