
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
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island, an Arabic word meaning octopus head, is a 20-minute cruise in a traditional 16-foot flat-bottomed boat from the Island of Zanzibar, just 1 mile in circumference, a pristine island beach surrounded by a tropical forest.
Without question, Mnemba Island Lodge, one of the most luxurious lodges in Tanzania, perfect for honeymooners and families.
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Tarangire Sopa Lodge is hidden among the kopjes and surrounded by ancient baobab trees, home of the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa, and other game, including the elusive leopard.
Over 400 bird species can be spotted here in the Tarangire on either morning, afternoon or full-day game drives.
Mount Meru Game Lodge
Mount Meru Game Lodge and wildlife sanctuary not far at all from the Tanzania town of Arusha is set in beautiful and tranquil surroundings with magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Game Lodge near Arusha forms part of a wildlife sanctuary and provides guests and especially children, the chance to get up close and personal with many of the orphaned animals and birds.
The Highlands Ngorongoro
The Highlands Ngorongoro with 8 domed tented suites redefines that classic Ngorongoro crater experience striking that balance between a wilderness experience and a contemporary luxurious escape.
The Highlands offers an exclusive private safari to one of Africa's most wildlife rich destinations, The Ngorongoro Crater.
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.
Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, with 67 rooms, is perched high up on the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment, offering visitors some of the best views of Lake Manyara National Park and the surrounding Great Rift Valley.
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is located in the northern section of the Lake Manyara National Park, with easy access to all the wildlife and birdlife below.
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.
Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge
Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge is centrally located to the Ngorongoro Crater, Oldeani, Lake Eyasi, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Highlands, all of which are just a short drive away.
The lodge offers guests luxury and amazing 360-degree panoramic views out over the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.