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
Plantation Lodge
Plantation lodge's location promises maximum safari enjoyment: a stone's throw from the entrance to the Ngorongoro crater, a short hop from the Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks, and just a short journey from the Serengeti.
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.
Tarangire Safari Lodge
At the heart of Tarangire Safari Lodge are the impressively high thatched roofs over looking some of the best views in the whole of Tanzania.
The lounge area at Tarangire Safari Lodge has oversized armchairs made from old Zanzibari dhow boats, which make a perfect place to relax in the evenings.
KIA Lodge
KIA Lodge with her 40 rooms, "your door to Tanzania", just under 3 minutes drive from the Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport, situated on a secluded hill in the heart of beautiful savannah scenery that is so typical for East Africa.
One of the better Arusha accommodation options if you just need a night in the area, KIA Lodge is all about its location to the nearby airport.
Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp
Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp is a classic tented safari camp, what is interesting about this camp is that it is set up in two locations a year all depending on where the annual migration is taking place.
In other words, stay here, and you will not miss the great migration.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is themed after the original safari camps of the 1930's, located in the central Serengeti National Park region within an area called the Moru Kopjes.
An exceptional camp by any stretch of the imagination, perfect for small families and couples alike.
Maramboi Tented Camp
Maramboi Tented Camp offers permanent accommodation facilities and endless vistas of rolling golden grasslands and palm-lined desert between Tarangire and Lake Manyara; accommodation is ten spacious tents on generous, ample wooden decks.
Maramboi Tented Camp is surrounded by an area of plains with Lake Manyara in the distance; wildlife sightings here are exceptional.
andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Inspired in design by the Maasai mud-and-stick homestead, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is, without doubt, one of the most architecturally spectacular lodges in Africa perched on the eastern edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers incredible views as it is perched high on the rim of this extinct volcano.