
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
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a unique blend of world-class luxury, timeless volcanic splendour and ethnic style, as for the views, from lilac-streaked sunrise to indigo star-studded night, the immeasurably ancient NgorongoroCrater delivers a theatre of vistas.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is perfectly positioned on the rim overlooking those famed Ngorongoro crater views.
Sanctuary Swala Camp
Sanctuary Swala Camp is found in a remote corner of Tanzania's most exciting and least visited park, the Tarangire National Park. A truly stunning tented lodge with outstanding views and surrounding wildlife.
A luxury Tarangire safari camp that offers guests total seclusion surrounded by fantastic wildlife and a picturesque landscape complete with baobab and acacia trees.
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.
Serengeti Migration Camp
Migration Camp is an upmarket tented camp, located in absolute isolation among the wide flat rocks and acacia of the Serengeti, above a northern Grumeti River; the camp exudes a decadence reminiscent of old Africa.
For those seeking out the very best safari adventure to witness the wildebeest migration, this Serengeti camp is for you.
Bluebay Beach Resort
Bluebay Resort is situated on the finest wide, white, sandy beach on the island of Zanzibar, located on the East Coast in an area known as Kiwengwa, the resort is only 35 minutes drive from the town and the airport on a tarmac road.
A lodge resort that offers Wi-Fi, a laundry service, room service, and is perfect for families and romantics alike.
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.
Arusha Serena Hotel
Arusha Serena Hotel is surrounded by coffee plantations and rolling hills, on the shores of Lake Duluti, near to Arusha, the gateway town of Tanzania's spectacular national parks.
The perfect hotel in Arusha to relax before or after your Tanzania or East Africa Safari.
Selous Serena Camp
Selous Serena Camp in the Selous Game Reserve offers guests 12 tented suites that is perfect for couples and families with older children.
The Camp with 360-degree views over the surrounding Selous teaming with birdlife and wildlife is ideal for those wanting to experience this true wildlife region of Tanzania.