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
Beho Beho Camp
Beho Beho Camp was the first accommodation camp to be sited in the Selous Game Reserve, not on the banks or the flood plains of the mighty Rufiji River, but in the cooler highlands of the Selous so as to enjoy the 'cooling breezes' from which its name derives.
One of the better lodges in Selous for those looking for wild and remote game drives and birding.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp is located in the prime Ngorongoro Conservation Area that offers guests quick access to the famed wildlife on the crater floor.
A small romantic tented camp offers up ten stunning tented suites.
Kuro Tarangire
Kuro Tarangire, a thatch and tented camp is set amid a grove of Acacia and Kigelia trees right on the banks of the Tarangire River within the Tarangire National Park itself.
Kuro is for those that desire the African bushveld and all she offers far away from maddening crowds, this truly is a special place.
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.
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.
Sanctuary Kusini Camp
Sanctuary Kusini Camp is perfectly sited in a cluster of kopjes, Kusini's 12 luxury safari tents blend seamlessly into the surrounding game-rich plains, part of the charm here is its remote location offering exceptional and essentially private game viewing.
One of the better options for a Serengeti safari in the southern regions of the Serengeti National Park.
Jabali Ridge
Jabali Ridge in the Ruaha, with the most stunning of views is positioned on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mwagusi River and Ikuka escarpment in the Ruaha.
Jabali Ridge, a Ruaha luxury safari camp that offers guests a luxury stay combined with magnificent wildlife sightings and experiences all with this great Ruaha National Park.
Tarangire Simba Lodge
Tarangire Simba Lodge located within Tanzania's amazing Tarangire National Park is an attractive option for those interested in experiencing all that this region has to offer.
Tarangire Simba Lodge is ideal for small groups, couples and families.