
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
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.
Kitela Lodge
Kitela Lodge with 20 cottages is located on a coffee plantation surrounded by the incredible highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
It is from here that guests get to view wildlife, birdlife, culture all whilst staying in a haven of peace and comfort.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is set in the heart of a mahogany forest within the Lake Manyara National Park, offering an experience of remoteness, privacy and understated luxury, an asset within one of Tanzania's most prized national Parks.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge and its treehouse suites that offer the utmost in luxury in a safari destination that offers guests only the best.
Kibo Palace Hotel
The Arusha Kibo Palace Hotel has been well known to many people for many years for providing excellent accommodation, food and organizing Mt. Kilimanjaro treks; sits amidst landscaped gardens of fruit trees, tropical trees and exotic flowers in Arusha.
Kibo Palace in Arusha offers up the ideal base from which to explore the area and Mount Kilimanjaro, a popular hotel used by hikers.
Dik Dik Hotel
Dik Dik Hotel in the small Tanzania town of Arusha is the ideal starting point for visitors eager to explore the splendours of the Tanzanian landscape with its rich flora and fauna, eight hectares of lush tropical gardens compliment the forested environment and attract prolific birds.
A popular hotel and for good reason, with excellent accommodation, amenities, facilities and service levels one would be hard-pressed to find better in Arusha.
Roho ya Selous
Roho ya Selous tented safari camp is located in a prime hotspot for both wildlife and birdlife in Tanzania's famed and remote Selous Game Reserve and Rufiji River.
The Rufiji River Camp in the Selous is the ideal option for those seeking out a small and intimate safari camp far away from humanity.
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.
Tarangire Treetops Lodge
Astride the path of the Elephant Migration, Treetops sits alone in a private game reserve bordering the Tarangire National Park and the Maasai Steppe amid rolling, baobab-studded hills with views of Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley wall.
Game drives in the Tarangire can compete with the best in Africa; one will certainly not be disappointed by any stretch of the imagination.