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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
Kilindi Zanzibar
The absolute in 5-star luxury on the island of Zanzibar, the Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar Lodge offers up unique architectural design that embraces a sense of calm and tranquillity throughout all the while offering up the ultimate in privacy and romance.
An exceptional beach lodges and resort with views out over a white sand beach area and waters of the Indian Ocean,
Jabali Private House
Jabali Private House is set overlooking dense forest that fringes the bordering Ikuka escarpment in the wildlife and birdlife-rich Ruaha National Park.
This Ruaha Private House is the perfect accommodation option in Ruaha for a small group of family or friends that are seeking out a more private safari option.
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.
Singita Explorer Tented Camp
Singita Explorer Tented Mobile Camp offers that "roughing-it in great style" for those who are after that up close and personal wildlife Serengeti safari yet still require abounding luxuries.
The mobile camp is set up in various remote locations within the private 350 000 private acres of Grumeti Reserve.
Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp
Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp with 20 tented suites set within 25,000 hectares of the concession area; the camp is just 3.5 km from the main entrance to National Park, accommodation is in 20 luxury safari tents, which are en-suite with hot and cold running water.
Wildlife and birdlife spotted on game drives in the Tarangire is excellent, no matter the time of year.
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.
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.
Olakira Migration Camp
Olakira Camp, with her nine intimate en-suite traditional safari tents, follows the massive herds of wildebeest to two spectacular locations in the north and south of the Serengeti National Park.
Expert Serengeti and Maasai safari guides and trackers with specialist knowledge showcase all that is one of the natural wonders of the World.