Location: Kigali
Top Restaurants in Kigali
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Kigali Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Kigali
Inhabited since the 11th-century, what is now Kigali has been the home of Twas, Tutsis and Hutus. The city sits on a series of verdant ridges and lush valleys, and has a Muslim Quarter and a bustling market. Rwanda's capital is the site of battles that left over a million, mostly Tutsi and moderate Hutus, dead. Kigali Memorial Centre is a permanent memorial to 1994's Genocide, built on a mass grave where 250,000 are buried. Kigali City Tour Bus offers an excellent introduction to this now safe, friendly city.
Things to do in Kigali
1. Soleluna
Overall Ratings
4 based on 386 reviews
SoleLuna - a true slice of Italy in Kigali. Taste the freshness of mediterranean cuisine whilst savoring spectacular views of the city.
Reviewed By Ben Y - London, United Kingdom
My usual rule of thumb for restaurants is this: the smaller the menu the better the food.
Of course there are always exceptions to this rule, and I was hoping this would be one of them. Part of the reason for this bible of a menu is that the author appeared to have listed all the available pizza toppings and done a sort of "how many possible combinations" mathematical exercise with them. The pizza is pretty good though so I can understand the pride.
The desert menu need not be too long though. There's only one real choice: the chocolate mousse. Rich and plentiful. And this brings up another rule of mine: The bigger the portion of mousse, the better the mousse.
2. Papyrus
Overall Ratings
4 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By lubger - New York City, New York
If you look at Kigali HORECA reviews, Papyrus will always pop up in the top 5, but I'm not sure if this is justified. The place itself is nice, and the view out of windows/terrace is magnificent, especially at night. They are fairly large and have kitchen, bar and music, but honestly the place is far from the buzz attributed to it (or maybe I visited it in all the wrong times).
The food is okay, the service is good, it's a place you can go to in large groups.
3. Khana Khazana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 500 reviews
1} Khana Khazana , The authentic Indian restaurant, An easy place to locate on 9,KN 31st, Kiyovu the third branch on your left after BNR , LUNCH-12:00 PM TO 3:30 PM- DINNER-6:00PM TO 10:00 PM 2) Khana khazana Villas & Boutique Hotel , locate on KG 9, Ave, Near (RDB ) Rwanda DEVELOPMENT BOARD, and perfect distance from the center of town to feel the escape necessary after a busy week at the office , provides just the right variant from the hustle and bustle of the center town. Khazana has the great Ambiance,surrounds garden, offer you open air dining with extremely attentive service contributed to brilliant dining experience. At a very reasonable price,The imagination of our chefs will cook for you with delicious dishes, A meal at Khazana really will leave your taste buds tingling for all the right reasons and seasons.our popular dish in starter subzi taka tin,tandoori chicken, hariyali fish, in main course chicken tikka masala,butter chicken, mutton nihari, palak paneer, nan etc
Reviewed By Lion Dharshana W - Gampaha, Sri Lanka
I visited again, It was a great experience with my delicious and mouth watering food. thanks every one.
4. Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 820 reviews
Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel is an American-owned, private, serene property opened in May of 2008 in the lovely neighborhood of Kiyovu. Started as a social Enterprise to improve service levels in the hospitality sector and create employment, Heaven is consistently ranked one of the country's top restaurants with a spectacular ambience on a custom-built outdoor Terrace overlooking the entire city. Heaven Boutique Hotel has 22 beautifully appointed hotel rooms with a salt water swimming pool, ensuite private bathrooms, local artwork, free wifi, unlimited coffee/tea/purified water, 24 hour security, just steps from downtown Kigali. In addition to 22 rooms currently in operation, our 11 room new luxury hotel called The Retreat is now open! The Retreat is a new property with 11 luxury rooms all with peaked ceilings and private outdoor terraces, a gym, spa and swimming pool!
Reviewed By wanderlust0037 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
After 2 days in Heaven, I keep finding delightful new surprises. Luxury at the Heaven Retreat, amazing cocktails and creative food at the restaurant, Zumba class offered on the lawn, or quiet Yoga room, or the impressive gym with natural light. Every turn I wished...MoreWe look forward to welcoming you back with the family soon and are glad to hear that you enjoyed everything the team has been working so hard on to deliver! Best wishes, Alissa
5. New Cactus
Overall Ratings
4 based on 174 reviews
Tel, Info: 572 572
Reviewed By uyanne
Good variety of decent quality food and atmosphere. Salad had nice volume. You can enjoy Kigali view in tranquility. I personally don't mind plastic chairs, either. You don't feel luxury from this place, but we really liked their balance of food, drink, atmosphere, and serving speed.
6. Zen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 206 reviews
It is a big place with natural view spacious n peace full place ,we serve Chinese,japanese,thai,indian cuisine,we try to serve best quality n tasty food with great ambiance,so come with ur family and friends to have good time.
Reviewed By lubger - New York City, New York
This is a fairly big restaurant, they have one section I'd describe as "restaurant", and another section as "bar/lounge". Both are open-air areas, made out of wood, covered by traditional straw roof, with heavy-set wooden furniture. They serve Asian fusion food, the quality is quite good. The service was good, their personnel is friendly and attentive.
7. Repub Lounge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Repub Lounge is a two-story restaurant and lounge boasting beautiful views, relaxed ambience, African cuisine, and live music. Ideal for large groups, date nights, and cocktail events. Repub Lounge: a must in Kigali.
Reviewed By M M - Arlington, Virginia
This gem of a restaurant is within a quiet residential neighborhood. As the first dining place I visited in Kigali, I was delighted with the dinner selections with a local flavor yet familiar enough to serve as a gentle introduction to the Rwandan cuisine. The wait staff were attentive and brought complimentary bruschetta appetizers--delicious and a lovely touch.
8. Sakae Japanese Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 119 reviews
Welcome to Sakae Japanese Restaurant. Providing Rwanda with fresh Sushi / Sashimi / Teppanyaki Excellence in Dining since 2011.
Reviewed By Banu_Altunbas - Goma, DRC
We are used to eating the same food in Kigali, and this place is nice for a change. Even for Kigali standards it is an expensive place and not possible to go as frequent as one would hope! We ate the Japanese food, the rolls were ok, the spicy tuna was the better option. The miso soup was a bit tasteless. But the place and the ambiance is very nice. Good for a change once in a while
9. Meze Fresh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By Matthew S
Big portions, small price. If you live in Africa but miss Chipotle or similar from America, this place is quite the gem.
10. L'epicurien
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By Pascal C - Kigali, Rwanda
With a number of new good places coming up in Kigali, this is no longer a must. French menu from the last century, average execution at best. Duck overcooked, for example. But at least available.. :-) Nice setting and very friendly service.
