Top Restaurants in Zanzibar Island
Countries
Top 10 restaurants in Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
The Zanzibar Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania, is a breathtaking spot to escape from the world. You’ll enjoy clear, turquoise-blue water; shallow sandbars perfect for wading; and many small, nearly deserted islands virtually unvisited by tourists. Explore the World Heritage Site of Stone Town, Zanzibar City’s old quarter. Or just go beach to beach between tiny fishing villages—each one's better than the next.
Things to do in Zanzibar Island
1. Saruche Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Z Hotel’s main restaurant, Saruche, offers a four course Table de Hote Menu of African-European fusion cuisine as well as a variety of fresh-from-the-ocean fish and seafood. We have created a sophisticated, yet relaxed atmosphere where you can sample some of the finest cuisine Zanzibar has to offer and taste fine wines from our international wine selection.Other than sampling our delicious four course Table de Hote Menu, we do also offer themed buffet evenings on select nights. Ranging from the Seafood Fiesta to Traditional African style meals, all accompanied by live entertainment. With stunning views across the ocean, Saruche restaurant rests on the edge of a small cliff where you can eat al fresco on a deck over the ocean with only the rippling tide to keep you company.
Reviewed By Niobe B - Annecy, France
It’s difficult to find that restaurant in Zanzibar which is perfect in every way but “Saruche” tries hard. The wine list included some nice South African choices but overall I don’t think they store the wines properly and any vintage more than two years is likely bad from the heat and humidity...our choice was very borderline past....they literally take “serve at room temperature” too literally and store it this way as well :/ The calamari taster from the chef was a nice surprise and seemed promising. We had two catches of the day - Kingfish and Kolekole- which were beautifully presented and decent portions but like most restaurants we experienced, over cooked and a bit dry.....so ask them not to overlook it and it might come out prefect. I just wish I could find a place that kept things simple, didn’t try cooking western, used their beautiful local spices and didn’t over cook the fish! “Sunset restaurant” a few places to the east did better and is less expensive....same views....which are always beautiful. Saruche doesn’t open until 7:30pm and you likely need a reservation in high season. Above Saruche is a rooftop bar “Cinnamons” - a nice spot to watch the sunset before dinner.
2. Zanzibar Coffee House Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 776 reviews
Reviewed By Niobe B - Annecy, France
What a wonderful place to escape the heat and craze of the markets in Stone Town! The Zanzibar women who work here were friendly, colorful and smiling....and one was a great barista. Served with a nice selection of daily baked goods and other snacks, you can while away an hour or two easily here. Management was kind and attentive to be sure all our expectations were met. I suggested they find paper straws to replace the plastic ones served, like Emerson Spice and some of the other cafes who have started to be more eco friendly, and she immediately went online to find some to order. I hope they get them soon....every little way that plastic can be eliminated is good for this beautiful island surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Thank you Zanzibar Coffee House Cafe!
3. Lazuli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 368 reviews
Lazuli is a small living room style restaurant in the Shangani district of Stone Town, serving modern Swahili lunches and dinners including selection of tasty sandwiches, chapatti wraps, salads, burgers, seafood and the best fresh fruit juices in town, always blended at the time of order using tropical fruits from around the island. Open everyday except Sunday.
Reviewed By WillemvP - Geldermalsen, The Netherlands
One of these simple restaurants with a surprising mixture of food. Really lovely, everything fresh. You should not be in a hurry. They need some preparation time. Awesome smoothies!
4. Seles Beach Bar and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By Harriet D - Perth
After a truly mediocre experience at Villa Kiva, we walked up the beach to Seles Bungalows for a late breakfast / early lunch.
We were welcomed warmly and told that the kitchen wasn't yet open but that we were welcome to make ourselves comfortable and use the facilities.
The bar / restaurant area is very well done - the old dhow bar, shady tables, attention to details with the decoration and the upper deck with its lovely views make for a great place to pass the time.
Our food was outstanding - my partner had the barbecued calamari and I had the fish of the day (King Fish). Both were absolutely fantastic. The calamari spicey seasoning was delicious and it was cooked to perfection - not rubbery or chewy at all. My King Fish was fabulous. The portion sizes were very generous and we ended up not eating dinner that day because we were so full.
We would absolutely recommend a meal or drinks at Seles Bungalows.
5. Lustania
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By Angelique_in_Warsaw - Warsaw, Poland
When you are on Zanzibar, you have to try a local restaurant! Just get just a bit away from the beach and you’ll find Lustania. And it’s worth it! You’ll to let them know in advance you are coming (ideally one day before), and they’ll prepare what’s fresh from the sea. All the food (and it’s a lot!) is cooked at home by the family. It is simply delicious! And your supporting local business!
6. Emerson Spice
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 637 reviews
Emerson Spice have two Restaurants: The Rooftop Tea House Restaurant - The Seafood Based, Set Five Course 'Taste Safari' Degustation Menu is prepared daily by our Zanzibari Chefs. The Sunset Hour is an integral part of the experience, so Diners are encouraged to arrive at any time after 5.30p.m. to enjoy a 'Sundowner' before dinner, which is served at 7p.m. Reservations Recommended. The Secret Garden - set amidst lushly landscaped hidden 'Ruins', open to the skies, it has a Zanzibari inspired A La Carte Menu. Look out for live music performed by The Dhow Countires Music Academy. Open for Lunch and Dinner.
Reviewed By Claudia O - Sao Paulo, SP
It’s on the Terrace of Emerson Spice hotel, on the 4th floor. The place it’s not exactly special but the 5 course dinner was really really good. Very interesting combinations, the menu changes every day.
The service is very good as well.
Reservation is required as it’s a small place.
I just don’t recommend for people that have issues to climb a lot of steps.
7. Bahari Pizza Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
If you like to share this wonderful corner of paradise, we have the possibility of renting rooms, built in typical African style!!!
Reviewed By Frauke H - Dillingen, Germany
The restaurant is nearby the beach and you have a great view of the Indian Ocean. We really enjoyed the sea food (especially the coconut crusted fish!) and our daughter loved the Spaghetti with tomato sauce.
The staff is very friendly and helpful and we always felt comfortable when we had dinner or lunch there.
8. The Jetty
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By HGJ821 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
My girlfriend and I went here twice during our holiday at Zanzibar. The main courses are quite good, definitely above average!
The staff could be more knowledgeable about the wine though. Both times they offered us wine from bottles that had been open already for two days. When we pointed that out to the staff it wasn't a problem and they poured us a glass from a fresh bottle. We weren't too impressed with the desserts either. When you order the ice cream, you get two plain half scoops only. It tastes alright, but 6 USD for this dessert is way overpriced.
We paid 70 USD for two people for two glasses of wine, two main courses and two desserts. That wouldn't be too bad in Europe, but is definitely expensive for Tanzanian standards.
9. Zanzest Beach Bungalows Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Located at the end of the village of Jambiani, Zanzest beach bungalow restaurant has a view on the 'ocean, where the sea and nature will surprise you with a thousand shades of colour.We served Italian and Swahili dishes, freshly prepared, home-made pasta, bread , breadsticks, pizza chapati and excellent grilled fish on request.Enjoying your break with a good meal accompanied by a spectacle of nature and the gentle sound of the sea and shells.WE ACCEPT ONLY CASH
Reviewed By lyndsaywright - Wolverhampton
Review for bungalows and restaurant: We stayed here after our safari and 4 hectic days in Stone Town and the just about isolated location at the southern end of Jambiani beach was a welcome respite. Annalisa met us and checked us in to our beach facing Leopard room, which was a rustic beauty. There are a number of loungers, terraces and swinging outdoor beds in the shade which make this the perfect place to do nothing but relax. There was attentive service from all staff and Annalisa & her husband were always on hand and making sure everything was ok. The food was delicious and, although slightly pricier than nearby restaurants, was of the highest quality. We also ate at the renowned (and expensive) The Rock restaurant and both agreed that the food and service ar Zanzest was head and shoulders above this. As it was our honeymoon, they also prepared a special moonlit dinner on the beach complete with a canopy made from banana leaves and lots of flowers surrounded by lanterns set in a heart drawn in the sand. It was magical. One thing to remember... it's very rocky and lots of seaweed in the shallows of the sea and then on the beach when tide goes out so sea shoes ate recommended (I forgot mine so my newly made husband had to piggy back me into the sea!)
10. Kambakocho Bar & Beach Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By ilike1972 - Bratislava, Slovakia
we had a chance to try the romantic dinner in Kambakocho restaurant .the view to the indian ocean is amazing It s a nice, clean and friendly place. We had a seefood menu .IT WAS DELICIOUSE, fresh and fantastic. carpachio was great ,the seaurchins spagetti ,then the lobster and the crab WAS THE BEST IN MY LIFE. Also the dessert and the fruit plate. great value of money..the service was very good ,and kind.The manager Jack is a great very lovely and helpfull.
I recomend this special place to everyone who visit wonderfull Zanzibar.
