The 21 best restaurants in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is as famous for its food as it is for its beaches. Its cuisine is a mix of cultures, flavors, and traditions. The biggest variety of best restaurants in Zanzibar can be found in Stone Town, especially around Shangani and the Forodhani waterfront.
But you will also find plenty of great places to eat in the island’s lively beach villages like Nungwi, Kendwa, Kiwengwa, Paje, and Jambiani. Seafood is the star here. Expect fish, lobster, octopus, and prawns, often grilled over an open fire after being marinated in local spices. Many restaurants also serve rich Swahili stews and curries, full of coconut, chili, and aromatic herbs.
Italian food is everywhere too – from wood-fired pizzas to creamy pastas. And in Stone Town, you will also come across some unique, specialist restaurants with international twists.
All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best restaurants in Zanzibar. Find out more below or for more Zanzibar, see our guides to the best things to do, hotels, and beaches.
Best for fine dining
Beach House Restaurant & Bar
Set in a beautifully restored Victorian building right on the waterfront, this restaurant is all about style and atmosphere. You enter along a shady wooden walkway lined with palms, then step into a chic space filled with comfy sofas and chairs. But the real magic is outside – the seaside deck, perfect for watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean. The menu is inspired by the ocean and East Africa. Highlights include Mozambican-style piri-piri chicken, Zanzibari prawns in coconut and tomato sauce, and a seriously good burger.
Area: Shangani Waterfront, Stone Town
Website: beachhousezanzibar.com
Reservations: Recommended
The Rock Restaurant
Perched on a tiny rock rising from the sea off Michamvi Peninsula, this is Zanzibar’s most famous restaurant – and for good reason. At low tide, you can walk across the sand to reach it; when the tide comes in, you hop on a boat, making the journey part of the adventure. The menu focuses on fresh local seafood, but you will also find South African steak and a tasty vegan curry. With only five sittings a day (from noon to 8:30pm), this is one of those places you will remember long after your trip.
Area: Michamvi Pingwe
Website: therockrestaurantzanzibar.com
Reservations: Essential
Emerson Spice Tea House
For a truly unforgettable evening in Stone Town, head to the rooftop of the historic Emerson Spice Hotel. Here, just 25 lucky guests each night enjoy a five-course tasting menu that showcases Zanzibar’s best seafood, spices, and local ingredients. The setting is pure magic – intimate tables under the stars, sweeping views over Stone Town, and the occasional sound of live taarab music floating through the air. With only one sitting per night, this is fine dining at its most atmospheric.
Area: Tharia St, Stone Town
Website: emersonzanzibar.com
Reservations: Essential
The Island
Think of this as the northeast coast’s quieter, more exclusive answer to The Rock. Tucked away on a tiny coral islet in Pongwe Bay, The Island is a boutique lodge with a superb restaurant at its heart. Guests dine on an open-sided deck made from old dhow wood, with sweeping views across the turquoise water. The Italian-inspired menu shines with fresh seafood platters and excellent homemade pasta. With limited seating – and lodge guests getting priority – reservations are a must.
Area: Pongwe
Website: theislandpongwe.com
Reservations: Essential
Best for cheap eats
Forodhani Gardens
At sunset, this waterfront park in Stone Town turns into Zanzibar’s most famous street food night market. Dozens of stalls fire up their grills, drawing in crowds of locals and travelers alike. Seafood is the star – freshly caught, spiced, and cooked right in front of you. But don’t miss other local favorites like mishkaki (beef skewers), Zanzibar pizza (a quirky stuffed pancake), chipsi mayai (chip-filled omelette), and refreshing sugarcane juice pressed to order.
Area: Forodhani Waterfront, Stone Town
Opening Hours: 6pm–9pm
Reservations: Not required
Fisherman Local Restaurant
True to its name, this laid-back, open-sided thatched restaurant in Kendwa keeps things simple. Freshly grilled fish and seafood are the main attraction, but the kitchen also serves stir-fries, curries, Swahili stews, and pizzas. There is no alcohol on the menu, but you can bring your own — a well-stocked liquor shop is just 200 meters down the road. Ceiling fans keep the space cool, making it an easy, no-fuss place to enjoy a hearty local meal.
Area: Kendwa
Contact: +255 656 291808; instagram.com/fisherman.restaurant.kendwa
Opening hours: 7:30am to 10pm daily
Reservations: Not required
Lukmaan Restaurant
Just a short walk from Christ Church Cathedral, Lukmaan is a landmark self-service restaurant set around a giant baobab tree. A favorite lunchtime stop for locals, it offers a welcoming atmosphere and a long menu of well-priced Swahili dishes. For a full meal, try the grilled fish with mango salad or chicken tikka with chapati. Lighter options include samosas, shawarma, and kebabs, all perfect with a fresh juice or smoothie.
Area: New Mkunazini St, Stone Town
Website: lukmaan-restaurant.goto-where.com
Reservations: Not required
Africanas BBQ
Hidden just 100 meters from Paje Beach and surrounded by local craft stalls, Africanas BBQ is a down-to-earth, no-frills restaurant that delivers big on flavor. The building is simple, and the interior may seem dim at first, but it’s clean, well-ventilated under a makuti roof, and cooled by fans, making it comfortable even on warm days. The menu focuses on flame-grilled meat and fresh seafood, but also offers local favorites like pilau (fragrant rice with meat), kuku makange (tomato and chicken stew), and samaki na nazi (fish in spicy coconut sauce). It’s a great spot to enjoy authentic Zanzibari flavors in a relaxed, informal setting.
Area: Paje
Contact: +255 777 000 000; facebook.com/AfricanasBBQ
Reservations: Not required
Best all-rounders
Zanzibar Coffee House
Perfect for a mid-day break while exploring Stone Town, Zanzibar Coffee House is an easy-going café set on the ground floor of a charming 19th-century building. The coffee, sourced from Utengule Estate on the Tanzanian mainland, is exceptional, and the menu also features herbal teas, cakes, fresh salads, soups, and light meals. If you visit between 11am and 3pm, head to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of Stone Town framed by a century-old balustrade — a peaceful spot to enjoy your drink or snack.
Area: Mkunazini, Stone Town
Website: utengule.com/zanzibar-coffee-house
Reservations: Not needed
Boho Social
Set on a palm-lined beach with views of The Rock, Boho Social is a chic, modern restaurant attached to the boutique Upendo Beach Hotel. The dining area extends onto a thatch-shaded wooden deck, combining contemporary comfort with the relaxed charm of the beach. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients in creative fusion dishes, with seafood skewers and platters highly recommended. Guests can also enjoy moreish cocktails and mocktails, a sparkling pool, and a lively Sunday lunch buffet accompanied by a chilled DJ set — perfect for a relaxed, stylish beachside experience.
Area: Michamvi Pingwe
Website: upendozanzibar.com/bohosocial
Reservations: Recommended
Krishna Food House
One of the few dedicated vegetarian restaurants in Zanzibar, Krishna Food House is a friendly, no-frills Indian eatery tucked at the entrance to a quiet alley near Forodhani Gardens. The thali is a must-try, featuring two types of curry, dhal, rice, roti, poppadom, and a glass of lassi. The menu also includes affordable snacks, fresh juices, and beer, making it a perfect stop for a wholesome, satisfying meal in Stone Town.
Area: Mizingani Rd, Stone Town
Contact: +255 713 143 678; facebook.com/krishnafoodhouse
Reservations: Not required
ZanziBarista
Located on a prime beachfront in Paje, ZanziBarista is an owner-managed open-air restaurant shaded by a charming mangrove-pole shelter. The setting offers a strong sense of place and makes it one of the island’s most memorable dining experiences. The menu, though concise, covers a wide range of flavors. Highlights include paella, pasta, Swahili-style coconut poached fish, hummus bowls, Thai soups, and grilled seafood platters — all freshly prepared. The restaurant also serves excellent cocktails, mixed juices, and coffee, making it perfect for a leisurely meal by the beach.
Area: Paje
Website: zanzibarista.com
Reservations: Recommended
Best for families
Jozani Maridadi Restaurant
Nestled in the Zanzibari interior, Jozani Maridadi Restaurant is a hidden gem and a perfect stop after spotting monkeys in Jozani Forest or traveling between Stone Town and the southeast coast. The restaurant sits in a green garden bordering the forest and features a child-friendly swimming pool free for diners. Housed in a charming thatched, open-sided building, the menu focuses on Swahili-style stews, curries, and fresh seafood, offering a relaxed and authentic taste of the island’s interior cuisine.
Opening hours: 10.30am-8pm daily
Reservations: Not needed
Baharia Restaurant
Located within the family-friendly Zanzibar Serena Inn, Baharia Restaurant occupies two historic century-old buildings overlooking the lively urban beach at Shangani. The menu is ideal for families, offering curries, grilled dishes, seafood, and vegetarian options for adults, while spaghetti bolognese and burgers cater to children. Guests can also enjoy sea views, occasional live taarab music, and the attentive, friendly service that the hotel is known for.
Area: Shangani Waterfront, Stone Town
Website: serenahotels.com
Reservations: Recommended
Da Luigi Ristorante & Pizzeria
Formerly known as La Taverna, Da Luigi is a Stone Town classic celebrated for its wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and authentic Italian seafood and meat dishes. Housed in a charming whitewashed bungalow, it exudes a family-friendly Mediterranean vibe, enhanced by umbrella-shaded terrace seating and affordable house wines. Don’t skip dessert — choose between tiramisu, gelato, or Italian jam tart for a sweet ending to your meal.
Area: Benjamin Mkapa Rd, Stone Town
Contact: 00255 776 650301
Opening hours: 11am-11pm daily
Reservations: Recommended
Best for walk-ins
Café Turquoise
Tucked just a block behind the Shangani waterfront, Café Turquoise is a friendly, contemporary café popular for light lunches or drinks in southern Stone Town. The fan-cooled interior is bright and welcoming, while the Mediterranean-inspired menu offers a wide variety of choices for both vegetarians and meat-eaters, including hummus, salads, pasta, filled pancakes, and kebabs. The café also serves fresh juices, cakes, and excellent coffee, all at very reasonable prices, making it a relaxed and convenient stop during your Stone Town explorations.
Area: Shangani, Stone Town
Contact: +255 772 099 911; facebook.com/Turquoisezanzibar
Reservations: Not required
The Silk Route
Located near Forodhani Gardens, The Silk Route is a long-standing Indian restaurant with a breezy rooftop setting. The menu features classic Indian curries, along with Chinese fusion and Swahili-inspired dishes, offering plenty of options for vegetarians. Specialties include marinated whole fish baked in a tandoor, coconut beef or chicken curry, and flavorful biryanis. While the décor is simple, the friendly service and consistently well-prepared, reasonably priced food make it a reliable choice for both locals and visitors.
Area: Mizingani Rd, Stone Town
Contact: +255 783 644 312; instagram.com/silkrouteznz
Reservations: Not required
6 Degrees South Grill & Wine Bar
One of Stone Town’s largest and trendiest restaurants, 6 Degrees South (named after Zanzibar’s longitude) features a street-level terrace and a two-storey glass-fronted interior with a vibrant cocktail bar. Every level offers sunset views over Shangani Waterfront, making it a perfect spot for evening dining. The cosmopolitan menu includes Zanzibari specialties such as Swahili-style chicken and vegetable curries, alongside charcoal-grilled meat and seafood, burgers, pizza, and pasta.
Area: Shangani, Stone Town
Website: 6degreessouth.co.tz
Reservations: Not required
Best for pan-African flavours
Abyssinian Maritim
For a refreshing change of cuisine, visit Stone Town’s only Ethiopian restaurant, Abyssinian Maritim. The specialty is spicy meat or vegan wat stews, served on sour, pancake-like injera and traditionally eaten communally by hand for an authentic experience. The restaurant has plenty of character, with interiors decorated in traditional Ethiopian style and a cozy terrace filled with leafy potted plants, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Area: Kenyatta Rd, Stone Town
Website: abyssinianmaritim1.wixsite.com/amer
Reservations: Recommended
Badolina Secret Garden
One of Nungwi’s most popular restaurants, Badolina Secret Garden is set in an open-sided, vine-draped thatch building adorned in a colorful North African–meets–Swahili style. The relaxed atmosphere is enhanced by contemporary chill music, making it a perfect spot to unwind. The menu is globally inspired and rich in seafood and vegetarian dishes, including Asian noodles, Moroccan stews, and Mediterranean favorites such as falafel, hummus, and shakshuka. A great choice for breakfast, the restaurant also serves fresh smoothies and juices.
Area: Nungwi
Website: badolinabungalows.com/restaurant
Reservations: Not required
Beyt al Salaam Restaurant
Located on Kelele Square opposite the Zanzibar Serena Inn, Beyt al Salaam is a superb Swahili fusion restaurant housed on the ground floor of a boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century mansion. The menu highlights include coconut crab soup, Zanzibar seafood casserole, fish or chicken curry, and fillet steak in peppercorn sauce, alongside a tempting selection of Chinese and Thai dishes. The atmosphere is formal yet relaxed, offering an elegant dining experience without feeling stiff.
Area: Shangani, Stone Town
Website: beytalsalaam.com
Reservations: Recommended
How We Choose
Every restaurant on this curated list has been personally visited and tested by our destination expert, providing an insider’s perspective you can trust. We include a wide range of options, from neighborhood favorites to fine-dining establishments, catering to every type of traveler and budget. Recommendations are based on food quality, service, atmosphere, best tables, and value for money. The list is regularly updated to reflect new openings and the latest dining trends, ensuring you have the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.
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