Explore Top 9 Best Restaurants In Zanzibar: A Foodie’s Guide

Zanzibar, the picturesque archipelago off Tanzania's coast, is not just a beach lover's and cultural enthusiast's dream but also a foodie's heaven. The island's diversified culinary culture reflects its historical history, including influences from Arabic, Indian, Persian, and African cultures. In this gastronomic adventure, we'll visit the best restaurants in Zanzibar, where the blend of flavors and magnificent surroundings make for a unique culinary experience.

Explore the best restaurants in Zanzibar for foodie travel

Explore top restaurants in Zanzibar for tourists

For guests looking for a culinary adventure in Zanzibar, the island's dynamic food scene has many top-tier restaurants that promise a delicious gourmet journey. From the ancient charm of Stone Town to the pristine beaches of Nungwi, Zanzibar has a wide range of dining options to suit all preferences. Whether you're a seafood lover looking for the freshest catches from the Indian Ocean or a Zanzibari spice connoisseur looking to appreciate native flavors, the best restaurants in Zanzibar provide something for everyone.

Emerson Spice's famous rooftop setting and The Rock Restaurant's one-of-a-kind, tide-dependent experience capture the essence of Zanzibar's rich cultural tapestry. These restaurants, which draw on Swahili, Arabic, Indian, and Persian traditions, offer excellent cuisine and a cultural immersion that matches the island's magnificent scenery. Accept the opportunity to visit the best restaurants in Zanzibar, where each meal will become a memorable part of your exotic vacation.

1. Emerson Spice

If you want to taste the best restaurants in Zanzibar, do not miss this one. Emerson Spice is a boutique hotel in Stone Town, Zanzibar's ancient neighborhood. The hotel's rooftop restaurant has fantastic views of Stone Town and the sea.

The menu incorporates traditional Swahili dishes with a modern twist. Don't miss the hotel's famous tea ceremony, which occurs every day between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Emerson Spice restaurant

2. The Rock Restaurant

The Rock, one Floating Restaurant in Zanzibar located on a small rock in the water, is one of the top restaurants in Zanzibar. The restaurant has a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean, and the cuisine combines seafood and Italian specialties.

The Rock Restaurant is ideal for a romantic meal or a special lunch with your loved one. The ideal way to visit the Rock Restaurant is to combine it with a Snorkeling excursion in the Blue Lagoon on Michamvi Beach. 

The Rock Zanzibar is famed not only for its delicious food but also for its fantastic atmosphere. From the moment you walk through the door, you will be greeted by courteous personnel who will make your stay delightful and stress-free. The restaurant is in an open-air pavilion with a wooden terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean and a tiny beach.

If you want an extra unique treat, try their specialty dish, rock lobster curry. This one-of-a-kind curry has real lobster combined with various spices, herbs, coconut milk, and additional ingredients. It is served alongside steaming basmati rice and pappadums, a type of Indian flatbread.

The Rock Restaurant

3. Fisherman's Seafood & Grill

Fisherman's Seafood & Grill is a restaurant in the settlement of Nungwi, near Zanzibar's northern point. This is a must-try restaurant at Nungwi Beach. It is one of the famous restaurants in Zanzibar

The restaurant specializes in seafood meals and serves a wide range of fresh fish, prawns, lobsters, calamari, and other seafood, as well as meat and vegetarian options.

Fisherman's Seafood & Grill Restaurant is popular with locals and tourists visiting Zanzibar because of its easygoing atmosphere and spectacular sunset view. 

Fisherman's Seafood & Grill Restaurant

4. Stone Town Café

Stone Town Cafe is a prominent cafe in the middle of Stone Town, next to the Freddie Mercury House. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all available at the cafe, serving local and foreign cuisine.

The ambiance is relaxed and pleasant, with a lovely tiny garden. On top of that, Stone Town Cafe's menu includes Swahili-style seafood, pasta, pizza, and sandwiches.

The café also serves a variety of freshly baked cakes and pastries, as well as drinks such as coffee, tea, smoothies, and fresh juices.

Stone Town Café

5. Cape Town Fish Market Restaurant

One of the top Zanzibar eateries. The Cape Town Fish Market Restaurant can be found in Forodhani Garden, Zanzibar. 

As the name implies, the restaurant specializes in fresh seafood cooked with various cooking techniques such as grilling, frying, and steaming.

The menu includes a variety of seafood delicacies such as sushi, grilled fish, seafood platters, and seafood curry. The menu also includes a variety of meat dishes, salads, and vegetarian options.

Cape Town Fish Market has a comfortable and casual environment, and it is located on the waterfront with beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding area. The sunset here is spectacular.

Cape Town Fish Market Restaurant

6. Mr. Kahawa Restaurant

Mr Kahawa is a prominent restaurant on Paje Beach, Zanzibar. The south-east village is well-known for kitesurfing activity. 

The restaurant serves various dishes, including traditional Zanzibar cuisine, and hot and cold beverages such as coffee, tea, smoothies, and fresh juices. 

Mr Kahawa also sells a variety of light snacks and pastries, making it an ideal place to stop for breakfast or a quick snack.

Mr Kahawa serves coffee prepared from locally sourced, freshly roasted beans, and the baristas are proficient at crafting various specialty coffee drinks. If you stay on the northern beaches, you can still visit this location. 

You can combine it with other tourist destinations such as Kuza Cave, Blue Lagoon, and Jozani Forest.

Mr. Kahawa Restaurant

7. Kendwa Rocks Restaurant

If you’re looking for budget yet good restaurants in Zanzibar, then the Kendwa Rocks Restaurant is the best place to visit. Located on Zanzibar's most fantastic beach, Kendwa Beach. Kendwa Rocks Restaurant serves a mix of local and international cuisine, emphasizing fish. Grilled lobster, octopus curry, prawn curry, and other fish fillets served with other delicacies are among the most popular meals on the menu.

In addition to seafood, Kendwa Rocks Restaurant offers pizzas, pastas, salads, and vegetarian alternatives. 

Kendwa Rocks Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a variety of beverages. It's a terrific place to eat while admiring the stunning ocean views and watching the sunset.

Kendwa Rocks Restaurant

8. The Island Restaurant

Uroa Pongwe, a small village on Zanzibar's east coast, is home to the Island Restaurant, a one-of-a-kind establishment. The restaurant is located on a small island just off the coast and is only accessible by boat or walking at low tide. Among all the best places to eat in Zanzibar, The Island Restaurant is the best paradise to visit if you have been thinking of seafood.

The environment is lovely, with tables on a wooden deck facing the Indian Ocean while the local seaweed growers do their daily duties.

The Island Restaurant menu features fresh seafood, prawns, lobsters, squid, and vegetarian and meat options. 

If you intend to stay in two distinct locations, such as the North and South, you can visit this restaurant on the day you transfer to another hotel. We have this type of transportation service in Zanzibar.

The Island Restaurant

9. Six Degrees

Six Degrees South is one of the top restaurants in Stone Town, Zanzibar, near Forodhani Garden. The restaurant is housed in a historic structure with a modern and stylish décor. 

Six Degrees Restaurant is well-known for its delicious food, elegant environment, and pleasant service, making it a popular destination for Zanzibar tourists. 

Six Degrees South's menu combines international and local cuisines with seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.

Six Degrees restaurant

Conclusion

Planning your trip to Tanzania and looking to obtain a Tanzania e-visa from the Tanzania Immigration Service? Why not? You're on the right track to explore the best restaurants in Zanzibar! Tanzania, a captivating country in East Africa, is known for its abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Before you head to Zanzibar, a mesmerizing island off the coast of Tanzania, obtain your e-visa from the Tanzania Immigration Service. This convenient online process allows you to secure your visa before arrival, ensuring a smooth entry into the country. Once you've obtained your visa, it's time to delve into Zanzibar's culinary scene. From the beachfront restaurants overlooking the turquoise waters, Zanzibar offers a culinary paradise. Sample mouthwatering seafood dishes, indulge in traditional Swahili cuisine, or explore international dining options. The vibrant flavors and unique blend of cultures will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. So, get ready to savor the top restaurants in Zanzibar while immersing yourself in Tanzania's natural wonders. Bon appétit and enjoy your adventure!