28 Best Restaurants in Tanzania

If you're looking for a sunset cocktail with views of the Zanzibar ocean, then head on over to 6 Degrees on Shangani Street. Fresh, modern Afro-Continental cuisine such as generously sized burgers and steaks grilled on the flame are served in a relaxed, breezy atmosphere under a large double-story terrace that's decked out with modern, white loungers. Inside is a voluminous, bright space with couches scattered around a spiral staircase that leads to an additional dining space. The meals comes at a price, but the fresh take on upscale dining is a welcome change in Stone Town.

It might look unassuming from the outside, but as soon as you climb the stairs of this Ethiopian family-run institution, you'll be welcomed into a space that has been a long-standing go-to in the city. Food is eaten communally and with the hands—traditional Ethiopian style—and you'll scoop delicious stews and sauces from the plate with the traditional injera bread; there are good options for vegetarians. Seating is around a small table with low chairs on an outside terrace overlooking a tranquil leafy garden (bring insect repellent) amid traditional umbrellas. Book in advance as this place fills up.

A popular hangout for the ex-pat community, the Blue Heron has long been the go-to spot for alfresco dining in Arusha with authentic Italian pizza, local wines and beers, generous salads, and an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch. The quirky and unique atmosphere of dining under an umbrella of twisted beach wood leads out to expansive lawns and views of Mount Meru. While you wait, check out the on-site shop for souvenirs like jewelry, furniture, textiles, and sweets or coffee.

An unassuming entrance leads you into the heart of a hip gastro pub that showcases micro brewing in all its shiny steel glory. Winning bronze at the African Beer Cup 2022 for their Belgian Ale, Crafty Dee's is quickly becoming the talk of the town when it comes to looking beyond the country's beer staples of Kilimanjaro and Safari lager; its beer and food pairings are the perfect way to start your night out. Try the unique Lagerita, a twist on the classic margarita with a dash of the house Light Lager. 

With stunning views past the city's minarets to the harbor where dhows are setting out to sea, this rooftop restaurant is a wonderful homage to Stone Towns' rich and varied past. Dining is done at low wooden tables with plush patterned cushions, billowing fabric, and hanging lanterns, and traditional etiquette and customs are observed as you enjoy a journey back in time through the history of the region using storytelling, delicious food, and music.

The Park Hyatt's Brasserie and Oriental restaurants are both equally fantastic, but by far the hotel's real gem is the spectacular rooftop bar, Level 8. Commanding views of both the city and the working port extend out on either side of the striking, sweeping architecture and high glass walls. There is an unpretentious menu of classical bar and lunch fare like grilled changu (fish) with chips, or delicious fried plantains and snack baskets of beer battered fish, vegetables, and spicy chicken wings. Throw in some live evening jazz and you have the perfect sunset escape that you would be hard-pressed to leave.

A fusion of French and Swahili cuisine, the hallmark of one of Arusha's top restaurants is its inventive daily changing signature menu as well as lunches that feature dishes like Swahili-style red snapper en papillote (cooked in a paper wrapper), mixed grilled skewers with Belgium fries, and garden green pea soup. The outdoor dining terrace has magnificent views over the valley towards Arusha town, making it a popular spot for those seeking some quiet and comfort in classic style. Reservations are essential.

Nearly every major African city has a local joint where you can mingle, chat, eat hearty grilled street food, and absorb the city life. Mamboz is just this kind of place for Dar es Salaam; they fire up their street-side barbecues as the evening light fades (they open at 6 pm). You name it, they can grill it and add in some flavorful Indian-influenced sauces. Their menu is hearty, well-priced, and as local as it comes. Its only drawback is that no alcohol is sold on-site, but with a vibrant street-side atmosphere it is the perfect place to watch the world go by.

Ascend up the winding staircase past the eclectic collection of artwork to a bright and sunny sundeck with an infinity pool overlooking downtown Stone Town. This is the spot for sunset cocktails, vibey DJ music, and delicious nibbles---the menu is a fusion of Indian, Mediterranean, and Swahili flavors like tuna and compressed watermelon and ponzu or pan seared octopus and chorizo with a chimichurri chased down with a spiced mango daiquiri. Don't come in your flip-flops and safari khakis as this place calls for more refreshingly cool attire.

Tucked away in a back street neighborhood with contemporary art adorning the walls, this family-run small-scale spot serves up some exceptionally tasty food. Light jazz wafts through the restaurant and walls adorned with tasteful local art make for the perfect atmosphere to tuck into some lovingly prepared meat and seafood dishes that are plentiful and delicious. Make reservations if you are a large group.

The only fully traditional Ethiopian restaurant in Zanzibar, Abyssinian has all the staples---kitfo (beef tartare) in mitmita (chili powder marinade), injera (sourdough bread), doro wat (fragrant chicken stew), and of course, Tej (honey wine) and coffee; it's a simple but tasty menu that's perfect for sharing with groups and friends. Tucked along the edges of the busy Vuga traffic roundabout on the edge of Stone Town, inside a charming and cozy courtyard, this is truly an authentic Ethiopian dining experience.

On the rooftop of one of the tallest buildings in downtown Dar es Salaam, Akemi is a popular dining establishment for the well-heeled for special occasions and functions. With spectacular 360-degree views of the city and harbor, the cuisine is of a standard Continental fare with a menu that features a mix of Indian influences and Asian fusion cuisine like beef fillet with vegetables, though the fish platters tend to be the most popular.

One of those dining experiences that seems to be a rite of passage for visitors to Stone Town, guests ascend a mammoth series of stairs that leads to the rooftop dining area and an expansive view over Stone Town. A seasonal five-course degustation menu of tasty Swahili-inspired seafood cuisine ranges from prawns and grilled fish to slivers of seared beef in traditional spices. While the famous owner Mr. Emerson himself is no longer alive, his spirit lives on. Reservations are for a single seating at 7 pm sharp and must be prebooked. You are encouraged to arrive early for a wondrous sundowner to the sound of evening call to prayer across the rooftops.

If you're looking for a quick meal in between flights or safaris, Fifi's is a firm favorite for those looking for simple fare in a relaxed, casual dining atmosphere. The menu is a lovely fusion of Tanzanian favorites—mishkaki (spicy cubes of grilled beef) and mtori soup (aka banana soup)—and international fare like burgers and homemade pancakes. There is also free Wi-Fi if you need to catch up on the news of the world, decent coffee, and a cute boutique shop. 

Known locally as The George, sports fans and those seeking a good old-fashioned burger and fries head to this classic British pub. Big screen TVs, buckets of icy cold beers, an expansive barbecue list, and a dedicated area called the sports arena keep punters, expats, and locals satisfied and jovial. On Friday and Saturday evening the very popular dance floor and live music scene heats up with a festive, relaxed vibe.

This popular double-story open-air restaurant in the Sea Cliff Hotel is right next to the crashing sea, providing the best views in town. The café-style restaurant features a decent array of foods like battered fish-and-chips, hamburgers, and juicy steaks, while the breakfast and lunch buffet has a wonderful spread. There is truly something to suit everyone and the service is prompt and efficient, made even more enjoyable by the sweeping ocean views from the deck

With creative and delicious food combinations that utilize fresh, local ingredients, owner and chef Betty Delfosse-Ingleton has created a real standout vegan and vegetarian dining option in Dar. Jamaican influences are found in the raw, vegan, and vegetarian haute cuisine that's served in the little outside courtyard decorated with bright art murals, but there is a menu for those who can't quite abandon their meat thanks to the amalgamation with Kingston 8 restaurant---the jerk chicken being a real standout.

A tiny blue-lined door frame and the fine printed "Lazuli" sign are all that let you know that you have found this little street-side cafe. The large wraps and fruit smoothies are prepared with fresh, local ingredients. There are only a few tables, and service can be glacial, but the smoothies are worth it on a hot and humid day. Wait for a quiet moment in the day, take a book, and escape the crowds and island heat to enjoy an icy avocado and coconut blast from heaven.

Sitting on a small terrace that overlooks the colorful and lively streets of downtown Stone Town, this Japanese restaurant—the only one on the island—offers up small share plates of Asian-inspired fusion food. The wide selection of freshly prepared seafood dishes and good service make this a good bet for any occasion.

This waterside hangout, named after Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury, who was born just a couple of blocks away, serves up the basics like pizzas and burgers in simple surroundings. The wooden terrace overlooking the ocean is ideal for sunset drinks or a pre-ferry drinks pit stop.

With a name that translates literally to "Fish, Fish" in Swahili, it's not hard to guess what's on the menu. The fish, in all its varieties and forms, is wonderfully delicious and in generous portions. Expect a festive atmosphere with plenty of live music on the weekends; it shifts to more of a club space in the evening with the city's young and vibrant.

There is a location downtown in the Diamonds Plaza, but the most popular is along the dusty dirt road near Oyster Bay.

A steak house and wine bar high atop Oyster Plaza where the near-constant night breeze cools down patrons indulging in a sundowner special. Arrive ready to enjoy some seriously well-cooked premium steak cuts along with the unbeatable views over the peninsula at sunset; weekends are for live music and wine tastings with food pairings.

Overlooking Slipway Beach, this may be the priciest Thai food in town, but Thai Kani still has a reputation for being tasty and deliciously authentic. The outside patio views, accompanied by one of their Champagne and sushi platter specials, is a very atmospheric way to while away the evening.

If you're looking for fresh and well-prepared dishes in a fine dining setting, Arusha Coffee Lodge's Grill Room is a star in the local fine-dining scene. The eclectic and modern à la carte menu features dishes like grilled steaks with Swahili spices and Tanzania Chips Mayai (a French fry omelet) alongside fresh curries. With superb wine pairings and their famous coffee always available, this is a great evening out.

What could be more refreshing and delicious than an iced coffee in the midst of the humid city? This unassuming cafe-style pit stop is the perfect spot for the weary traveler looking for something beyond burgers and buns as they serve up tasty, quick bites that mix distinct Tanzanian flavors with Mexican fusion foods and style-it-yourself burritos and tacos.

Locals and expats in the know have this as their go-to stop for a good, hearty meal with a cold beer and a charming atmosphere undisturbed by the tourist trail. Expect a full plate---burgers, grilled chicken, and chips---and a good beer at a decent price with an unassuming local atmosphere; this is not the place for cocktails and wine. This is where you untuck, kick back, have an icy cold beer (or two) and watch the Zanzibar beach life go by while chatting to friends. 

A multiethnic fusion restaurant in every sense of the word, Veranda serves up divine morsels—perfectly sized for sharing—that range from Indian to Asian to Swahili cuisine. The intimate courtyard is draped in bright bougainvillea and quirky decor decorates the space. It's not uncommon to spot the young and trendy crowded around tables filled with plates of dim sum, succulent chicken wings, and generously sized cocktails to wash it all down.

 A free side is included with every two orders of tapas.

If there is one place to get a good cup of locally brewed African coffee it's the unassuming Zanzibar Coffee house, a sweet paradise tucked in amid the houses to the alleyways. There might not be any Wi-Fi in the back thanks to the thick walls common in a traditional Arabic house, but it is a cool and deliciously simple café. There are even some great keepsakes for sale. Head up the series of stairs to the charming rooftop coffeehouse for a more specialized coffee and snack experience.