12 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.