Must-see restaurants in Africa

  • Yard

    Cape Town

    Be prepared for very sticky fingers. The Dog's Bollocks' blockbuster burgers got this hip grunge spot going a few years ago; they've now expanded to all…

  • Saha Kfé

    Essaouira

    Tucked into a corner of the pretty Place de l'Horloge is an oasis of calm in the medina. Its outdoor tables are perfect for people watching over breakfast…

  • Restaurant Chez Mouldi

    Northern Tunisia

    This simple thatched beach hut amid the rocks and sand of Maloula beach serves up pretty simple grilled fish and soft drinks. Opening hours are unreliable…

  • Hôtel Thermal

    Madagascar

    The restaurant at this classy hotel offers easily the most upmarket dining in town. There's a daily changing menu which has tropical takes on many classic…

  • Chez Paulina

    Rodrigues

    On the road down to Tyrodig, this terrific little place is often packed out at lunch time, especially on weekends. The price-to-quality ratio is…

  • Sofia Café

    Cabo Verde

    This pleasant cafe-restaurant in Platô has outdoor tables on the square and a good selection of small sharing plates, including marinated octopus, grilled…

  • Ocean Vagabond

    Mauritius

    Ocean Vagabond has good pizzas and something of a surfer's vibe, with DVDs and a Saturday-evening happy hour. It all falls a bit flat when things are…

  • James XVI Ethiopian

    Johannesburg

    Sit at outdoor tables shaded by trees and enjoy the excellent, great-value Ethiopian cuisine served from this hole-in-the-wall unit. The injera (sourdough…

  • Joy's Place

    Malawi

    This restaurant attached to the hostel of the same name serves noodle and kimchi dishes, as well as Western choices such as chicken burger and steak and…

  • D's Bazaar

    Sierra Leone

    Both the name and the food beat the decor at this local plasas spot. The menu changes daily, according to what's on hand, but you can expect to fill up…

  • Coconut Dream Bar & Restaurant

    Ghana

    This rustic, bamboo restaurant is painted in the colours of the Ghanaian flag and has a breezy 1st-floor dining area. At night, benches are placed out in…

  • Cabane du Pecheur

    Senegal

    Overlooking the waterfront and a few steps from the Fadiout bridge, this pleasant place serves up decent poulet yassa, lotte (a kind of white fish)…

  • O Poeta

    Cabo Verde

    O Poeta has a solid reputation for a no-nonsense menu of paella, rice with octopus, filet mignon and tuna tartare. It's also the go-to spot for a fabulous…

  • Sipara Restaurant

    Southern Ethiopia

    This attractive option slap bang in the centre of town is high on atmosphere, with an attractive compound and a verdant setting. The menu covers enough…

  • Pomodoro

    Nairobi

    It is always the source of a heated debate, but Pomodoro is the best pizza in town for many locals. This unassuming little pizzeria in the Village Market…

  • Marianna’s

    Western Cape

    This award-winning, eclectic place serves a mixture of traditional and contemporary fare, much of it made with produce from the owner’s garden. Advance…

  • Al Babinshal Restaurant

    Siwa Oasis

    On the roof of the hotel of the same name, this might just be the most romantic dining spot in the oases. Moodily lit in the evenings, it’s practically…

  • Earth Fair Food Market

    Cape Town

    Popular for dinner and a beer on Wednesday and brunch and a beer on Saturday, this community market sells free-range, organic and ethically farmed food,…

  • Le Nature

    Réunion

    Nature serves up a brilliant-value lunch buffet, consisting of about eight Creole dishes prepared from fresh simple ingredients. The setting is inviting,…

  • Zandina

    Madagascar

    Zandina has become something of an institution thanks to its all-day service, good wi-fi connection, satellite TV, and generally warm and relaxed…

  • The Muller House

    Eastern Cape

    This hip resto-bar near the Dutch Reformed Church is as adept at serving up tapas (from R40) as it is heartier meals. The menu is concise yet inventive,…

  • Le Bougainville

    Mauritius

    Worth a mention for its breezy terrace, friendly atmosphere and convenient location across from Blue Bay Beach, Le Bougainville is a popular hang-out for…

  • Bambalouni Sidi Bou Saïd

    Sidi Bou Saïd

    Follow the locals' lead and join the cluster of customers in front of this blue hole-in-the-wall stand to order a freshly fried, sugar-dusted bombalouni …

  • L'Assiette du Nord

    The North

    At this popular place you can opt for the terrace or a slightly smarter dining area behind the fish-tank partition. Seafood features strongly, served…

  • Sakae

    Kigali

    Set in an all-wood dining room, this widely acclaimed restaurant serves an exquisite selection of authentic Japanese, Korean and Chinese dishes – those in…

  • Bar Tropikal

    Cabo Verde

    One of Maio's best-loved destinations, this beachfront spot serves a good range of food, including daily fish and chicken specials, plus pastas, pizza,…

  • Bird Cage

    Cairo

    This soothing, wood-panelled space is a favourite with wealthy Cairenes. Grilled foods don’t have the proper char, but other preparations, such as whole…

  • Kaross Cafe

    Limpopo

    Excellent courtyard cafe with decadent desserts at the excellent Kaross handicrafts cooperative – ideal while you contemplate whether (or what) you're…

  • Hello Sailor

    Cape Town

    A tattooed mermaid in a round portrait on the wall looks down on the tattooed patrons of this slick bistro serving price-friendly comfort food – burgers,…

  • La Daurade

    Tunisia

    La Daurade is recommended, particularly for its seafood. Try the paella, the grouper in mustard sauce or pouple à la Chebba (squid in a spicy tomato sauce…

  • Stone Town Café

    Zanzibar Town

    Great little place with seating inside or outside under potted palms overlooking the street. The menu includes all-day breakfasts, milkshakes, freshly…

  • Maria’s

    Cape Town

    There are few places more romantic or relaxing for a meal than Maria’s on a warm night, when you can tuck into classic Greek mezze and dishes such as…

  • La Terrasse de Tydouce

    Madagascar

    This well-regarded French restaurant along the main road through Ivato has creative dishes such as profiteroles of wild mushrooms, local classics such as…

  • Plats Haj Boujemaa

    Gueliz & Ville Nouvelle

    Brochettes (kebabs), tajines, pizza, pasta, steak. This unpretentious place covers all the bases, though what it's known for is its perfectly grilled meat…

  • Prashad Cafe

    Cape Town

    There are just half a dozen tables at this friendly cafe in a strip mall. Everything on the menu is vegetarian and most dishes are vegan. For Indian food…

  • Isange BF Restaurant

    Rwanda

    Whether you're sitting al fresco on a snug terrace overlooking a garden or inside the pretty dining room decorated with African touches, dining at this…

  • Nawoitorong Guest House

    Northern Kenya

    Burgers and toasted sandwiches join local curries and various meaty fried dishes on the menu, all served in an open-air boma on the large grounds. It…

  • Three Feathers Diner

    Cape Town

    Street art decorates this cavernous space that's a shrine to the owner's beloved American muscle cars, such as the bright-orange Pontiac Firebird parked…

  • Eco Sham

    Eastern Uganda

    Inside the Casa del Turista, this cafe has quality food and top organic Mt Elgon coffee, with proceeds going to a local school. The rooftop tables with…

  • Pâtisserie des Princes

    Marrakesh

    This is one of the city’s most famous patisseries, with enough petits fours to keep Djemaa El Fna dentists in business. Its ice cream is the best around…

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