Must-see restaurants in Africa

  • Moonlight Restaurant

    Sharm El Sheikh

    With its cushioned nooks and slightly dishevelled appearance, Moonlight has a more Dahab-like vibe than its fancy-pants neighbours along the beachfront…

  • Janse & Co

    Cape Town

    This marvellous space has been through a number of incarnations. At the helm now is local chef Arno Janse van Rensburg, who serves up something between…

  • Palais du Poulet

    Meknes

    Although tajines and couscous are on the menu, there's just one dish being served up at this popular fast-food joint: steaming piles of rotisserie chicken…

  • Mengoz Snack

    Rodrigues

    It doesn't get much simpler than this, but that's why we like it. In Mont Lubin, next to where the main road through the island branches to Grande…

  • Thomas's Grocery, Restaurant & Bar

    Malawi

    This local gathering place comprises a shop and a bar with shaded seating and a reggae soundtrack. Simple dishes such as omelette, spaghetti, and beans…

  • Al Mounia

    Casablanca

    Sit in a lovely courtyard under an ancient pepper tree or in a richly decorated salon covered with zellige (colourful geometric mosaic tilework) when…

  • Zomagrill

    Madagascar

    The Zomagrill has filled a niche in Fianar: somewhere cheap, reliably good and relaxed that appeals to young locals as much as to passing travellers. The…

  • Toeka se Dae

    Limpopo

    Pull up a chair fashioned from old tyres, number plates or tin baths and admire the inimitably quirky decor at this farm stall 15km out of town. Lunches…

  • Kloof St House

    Cape Town

    Live jazz played during Sunday lunch (1pm to 4pm) is a highlight of this eclectically decorated restaurant in a Victorian mansion. It's a romantic spot…

  • Delhi Dharbar

    Johannesburg

    Far from the fanciest Indian restaurant in Jo'burg, but the setting is cosy and the North Indian cuisine gets rave reviews. The menu has plenty of…

  • Le Golfe

    Tunis

    A glamorous step-to-the-sand setting and contemporary chic decor make this restaurant a place to see and be seen in Tunis. The cashed-up expats and locals…

  • La Terrasse du Glacier

    Antananarivo

    Perched on a 2nd floor above Ave de l’Indépendance, La Terrasse is a fantastic vantage point to admire the hustle and bustle of Tana’s main thoroughfare…

  • Koki Boner

    Rodrigues

    An attractive spot if you're spending the day on the Pointe Coton beach, Koki Boner has laid-back service and does a good mix of snacks (sandwiches, soups…

  • Blackanese Sushi & Wine Bar

    Johannesburg

    Sushi with an African twist? Yes, it's possible at Blackanese which attempts to fuse some African ingredients with sushi rice. The result: so-so. On top…

  • Rihab

    Oujda

    This modern cafe on the ground floor of a tall office building serves a variety of decent breakfasts, ice cream and baked goods. As with many Moroccan…

  • Oscar Progrès

    Marrakesh

    This brightly lit canteen serves up sizzling brochettes (kebabs) and merguez (spicy sausage) to hungry office workers who take a pew at long communal…

  • Palais Mehdi

    Marrakesh

    The large pool terrace, surrounded by palms and with chilled-out background dance music, is a relaxed spot for a day-escape from the city. Pool packages…

  • Mphipe Lodge

    Malawi

    For a different take on lake fish, Mphipe serves it in pasta dishes. Malawian staples such as kampango (catfish) and nsima (filling porridge-like dish…

  • Le Pub

    Meknes

    A black-clad doorman sets the tone at one of the ville nouvelle's semi-posh spots. On the ground floor is a gold-lit bar and restaurant, with a menu that…

  • Escale des Îles

    Mauritius

    Just across from the car park overlooking Gris Gris beach, Escale des Îles is set within a brightly coloured building and is popular with large groups. It…

  • Au Rendez-Vous des Pêcheurs

    Madagascar

    Going strong since 1951, the Rendez-Vous is a local institution. Every tour travelling between Tana and Antsirabe seems to stop here for lunch. The dining…

  • Karen Blixen Restaurant & Coffee Shop

    Malindi

    Everyone in Kenya, it seems, wants to be Karen Blixen. This place isn't sure if it's a shabby-chic Karen Blixen or a blinging Karen Blixen, so it's gone…

  • Café du Wharf

    Gabon

    This is a cavernous place with a large terrace at the front, overlooking the busy Vieux Port (Old Port). And it's an old favourite, serving reasonable…

  • Marché Central

    Casablanca

    The Marché Central is a great place to have lunch after exploring the market – the cross-shaped fish market is particularly impressive. Tables from a…

  • Restaurante Oceano Casa Pepe

    Asilah

    This Spanish restaurant has been serving customers since 1914 and is still going strong. The original Pepe has passed away, the dimly lit interior is old…

  • Bush Gardens Restaurant

    Lamu Island

    This place is a backpacker institution, though food isn't quite as good as it's supposed to be. The large portions of biriyani, grilled fish and other…

  • Snack Cafes

    Meknes

    Take your pick of the snack cafes and stands lining the west side of Place El Hedim and sit at the canopied tables to watch the scene as you eat. There…

  • Poisson Sacrée

    Todra Gorge

    About 9km up the gorge, on the edge of the palmeraie (palm grove), this small cafe is perched beside a spring-fed pool that is full of freshwater fish. It…

  • Brasserie des Facultés

    Algiers

    This venerable spot on Algiers' main drag offers hearty meals of the steaks and couscous kind in an atmospheric dining room with partial sea views. Good…

  • Grillade Albanna

    Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

    Moulay Idriss is known for its kefta, and this simple grillhouse just off the town's main square is a local favourite. Take a people-watching seat while…

  • Lions Den Butchery & Saucey Sue's

    Zimbabwe

    Very much a ritual in travelling to/from Harare to Lake Kariba or Mana Pools, is the prerequisite stop at Lion's Den for a boerewors (farmer’s sausage),…

  • La Joconde

    Southern Tunisia

    Maybe Medenine's best place to eat is La Joconde, the restaurant of the Hôtel El Kssour. It has excellent Tunisian standards, including couscous and stews…

  • Taste of Italy

    Victoria

    Good honest Italian cooking with not a single frill (no money has been spent on the decor) is the order of the day here – no wonder it's so popular. In…

  • Forest Restaurant

    Ifrane

    This chilled-out cafe attracts Ifrane's wealthy university students. It's a little on the pricey side, but if you're craving some decent international…

  • Oasis Café

    Nosy Be

    Oasis’ pavement seating is prime people-watching territory. The cafe serves food all day, but it does breakfast best, with excellent baguettes, good…

  • Restaurant Le Comme Chez Soi

    Oujda

    This licensed restaurant is dimly lit, with white tablecloths and checkered floors. Fish tanks indicate the speciality, but there are also good steaks and…

  • Restaurant Adnane

    Midelt

    The leafy corner terrace at Adnane is a perfect spot for watching the world go by while you wait for a delicious plateful of rotisserie chicken. Here it's…

  • Restaurant Anis

    Cap Bon

    Anis has a stuck-in-time wood-panelled interior, which leads into a small hotel of the same name. Seafood is the speciality, but if you need a break from…

  • Resto La Caverne

    Rodrigues

    If you're visiting Caverne Patate or the François Leguat Reserve, you could do worse than stop by this quiet little local place above a small grocery…

  • Gamboa

    Cabo Verde

    This seafront spot with a large pink and rather dated interior is where locals come for a good meal paired with eager service. The extensive menu features…

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