Must-see restaurants in East Africa

  • Kijani Restaurant

    Lamu Island

    On the premises of Kijani Hotel, this excellent new restaurant has a daily changing menu that combines fresh local ingredients with global influences. Go…

  • Shanshin-Ka

    Diani Beach

    A spartan aesthetic and a full menu of authentic Japanese dishes are Shanshin-Ka's two distinguishing features. The portions of teriyaki, udon, tempura…

  • Shehnai Restaurant

    Mombasa

    This reputable mughlai (North Indian) curry house is popular with the local Indian community and does delicious dishes such as gosht palakwalla (lamb with…

  • Cafesserie

    South Coast

    Inside Nyali City mall, Cafesserie has the best selection of cakes on the coast. But it doesn't end there: the breezy, chilled-out place has a crowd…

  • Sol et Luna

    Kigali

    Many locals and expats rave about this Italian kitchen, and we share their unbridled enthusiasm. The food here (and the trattoria-inspired decor, with a…

  • Nehemiah's Best Coffee

    Rwanda

    On the main drag running from the upper town to the university, this wonderful surprise serves up pastries, omelettes, burgers, freshly made smoothies and…

  • Monsoons

    South Coast

    As you stumble over the tangled tree roots of the Jumba la Mtwana ruins, delicious smells propel you towards the beach. A thatched hut perched above the…

  • Imani Dhow Restaurant

    South Coast

    This traditional Zanzibari dhow on the grounds of Severin Sea Lodge is Bamburi's most atmospheric restaurant, complete with creaky wooden floors and…

  • Saku Guest House

    Northern Kenya

    The restaurant on the 2nd floor of the Saku Guest House is spotlessly clean and bright. The menu (yes, there is an actual menu!) is varied and has the…

  • Whispers Cafe

    Lamu Island

    You know how sometimes you just need that escape into the world of magazines and fresh pastries? Welcome to Whispers. For a real cappuccino, light meals,…

  • Zen

    Kigali

    With tinkling fountains and covered courtyard dining, this sublime restaurant offers Kigali's best Asian meals as well as Rwanda's first sushi dishes…

  • Rosada

    Malindi

    Right on the sand, Rosada is a chilled beach bar with great cocktails and some wonderful views out over the marine park. Monday night is a popular beach…

  • Nautilus

    Kilifi

    We're still dining out on our last memory of dinner at Nautilus. This Swiss-owned restaurant offers fine, romantic dining with gorgeous views over the…

  • Moonrise

    Lamu Island

    Particularly strong when it comes to seafood dishes and slightly set back from the waterfront, this is the best restaurant in town. Feast on the likes of…

  • Fifi's

    Arusha

    Good for breakfast or a quiet afternoon coffee as well as for a more substantial meal, this chic bakery also serves up exciting dishes such as beef fillet…

  • Coast View Resort

    Western Tanzania

    Assuming you can score a table with a view (up on the gazebo), it’s worth the trip up here for dinner or sundowners. The menu is mostly local, but has…

  • Le Jardin Gourmand

    Burundi

    This tucked away courtyard restaurant is a mainstay of the French expat scene. The menu ranges far from Burundi (and France) and takes in curries,…

  • Le Café Gourmand

    Burundi

    This might well be the most authentically French patisserie we've ever encountered in eastern Africa. The delicate little strawberry and lemon tarts are…

  • Mama Rocks at the Alchemist Bar

    Nairobi

    Nairobi's first and best food truck is very cool. With an African take on burgers and a location primed and ready for Westlands' night-time crowd, Mama…

  • About Thyme

    Nairobi

    In a welcoming garden setting in the city's north, About Thyme does some fine international dishes such as pumpkin-and-amaretti tortellini or battered red…

  • Bao Box

    Nairobi

    If you want a little fun with some food, this is a go-to place, particularly if there are a few of you. Serving a variety of snacks and drinks (the pizzas…

  • Urban Eatery

    Nairobi

    This smart and upmarket place has a huge menu that takes in everything from pizza to sushi, including great salads, sandwiches, burgers and meat grills…

  • Zuane Trattoria & Pizzeria

    Dar es Salaam

    With its luxuriant garden setting this Italian trattoria housed in an old colonial villa is one of Dar's most atmospheric dining options. The menu…

  • Tin Roof Cafe

    Nairobi

    This place has all the ingredients to be a Nairobi favourite: a quiet garden setting in Karen, great coffee, amazing juices, an Ottolenghi salad bar and a…

  • Emerson on Hurumzi Rooftop Teahouse

    Zanzibar Town

    Part of the well-known Emerson on Hurumzi hotel, the rooftop teahouse restaurant is open to nonguests. The food is excellent, and the view simply stunning…

  • Monsoon Restaurant

    Zanzibar Town

    Something slightly different: Monsoon has traditional-style dining, so you eat at low tables lounging on cushions (shoes off at the door, naturally). The…

  • Black Lantern

    Jinja

    Bujagali's premier dining destination is set under an elegant traditional thatched-roof overlooking the water. The extensive menu showcases dishes from…

  • Fez Brasserie

    Kampala

    One of Kampala’s most renowned restaurants, this gorgeous spot looking out over the leafy grounds of the Emin Pasha hotel has an ever-evolving fusion menu…

  • Prunes

    Kampala

    A great spot for brunch, lunch or a laid-back dinner, Prunes is a popular expat hang-out. It does great Ugandan coffee to go with comfort food such as…

  • Mama Ashanti

    Kampala

    West African fare isn't so common here and this is some of the best. Mama Ashanti tempts with egusi (minced spinach, pumpkin seed and groundnut) with…

  • Gately on the Nile

    Jinja

    The restaurant on the back porch of the popular boutique hotel of the same name exudes the atmosphere of a Balinese garden. The fusion menu serving butter…

  • Yujo Izakaya

    Kampala

    In a gorgeous setting, this highly regarded, popular and friendly restaurant offers a slice of traditional Japan. Known primarily for its imported rice…

  • Chinese Whispers

    Arusha

    Consistently ranked among Arusha's best restaurants, this place is beloved by the local expat community for its extensive, predominantly Chinese menu with…

  • Mamboz Corner BBQ

    Dar es Salaam

    This streetside place is home to what many claim is Dar’s best grilled chicken, including spicy gujarr chicken, lemon chicken and chicken sekela (with…

  • Haandi Restaurant

    Nairobi

    Widely regarded as the best Indian restaurant in Kenya, Haandi rises above its nondescript shopping-mall location. The expansive menu includes wonderful…

  • Nyama Mama

    Nairobi

    Nyama Mama is a small Afro-fusion restaurant chain, characterised by its colourful decor. This restaurant draws a young, urban clientele. Favourite dishes…

  • J's Fresh Bar & Kitchen

    Nairobi

    J's is one of Karen's most popular venues. The food that emerges from the open kitchen is excellent, from creamy risotto with beetroot, ginger and veggies…

  • Ankole Grill

    Nairobi

    Ankole is named after the iconic cattle of East Africa, so it's unsurprising that this trendy steakhouse is all about grilled meat (nyama choma). The top…

  • Abyssinia

    Nairobi

    Consistently good reviews from expats, locals and travellers alike make this an excellent choice for high-quality Ethiopian cooking. Aside from the rich…

  • Artcaffe

    Nairobi

    Despite its location inside a shopping mall, Artcaffe has sleek and inviting premises with a large terrace as well as a stylish dining room and full bar…

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