Must-see restaurants in East Africa

  • Moorings Restaurant

    South Coast

    This legendary restaurant is on a floating pontoon on the north bank of Mtwapa Creek. It’s a fine place for a beer and serves great seafood and…

  • Bwindi Bar

    Southwestern Uganda

    A colourful haven on the main drag, this cute cafe serves organic espresso drinks with brownies and banana cake. For something more substantial, try a…

  • Tamarai

    Kampala

    Kampala's premier Thai restaurant is a classy affair stylishly set in an immense open-air thatched hut. All your favourite Thai classics (plus a few pan…

  • Trattoria

    Kigali

    If satisfying pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas or well-prepared meat dishes make your stomach quiver with excitement, slide into this buzzy eatery in…

  • Java House Nyali

    South Coast

    We know, we know. It's a chain, but it's Kenyan and it's a good one. Java House's coffee always goes down a treat, and we're big fans of its BLT…

  • Sizzlers Restaurant

    Mwanza

    Quiet during the day, this cheap Indian joint transforms into a hive of buzzing activity in the evenings. This is when people grab a streetside table and…

  • Seasons Restaurant

    Nairobi

    One of a number of Seasons outlets around the city serving Kenyan and Western dishes. This branch has a popular bar and beer garden, where you can bring…

  • Miso Garden

    Kampala

    In a candlelit garden setting under a jackfruit tree, this popular Korean-owned restaurant offers up a selection of Korean and Japanese dishes. Bibimbap …

  • Salma Cone

    Mwanza

    Sambusas (Indian pastry snacks stuffed with curried meat or vegetables), soft-serve ice cream and juice are all pleasers here, but it's the smell of…

  • The Fort

    Mombasa

    Right opposite the entrance to Fort Jesus, Mombasa's main sight, this excellent restaurant is an obvious place for a meal after your visit. The speciality…

  • Abyssinian's Steakhouse

    Zanzibar Town

    This restaurant is named for the enthusiastic Ethiopian owner and offers, of course, steak plus cuisines from around the world – Africa, Arabia, India and…

  • Ahaabna

    Pemba

    Located on the top floor of a modern concrete building, reached by an anonymous staircase, this no-frills restaurant serves evening meals, usually with…

  • TapaSafari

    Arusha

    With a semi-outdoor setting, this restaurant and wine bar ticks many boxes. There are snacks, grills, pizza and pasta, but the real stars are the Spanish…

  • Off The Rocks

    Nairobi

    Situated in the eclectic new food hall of the Village Market shopping complex, Off The Rocks is the place to sip a cold glass of champagne and sample…

  • Wild Living Cafe

    Kilifi

    The picnic tables under the trees and the welcoming interior of this makuti (thatched-roof of palm leaves) cafe entice travellers to break their journey…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Fisherman Local Restaurant

    Zanzibar Island

    True to its name, this place is run by an enthusiastic group of locals and specialises in seafood. Drinks and other meals are also available. It's on a…

  • Zaaffran

    Kigali

    There are a few excellent Indian restaurants in Kigali and Zaaffran, we reckon, is the pick of the lot. The menu is classic North Indian – tandooris,…

  • Bourbon Coffee

    Kigali

    This popular coffee shop is the most central outlet of a popular local chain where good coffee, pastries, fruit juices, sandwiches and light meals are…

  • Repub Lounge

    Kigali

    Best known as one of Kigali's most atmospheric restaurants and bars, Repub Lounge serves up delicious meat dishes as well as respectable cocktails. The…

  • Plot 99

    Southwestern Uganda

    This chilled out Belgian-Dutch–owned coffeehouse serves everything from Belgian fries with mayo to thin-crust pizzas and Greek salads. It has great coffee…

  • Old Man & the Sea

    Malindi

    This Old Man’s been serving excellent seafood, using a combination of local ingredients and fresh recipes, for years. However, don't come to eat at this…

  • Chinese Dragon

    Arusha

    This place at the Gymkhana Club northeast of the centre is in the same family as the wonderful Shanghai. Service and decor are no-nonsense, and the food…

  • Jinja Sailing Club

    Jinja

    Completely rebuilt in a sleek and modern resort style, this waterfront restaurant serves a long list of Indian, African and Western classics, with…

  • Bistro

    Kampala

    With a varied menu, seductive cocktails and good service, this refined bistro is popular with Ugandans and expats alike. Tapas are great, but there are…

  • Fantastic Restaurant

    Kigali

    This colourful eatery overlooking a busy thoroughfare has excellent, speedy service and has become deservedly popular for its monster-sized, brilliant…

  • Kardamom & Koffee

    Kampala

    Come for the relaxed garden setting, strong coffee, spiced tea and carrot cake. Fresh juices, mezze plates and watermelon feta salad are a few of the…

  • Africafé

    Arusha

    A fine refuge from the Boma Rd touts, this place has European-cafe vibes with prices to match. The menu is heavy on sandwiches, with other dishes such as…

  • Beneve Coffee House

    Nairobi

    This small self-service cafe has locals queuing outside in the mornings waiting for it to open. Food ranges from African- and Indian-influenced stews to…

  • Silk Route Restaurant

    Zanzibar Town

    A classic Indian restaurant with staff in Raj outfits, serving contemporary and traditional Indian dishes, some with a Zanzibari twist. The restaurant…

  • New Abyssinia

    Uganda

    Serving delicious Ethiopian and Eritrean food, this friendly restaurant offers a welcome change of pace. To sample some of everything, try the Abyssinian…

  • Yul's

    South Coast

    This beachfront pizzeria makes the best ice cream in town. (We've never heard anyone disagree.) The pizzas are pretty good too, as are the burgers, only…

  • Malindi Takeaway

    Zanzibar Town

    Overlooking the roundabout by the gates to the cargo port, you don't come to this place for the ambience, but the fried chicken is tasty and freshly…

  • Tanga Fresh

    Northeastern Tanzania

    Tanga is the home of Tanga Fresh, which produces delicious fresh yoghurt and milk that's sold throughout the region. The outlet is at the end of the small…

  • Stopover Restaurant

    Lamu Island

    There are waterfront restaurants all over the place, but the Stopover’s friendly staff and excellent grub (of the spicy Swahili-seafood sort) make it a…

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