Zanzibar is more than just a tropical paradise — it’s a feast for the senses, where food, spice, and centuries of culture blend into every bite.
From street food stalls bursting with color to elegant fine dining rooftops overlooking the sea, Zanzibar restaurants deliver a rich and delicious experience for every traveler.
If you’re dreaming of tasting freshly grilled seafood, swirling your fork through a fragrant Swahili curry, or sipping cocktails at a romantic oceanfront terrace, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.
Let’s dive in and explore the most authentic and charming places to dine across the island — and find the flavors that define Zanzibar’s soul.
Quick Look: Best Restaurants in Zanzibar
| Restaurant | Location | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock Restaurant | Michamvi Pingwe | Dine atop a coral rock surrounded by the ocean |
| Upendo Beach Club | Michamvi Kae | Boho-chic vibe, oceanfront views |
| Pongwe Beach Hotel Dining | Pongwe | Private dinners on a secluded cove |
| Emerson Spice Secret Garden | Stone Town | Rooftop dining in a botanical setting |
| Emerson on Hurumzi Tea House | Stone Town | Traditional Swahili rooftop feasts |
| The Silk Route | Stone Town | Indian-inspired cuisine with local spice flair |
| Lukmaan Restaurant | Stone Town | Authentic Zanzibari street food experience |
| Forodhani Night Market | Stone Town | Vibrant evening market with diverse flavors |
| Taperia Tapas Bar | Stone Town | Spanish-Zanzibari fusion, casual rooftop |
| 6 Degrees South | Stone Town | Upscale seafront restaurant with sunset views |
The Rock Restaurant – An Icon of Zanzibar Cuisine
📍 Michamvi Pingwe | Best Beaches in Zanzibar »
Why Visit: No culinary journey is complete without a meal at The Rock Restaurant, where diners experience a setting so scenic and otherworldly it feels almost surreal. Set on a solitary coral rock in the Indian Ocean, this restaurant rises with the tide and invites you to savor fresh seafood with oceanfront views.
Signature Dishes:
- Grilled lobster with garlic butter
- Seafood tagliatelle with local herbs
- Spicy octopus curry
Ambiance: Rustic, romantic, breathtaking.
Pro Tip: Reserve ahead — The Rock books quickly, especially for sunset dinners!
Upendo Beach Club – Barefoot Luxury and Sunset Vibes
📍 Michamvi Kae | Zanzibar Honeymoon Dining Ideas »
Why Visit: Upendo Beach Club is where travelers come to celebrate life slowly — with sandy feet, handcrafted cocktails, and soulful beats drifting across the lagoon.
Signature Dishes:
- Seared tuna tartare with tropical salsa
- Coconut curry bowls
- Mezze platters with a Swahili twist
Ambiance: Upscale yet casual, vibrant, charming.
Cultural Note: Upendo captures the island’s pole pole (slowly, slowly) lifestyle — an invitation to unwind and enjoy every sunset.
Pongwe Beach Hotel Dining – Barefoot Romance at Its Finest
📍 Pongwe Beach | Explore Pongwe’s Magic »
Why Visit:
If you dream of a romantic dinner under the stars with waves at your feet, Pongwe Beach Hotel offers one of Zanzibar’s most authentic private dining experiences.
Signature Dishes:
- Red snapper grilled over coconut husks
- Swahili coconut chicken curry
- Fresh mango and passionfruit sorbets
Ambiance: Secluded, peaceful, idyllic.
Patron Insight: “Dining here feels like the world disappeared, leaving only the ocean and us.”
Check availability and romantic specials »
Emerson Spice Secret Garden – Botanical Dreams and Culinary Art
📍 Stone Town | A Local’s Guide to Stone Town’s Magic »
Why Visit: Hidden within the historical Emerson Spice Hotel, this rooftop oasis invites diners to sample gourmet dishes surrounded by blooming gardens and starlit skies.
Signature Dishes:
- Coconut foam calamari
- Lime-glazed catch of the day
- Spiced roasted aubergine
Ambiance: Botanical, romantic, lush.
Pro Tip: Make a reservation for their prix-fixe dinner menus — the rooftop fills up fast at sunset.
The Silk Route – Indian Ocean Spices on Your Plate
📍 Stone Town
Why Visit: The Silk Route reimagines classic Indian recipes using Zanzibar’s rich spice bounty — cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.
Signature Dishes:
- Butter chicken with local coconut cream
- Tandoori prawns
- Garlic naan fresh from the tandoor
Ambiance: Elegant, modern, exotic.
Experience authentic Indian cuisine with Zanzibari flavors »
Lukmaan Restaurant – Real Zanzibar on a Plate
📍 Stone Town
Why Visit: Want to eat like a local? Lukmaan is a Zanzibar street food institution. It’s bustling, delicious, and affordable.
Signature Dishes:
- Beef pilau
- Fried fish with tamarind sauce
- Hand-rolled samosas
Ambiance: Lively, vibrant, traditional.
Cultural Insight: Here, you’ll find travelers, students, and businessmen sharing communal tables over plates of spiced biryani.
Forodhani Night Market – Zanzibar’s Culinary Carnival
📍 Stone Town Waterfront
Why Visit: As the sun dips behind dhows, Forodhani Gardens bursts into life. Fresh seafood skewers sizzle on grills, and street food vendors entice with Zanzibar pizza and fresh sugarcane juice.
Signature Eats:
- Zanzibar pizza
- Chargrilled octopus
- Fresh-squeezed sugarcane juice
Ambiance: Electric, lively, pure Zanzibar.
Explore Zanzibar’s vibrant night markets »
Other Culinary Stars Worth Visiting
- Taperia Tapas Bar – Stone Town’s go-to for Spanish-Zanzibar tapas fusion in a colorful rooftop setting.
- 6 Degrees South – A scenic, stylish seaside spot perfect for sunset cocktails and seafood platters.
- Bahari Beach Restaurant – Jambiani’s beloved local beach café known for their grilled prawns and fresh coconut shakes.
- Stone Town Café – A laid-back garden restaurant ideal for brunch and house-roasted coffee.
Zanzibar’s Flavorful Heartbeat
Every dish, every chef, every market stall tells a story — a story of spice winds, ocean tides, and centuries of connection.
Whether you’re tasting freshly caught seafood by the oceanfront, exploring the maze of street food in Stone Town, or enjoying a romantic rooftop dinner, Zanzibar’s restaurants promise an adventure for every hungry soul. Guaranteed!
Ready to Plan Your Foodie Adventure?
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- Swahili Flavors: Must-Try Zanzibar Dishes »
- A Local’s Guide to Zanzibar’s Hidden Gems »
- First-Time Traveller’s Guide to Zanzibar »
Book your table. Savor the island. Zanzibar is calling.
Karibu chakula! (Welcome to the feast!)
