Must-see restaurants in Africa

  • Amwaj

    Khartoum

    A Khartoum institution. The waiters are snappy, ingredients are fresh, and prices are reasonable for scrumptious dishes such as grilled chicken, roast…

  • 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…

  • Ama Khofi

    Lilongwe

    Follow your nose to this delightful Parisian-style garden-centre cafe with wrought-iron chairs, a bubbling fountain and leafy surrounds. The menu has…

  • Restaurant Chez Ali

    Zagora

    Feast among the flowers at Auberge Chez Ali's lovely garden restaurant, brimming with vibrant bougainvillea and rustling palms – or in a cosy salon on…

  • Blue Crane

    Pretoria

    As part of the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Blue Crane is famous to ornithologists worldwide (and anyone else who enjoys a cold Castle lager at sunset),…

  • Bondookah Restaurant

    Northern Nile Valley

    The best grilled meat in Minya in an unfussy 2nd-floor restaurant. Grilled chicken, lamb chops, tagen (a stew cooked in a deep clay pot) and, best of all,…

  • Tauren Steak Ranch

    Northern Cape

    Meat-lovers rejoice: Tauren serves steaks weighing up to a kilogram, with a host of delectable sauces. The menu also features burgers, a few vegetarian…

  • Bushman Café

    Abidjan

    This rooftop terrace restaurant is number-one for gastronomic delights in Abidjan, drawing locals from across the city to come and dine under the stars…

  • Café Neo

    Green Point & ­Waterfront

    This popular seaview cafe has a pleasingly contemporary design and atmosphere that sways from buzzy (at meal times) to laid-back – it's great for a late…

  • Kilimanjaro Coffee Lounge

    Moshi

    This cafe's semi-garden setting is back a bit from the road, bringing a semblance of peace, and the food ranges from pizza and Mexican dishes to salads,…

  • Hebron

    West Coast & Swartland

    It doesn't look much from the road, but this farm stall at the top of Piekenierskloof Pass serves some delightful cuisine. The imaginative dishes include…

  • Gecko Lounge

    Malawi

    At this lodge's stunning restaurant, grab a wicker chair on the terrace perched above the water. The kitchen is well known for its pizzas (from MK5300),…

  • White Elephant

    Hurghada

    This is the real deal, Thai food prepared by a Thai chef. So if you want a spicy and zingy Thai feast, let the waiter know you can handle the heat and…

  • Gran Café Lixus

    Larache

    A Larache institution, this old-world cafe has occupied a prime perch on the Place de la Libération since 1920. Take a look at the art deco interior with…

  • Sharon

    Madagascar

    This cheap and cheerful eatery heaves with young locals every night of the week. It serves the best brochettes (kebabs) in town, cooked on a street-side…

  • La Fourchette

    Cameroon

    A smart and tasteful option, La Fourchette's menu is out of this world if you're used to the more normal Cameroonian choice of chicken or fish. Here you…

  • 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…

  • Mzansi

    Cape Town

    As much a cultural experience as a gastronomic one, Mzansi rates highly among travellers. Food is served buffet-style and features some traditional dishes…

  • 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…

  • Muisbosskerm

    West Coast & Swartland

    This open-air restaurant offers a multicourse seafood buffet featuring traditional stews, salads and a range of smoked, baked and braaied fish. Allow…

  • Tsara Be Restaurant

    Diego Suarez (Antsiranana)

    French cuisine with a touch of Madagascar, set off with a twist of Thai flavours, make this restaurant a crowd-pleaser. It's the sort of place where…

  • Restaurant La Kasbah

    Tafraoute

    Decorated with rugs, lanterns and jewellery, this licensed restaurant serves dishes including a wonderful beef-and-prune tajine, harira (lentil soup) and…

  • L'Arbre à Palabres

    Réunion

    For a menu that strays a little off the familiar sausage rougail (sausages cooked in tomato sauce) and chicken curry path, try this cute eatery in a…

  • Star Fish

    Hurghada

    An extremely popular fish restaurant on the main Sigala drag. You can choose fish from the display, or opt for prawns (grilled, with pasta, or deep-fried)…

  • Laziz

    Khartoum

    Elbows out – this is indisputably the most popular eatery in the centre of Khartoum and it's always busy, whether it be with takeaway orders, hungry…

  • Peppers

    Moshi

    Changes of ownership and name (it used to be called the Sikh Club) have done this place the world of good. It's part restaurant serving excellent Indian…

  • Ocean Sports Restaurant

    Watamu

    This popular place is spread along a breeze-blown terrace and has some plusher seating inside. Expect sandwiches, burgers, great salads and finer dining…

  • L'Atelier

    Malabo

    All wood, brick and leopard print, this modish restaurant is the place to be seen. There's a bar at the entrance and a cabaret lounge upstairs. The menu…

  • La Saint-Georges

    Réunion

    Wanna try something different? Not your average crêperie, La Saint-Georges is renowned for its gourmet crêpes and galettes made from top-notch ingredients…

  • Gardens

    Fort Portal

    Quite friendly and popular, this busy corner restaurant has a quality menu of foreign and local dishes including burgers, curries, pizza and African fare…

  • Chez Tino

    Mauritius

    Head for the wonderful terrace on the 1st floor for great views and good food. Chez Tino keeps it simple, dishing up Mauritian cooking with an emphasis on…

  • Sauvage

    Réunion

    This sassy restaurant and bar directly on the beach is run by a dynamic crew who serve consistently delicious market-inspired cuisine. Throw in a…

  • Restaurant Îles des Joies

    Conakry

    Our favourite restaurant in downtown Conakry, this very simple, family-run place is hidden down a dirty side-alley and, at first, looks rather uninviting,…

  • Résidence du Betsileo

    Madagascar

    The owner of this gently old-fashioned, small-town bistro is a maestro in the kitchen as he sizzles, boils and fries delicious and authentic French…

  • 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…

  • Restaurant la Comete

    Algeria

    At this old-fashioned restaurant, ever popular and rather dusty, waiters wear pristine white suit jackets and look like they've been doing the job for…

  • Cafe Zest

    Northern Cape

    Locals swear that Zest serves the best coffee in town. It also has one of the most appealing menus, featuring salads, seafood, a decadent chicken dish…

  • Bellevue

    La Digue

    It's a hell of a hike or cycle to get to this eagle's eyrie, but you'll be amply rewarded with cardiac-arresting views. At lunchtime, it serves up the…