Must-see restaurants in Africa

  • Cafe Restaurant Izaguirre

    Northern Atlantic Coast

    Next to the sea-blue fishing boats moored in the lagoon, this clean and cheerful restaurant specialises in the catch-of-the-day and is universally…

  • Villa Marthe

    Réunion

    This excellent restaurant serves hearty regional dishes including curries, stews and bol renversé (a bowl of rice with various toppings) at very…

  • Le Lokal

    El Jadida

    At this lovely, art-filled cafe you can sip on a fresh juice – perhaps avocado or date – or eat breakfast on one of the tiled terraces while gazing out…

  • Kleinsky's Delicatessen

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    A hip homage to classic New York Jewish delis, Kleinsky's is a great casual daytime option, offering dishes such as toasted bagels with smoked salmon or…

  • 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…

  • Coffee Shop de Bourbon

    Réunion

    Smiley staff, slick decor, brisk service, good vibrations and plenty of healthy options on the menu ensure full tables at this bistro-cum-cafe. Indulge in…

  • Harbour House

    Green Point & ­Waterfront

    The Kalk Bay institution has set up shop at the Waterfront with a good white-tablecloth restaurant on the ground floor (ask for a table on the deck…

  • Ocean 5O1

    Tamatave (Toamasina)

    Laid-back beach-shack restaurant with beautifully prepared and well-presented seafood dishes. However, you'll be so focused on the waves lapping the sands…

  • La Capitainerie

    El Jadida

    In the annexe of L’Iglesia, the decor is retro, the plates and glasses are handmade and the à la carte and fixed-price menus change daily, with a focus on…

  • Ralph's German Bakery

    Dahab

    Everybody in Dahab ends up at Ralph's at some point. This is Dahab's top stop for breakfast, brunch, and coffee and croissant breaks, and it does a fine…

  • Le Garage

    El Gouna

    Flying the flag for the gourmet-burger craze in El Gouna, the 20-selection strong range at Le Garage includes a straight-up burger and varieties such as…

  • Valley Bakery

    Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

    Baguettes, croissants and a range of sticky treats are baked on the premises (the owners even grow and grind their wheat). A quaint wrought-iron veranda…

  • 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…

  • The Brewery & Two Goats Deli

    Eastern Cape

    Across a bridge from the main part of the village is this charmingly rustic farmhouse on a working dairy farm, where you can sit under the trees sampling…

  • La Cabane aux Épices

    The East

    An excellent surprise, up in the hills above St-Benoît, 'The Spice Hut' specialises in grilled fish and meat dishes as well as tasty carris, all served in…

  • Il Pepe Nero

    Republic of Congo

    Sleek and stylish, with tables scattered across a terrace overlooking a well-kept lawn, this Italian restaurant is one of Pointe-Noire's best and is a…

  • Two Olives

    Port Elizabeth

    One of the most attractive restaurants in Richmond Hill, Two Olives serves a range of Spanish-, Portuguese- and Greek-inspired dishes in its busy dining…

  • Cozy Cafe

    Rabat

    This contemporary cafe mixes French pastries, Moroccan sweet treats and American pancakes, all made on the premises. For a light lunch, there's a menu of…

  • Ferdinando's

    Cape Town

    Bookings are required for this charming 'pizza parla' that's found its natural home in Obs. Diego is the pizza maestro and Kikki the bubbly host and…

  • Ridge Cafe

    Southern Highlands

    If you're missing Western culture, stop by this sleek place, stylishly hung with local fabrics, for smoothies, fresh juices, locally sourced gourmet…

  • Willeen’s Restaurant

    Western Cape

    You can sample true local cooking at this restaurant overlooking the ocean in Kassiesbaai. It's a cheap and very cheerful place serving South African…

  • 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,…

  • Orchids Safari Club Restaurant

    Bukavu

    This smart restaurant inside the Orchids Safari Club hotel sees a scramble at lunchtime to bag one of its few lake-facing tables, and the views are well…

  • Maestro's on the Beach

    Cape Town

    This all-day dining operation has a grand beachside position with swoon-worthy views of Table Mountain. The broad menu includes plenty of seafood, steaks,…

  • L'Atelier

    Cotonou

    Considered by some connoisseurs to be one of the most refined restaurants in town, with excellent French and fusion cuisine, and an ambience that's as…

  • Floris

    West Coast & Swartland

    Locals are loving this excellent addition to Clanwilliam's otherwise uninspiring culinary scene. There's plenty of choice on the menu, from pizzas to…

  • Idylle Beach

    Île Sainte Marie

    This cool restaurant is without a doubt one of the best on the island: the fusion cuisine blends European and tropical influences to produce wonders such…

  • Tsitrus Cafe

    Eastern Cape

    Hallelujah! Storms River finally gets the cafe it so deserves. This atmospheric place offers tasty meals, including delicious pancakes and pizzas, as well…

  • Arba Minch Tourist Hotel Restaurant

    Arba Minch

    Though the wait staff can be a touch clueless at times, this leafy compound with resident dik-dik roaming around looking for hand-outs is a great place to…

  • 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…

  • Barn on 62

    Route 62

    Grab a spot under the trees and enjoy a lunch of home-baked pie and salad or a slice of cake with Montagu's best cup of coffee. There's a kids' play area…

  • Kaai 4

    Garden Route

    Boasting one of Mossel Bay’s best locations, this low-key restaurant has picnic tables on the sand overlooking the ocean. Most of the dishes – including…

  • Hasty Tasty Too

    Southern Highlands

    This long-standing Iringa classic has good breakfasts, yoghurt, samosas, shakes and reasonably priced main dishes, including a divine chickpea curry. It's…

  • Rawabi Pizza Ice Cream

    Sudan

    The sign is in Arabic only, but you can't miss this lively, bright and sleek place south of the souq – look for the flashy pink-and-yellow facade on Turaa…

  • 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…

  • Mali's Indian Restaurant

    Durban

    In a city that boasts a huge Indian population, this place is about as good as Indian food gets in Durban's restaurant scene. The outside looks like it…

  • Ocean Basket

    Sunshine Coast

    Just off the river front, Ocean Basket is a hot favourite among fish lovers. Nautically themed and run by a dynamic team, its seafood is a cut above most…

  • L'UniVert

    Réunion

    Overlooking the beach, this hip venture provides an enjoyable dining experience with healthy food, including a few veggie options, as well as mean…

  • Restaurant Les Alizés

    Essaouira

    Set in a 19th-century house, this popular place is run by a charming Moroccan couple. Expect delicious dishes, particularly the couscous with fish and the…