Must-see restaurants in Africa

  • Chez Éva Annibal

    The East

    Chez Éva Annibal is something of an institution on the island. Pack a hearty thirst and giant-sized appetite before venturing into this plain but feisty…

  • Les Rochers

    Praslin

    The approach to seafood is all about freshness and interfering as little as possible with the ingredients: just the way we like it. A few Creole…

  • Butcher's Shop

    Serekunda & Atlantic Coast Resorts

    Driss, the Moroccan celebrity chef (and TV star), fires up some of the best cooking in The Gambia at this elegant eatery with terrace seating on busy…

  • Chez Slah

    Tunis

    Though located in an unprepossessing pocket of Centre Ville, this fish restaurant in a 19th-century villa is worth seeking out. Super-fresh fish of the…

  • Mama Oliech

    Nairobi

    Fish dominates the menu here: the whole fried tilapia from Lake Nakuru is the signature dish, especially when ordered with ugali (a maize or cassava-flour…

  • Sauterelle

    Grand Baie

    Rising above the Sunset Boulevard shopping precinct, this oasis of sophistication is a fine choice. Dishes range far and wide, and might include roasted…

  • The Stack

    Cape Town

    Given a stylish makeover to become a brasserie and bar downstairs and a private members club upstairs, old Leinster Hall is a delightful place for a meal…

  • Jarryds Espresso Bar & Eatery

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    When Jarryd and brother Ariel moved home from Sydney, they brought with them the concept of the come-as-you-are daytime eateries beloved of the Aussies…

  • La Colombe

    Cape Town

    A veteran of Gordon Ramsay's kitchen, chef Scot Kirton rustles up skilful dishes combining French and Asian techniques and flavours, such as quail breast…

  • Neema Crafts Centre Cafe

    Southern Highlands

    Located upstairs at Neema Crafts, this cafe is justifiably popular, with local coffees and teas, homemade cookies, excellent cinnamon buns, cakes, soups,…

  • Lime Tree

    Addis Ababa

    It may have moved locations but Lime Tree remains one of the hippest places to have a light lunch. Lunch specials range from chicken shwarma (Monday and…

  • Le Jardin de Beau Vallon

    Mauritius

    Emerging from an inland thicket of trees and sky-scraping cane leaves, Beau Vallon is an enchanting colonial estate that has been lovingly refurbished…

  • Les Lauriers

    Praslin

    Charismatic Edwin and his Belgian spouse have for years prepared a spectacular Creole buffet at dinner. Closed for a major renovation when we visited,…

  • Venezia

    Southern Ethiopia

    Run by an Italian-Ethiopian couple, this upmarket trattoria-like venue wouldn’t be out of place in Roma, and gets top marks for its flawlessly prepared…

  • Chez Robert et Solange

    Rodrigues

    This place is the essence of Rodrigues: fresh fish cooked in simple surroundings by the sea. It's 100m through the trees from the beach and with expertly…

  • Kuka Café

    Mpumalanga

    Its blue-grey walls hung with artwork and cage lampshades, Kuka's glass doors open onto a terrace decorated with fairy lights. It's a contemporary setting…

  • Le Château Bel Ombre

    Mauritius

    Le Château, set in a stunning conversion of the old Bel Ombre plantation house, is the place for an exceptional, atmospheric meal of traditional Franco…

  • Restaurant Paradisier

    Praslin

    Considered one of the best restaurants in Grand Anse, this place concocts Creole classics, copious sandwiches and tasty pizzas that you can enjoy in an…

  • Sana’a Restaurant

    Addis Ababa

    For both the local Muslim and Christian communities, this busy place is a lunchtime institution – queues for a table can form out the door. The reason…

  • Escale Créole

    Mauritius

    Around 1km from Eureka, and well signposted along the main road through Moka, this charming garden table d'hôte (privately hosted meal) serves up…

  • Le Bistrot

    Gabon

    Funky decor, friendly staff, a lovely garden terrace and a cool, chic interior make this the best find in Port-Gentil. Add to that the excellent food and…

  • Chez François

    Mauritius

    For a bowl of noodles served fresh off the boat, this simple family-run place is wildly popular with locals. The mine bouille (boiled noodles) with…

  • Die Strandloper

    West Coast & Swartland

    The West Coast life exemplified – a 10-course fish and seafood braai right on the beach. There’s also freshly made bread, bottomless moerkoffie (freshly…

  • Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro

    Windhoek

    When well-to-do locals want an enjoyable night out with the guarantee of good food, this is their number-one pick. With a classy outdoor-indoor setting…

  • Café del Río

    Mozambique

    When Tete's heat has melted you to a runny pulp, revive your spirits at Cafe del Rio, a beautiful thatched restaurant furnished like an upmarket African…

  • Rick’s Café

    Casablanca

    Immerse yourself in Bogart and Bergman’s Casablanca at this reimagining of Rick's celluloid cafe. The art deco interiors, the strains of ‘As Time Goes By’…

  • Restaurant Villa Mandarine

    Rabat

    If you’re not staying at this hotel, it’s worth jumping in a petit taxi to Rabat’s embassy district for lunch or dinner in its gorgeous perfumed garden…

  • Kategna

    Addis Ababa

    A pleasingly modern take on the traditional Ethiopian restaurant, Kategna feels like a classy urban cafe with its soothing colour scheme, low wooden…

  • Le Cabestan Ocean View

    Casablanca

    Perched beneath the lighthouse, this stylish restaurant has a French Riviera feel and Mediterranean-inspired menu. Opt for just-caught fish and seafood,…

  • Caleta

    Santo Antão

    A bistro-like restaurant with sidewalk tables on the waterfront, Caleta has a French owner who conjures up a mix of European and Cabo Verdean specialities…

  • Lookout Cafe

    Victoria Falls (town)

    A stunning location overlooking Batoka Gorge. Enjoy views of the bridge and the Zambezi river while tucking into a burger or crocodile kebab, or a cold…

  • Ben Abeba

    Lalibela

    Easily one of Ethiopia's coolest restaurants, this Ethio-Scottish-owned, Dalí-esque jumble of walkways, platforms and fire pits is perched on the edge of…

  • Tshokwane

    Kruger National Park

    About halfway between the rest camps at Satara and Skukuza, or between Lower Sabie and Satara, Tshokwane has been transformed from an attractive picnic…

  • Doken

    Tunis

    There are many delights in the medina, but very few are food related. An exception to this rule, Doken serves excellent Mediterranean-accented food …

  • Cafe Dijo

    Gaborone

    This classy but casual place is one of our favourite haunts in Gabs. The lunch specials change regularly, but usually include Thai chicken curry, chicken…

  • Eureka Table d'Hôte

    Mauritius

    To deepen your Eureka experience we recommend planning your visit around noon to enjoy a relaxing repast at the in-house table d'hôte. Sample an…

  • Chez Philippe

    Mauritius

    Take-away-only Chez Philippe is a fabulous little deli serving up pre-prepared takeaway meals, such as salads, lasagne and creative interpretations of…

  • Sky Restaurant

    Lesotho

    Maseru's best new restaurant sits atop the Mpilo Boutique Hotel, dishing out Basotho favourites such as cured venison carpaccio, whole local trout and…

  • Rickshaws Cafe

    Northern Mozambique

    The new kids on the block have nabbed a beautiful sunset location on the island's western side where you can sit alfresco and relish food from a menu that…

  • Addis in Dar

    Dar es Salaam

    Addis in Dar is decorated with embroidered umbrella lampshades, hand-carved seats and woven tables where food is served communally. Try a combination meal…