Must-see restaurants in Africa

  • La Table d’Alexandre

    Nosy Be

    For a decadent lunch on a day trip around the island, stop at Alexandre’s. The debonair French chef here serves exquisite cuisine in a dining room that…

  • NKOA

    Casablanca

    This supercool spot takes its inspiration from global flavours, mixing them with Moroccan produce and European culinary techniques. The result is creative…

  • 26 on Park

    Bulawayo

    Housed in a colonial building with sprawling lawns and a big patio, this casual fine-dining restaurant is one of Bulawayo's best. Its menu changes…

  • Chez Madame Chabaud

    Western Madagascar

    Small, intimate and oh-so-delicious, Chez Madame Chabaud is a Majunga institution. Christiane (the original Madame Chabaud’s daughter) prepares a divine…

  • Tchevap

    Carthage

    This classy restaurant is much-loved by local residents in Carthage, the most affluent neighbourhood in Tunis. The vibe at lunch is agreeably laid-back;…

  • Tamarind Restaurant

    South Coast

    Without doubt the finest restaurant around Mombasa, Tamarind looks out over the harbour. Laced with high white arches, this refined restaurant has a…

  • Al-Yusra

    Nairobi

    Roast camel, fried goat and plenty of pilau rice dishes just like Somalis and like-minded Kenyans love them make this busy 1st-floor place a hit,…

  • Joe’s Beerhouse

    Windhoek

    A legendary Windhoek institution, this is where you can indulge (albeit with a little guilt…) in flame-broiled fillets of all those amazing animals you’ve…

  • View Bar & Grill

    Kumasi

    Without a doubt the best restaurant in Kumasi. Delicious and beautifully presented food is served up in stylish surroundings, with expansive windows…

  • Palais du Fromage

    Les Hautes Plaines & the Volcano

    The aptly named 'Cheese Palace' is famous for its superb range of cheeses, including a delicious fromage au miel et caramel (cheese flavoured with honey…

  • Creole Shack

    Flic en Flac

    Set just back from the beach so that passers-by don't even know it's there, this wood-lined place does authentic Creole cooking like coconut prawns,…

  • Geza Gereslase Cultural Restaurant

    Northern Ethiopia

    If it’s Ethiopian food you’re after, the big tukul across the street from Eve Hotel is easily Adigrat's best. Traditional decoration and well-priced…

  • La Falaise Rouge

    Mauritius

    Reached through an attractive honour guard of palm trees between Mahébourg and View Grand Port, La Falaise Rouge combines good food with stunning views –…

  • Abou El Sid

    Alexandria

    This swish Egyptian restaurant has kept much of the old setting of Pastroudis Cafe, the famous literary haunt, adding the wonderful art of Chant…

  • 5 Sentidos

    São Tomé

    The 'Five Senses' has rapidly emerged as one of the top gastronomic options in the city. Powered by Lisbon chef João Nunes (formerly of Omali Lodge), it…

  • Mandala Society

    Essaouira

    This newcomer on the medina’s main drag quickly developed a loyal following for its arty decor, organic meat-free menu and top-notch coffee. Expect…

  • Wang Thai

    The North

    Long the best restaurant in town and a pioneer of authentic Thai food in Mauritius, Wang Thai is a sophisticated, airy place with Buddha statues and raw…

  • La Mouette

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    New takes on the classics (such as herb gnocchi and smoked pork belly) and fresh inventions (including kudu loin with fermented cabbage, BBQ carrot puree…

  • Zephyrion

    Mediterranean Coast

    This excellent fish taverna (the name is Greek for ‘sea breeze’) was founded in 1929 and serves first-class fish and seafood on a sweeping blue-and-white…

  • Le Sport Nautique

    Bizerte

    This highly regarded restaurant with breezy terrace is quite simply one of the best in the north. Fresh fish, cooked in any number of ways (grilled, baked…

  • Barbara’s Bistro

    Botswana

    Located in the town's eastern outskirts in the sports club, this leafy spot is a fabulous choice. Barbara, the German owner, is a charismatic host and…

  • Portuguese Recreation Club

    Zimbabwe

    Given this old-school club was set up for the local Portuguese/Mozambique community (with an honor board dating to the 1950s), it's not surprising the…

  • Le Corail

    Tunisia

    Known for its ultra-fresh seafood, this upmarket choice offers private dining rooms downstairs and a large restaurant space on the 1st floor. The food is…

  • Four & Twenty Cafe & Pantry

    Cape Town

    A favourite among the Little Chelsea (Wynberg Village) crowd, this rustic but chic spot serves a small menu of delicious creations, from gourmet salads…

  • Oriental

    Dar es Salaam

    From the high sheen of the marble-tiled floors to the elegant Asian-inspired furnishings, gloved waiters and immaculate sushi bar, the Hyatt's gourmet…

  • Courtyard

    Port Louis

    Set around an attractive courtyard, this European-style restaurant also features professional service, and an impressive menu that focuses on a memorable…

  • O'Baya

    Réunion

    Sick of stodgy carris (curries)? Then head here for loveable fusion fare served in a strong design-led interior. The menu drips with panache and the chef…

  • La Véranda

    Tamatave (Toamasina)

    The refined restaurant and terrace at La Véranda is a popular choice for French expats and visitors thanks to its wide-ranging menu of well-turned-out…

  • Rare Grill

    Cape Town

    In the unlikely setting of a scruffy car park next to Kenilworth train station, this small steakhouse is one of the best in town, serving the finest wet…

  • L'Atelier

    Port Louis

    This gorgeous little cafe has an upstairs bookshop, artworks on the wall, a concrete floor, wi-fi and a classy and contemporary feel to it – we could…

  • La Boheme Wine Bar & Bistro

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Although you can fuel up on delicious tapas and espresso here during the day, La Boheme is best visited in the evening, when candles twinkle on the tables…

  • Sandwich Stand

    Tunisia

    Head to this busy sandwich stand next to Bab Ech Chouhada in the medina to enjoy a fabulously fresh and tasty sandwich stuffed with a mix of mechouia …

  • Deli

    Jinja

    This industrial-chic deli and cafe is just the trick for homesick travellers. Tasty espresso drinks, brownies, lovely oversized salads, nachos and…

  • Anchor @ The Jetty

    Walvis Bay

    The food is good at the Anchor but the real attraction is the location overlooking the water. It makes a particularly lovely spot for breakfast, and if…

  • Patisserie de Paris

    Johannesburg

    Patisserie de Paris owner Paul Zwick spent 30 years in the television business before moving to France to train as a chef. He eventually returned to South…

  • Thai Garden

    Entebbe

    With a conscientious Thai owner, this restaurant more than delivers with fresh lemongrass in your coconut soup, a red curry both light and spicy, icy beer…

  • Domaine Anna

    Flic en Flac

    You'll need a taxi or rental car to get here, but you'll be glad you made the trip: this is Flic en Flac's most refined dining experience, set in colonial…

  • Caravela Portuguese Restaurant

    Gaborone

    One of Gabs' most popular expat haunts, Caravela serves up assured Mediterranean cooking in a pretty garden setting. It's close to the city centre, but in…

  • Outjo Bakery

    Damaraland

    Opened in 2016, this stylish place wouldn't look out of place in Windhoek or urban South Africa. All of the international staples are here – pasta, steaks…

  • Avanti Restaurant & Wine Bar

    Addis Ababa

    Recently moved to an unprepossessing suburban back street, Avanti is a quiet and classy place that serves some of the best Italian food in the city. There…