Must-see restaurants in Africa

  • La Ferme Beach

    Rio Muni

    La Ferme (pronounced Fermay for taxi drivers) is a lovely beach resort about 20 minutes south of Bata port. It has a large terrace, gorgeous pool…

  • Blanco Riad

    Tetouan

    The menu at this elegant riad is a cut above the usual. A big change from the standard tajine menu, it features some innovative Moroccan dishes and is…

  • Utengule Coffee Lodge

    Southern Highlands

    If you have your own transport, this spot, 20km west of Mbeya, is the place to go for fine dining, with both a daily set menu and à la carte, and a bar…

  • Bulls Burger House

    Nador

    Somehow, one of the best burgers in Morocco has popped up here. Unbelievably soft buns hug perfectly spiced patties dripping with delicious sauces, and it…

  • La Kora

    Senegal

    La Kora has earned a stellar reputation for its fabulous cooking, the warm welcome from Peggy (the proprietor) and staff, and the lovely setting –…

  • Pizza Liberta

    Southern Madagascar

    Arguably the best pizza in Madagascar's south, this fine little place, run by the amiable Luigi, does real thin-crust Italian pizzas, with all the usual…

  • Leo’s

    Windhoek

    Leo’s takes its regal setting in Heinitzburg Castle to heart by welcoming diners into a banquet hall that previously served the likes of royalty. The…

  • L'Estérel

    The Great Reef

    Our pick of the restaurants in Tuléar, Italian-run L'Estérel has a tranquil garden setting and a menu that includes some of the best Italian cooking in…

  • Garden Cafe

    Lüderitz

    The garden setting, white-wood furnishings, great coffee and filled rolls add up to one of our favourite little haunts in town. The baked treats, Black…

  • Elephante

    Uganda

    Gulu's hipsters flood this cute garden cafe serving wood-fired pizzas, burgers and Mexican fare. It's owned by a Portland native, which ensures quality…

  • Black Rose

    Mekele

    This stylish outpost of an Addis lounge bar is one of Mekele's more intriguing dining options. Downstairs it serves excellent pizza, pasta and Ethiopian…

  • Olga's Italian Corner

    Livingstone

    Olga’s does authentic wood-fired thin-crust pizzas, as well as delicious homemade pasta classics all served under a large thatched roof. Great options for…

  • Chapan Bhog

    Dar es Salaam

    Chapan Bhog’s Gujurati dhoklas (savoury steamed chickpea cakes), South Indian dosas (fermented crêpes) and thalis are a vegetarian nirvana in a sea of…

  • Nurali's Café

    Eastern Uganda

    This popular Indian restaurant delivers delicious flavours from the tandoor. The chicken tikka masala is melt-in-your-mouth good, plus there's excellent…

  • Green Garden Restaurant

    Kisumu

    Surrounded by colourful murals and potted palms, the Green Garden is an oasis of culinary delight set in an Italian-themed courtyard. As you would expect,…

  • Courtyard Restaurant

    Gaborone

    In the garden area out the back of Botswanacraft, this tranquil spot serves up imaginative African cooking (including guinea-fowl pot), with other local…

  • The Station

    Morne Seychellois National Park

    With gorgeous views and a healthy ethic when it comes to cooking, The Station is a lovely place to stop high atop the island. Dishes range from salads,…

  • Karibu

    Northern Mozambique

    This excellent new restaurant in Stone Town specialises in the island's seafood bounty. Tuna, prawns, marlin and lobster are all done to perfection here,…

  • Cape Fruit

    Sal

    Just inland and a few blocks east of the beach, Cape Fruit serves creative salads, hummus and grilled veggie sandwiches and fresh tropical fruit juices…

  • Olympia Cafe & Deli

    Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula

    Setting a high standard for relaxed rustic cafes by the sea, Olympia bakes its own breads and pastries. It’s great for breakfast, and its Mediterranean…

  • Hemelhuijs

    Cape Town

    A quirky yet elegantly decorated space – think deer heads with broken crockery and contemporary art – showcases the art and culinary creations of Jacques…

  • Meriem

    Tunisia

    Multilingual chef Sofian worked in Italy for a decade before returning home to open this clean and bright pizzeria/restaurant on the Corniche. The pizzas…

  • Raft

    Walvis Bay

    This Walvis Bay landmark sits on stilts offshore, and has a great front-row view of the ducks, pelicans and flamingos. Here you can expect high-quality…

  • Hilary’s

    Maun

    This homey place offers a choice of wonderfully earthy meals, including homemade bread, homemade lemonade, filter coffee, baked potatoes, soups and…

  • Mich Resto

    Chamarel

    Consistently glowing reviews from travellers, a classier setting than most in the area, friendly waiters, one of the best palm-heart salads we've tasted,…

  • Club Nautique

    Al Hoceima

    This is the main restaurant at the port, and a good one. After 6pm you can buy your fish fresh off the boat and have them grill it for you (alternatively,…

  • Serendipity

    Garden Route

    Readers and locals all recommend this elegant restaurant with a deck overlooking the lagoon. The South African–inspired menu changes monthly but always…

  • Triskala Restaurant

    Essaouira

    This diminutive restaurant is a real gem, with a short menu that changes daily and puts a creative Moroccan spin on fish and vegetarian dishes, all…

  • 101 Meade

    Garden Route

    Whether you're after freshly baked bread and good coffee to start the day, inventive tapas plates to share at lunchtime or heavier evening fare like…

  • Le Poivrier

    The North

    This charming, French-run place does a thoughtfully prepared European menu with fresh salads backed up with bruschettas, risottos, pastas and steak…

  • 22° South

    Swakopmund

    Inside the ground floor of the lighthouse, this atmospheric place is run by an Italian-Namibian couple who prepare Swakopmund's best (and homemade)…

  • 1974

    The North

    This fabulous place in warm terracotta hues is the work of Italians Antonio and Giulia. The food includes pasta and seafood with an emphasis on fresh…

  • Mundo Vida

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Enjoy seafood and bistro fare in unpretentious surroundings at this excellent coastal restaurant, where traditional recipes have a modern twist. For a…

  • Le Bazilic

    Mauritius

    What a fabulous place this is, with sandwiches both simple and gourmet, rice and noodle dishes such as pad thai, pasta, and a range of vegetarian options…

  • Old House

    Kasane

    This open-air bar-restaurant close to the riverbank is every bit as good as the guesthouse it inhabits. The menu contains all the usual suspects such as…

  • Restaurant Le Grand Bleu

    Bizerte

    A genuine Italian restaurant run by an Italian family, right down to nonna on the till. Le Grand Bleu offers a nice change from Tunisian tuna. There are a…

  • Kücki’s Pub

    Swakopmund

    A Swakopmund institution, Kücki’s has been in the bar and restaurant biz for a couple of decades. The menu is full of seafood and meat dishes alongside…

  • Thorn Tree

    Botswana

    An oasis of sophistication at the northern end of Francistown, Thorn Tree (no relation to Lonely Planet’s famous online bulletin board) does burgers,…

  • Chez Delphano

    Benin

    This delightful maquis is a winner. Marguerite prepares exquisite Beninese cuisine in a jovial atmosphere. She also prepares crêpes in the morning, with…

  • Le Fermier

    Togo

    For excellent European and African food, try this low-roofed, intimate spot on the northwestern outskirts of town. You can't really go wrong – everything…