Emerson on Hurumzi Rooftop Teahouse
Zanzibar Town
Part of the well-known Emerson on Hurumzi hotel, the rooftop teahouse restaurant is open to nonguests. The food is excellent, and the view simply stunning…
Must-see restaurants in East Africa
Zanzibar Town
Something slightly different: Monsoon has traditional-style dining, so you eat at low tables lounging on cushions (shoes off at the door, naturally). The…
Jinja
Bujagali's premier dining destination is set under an elegant traditional thatched-roof overlooking the water. The extensive menu showcases dishes from…
Kampala
One of Kampala’s most renowned restaurants, this gorgeous spot looking out over the leafy grounds of the Emin Pasha hotel has an ever-evolving fusion menu…
Kampala
A great spot for brunch, lunch or a laid-back dinner, Prunes is a popular expat hang-out. It does great Ugandan coffee to go with comfort food such as…
Nanyuki
One of the top restaurants in Nanyuki with a large variety of international dishes – hamburgers, steak, pizza – though its speciality is Indian food. With…
Kampala
West African fare isn't so common here and this is some of the best. Mama Ashanti tempts with egusi (minced spinach, pumpkin seed and groundnut) with…
Jinja
The restaurant on the back porch of the popular boutique hotel of the same name exudes the atmosphere of a Balinese garden. The fusion menu serving butter…
Kampala
In a gorgeous setting, this highly regarded, popular and friendly restaurant offers a slice of traditional Japan. Known primarily for its imported rice…
Arusha
Consistently ranked among Arusha's best restaurants, this place is beloved by the local expat community for its extensive, predominantly Chinese menu with…
Dar es Salaam
This streetside place is home to what many claim is Dar’s best grilled chicken, including spicy gujarr chicken, lemon chicken and chicken sekela (with…
Southern Highlands
This long-standing place features functional decor but great grub. The menu has a large selection of Indian dishes, plus Chinese options and grilled…
Nairobi
Widely regarded as the best Indian restaurant in Kenya, Haandi rises above its nondescript shopping-mall location. The expansive menu includes wonderful…
Nairobi
Nyama Mama is a small Afro-fusion restaurant chain, characterised by its colourful decor. This restaurant draws a young, urban clientele. Favourite dishes…
Nairobi
Ankole is named after the iconic cattle of East Africa, so it's unsurprising that this trendy steakhouse is all about grilled meat (nyama choma). The top…
Nairobi
J's is one of Karen's most popular venues. The food that emerges from the open kitchen is excellent, from creamy risotto with beetroot, ginger and veggies…
Nairobi
Consistently good reviews from expats, locals and travellers alike make this an excellent choice for high-quality Ethiopian cooking. Aside from the rich…
Nairobi
Despite its location inside a shopping mall, Artcaffe has sleek and inviting premises with a large terrace as well as a stylish dining room and full bar…
Nairobi
Taco 254 is a small but mighty addition to Nairobi’s Mexican food scene, focusing exclusively on, you guessed it, tacos. Choose from chicken, fish, beef,…
Nairobi
Ask any long-term resident of Nairobi to nominate their favourite Indian restaurant and a fair few of them will plump for Open House. The service is…
Nairobi
Dining at this wonderful place magically takes you out of the city for an hour or two, with views into the lush Karura Forest from the open terrace. The…
Nairobi
The Stanley Hotel’s legendary pavement cafe is still a traveller favourite, and it caters to most tastes with a good mix of food. The original thorn-tree…
Nairobi
The cafeteria vats here always brim with Kenyan and Western favourites, which is probably why this local chain has a strong following. The buffet is small…
Kampala
Though popular for its Ugandan beef tenderlion, Le Chateau serves an extensive Belgian menu that includes Flemish stew, crispy fries, snails and a…
Zanzibar Town
This simple place did indeed start with just two small tables, but now caters for larger numbers – although it's still in the family house. Here's the…
Nairobi
If you have your own wheels and a taste for barbecued meat, take the road southwest out of Nairobi, past Kiserian on the road to Lake Magadi, to Corner…
Nanyuki
If you are looking to splurge then this place at the Mt Kenya Safari Club is the place to do so. Sink back into a sofa in the drawing room or saunter over…
Zanzibar Town
With its lantern-lit rooftop terrace this Mediterranean restaurant has well-executed seafood and wood-fired pizzas. Fish dishes come with a choice of five…
Zanzibar Island
In a wooden cabin with great views of the beach and ocean, this local place offers all the favourites – pizza, burgers, curries, seafood grills – plus…
Nairobi
This popular rendezvous spot has been the unofficial starting and ending point for East African safaris since 1904. While the atmosphere may be a bit too…
Southern Rift Valley
Great name, great place. The Kenyan tradition of nyama choma (barbecued meats) is alive and well here. Sidle up to the counter, try a piece of tender…
Rwanda
Growing weary of goat meat or pasta? Take a seat amid the typical ho-hum Chinese interior, overhung with the mandatory reddish Chinese lanterns, and…
Southern Rift Valley
One of a number of roadside places serving grilled meats (you choose your cut of meat and it's then cooked and delivered to your table) at the Kikopey…
Southwestern Uganda
When you tire of all-inclusive lodge meals, come to this adorable cafe with tables in the backyard and chickens running loose. Service is slow but the end…
Zanzibar Town
This local restaurant is tucked away on the lane that leads to the beach from the bottom of Kenyatta Rd, with a terrace next to the spot where traditional…
Kigali
This sassy cafe in a modern shopping mall is worth visiting for its wholesome dishes and tempting selection of coffees, teas and smoothies. Stop in…
Nairobi
Some things just don't change (this place has been around since 1981) and thank heavens for that! This classy Italian restaurant, swathed in trellises and…
Mombasa
This textbook hip, yellow-walled place with an industrial vibe in central Mombasa does several things few other local establishments do, including great…
Kigali
Dining at this upscale gourmet bistro is a treat. The elegant dining room is decorated with earthy tones and classy furniture and the imaginatively…
Moshi
Following a time-honoured tradition of budget-traveller hang-outs the world over, basic Pamoja Cafe gives the punters what they want with free wi-fi, a…
