Nairobi
Situated in the eclectic new food hall of the Village Market shopping complex, Off The Rocks is the place to sip a cold glass of champagne and sample…
Must-see restaurants in East Africa
Kilifi
The picnic tables under the trees and the welcoming interior of this makuti (thatched-roof of palm leaves) cafe entice travellers to break their journey…
Nairobi
It is always the source of a heated debate, but Pomodoro is the best pizza in town for many locals. This unassuming little pizzeria in the Village Market…
Kigali
Set in an all-wood dining room, this widely acclaimed restaurant serves an exquisite selection of authentic Japanese, Korean and Chinese dishes – those in…
Zanzibar Town
Great little place with seating inside or outside under potted palms overlooking the street. The menu includes all-day breakfasts, milkshakes, freshly…
Rwanda
Whether you're sitting al fresco on a snug terrace overlooking a garden or inside the pretty dining room decorated with African touches, dining at this…
Eastern Uganda
Inside the Casa del Turista, this cafe has quality food and top organic Mt Elgon coffee, with proceeds going to a local school. The rooftop tables with…
Northern Kenya
Burgers and toasted sandwiches join local curries and various meaty fried dishes on the menu, all served in an open-air boma on the large grounds. It…
Zanzibar Island
True to its name, this place is run by an enthusiastic group of locals and specialises in seafood. Drinks and other meals are also available. It's on a…
Kigali
This popular coffee shop is the most central outlet of a popular local chain where good coffee, pastries, fruit juices, sandwiches and light meals are…
Kigali
There are a few excellent Indian restaurants in Kigali and Zaaffran, we reckon, is the pick of the lot. The menu is classic North Indian – tandooris,…
Kigali
Best known as one of Kigali's most atmospheric restaurants and bars, Repub Lounge serves up delicious meat dishes as well as respectable cocktails. The…
Southwestern Uganda
This chilled out Belgian-Dutch–owned coffeehouse serves everything from Belgian fries with mayo to thin-crust pizzas and Greek salads. It has great coffee…
Nanyuki
If you are a plane enthusiast, then this is the place for you. Located inside the Nanyuki Airport, next to the runway, you can enjoy a pizza from the wood…
Malindi
This Old Man’s been serving excellent seafood, using a combination of local ingredients and fresh recipes, for years. However, don't come to eat at this…
Arusha
This place at the Gymkhana Club northeast of the centre is in the same family as the wonderful Shanghai. Service and decor are no-nonsense, and the food…
Jinja
Completely rebuilt in a sleek and modern resort style, this waterfront restaurant serves a long list of Indian, African and Western classics, with…
Lake Victoria
The restaurant at this four-storey hotel with round windows serves the usual hotel dishes, including grilled tilapia (Nile perch), vegetable curry and…
Kampala
With a varied menu, seductive cocktails and good service, this refined bistro is popular with Ugandans and expats alike. Tapas are great, but there are…
Kigali
This colourful eatery overlooking a busy thoroughfare has excellent, speedy service and has become deservedly popular for its monster-sized, brilliant…
Kampala
Come for the relaxed garden setting, strong coffee, spiced tea and carrot cake. Fresh juices, mezze plates and watermelon feta salad are a few of the…
Nairobi
This small self-service cafe has locals queuing outside in the mornings waiting for it to open. Food ranges from African- and Indian-influenced stews to…
Arusha
A fine refuge from the Boma Rd touts, this place has European-cafe vibes with prices to match. The menu is heavy on sandwiches, with other dishes such as…
Uganda
Serving delicious Ethiopian and Eritrean food, this friendly restaurant offers a welcome change of pace. To sample some of everything, try the Abyssinian…
Zanzibar Town
A classic Indian restaurant with staff in Raj outfits, serving contemporary and traditional Indian dishes, some with a Zanzibari twist. The restaurant…
South Coast
This beachfront pizzeria makes the best ice cream in town. (We've never heard anyone disagree.) The pizzas are pretty good too, as are the burgers, only…
Zanzibar Town
Overlooking the roundabout by the gates to the cargo port, you don't come to this place for the ambience, but the fried chicken is tasty and freshly…
Entebbe
Close to the airport, Faze 3 is a solid choice for dining out. Its outdoor decking is a top spot to catch lake breezes while feasting on anything from…
Northeastern Tanzania
Tanga is the home of Tanga Fresh, which produces delicious fresh yoghurt and milk that's sold throughout the region. The outlet is at the end of the small…
Lamu Island
There are waterfront restaurants all over the place, but the Stopover’s friendly staff and excellent grub (of the spicy Swahili-seafood sort) make it a…
Diani Beach
For a theme restaurant set in a coral cave, this is actually quite good and not cheesy at all. The focus is seafood and steak, cooked up poshly and…
Nairobi
This hole in the wall restaurant isn’t set in the fanciest of locations, but it serves up authentic, flavourful dishes such as pad Thai and crunchy papaya…
Zanzibar Town
This simple beachfront cafe-bar has rustic charm, friendly staff and good food, ideal for a long lunch or an evening meal with an ocean view. Choose from…
Dar es Salaam
Dine beneath a starry night sky on creative, contemporary dishes such as herb-crusted grouper, spicy jerk chicken and tuna carpaccio. The trendy, open-air…
Kigali
What was once a warehouse is now a sleek venture with large windows looking onto the avenue. An array of pastries, cakes, tarts and sandwiches will tempt…
Zanzibar Town
This great little place is tucked away on the small street behind the NBC bank. The strictly vegetarian menu features thalis and other dishes from the…
Rwanda
The cafeteria housed in the park visitor centre is a dream come true for coffee-lovers, with a choice of excellent Rwandan brews. It also serves cakes and…
Kigali
This Ethiopian restaurant is a good initiation to the cuisine of Ethiopia, with all the classics, including vegetarian dishes. It has a laid-back…
Kampala
Always crowded with locals, this restaurant features the best of North Indian frontier cuisine. Experiment a little with the tilapia (Nile perch) curries…
Southern Highlands
A great, simple lunchtime option in the heart of town opposite the Rwegasore Rd turn-off. It dishes up salads, soup, fried chicken, fish curry, cakes and…
