Kigali
This attractive hacienda is set on a ridge where you can soak up the sparkling lights of Kigali by night or get a bird’s-eye appreciation of the city…
Must-see restaurants in East Africa
Southwestern Uganda
This brilliant and highly unexpected roadside find is likely to elicit squeals of glee from even the most seasoned Africa hands. An American doctoral…
Watamu
Set on a breezy Swahili-style outdoor terrace looking down on mangrove-strewn Prawn Lake, Pilipan turns up Watamu's chic factor, particularly after sunset…
Lake Naivasha
Camp Carnelley's hip restaurant is popular with NGO workers and other Nairobians at weekends. Grab one of the gorgeous low-slung sofas, or pull up a chair…
Kigali
Sassy Pili-Pili ticks all the right boxes: a vast open-air terrace with superb views, a nifty pool, an enticing ethnic chic two-storey interior and a…
Malindi
This standout restaurant is not only one of the best on the coast, but in the entire country. Think leafy, intimate setting, makuti roof (thatched roof of…
Kenya
Crab samosas, grilled calamari and steamed fish await at the end of a mangrove boardwalk, overlooking Mida Creek. This lovely Giriama-run spot is a…
Rwanda
Four words: not to be missed. On the lakefront road near the DRC border, this wonderful conversion of an impressive mansion now hosts a superb cafe that…
Lamu Island
On the premises of Kijani Hotel, this excellent new restaurant has a daily changing menu that combines fresh local ingredients with global influences. Go…
Diani Beach
A spartan aesthetic and a full menu of authentic Japanese dishes are Shanshin-Ka's two distinguishing features. The portions of teriyaki, udon, tempura…
Moshi
This cafe's semi-garden setting is back a bit from the road, bringing a semblance of peace, and the food ranges from pizza and Mexican dishes to salads,…
Mombasa
This reputable mughlai (North Indian) curry house is popular with the local Indian community and does delicious dishes such as gosht palakwalla (lamb with…
South Coast
Inside Nyali City mall, Cafesserie has the best selection of cakes on the coast. But it doesn't end there: the breezy, chilled-out place has a crowd…
Kigali
Many locals and expats rave about this Italian kitchen, and we share their unbridled enthusiasm. The food here (and the trattoria-inspired decor, with a…
Watamu
This popular place is spread along a breeze-blown terrace and has some plusher seating inside. Expect sandwiches, burgers, great salads and finer dining…
Moshi
Changes of ownership and name (it used to be called the Sikh Club) have done this place the world of good. It's part restaurant serving excellent Indian…
Fort Portal
Quite friendly and popular, this busy corner restaurant has a quality menu of foreign and local dishes including burgers, curries, pizza and African fare…
Rwanda
On the main drag running from the upper town to the university, this wonderful surprise serves up pastries, omelettes, burgers, freshly made smoothies and…
South Coast
As you stumble over the tangled tree roots of the Jumba la Mtwana ruins, delicious smells propel you towards the beach. A thatched hut perched above the…
South Coast
This traditional Zanzibari dhow on the grounds of Severin Sea Lodge is Bamburi's most atmospheric restaurant, complete with creaky wooden floors and…
Northern Kenya
The restaurant on the 2nd floor of the Saku Guest House is spotlessly clean and bright. The menu (yes, there is an actual menu!) is varied and has the…
Southern Highlands
If you're missing Western culture, stop by this sleek place, stylishly hung with local fabrics, for smoothies, fresh juices, locally sourced gourmet…
Lamu Island
You know how sometimes you just need that escape into the world of magazines and fresh pastries? Welcome to Whispers. For a real cappuccino, light meals,…
Kigali
With tinkling fountains and covered courtyard dining, this sublime restaurant offers Kigali's best Asian meals as well as Rwanda's first sushi dishes…
Southern Highlands
This long-standing Iringa classic has good breakfasts, yoghurt, samosas, shakes and reasonably priced main dishes, including a divine chickpea curry. It's…
Kilifi
We're still dining out on our last memory of dinner at Nautilus. This Swiss-owned restaurant offers fine, romantic dining with gorgeous views over the…
Malindi
Right on the sand, Rosada is a chilled beach bar with great cocktails and some wonderful views out over the marine park. Monday night is a popular beach…
Lamu Island
Particularly strong when it comes to seafood dishes and slightly set back from the waterfront, this is the best restaurant in town. Feast on the likes of…
Watamu
In a village where gelato joints sit cheek by jowl, the oldest one is still the best, with Anna and Andrea enticing customers with scoops of rich…
Arusha
Good for breakfast or a quiet afternoon coffee as well as for a more substantial meal, this chic bakery also serves up exciting dishes such as beef fillet…
Western Tanzania
Assuming you can score a table with a view (up on the gazebo), it’s worth the trip up here for dinner or sundowners. The menu is mostly local, but has…
Mama Iringa Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant
Southern Highlands
Delicious Italian food – pizzas, gnocchi, lasagne and more, plus salads – are served in the quiet courtyard of a former convent. It's about 3km from the…
Burundi
This tucked away courtyard restaurant is a mainstay of the French expat scene. The menu ranges far from Burundi (and France) and takes in curries,…
Burundi
This might well be the most authentically French patisserie we've ever encountered in eastern Africa. The delicate little strawberry and lemon tarts are…
Mama Rocks at the Alchemist Bar
Nairobi
Nairobi's first and best food truck is very cool. With an African take on burgers and a location primed and ready for Westlands' night-time crowd, Mama…
Nairobi
In a welcoming garden setting in the city's north, About Thyme does some fine international dishes such as pumpkin-and-amaretti tortellini or battered red…
Nairobi
If you want a little fun with some food, this is a go-to place, particularly if there are a few of you. Serving a variety of snacks and drinks (the pizzas…
Nairobi
This smart and upmarket place has a huge menu that takes in everything from pizza to sushi, including great salads, sandwiches, burgers and meat grills…
Dar es Salaam
With its luxuriant garden setting this Italian trattoria housed in an old colonial villa is one of Dar's most atmospheric dining options. The menu…
Nairobi
This place has all the ingredients to be a Nairobi favourite: a quiet garden setting in Karen, great coffee, amazing juices, an Ottolenghi salad bar and a…
