Asmara

Creamy gelato in a variety of flavours, served up in a quiet diner setting south of the city centre. Ask the friendly waitstaff for tips on what's the freshest and you won't be disappointed.

The only Indian restaurant in Eritrea, this upmarket joint on the 5th floor of the Nice Insurance building is praised for its lip-smacking biriani and tandoori dishes. There's also a selection of Chinese dishes....

The bistro-esque atmosphere is convivial, the menu full of Italian and grilled-meat favourites, and the lasagne particularly mouth-watering. There's also a small selection of Eritrean dishes available at lunch...

Tucked inside a passageway across the street from the cathedral (in the same building as Pensione Pisa), this unassuming restaurant serves up a wide range of Eritrean, Sudanese and Italian fare. Stick with the...

Friendly owner Nancy prepares excellent pasta dishes, scrumptious pizzas, hearty breakfasts, and a range of local cuisine from a large menu – and all this in a warm setting that wouldn't be out of place in Rome.

This snazzy fast-food joint serves up decent burgers and explosively fruity cocktails. The streetside terrace allows for a dash of people-watching panache with the historic Opera House in the background.

Italian-style pizza in a cosy parlour, with warm staff and cold beer. This is comfort food in a comfortable setting, with no pretensions to being otherwise.

This sophisticated trattoria-like venue gets top marks for its flawlessly prepared Italian pastas and cosy candle-lit interior.

An inviting spot almost opposite the Catholic cathedral, serving a small food selection and a range of drinks (nfa8).

A good-value stomach filler for those in need of some honestly prepared burgers and snacks.

Uninspiring but inoffensive Italian fare in a small bistro two blocks north of Harnet Ave, across from the entrance to the post office. A better choice for desserts, particularly the tempting ice-cream selection.