Arusha
Unpretentious al fresco spot serving two menus: Ethiopian and Continental – ignore the latter and order injera (Ethiopian bread) soaked in beef, chicken…
Must-see restaurants in Tanzania
Tumaini Cafe & Makuti African Restaurant
Northeastern Tanzania
Tumaini Cafe – on the main road next to the Telecom building – offers cheap snacks, breakfasts and meals, including banana milkshakes, freshly baked rolls…
Zanzibar Island
This locally run cafe serves beers, juices, coffee and meals on a small garden terrace. Service and ambience is delightfully relaxed. There's also a…
Arusha
Arusha’s poshest menu features fresh ingredients and creative dishes such as slow-cooked West Kili lamb shanks. Seating is in the quiet dining room or in…
Southern Highlands
Green grounds, a small children’s play area, sports TV, pizzas on weekends and huge portions make this a popular choice. The rest of the menu covers…
Mwanza
No longer open-air, the Breeze restaurant has little in the way of character, but is known for producing decent Indian food. There are also Chinese,…
Zanzibar Town
This waterfront kiosk in Forodhani Gardens serves a simple menu of grilled chicken and fish, kebabs and wraps. Outside seating makes it perfect for people…
Arusha
Le Patio follows a tried-and-tested eastern-Arusha template: a large garden beneath shady trees, an open fire at its heart, a lounge bar and outdoor…
Southern Highlands
The Acropol has tasty soups, sandwiches, fish and meat platters, some vegetarian options, all-day breakfasts featuring steak, eggs and chips, and good…
Mwanza
Excellent local fare is served fast and cheap in this church-run place with an old-fashioned cafe look and feel. There's no menu, just a daily special…
Mwanza
Quiet during the day, this cheap Indian joint transforms into a hive of buzzing activity in the evenings. This is when people grab a streetside table and…
Mwanza
Sambusas (Indian pastry snacks stuffed with curried meat or vegetables), soft-serve ice cream and juice are all pleasers here, but it's the smell of…
Pemba
Located on the top floor of a modern concrete building, reached by an anonymous staircase, this no-frills restaurant serves evening meals, usually with…
Zanzibar Town
This restaurant is named for the enthusiastic Ethiopian owner and offers, of course, steak plus cuisines from around the world – Africa, Arabia, India and…
Arusha
With a semi-outdoor setting, this restaurant and wine bar ticks many boxes. There are snacks, grills, pizza and pasta, but the real stars are the Spanish…
Zanzibar Town
Great little place with seating inside or outside under potted palms overlooking the street. The menu includes all-day breakfasts, milkshakes, freshly…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Zanzibar Town
A classic Indian restaurant with staff in Raj outfits, serving contemporary and traditional Indian dishes, some with a Zanzibari twist. The restaurant…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Zanzibar Town
Contemporary food in a contemporary setting. Glass walls and vast picture windows provide views of the ocean or the establishment's impressive wine…
Southeastern Tanzania
Simple, delicious and generously portioned meals of grilled fish or chicken and chips, plus cold drinks. It's in a peaceful garden setting just back from…
Zanzibar Town
On a dusty courtyard just off Kenyatta Rd, this relaxed place serves lunch and dinner, offering curries, fresh juices, burgers, chapati wraps, salads,…
Mwanza
Don't expect Italian-class fare, but this is a relaxed and popular place for pizzas and snack-style food (omelettes, sandwiches and breads) with a good…
Dar es Salaam
Burgers, steaks, a salad bar, birthday celebrations, yummy desserts, fast service and a children's play area with video games make this place a favourite…
Arusha
Part of the Njiro Hill Shopping Complex southeast of the centre, this place is one of Arusha's best-stocked supermarkets. There's a decent open-air food…
Central Tanzania
Tasty Italian food, including one of Tanzania’s better pizzas, served in the shadow of Lion Rock. You can try local wines or play it safe with a European…
Pemba
A step up from the standard basic eating house, the Times' menu promises pizza and chicken curry, as well as staples like fish and rice. If you plan to…
Southeastern Tanzania
Tasty Indian cuisine (plus some Chinese food) is served inside or on a pleasant, shaded streetside porch. Service is prompt and meals – including a good…
Dar es Salaam
This bright courtyard-style place serves well-prepared crêpes, burgers, pasta and other light meals. It's worth checking its Facebook page for…
Lake Victoria
A couple of tables outside the airport's terminal 1 make for a perfect casual spot to chat with locals, have a beer with some fried pork or potatoes, and…
Arusha
Great coffee is why this place exists, but try the chocolate croissant, or fill up with sandwiches, salads and wraps. There's also an internet cafe …
Western Tanzania
This long-standing establishment is a clean and almost artistic spot for wali maharagwe (rice and beans) and other local meals. There’s also chicken…
