Best restaurants in Zanzibar: your 2025 dining guide

Zanzibar isn’t just a tropical paradise with deep cultural roots but also one of Tanzania’s top culinary destinations. The local cuisine is a flavorful fusion of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences, offering a unique dining experience. If you’re planning a trip and want to try freshly caught seafood and boldly spiced local dishes, this Zanzibar food guide has everything you need to eat your way through the islands.

The Altezza Travel team has compiled a list of Zanzibar’s top restaurants, offering excellent food, stunning island views, and the perfect setting to unwind in the evening.

Rooftop and ocean-view restaurants in Zanzibar

Some restaurants draw guests in not just with fresh, flavorful food, but with standout interiors and unforgettable surroundings. Zanzibar is no exception — here’s our curated list of popular dining spots with breathtaking views.

The Rock Restaurant

Address: Pingwe Beach, 20 minutes by car from Paje

Opening hours: Daily from 12:00 to 22:00

Phone: +255 776 591 360, +255 763 070 658

Website: The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar

The picturesque setting of The Rock restaurant attracts many tourists, so it’s wise to book a table in advance — ideally a week ahead during peak season. This charming little restaurant sits atop a rock formation in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and during high tides in Zanzibar, guests arrive by boat. The Rock’s menu offers an excellent selection of dishes made from the freshest seafood, which you can enjoy surrounded by fantastic sea views.

Emerson on Hurumzi

Address: Stone Town, Hurumzi Street, 236

Opening hours: Lunch from 12:00 to 16:00 (last kitchen order at 15:30). Dinner seating starts at 18:00, meal begins at 19:00.

Phone: +255 24 22 32 784, +255 779 854 225

Website: Emerson on Hurumzi

At Emerson on Hurumzi, you can savor exquisite dishes from Persian, Omani, and East African cuisines in the rooftop dining room, often with live music that enhances the evening atmosphere. One unique aspect of this restaurant is its strictly timed lunch and dinner service. Evening seating begins at 6:00 PM, with dinner service starting promptly at 7:00 PM. The full dinner features a three-course menu (drinks not included). To catch the sunset from this incredible spot with panoramic views of Stone Town, reservations are required, and a deposit is necessary to confirm your booking.

6 Degrees South

Address: Shangani Waterfront, Stone Town

Opening hours: Daily from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM (midnight)

Phone: +255 62 064 4611

Website: 6 Degrees South

Another refined spot with stunning views of the waterfront and the Indian Ocean is right in the heart of Stone Town. At 6 Degrees South, you’ll find traditional Zanzibar dishes served with a modern twist, alongside popular Western favorites like burgers and steaks grilled over an open flame. The menu also features a wide selection of drinks, including beer, whiskey, sparkling wines, and cocktails.

The restaurant offers several dining areas, both open-air with panoramic views and enclosed spaces for a cozier, more intimate experience. While it’s not the most budget-friendly spot on the island, the quality of the ingredients and the skillful preparation, combined with the breathtaking surroundings, make it well worth the splurge. 

Restaurants with traditional Zanzibari food

You can savor authentic Zanzibar food even at modest street stalls, all for a very reasonable price. Below, we highlight spots where you can enjoy traditional Zanzibar meat dishes and the freshest seafood, plus soak in the island’s local flavor.

Lukmaan Restaurant

Address: The Mkunazini Baobab tree, Stone Town

Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Phone: +255 778 939 710

Website: Instagram

Lukmaan might not be the most polished or upscale restaurant in Zanzibar, but it’s definitely one of the most popular—and with good reason. They serve flavorful, hearty dishes made from traditional local recipes, all at very affordable prices. Be sure to visit when you’re in Stone Town: Lukmaan is known for some of the best mishkaki kebabs and seafood biryani on the entire archipelago. You’ll find the café near the site of the old Zanzibar slave market.

Fisherman's Grill

Address: Turaco Resort, Nungwi Beach

Opening hours: Daily from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Phone: +255 779 000 009

Website: Instagram

Unlike the Lukmaan café, Fisherman's Grill is a more upscale restaurant located on Nungwi Beach, within the Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort. The menu features authentic Zanzibar dishes alongside juicy meat and fish steaks, a variety of appetizers, sides, and drinks, including an excellent range of wines. As evening approaches, the terrace provides stunning views of the sunset, making Fisherman's Grill one of the most romantic restaurants in Zanzibar and the perfect spot for a memorable dinner in a beautiful setting.

Taarab Restaurant

Address: Spice Tree Hotel, Shangani Waterfront, Stone Town

Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM

Phone: +255 779 000 141

Website: Facebook

From the interior to the menu, every detail in this restaurant reflects the rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar. Here, you can try both traditional Zanzibar cuisine and Arabic dishes, while also enjoying live performances of taarab music, a widely popular genre in Tanzania. Swahili poetry, beautifully performed to the rhythm of drums, creates an unforgettable atmosphere that blends influences from Arab, African, and Indian cultures.

According to local legend, taarab was popularized by Sultan Barghash bin Said, who ruled in the late 19th century. The word “taarab” comes from Arabic and can be translated as “to enjoy music.”

Cape Town Fish Market

Address: Forodhani Park, Stone Town

Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Phone: +255 749 395 709

Website: Cape Town Fish Market

This welcoming spot on the Forodhani waterfront is one of the best seafood restaurants in Zanzibar, where you can always enjoy the freshest fish from the Indian Ocean at a fair price. Its biggest point of pride is a diverse menu and an extensive wine list. If you're looking to experience traditional Zanzibari food, start with the seafood—it's exceptionally well-prepared here. Cape Town Fish Market also features an open-air terrace with a stunning view of the water, and as the sun sets, the dining area fills with a warm, romantic ambiance.

Best Zanzibar restaurants with bars and live music

If you’re looking to explore Zanzibar nightlife, several restaurants offer live music and an extensive cocktail selection. Read on in our guide to find spots where you can enjoy a great meal and unwind with some entertainment after a long day under the Zanzibar sun.

Livingstone's

Address: Shangani Waterfront, Stone Town

Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight)

Phone: +255 776 445 917

Website: Livingstone's

Named after Dr. Livingstone, the famed Scottish missionary and explorer of Africa, this restaurant was founded by three Italian entrepreneurs. It offers gourmet cuisine, top-notch service, live music evenings, and art performances, ensuring there’s something to captivate every guest.

Livingstone's is housed in a historic British consulate building, which gives the place a special charm. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor areas, including a terrace overlooking the oceanfront. The menu includes a variety of lunch options, dinner entrees, and snacks. Livingstone's truly comes alive at sunset. Candles flicker, live music sets the mood, and an excellent wine list invites you to linger as your dinner effortlessly turns into a relaxed evening with a glass of sparkling wine in hand.

The 5th

Address: Upendo House Boutique Hotel, Hurumzi Street, Stone Town

Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Phone: +255 772 389 002

Website: The 5th

Getting to the rooftop terrace at The 5th involves a climb up a steep spiral staircase, where you can also admire the rich collection of artworks on the walls. Once you’re on the rooftop where the tables are located, a magnificent view of the lively city center will open up before you. This place is perfect for a light dinner and a cocktail at sunset. In the evenings, a DJ sets the mood with music, and the menu offers an array of flavorful bites inspired by Indian, Swahili, and Arabic cuisines.

Mercury's

Address: Mizingani Road, Stone Town

Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight)

Phone: +255 777 413 081

Website: no

The restaurant honoring global rock icon Freddie Mercury is located near the Old Fort. While it may look modest from the outside, it’s a favorite among tourists who stop by for lunch, dinner, or to unwind with a drink and live music after a day at the beach. The menu offers a wide range of dishes featuring fresh fish, hearty soups, snacks like sandwiches, pizzas, and fajitas, along with vegetarian-friendly options. Seating is available on an open-air deck with scenic views of the Indian Ocean.

Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar on September 5, 1946. His ancestors were originally from Persia, later settling in India before eventually moving to the East African islands. He left Zanzibar as a young man, but his legacy lives on: today, Stone Town is home to the Freddie Mercury museum.

Local food courts in Zanzibar

For tasty traditional Zanzibar cuisine, head to the local food courts. Here, you can enjoy Zanzibar's must-try dishes: fresh seafood, juicy mishkaki kebabs, fruit salads, and Zanzibar pizza, all at very affordable prices.

Mapacha

Address: Unguja, Paje roundabout, Stone Town

Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Phone: +255 778 320 233

Website: Mapacha Food Court

A vibrant, lively spot offering a wide variety of traditional Zanzibar dishes. Here, you can savor the freshest squid, signature potatoes with garlic and dill, fruit smoothies, and many other local favorites. Plus, the menu features juicy burgers, pasta, tender steaks, vegan soups, and soft, warm pastries from the bakery. It’s a perfect place to grab lunch or unwind with friends in a relaxed atmosphere at sunset.

Bento-Paje

Address: Paje Beach

Opening hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Phone: +255 776 462 087

Website: Bento-Paje

The food court en route to Paje Beach is a modern, well-equipped, and stylish space where African and Asian cuisines blend seamlessly. At cozy wooden tables under a canopy, you can try not only traditional Zanzibar food but also many popular Western dishes, from burgers to roasts. And at sunset, the terrace lights come on, creating an even more relaxed, resort-like atmosphere.

Vegetarian and vegan food in Zanzibar

Many local spots offer dishes free of meat, fish, and dairy. Plus, with an abundance of fresh fruit on the islands and traditional recipes centered around rice, legumes, and coconut, vegetarian options are naturally plentiful. Still, the following restaurants stand out for earning the most positive reviews from visitors, primarily for their vegetarian menus.

ZanziBarista

Address: Paje Beach

Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Phone: +255 676 350 169

Website: ZanziBarista

This place offers both meat dishes and fully vegan options, including toast with garlic, avocado, and mushrooms, Mediterranean hummus, couscous, and sweet potatoes, as well as fruit salads. It’s a favorite among tourists and locals alike for breakfast, perfect for a strong espresso or an iced soy latte before heading to the beach or exploring the city. Outdoor seating allows you to enjoy your meal with stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

Mr. Kahawa

Address: Paje Beach

Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM

Phone: +255 785 355 105

Website: Mr. Kahawa

One of the most popular places in Zanzibar among vegans and vegetarians is Mr. Kahawa. This cozy café, nestled under the shade of an almond tree, takes its name from the Swahili word for “Mr. Coffee.” Since opening its doors in 2014, it’s been serving up healthy, plant-based dishes alongside pure Arabica coffee made from top-grade beans sourced from the Utengule farm. And if you’re not a coffee fan, Mr. Kahawa also has an extensive selection of teas.

In conclusion

From upscale ocean-view restaurants to charming street food stalls, a trip to Zanzibar is a true culinary adventure. Fresh seafood, flavorful Tanzanian spices, and unique cultural blends have made this island a standout food destination in Tanzania. No matter where you choose to eat, the key is to savor not just the new flavors but also the incredible atmosphere that surrounds you.

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