The Top 10 Restaurants In Stone Town , Zanzibar : One of the most well-liked travel destinations in East Africa is Tanzania’s Zanzibar, and for good reason. Make sure to spend some time in Stone Town, the historic section of the capital, when you travel to Zanzibar. Not just for the winding, tiny streets, the historical sites, the lively atmosphere in the early evening, the breathtaking views and sunset skies, the Swahili architecture, or the laid-back vibe, although any one of those reasons would be sufficient to go. But you must sample some of its fantastic cuisine! Its delectable food is a reflection of the various cultures that have left their mark on Zanzibar’s stone town, featuring dishes that are bold and flavorful and are prepared with exotic spices and a fascinating array of textures.
In Stone Town, there are certainly a lot of restaurants, but, surprise, surprise, not all of the best food (and drinks!) can be found there. Instead, we’ll provide you with a list of the top locations—not just eateries—to see while you’re in Stone Town. In Tanzania’s Stone Town, which is bordered by Zanzibar, some of the continent’s most mouthwatering cuisine can be found. This cuisine combines flavors from the European, African, Persian, Arabic, and Persian cultures. A food lover’s paradise, Stone Town’s dining scene some of the top eateries are listed below.
Tea House Restaurant
Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel’s restaurant, which is on the top floor of a historic hotel from the 19th century, has stunning views of the city and the sea and is a lovely place to enjoy a sunset dinner. When you first arrive, you’ll be asked to take off your shoes before sitting on floor cushions to enjoy your meal (traditional tables are available upon request, though). Then you are given a lavish, three-course Persian-inspired meal that is based on a Persian wedding feast and features dishes that change every day. For a unique, evocative dining experience, soak your hands in fragrant rosewater while listening to live Taarab music. Make sure to reserve ahead of time.
Zanzibar Coffee House
Zanzibar Coffee House, one of the town’s oldest buildings and formerly an Arabic home, offers a cozy, romantic setting for freshly brewed coffee and cake. For a heartier start to the day, a variety of continental breakfast items are also offered. Their heartier fare also makes for a great lunch. It’s easy to lose track of time in this charming place, and it’s well worth it for the coffee alone—you won’t find a better cup of joe in all of Zanzibar.
Lukmaan Restaurant
The well-liked Lukmaan Restaurant offers regional fare in a cafeteria-style setting for lunch and dinner. The variety of food is delicious and fresh, despite the wooden tables and bare walls not exactly being ritzy. Try the hearty octopus curry with Pilau rice or the fish biryani, both of which go well with a cool glass of fresh passionfruit juice. After a long day of exploring, it’s the perfect place to stop for a quick meal because it’s conveniently located in the center of Stone Town.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a sleek, contemporary restaurant with self-described “Oriental” food that combines the tastes of Tanzania and Thailand to produce truly distinctive dishes. It is situated above the Shanghai Post Office, just off Kenyatta Road. This restaurant offers a modern atmosphere (and free Wi-Fi) for a delightful dining experience. It has an indoor dining area and an outdoor balcony.
House of Spices
The multipurpose House of Spices was once a merchant’s home in the 18th century and has recently undergone restoration to serve a range of community needs. It is more than just a restaurant. Previously, spices were dried in the room where the restaurant is now located. The restaurant now offers fusion Indian and Italian fare, such as tagliatelle with squid and sand lobster in coconut sauce, and offers a cozy, tranquil setting for a leisurely meal.
Jaws Corner
In the center of Stone Town, this outdoor café offers traditional Arabic brews in a tiny courtyard. Additionally, it’s a well-liked meeting place where people from Stone Town congregate to enjoy coffee, eat traditional peanut brittle, play board games, and talk politics. If you want to talk to people from the neighborhood while you get your coffee, make sure to come here early in the morning. It is the ideal location to unwind and people-watch because of the relaxed ambiance and fantastic view of the busy streets in the city center.
The Silk Route
The Silk Route, which spans three floors, serves authentic Indian cuisine in a charming environment with breathtaking views. The food is served in eye-catching, traditional copper bowls, and the décor is traditional with a twist. It’s best to arrive early to secure a seat on the top floor, but even if you don’t, the friendly staff at this restaurant will make your meal one you won’t soon forget. As a dessert, try the Kadai beef, chicken butter, and pistachio ice cream.
Lazuli
Although Lazuli is well known for its smoothies, it also has excellent food. You’ll need to keep an eye out, or you might miss this unassuming little spot off Kenyatta Road. This place is suitable for a laid-back sit-down lunch or dinner because of the simple decor. Despite the occasionally slow service when they are swamped by a large crowd (which happens frequently), the revitalizing smoothies, ample portions, and affordable prices make it worthwhile to wait. Try the chicken and mango with sesame sauce and the mocha smoothie.
The Post
The Post is the ideal location to sit and talk for a few hours because it has a fantastic selection of food and beverages. Whether you choose to relax at the bar or outside on the terrace, this restaurant/bar offers Stone Town a hip, contemporary atmosphere. They also provide tasty pizzas and meats prepared in the Italian style, as well as takeout for customers who are on the go.
Forodhani Gardens Night Market
No list of Stone Town‘s top restaurants would be complete without mentioning this night market, despite the fact that it is not a typical restaurant. As the name implies, Stone Town’s lovely Forodhani Park hosts a fantastic food market every evening after sunset. This bustling establishment, which serves everything from pizza to samosas, is a must-visit if you want to sample the local cuisine and culture. It’s a culinary experience not to be missed and a vital opportunity for tourists to connect with Stone Town’s welcoming and energetic community.
FAQ ABOUT RESTAURANTS IN STONE TOWN
What types of cuisine can I order in Stone Town restaurants? Seafood, African, Indian, Italian, and native Zanzibar foods are all available in Stone Town restaurants.
Do Stone Town restaurants serve vegetarian food? Yes, there are many vegetarian restaurants in Stone Town. However, if you are vegan, we advise you to try the restaurant inside the hotel in case you are unable to find one.
How Much Does the Average Meal Cost in Stone Town? A meal in a restaurant in Stone Town is generally less expensive than one elsewhere. Between $15 and $45.
Do I need to make reservations when visiting Stone Town restaurants? Making a reservation is not required, but it is a good idea, especially during the busiest travel period.
What Are Some of Stone Town’s Must-Try Dishes? Seafood platters, grilled lobster, and coconut curries are a few dishes you must try in Stone Town and throughout Zanzibar.
Do Stone Town restaurants accept credit cards? When visiting Zanzibar, it’s a good idea to have cash on hand because many establishments don’t accept credit cards, even though some restaurants do.
Is a guide necessary in Stone Town? It is a good idea to reserve a guide for your Stone Town tour, even though you can go there on your own. In this manner, you can explore Stone Town with assurance.
Is it worth visiting the Forodhani Night Market? It is worthwhile to visit the Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town or any other beach if you’re there, so you can sample some foods that aren’t offered by the hotel. Foods like fried breadfruits, Urojo, and Zanzibar pizza.
CONCLUSION
A few things to keep in mind are that many places don’t serve alcohol, and some of the food may be too salty for those who are sensitive to it (which I found to be the case all over Zanzibar). Use your hands rather than cutlery if you want to be daring and eat like the locals do.
