Quick answers — eating in Zanzibar
- Best restaurant overall
- The Dining Room at The Palms, Zanzibar
- Best value
- Lukmaan Restaurant (Stone Town Fine Dining section) (TZS 70,000-150,000 / USD 25-55)
- Strongest cuisines
- Seafood, Middle Eastern, Modern European, Indian
- Dishes to try
- Zanzibari Pizza, Urojo (Zanzibar Mix), Pilau, Samaki wa Kupaka
- Booking window
- For top fine-dining establishments like The Palms or The Rock, booking 3-7 days in advance is crucial, particularly during high season. These unique venues fill up quickly due to their popularity and limited seating.
Booking ahead is strongly recommended for fine dining, especially during peak season, often a few days in advance. Dress codes are generally smart casual, with some establishments appreciating a more elegant attire. Tipping 10-15% for good service is customary. Dinner hours typically run from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Zanzibar
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
The Dining Room at The Palms, Zanzibar
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary Swahili & Seafood · Bwejuu · TZS 150,000-250,000 / USD 60-100
Nestled within a luxurious private resort, The Dining Room offers an intimate, exclusive experience. The menu focuses on impeccably fresh seafood, often caught the same day, infused with aromatic island spices. The setting, overlooking the Indian Ocean, creates a romantic and serene atmosphere.
Order: Pan-seared Red Snapper with coconut curry, Lobster Thermidor
Dining at The Rock Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningSeafood & Mediterranean · Pingwe · TZS 100,000-200,000 / USD 40-80
Iconic for its unique location atop a rock in the Indian Ocean, accessible by foot at low tide or boat at high tide. The menu celebrates the ocean's bounty with simple yet elegant preparations of fish, prawns, and squid, complemented by fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The views are unparalleled.
Order: The Rock Special (mixed seafood platter), Grilled King Prawns
Spice House Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningSwahili & Seafood · Stone Town · TZS 80,000-160,000 / USD 30-60
Located in a renovated historic building, Spice House offers a charming rooftop dining experience with views over Stone Town. The menu highlights Zanzibar's rich spice heritage, incorporating various aromatic blends into fresh seafood and local meat dishes. The ambiance is intimate and authentic, reflecting local culture.
Order: Spice Crab Soup, Prawns in Tamarind Sauce
Middle Eastern
Best Middle Eastern restaurants in Zanzibar
Middle Eastern tables are built around sharing — dips, flatbread, grilled meat and salads arriving together rather than in courses.
Emerson on Hurumzi Tea House Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningSwahili & Persian · Stone Town · TZS 90,000-180,000 / USD 35-70
Perched atop a historic Stone Town building, this restaurant offers breathtaking sunset views over the Indian Ocean and the city's rooftops. Dinner is a set menu, often beginning with drinks and canapés on the lower terrace, followed by a multi-course Swahili and Persian feast. Live Taraab music often accompanies the meal.
Order: Zanzibar Spice Infused Fish, Lamb Tagine with local fruits
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Zanzibar
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Upendo House Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary Pan-African & International · Jambiani · TZS 90,000-180,000 / USD 35-70
Set on a pristine beach, Upendo House offers an eclectic menu focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients with a creative twist. The culinary approach blends local Swahili traditions with international influences, served in a stylish, open-air setting with stunning ocean vistas. A vibrant atmosphere with regular live music.
Order: Seafood Curry, Beef Fillet with peppercorn sauce
Indian
Best Indian restaurants in Zanzibar
Modern Indian kitchens have moved far beyond curry-house shorthand — regional recipes, live-fire tandoors and tasting menus that put spice work at the centre rather than heat.
Lukmaan Restaurant (Stone Town Fine Dining section)
Acclaimed local fine diningAuthentic Swahili & Indian · Stone Town · TZS 70,000-150,000 / USD 25-55
While primarily known for its casual, bustling ground floor, Lukmaan also offers a more refined upstairs dining experience. Here, you can savor beautifully prepared traditional Swahili and Indian dishes, from robust curries to expertly grilled seafood, in a slightly more tranquil setting away from the street energy.
Order: Octopus Curry, Biryani (chicken or fish)
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Zanzibar
Forodhani Gardens Night Food Market
A vibrant evening street food market in Stone Town. Sample Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood skewers (mishkaki), sugar cane juice, and samosas. Prices are very low, with most items costing a few thousand shillings (USD 1-5).
Lukmaan Restaurant (Ground Floor)
A popular, bustling spot in Stone Town for authentic local Swahili and Indian cuisine. Choose from a wide array of pre-prepared dishes like curries, pilau, and fresh juices. Expect to pay TZS 5,000-15,000 (USD 2-6) for a hearty meal.
Zanzibar Coffee House
A charming café in Stone Town, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a coffee break. They serve excellent local coffee, fresh juices, sandwiches, and pastries. Meals generally range from TZS 10,000-25,000 (USD 4-10).
Paje by Night Restaurant
Located in Paje, this restaurant offers good value for money with a diverse menu including Italian, seafood, and local dishes. Popular among tourists and locals alike for its relaxed atmosphere. Main courses are typically TZS 15,000-30,000 (USD 6-12).
New Shanti Restaurant
A reliable choice in Stone Town for Indian and local cuisine, often praised for its curries and biryanis. It's a casual, straightforward eatery popular with backpackers and budget travelers. A meal typically costs TZS 8,000-20,000 (USD 3-8).
Local dishes
What to eat in Zanzibar
Zanzibari Pizza
More like a savory crêpe or folded omelet, Zanzibari Pizza is a street food staple. A thin dough is stretched, filled with minced meat, vegetables, egg, and cheese, then folded into a square and fried on a griddle. Enjoy it at Forodhani Gardens, where it's cooked fresh to order, offering a delightful blend of textures and spices.
Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)
Urojo is a flavorful and hearty street food soup, a signature dish of Zanzibar. It typically features a rich, spicy mango and tamarind broth, filled with crispy bhajias (chickpea fritters), potato balls, cassava crisps, boiled egg, and sometimes spiced beef or chicken. It's a complex explosion of sweet, sour, and savory, often garnished with chili and coconut chutney.
Pilau
Pilau is a fragrant rice dish deeply ingrained in Swahili cuisine, known for its aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin. It's slow-cooked with meat (often beef or chicken), infusing the rice with rich flavors. Find authentic, comforting Pilau at local eateries like Lukmaan Restaurant, served alongside kachumbari (fresh tomato and onion salad).
Samaki wa Kupaka
Samaki wa Kupaka translates to 'fish smeared with sauce' and is a culinary highlight. Fresh grilled fish, often snapper or kingfish, is basted with a rich, creamy coconut milk and tamarind sauce, infused with ginger, garlic, and other spices. The result is a tender, flaky fish with a tangy and savory coating. It's best enjoyed at beachfront restaurants.
Mishkaki
Mishkaki are flavorful meat skewers, typically made with marinated beef or chicken, grilled over open coals until tender and slightly charred. The marinade often includes ginger, garlic, chili, and various spices, giving them a distinct Swahili taste. They are a popular street food, especially at night markets like Forodhani Gardens, served with a squeeze of lime.
Octopus Curry
Given Zanzibar's coastal location, fresh seafood is abundant, and octopus curry is a local specialty. Tender pieces of octopus are slow-cooked in a rich, spicy coconut milk-based curry, often with potatoes, bell peppers, and local spices. It's a comforting and robust dish, best savored with a side of white rice or chapati at a local restaurant by the sea.
Mandazi
Mandazi are light, fluffy, and slightly sweet Swahili doughnuts, often flavored with cardamom or coconut milk. They are a popular breakfast item or snack, perfect for dipping in tea or coffee. You can find them freshly made by street vendors or in local cafes throughout Stone Town and beyond, offering a simple yet satisfying treat.
Biryani
Zanzibari Biryani is a more elaborate, festive rice dish, reflecting the island's Indian influences. Layers of fragrant basmati rice, slow-cooked meat (often chicken, goat, or beef), and a rich gravy infused with saffron, nuts, and a complex blend of spices create a truly aromatic and flavorful meal. It's often reserved for special occasions or found in upscale local restaurants.
How to book a table in Zanzibar
- · For top fine-dining establishments like The Palms or The Rock, booking 3-7 days in advance is crucial, particularly during high season. These unique venues fill up quickly due to their popularity and limited seating.
- · Many higher-end restaurants, especially those in resorts or with set menus, may require a credit card guarantee or a small deposit for larger groups. Clarify cancellation policies to avoid no-show fees.
- · While lunch menus are less common in traditional fine dining, some upscale resort restaurants offer more relaxed daytime dining with à la carte options. This can be a great way to experience the ambiance at a slightly lower price point.
- · Zanzibar restaurants generally have flexible no-show policies for small tables, but for parties of four or more, notifying the restaurant of changes is essential to maintain good standing and avoid potential charges or future booking issues.
FAQ
Zanzibar restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Zanzibar?
The Dining Room at The Palms, Zanzibar in Bwejuu is the benchmark table — Contemporary Swahili & Seafood, acclaimed local fine dining, around TZS 150,000-250,000 / USD 60-100 per person. Order the Pan-seared Red Snapper with coconut curry, Lobster Thermidor
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Zanzibar?
The Dining Room at The Palms, Zanzibar in Bwejuu is the seafood table to book in Zanzibar (TZS 150,000-250,000 / USD 60-100 per person). Other strong options: Dining at The Rock Restaurant, Spice House Restaurant.
Where is the best Middle Eastern restaurant in Zanzibar?
Emerson on Hurumzi Tea House Restaurant in Stone Town is the Middle Eastern table to book in Zanzibar (TZS 90,000-180,000 / USD 35-70 per person).
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Zanzibar?
Upendo House Restaurant in Jambiani is the modern European table to book in Zanzibar (TZS 90,000-180,000 / USD 35-70 per person).
Where is the best Indian restaurant in Zanzibar?
Lukmaan Restaurant (Stone Town Fine Dining section) in Stone Town is the Indian table to book in Zanzibar (TZS 70,000-150,000 / USD 25-55 per person).
Where can I eat well in Zanzibar without spending a fortune?
Lukmaan Restaurant (Stone Town Fine Dining section) is the best-value table on this list at roughly TZS 70,000-150,000 / USD 25-55 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Forodhani Gardens Night Food Market, Lukmaan Restaurant (Ground Floor), Zanzibar Coffee House.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Zanzibar?
For top fine-dining establishments like The Palms or The Rock, booking 3-7 days in advance is crucial, particularly during high season. These unique venues fill up quickly due to their popularity and limited seating. Many higher-end restaurants, especially those in resorts or with set menus, may require a credit card guarantee or a small deposit for larger groups. Clarify cancellation policies to avoid no-show fees.
What food is Zanzibar famous for?
Zanzibari Pizza, Urojo (Zanzibar Mix), Pilau, Samaki wa Kupaka, Mishkaki — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. More like a savory crêpe or folded omelet, Zanzibari Pizza is a street food staple. A thin dough is stretched, filled with minced meat, vegetables, egg, and cheese, then folded into a square and fried on a griddle. Enjoy it at Forodhani Gardens, where it's cooked fresh to order, offering a delightful blend of textures and spices.
Planning the rest of Zanzibar?
The full Zanzibar guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Zanzibar travel guide