Best Restaurants in Zanzibar: Where to Eat on the Spice Island
Zanzibar’s food scene is a legitimate reflection of its history. You will taste Omani spices, Indian techniques, and African ingredients. Stone Town is the culinary core, but the coastlines offer world-class seafood. Expect a lot of coconut, cloves, ginger, and fresh catch. The dining landscape ranges from chaotic night markets to high-end spots perched on coral outcrops. Food here is affordable, flavorful, and rarely pretentious. This guide covers the best restaurants in Zanzibar to ensure you skip the tourist traps and eat like a local or a high-end traveler.
Must-Try Dishes in Zanzibar
Before booking a table, know what to order. These are the non-negotiable staples of the archipelago.
- Zanzibar Pizza: Not a traditional pizza. It is a thin dough filled with meat, vegetables, egg, and cheese (or sweet fillings), folded and fried on a crepe pan.
- Urojo (Zanzibar Mix): A tangy flour-based soup filled with crispy bhajias, boiled potatoes, shavings of cassava, and hot chutney. It is the ultimate Stone Town street food.
- Octopus Curry (Mchuzi wa Pweza): Fresh octopus simmered in heavy coconut milk and a blend of turmeric, coriander, and local spices.
- Pilau Rice: A fragrant, one-pot rice dish flavored with "pilau masala"—usually cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper.
- Biryani: Heavy Persian and Indian influence. Meat is cooked in a thick, spicy gravy and served alongside heaps of orange-tinted basmati rice.
- Mshakiki: Skewers of marinated beef or chicken grilled over open charcoal, usually found at night markets.
Best Restaurants for a Splurge
When you want to spend more for a specific atmosphere or elevated technique, these three spots lead the pack.
The Rock Restaurant (Michamvi Pingwe)
This is the most photographed restaurant in Zanzibar. Located on a literal rock in the Indian Ocean, you reach it by foot at low tide or by boat at high tide. It is small, so the experience feels exclusive. Focus on the "Rock Special"—a massive platter of grilled lobster, cigal, prawns, and calamari. The prices are high, but the 360-degree ocean view is unmatched.
Emerson Spice Tea House (Stone Town)
Located on a rooftop in the heart of the old city, this is a fixed-menu dining experience. You sit on floor cushions at low tables (traditional Swahili style) or standard seating. The five-course seafood-tasting menu changes daily based on the market. Expect sophisticated pairings like kingfish with passion fruit lime butter. You need to book weeks in advance for sunset.
Qambani (Michamvi)
Located within a luxury resort, the dining here feels private and curated. The kitchen prioritizes "farm-to-table" before it was a buzzword in Zanzibar. The menu leans Mediterranean-Swahili fusion. It is the place for a quiet, high-end dinner away from the Stone Town crowds, focusing on refined plating and incredibly fresh produce sourced from their own gardens.
Best Casual Restaurants and Local Favorites
These spots are where you’ll find consistent quality without the need for a formal dress code.
Lukmaan Restaurant (Stone Town)
Lukmaan is an institution. It is a cafeteria-style spot where you point at what you want. It is loud, busy, and the food is excellent. Order the octopus curry or the biryani. It is frequented by locals and savvy travelers alike. The fresh fruit juices are massive and made to order. There is no better place for an authentic, casual lunch.
Emerson on Hurumzi (Stone Town)
Similar to its sister property Emerson Spice, but slightly more relaxed for lunch. The rooftop offers panoramic views of the Minarets and the ocean. While dinner is a formal affair, lunch is a great way to experience the high-end Swahili atmosphere at a lower price point. Try the Persian-influenced stews and the house-made chutneys.
Fisherman’s Grill (Nungwi)
Located on the northern tip of the island, this is the best spot for casual beachfront dining. The tables are set directly in the sand. While many Nungwi spots are mediocre, Fisherman’s Grill maintains high standards for its grilled snapper and prawns. It is the perfect place to eat fresh seafood while watching the dhows sail past at sunset.
Archipelago Waterfront (Stone Town)
This restaurant sits right on the harbor. It is simple, breezy, and reliable. The menu features a mix of seafood pasta, grilled fish, and traditional curries. It is particularly good for an afternoon break when the Stone Town heat becomes too much. The ginger house lemonade is a local legend and a must-order.
Best Cheap Eats and Street Food
Where to eat in Zanzibar on a budget. These locations offer the most flavor per shilling.
Forodhani Gardens Night Market
Every evening, this park transforms into a giant outdoor food court. You will see dozens of stalls under lanterns. This is where you get the "Zanzibar Pizza." Watch the chefs prep them with lightning speed. Also, look for the stalls selling freshly pressed sugarcane juice with ginger and lime. Avoid the pre-cooked seafood skewers; stick to things cooked fresh in front of you.
Babu Bi (Stone Town)
Located near the ferry terminal, this is a legendary spot for Urojo (Zanzibar Mix). It is a humble stall, but the flavor profile is complex and spicy. It is mostly a morning and early afternoon snack. If the locals are lining up with bowls in hand, you are in the right place. It is incredibly cheap and filling.
Passing Show Hotel (Stone Town)
Despite the name, it is a restaurant, not a hotel. This is widely considered the home of the best pilau in Zanzibar. It is a no-frills local canteen. The portions are huge, the prices are low, and the service is fast. It is the quintessential spot for a heavy, traditional Zanzibari lunch among office workers and shopkeepers.
Jaws Corner
This isn't a restaurant with a menu, but a social hub in the middle of Stone Town's labyrinth. Go here for Arabic-style ginger coffee (black and strong) served in tiny ceramic cups. Locals gather here to play bao and discuss politics. You can find small fried snacks (bhajias) being sold by mobile vendors nearby to pair with your coffee.
Best Breakfast and Brunch
Start your day with high-quality coffee and fresh tropical fruit.
Puzzle Coffee Shop (Stone Town)
If you need a real espresso or a flat white, go here. Zanzibar is famous for its spices, but finding high-quality "third-wave" coffee can be difficult. Puzzle fills that gap. They also serve excellent avocado toast, smoothie bowls, and pastries. The interior is modern and air-conditioned, providing a rare reprieve from the humidity.
Stone Town Café (Stone Town)
A classic spot on a busy walking street. They serve a "Swahili Breakfast" that includes spiced tea, fresh fruit, and local breads. It is great for people-watching. The service is friendly, and the menu is extensive, ranging from full English breakfasts to lighter fruit and yogurt options.
Shanti Cafe (Paje)
Located on the east coast, this is the go-to for the kite-surfing crowd. The vibe is laid-back and health-conscious. They specialize in vegetarian and vegan-friendly brunch options, including massive smoothie bowls and fresh juices. It is breezy, open-air, and the perfect transition point before heading to the beach.
Best Rooftop or View Dining
Zanzibar’s architecture is best viewed from above.
Tea House Restaurant (Stone Town)
As mentioned, this is located at the top of Emerson Spice. It offers a 360-degree view of the Stone Town skyline. You can hear the call to prayer echoing from the surrounding mosques while you eat. The sunset here is arguably the best on the island. It is the gold standard for atmospheric dining.
6 Degrees South (Stone Town)
While the food is a solid mix of international and Swahili, the rooftop bar and dining area are the real draws. It overlooks the Indian Ocean and the main coastal road. It is more modern and "lounge-y" than the traditional rooftop spots, making it a great place for cocktails and grilled calamari before a night out.
Best Food Neighborhoods to Wander
Stone Town (The Hub): You cannot claim to have explored the best restaurants in Zanzibar without getting lost here. Every alleyway has a hidden tea spot or a hole-in-the-wall biryani shop. Focus on the area around the Shangani and Hurumzi streets.
Paje (The East Coast): This is the heart of the "cool" food scene. Because of the international kite-surfing community, you will find more experimental fusion, healthy cafes, and beachfront taco spots alongside traditional seafood huts.
Nungwi & Kendwa (The North): This is where you go for the classic "sand between your toes" dining experience. While more commercial, the sheer volume of beachfront grills makes it the best place for a seafood crawl.
Note: Restaurant hours and reservation requirements in Zanzibar fluctuate frequently based on the season and local holidays.