Where to Eat in Tanzania: Best Restaurants, Bars & Food Guide (2025)

After days of safari picnic lunches and camp dinners, you’ll be craving some proper restaurant meals. Tanzania’s food scene might surprise you—from international cuisine in Arusha to fresh seafood in Zanzibar and rooftop cocktails in Stone Town, there’s something for every palate and budget.

We ate our way through Tanzania during our 10-day adventure, and these are the restaurants and bars we’d return to in a heartbeat.

💡 Quick Tip: Tanzania uses Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), but most tourist restaurants also accept USD. Expect to pay $10-20 per person for mid-range meals, $5-10 for local spots, and $25+ for upscale dining.

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Where to Eat in Arusha

Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania, and its restaurant scene caters to international travelers craving familiar flavors after days in the bush. While there are plenty of local eateries serving traditional Tanzanian cuisine, we found ourselves drawn to spots offering international comfort food.

Eat Me Restaurant

💰 Price Range: $12-18 per person
Cuisine: International, Burgers, Pizza
Best for: Post-safari comfort food, groups, casual dining

This restaurant became our go-to spot in Arusha—so good that we ate here twice during our stay!

Location & Ambiance:

Eat Me is conveniently located close to one of the main roads in Arusha, though it’s tucked away in a corner that makes it feel like a local secret. Don’t worry—just follow the signs, and you’ll find a lovely terrace that feels worlds away from the bustling streets outside.

The outdoor seating is spacious and relaxed, with greenery creating a pleasant dining atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over your meal without feeling rushed.

What We Ordered:

The mini burger combo was an absolute winner. It comes with three different types of mini burgers, each with unique toppings and flavor profiles. This is perfect if you can’t decide on just one burger—you get to try a variety! Every single one was juicy, well-seasoned, and served with crispy fries.

The pizzas are also excellent—thin crust, generous toppings, and properly cooked in what we assume is a proper pizza oven. After days of safari picnic lunches with sandwiches and fruit, this felt like a proper feast.

Why We Loved It:

After several days of repetitive safari picnic food (bread, cheese, fruit, repeat), we were desperately craving international flavors. Eat Me delivered exactly what we needed—familiar, comforting, delicious food with excellent service.

Value for Money:

Yes, it’s pricier than local Tanzanian eateries where you can eat for $3-5. But considering the quality, portion sizes, ambiance, and service, we think it’s absolutely worth it. You’re paying $12-18 for a satisfying meal that would cost $20-25 in most Western countries.

💡 Pro Tip: Go during sunset if possible—the terrace has a lovely atmosphere as the evening cools down. The restaurant can get busy, especially on weekends, so consider making a reservation.

What to Order:

• Mini burger combo (must-try!)
• Margherita or pepperoni pizza
• Their fresh juices
• Local Kilimanjaro beer to toast your safari adventures

If you’re staying at Arusha Backpackers Hostel, Eat Me is just a short walk or quick taxi ride away—perfect for your pre-safari or post-safari dinner.

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Where to Eat in Nungwi (Zanzibar)

Nungwi is a food lover’s paradise. The combination of fresh seafood, international restaurants, beachfront dining, and stunning sunset views creates an unforgettable culinary experience. During our five days in Zanzibar, we tried numerous restaurants, and these three stood out.

Badolina Bungalows Restaurant

💰 Price Range: $15-25 per person
Cuisine: International, Seafood, Zanzibari
Best for: Romantic dinners, special occasions, foodies

Even if you’re not staying at Badolina Bungalows, their restaurant is absolutely worth a visit. This is hands-down one of the best dining experiences we had in all of Zanzibar.

The Setting:

The restaurant’s design is absolutely gorgeous—think Swahili elegance meets modern boutique aesthetics. Carved wooden furniture, flowing white fabrics, candlelight, and lush tropical gardens create an atmosphere that’s both romantic and relaxed. You’re close enough to hear the ocean but protected from any wind.

The Food:

Everything—and I mean everything—is delicious. The menu offers a beautiful variety:

• Fresh seafood (octopus, prawns, lobster, fish of the day)
• Zanzibari curries with coconut and spices
• Italian-inspired pasta dishes
• Creative vegetarian options
• Perfectly grilled meats

The Cocktails:

Don’t skip the cocktails! They make creative tropical drinks with fresh ingredients, and presentation is Instagram-worthy. The sunset cocktail hour (around 6 PM) is magical.

Our Experience:

We kept coming back for dinner because the quality was consistently excellent. The à la carte breakfast (if you’re staying there) lets you try something different each morning—from tropical fruit platters to traditional Zanzibari breakfast to eggs benedict.

Service:

The staff is attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely warm. They remember your preferences and make excellent recommendations.

💡 Pro Tip: Make a reservation, especially for dinner during high season. Request a table in the garden for the most romantic atmosphere, or near the pool if you want a livelier vibe.

Must-Order Dishes:

• Fresh grilled octopus with lime
• Coconut fish curry
• Their signature cocktails
• Homemade desserts (the chocolate lava cake!)

Ciao Nungwi

💰 Price Range: $10-18 per pizza
Cuisine: Italian, Neapolitan Pizza
Best for: Beach dining, pizza lovers, casual lunch or dinner

If you’re craving authentic Italian pizza in Zanzibar, Ciao Nungwi is your spot.

Location:

Right on the beach, part of a small food court area where several restaurants cluster together. You can literally dig your toes in the sand while waiting for your pizza. The location is perfect for watching the sunset while enjoying your meal.

The Pizza:

These are proper Neapolitan-style pizzas—thin, chewy crust with charred spots, fresh mozzarella, and quality toppings. You can taste the difference when pizza is made by someone who knows what they’re doing.

All the pizzas are genuinely great, making it hard to pick just one. The margherita is perfect in its simplicity, showcasing quality ingredients. The seafood options feature fresh local catches. The classic Italian combinations (prosciutto, quattro formaggi) are executed flawlessly.

The Vibe:

Casual, beachy, unpretentious. Families, couples, and groups of friends all feel at home here. Service is friendly and relatively quick despite the beachfront setting.

Why We Loved It:

After rich Zanzibari curries and seafood feasts, sometimes you just want a simple, perfect pizza. Ciao delivers exactly that—no fuss, just delicious Italian food with the bonus of being steps from the ocean.

💡 Pro Tip: Go for sunset and arrive around 5:30-6 PM to secure a good beach-view table. The pizza oven is wood-fired, so there might be a wait during busy times—order a drink and enjoy the view!

What to Order:

• Margherita (test of any good pizzeria)
• Seafood pizza with local catch
• Quattro stagioni for variety
• Local beer or fresh coconut water

Fish Market Local Restaurant

💰 Price Range: $8-15 per person
Cuisine: Seafood, Zanzibari, Grill
Best for: Budget travelers, seafood lovers, authentic local experience

This is where locals and savvy travelers come for fresh, affordable seafood right on the beach.

What Makes It Special:

The “Fish Market” concept means you often see the day’s catch displayed—you pick your fish, prawns, or octopus, tell them how you want it prepared (grilled, fried, in curry), and they cook it fresh. You can’t get much more authentic than this.

Location & Setting:

Right on the beach with simple wooden tables and chairs. The setting is casual and unpretentious—you’re here for the food and the ocean view, not fancy decor. Perfect for lunch after snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll.

The Food:

The seafood is incredibly fresh and well-prepared. Grilled fish comes with sides like coconut rice, chips (fries), or ugali (traditional maize porridge). The portions are generous, and the prices are excellent for the quality.

The Smoothies:

Don’t sleep on their natural smoothies! Made with fresh tropical fruits—mango, passion fruit, papaya, pineapple—they’re thick, refreshing, and great value for money. Perfect for the Zanzibar heat.

Why Visit:

If you want authentic Zanzibari seafood without the boutique hotel prices, this is your spot. It’s also a great way to support local businesses rather than only eating at international chains.

What to Expect:

• Simple, local atmosphere
• Super fresh seafood
• Friendly, casual service
• Great value for money
• Beach views while you eat

💡 Pro Tip: Go for lunch rather than dinner—the atmosphere is livelier, and you can better appreciate the beach setting. Don’t expect fancy plating or quick service; this is slow, relaxed island dining.

What to Order:

• Grilled octopus with lime
• Whole grilled fish (snapper or kingfish)
• Prawns in coconut curry
• Coconut rice
• Passion fruit smoothie

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Where to Drink in Stone Town

Stone Town’s rooftop bar scene is legendary. There’s something magical about sipping a cocktail while watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean, with the call to prayer echoing across the ancient rooftops. This is the soul of Zanzibar.

6 Degrees South

💰 Price Range: $5-10 per cocktail
Vibe: Upscale rooftop bar, sunset views, stylish crowd
Best for: Sunset cocktails, special occasions, couples

This is, without a doubt, our favorite spot for cocktails and sunset views in Stone Town. If you only visit one rooftop bar in Zanzibar, make it this one.

The Space:

The bar is absolutely huge—multiple levels, different seating areas, and various vantage points. But here’s the insider tip: go all the way up the stairs to the very top level for the absolute best sunset views over Stone Town. Many people stop at the first terrace level, but the magic happens higher up.

The Views:

From the top level, you get unobstructed 360-degree views of Stone Town’s iconic rooftops, the harbor with traditional dhow boats, and the Indian Ocean stretching to the horizon. As the sun sets, the whole city turns golden, and the ancient buildings glow. It’s genuinely breathtaking.

The Drinks:

The cocktail menu is extensive and creative. You’ll find classic cocktails executed well, plus tropical inventions featuring local ingredients like Zanzibari spices, fresh coconut, and exotic fruits. The bartenders know what they’re doing.

The Atmosphere:

Sophisticated but not stuffy. You’ll find a mix of travelers, expats, and locals enjoying the views and drinks. The music is usually low-key—think chill house or acoustic—allowing for conversation without shouting.

Value for Money:

This is one of the pricier bars in Stone Town, but the experience is absolutely worth it. At $8-10 per cocktail, you’re paying for the ambiance, views, quality drinks, and prime location. Compared to similar rooftop bars in major cities worldwide, it’s actually very reasonable.

Our Experience:

We visited multiple times during our Stone Town stay. Each sunset seemed more beautiful than the last. The staff remembered us on our second visit and greeted us warmly—that personal touch makes all the difference.

💡 Pro Tip: Arrive around 5:30-6 PM to secure a prime spot before sunset (around 6:30 PM). The bar gets crowded during high season. If you can’t get a top-level seat immediately, grab drinks at a lower level and move up when spots open—people cycle through as the sunset ends.

What to Order:

• Zanzibar Sunset (their signature cocktail)
• Passion fruit mojito
• Classic gin & tonic with local spices
• Fresh coconut with rum

Dress Code: Smart casual. No tank tops or flip-flops for men, though enforcement isn’t strict. It’s more about respecting the upscale atmosphere.

If you’re staying at Dhow Palace Hotel, 6 Degrees South is just a short walk through the winding streets of Stone Town.

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Where to Eat in Stone Town

Stone Town’s restaurant scene beautifully blends international cuisine with Swahili flavors. The setting—historic buildings with carved doors, open balconies, and views over the bustling streets—adds magic to every meal.

Out in Afrika

💰 Price Range: $12-20 per person
Cuisine: International, Burgers, Grills, Seafood
Best for: Dinner with live music, balcony dining, groups

Out in Afrika quickly became our evening ritual during our time in Stone Town. We found ourselves returning night after night, drawn by the food, atmosphere, and unbeatable location.

The Setting:

The restaurant occupies a beautiful historic building with a spacious balcony overlooking one of Stone Town’s main thoroughfares. Sitting on that balcony, watching the vibrant street life below while enjoying your meal, is quintessential Zanzibar.

The interior has character—exposed stone walls, wooden beams, vintage photographs, and atmospheric lighting create a warm, welcoming vibe that feels both authentic and comfortable.

The Food:

The burgers are outstanding—juicy, well-seasoned, and served with crispy fries. After days of seafood and Zanzibari cuisine, these burgers hit the spot perfectly. They offer several varieties (beef, chicken, vegetarian) with creative toppings.

The menu is diverse enough to please everyone:

• Excellent grilled meats
• Fresh seafood prepared various ways
• Pasta dishes
• Zanzibari specialties
• Vegetarian options

Everything we tried was consistently good. You can tell the kitchen takes pride in their work.

The Drinks:

The bar is well-stocked, and the cocktails are excellent. We particularly enjoyed sipping drinks on the balcony as the evening cooled down. They also have good local beers and an international wine selection.

Live Music:

This is what elevated our experience from good to unforgettable. We visited on the weekend, and they had live music—local musicians playing a mix of Taarab (traditional Swahili music), reggae, and acoustic covers. The music was perfect volume—loud enough to enjoy but quiet enough to have conversations.

Eating delicious food, sipping cocktails, listening to live music, and watching the vibrant Stone Town street life below made for some of our favorite evenings in Tanzania.

The Location:

Unbeatable. You’re in the heart of Stone Town, walking distance from major attractions like the Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens, and the famous carved doors. Perfect for dinner after exploring the city.

Service:

Friendly, attentive, and genuinely warm. The staff clearly takes pride in their restaurant and wants you to have a great experience.

💡 Pro Tip: Request a balcony table when you arrive, especially if you’re coming for dinner. Check their schedule for live music nights—it’s usually weekends, but it can vary. Arrive early (around 7 PM) to secure the best balcony spots.

What to Order:

• Any of the burgers (seriously, they’re all good)
• Grilled octopus
• Seafood platter if you’re sharing
• Their signature cocktails
• Local Serengeti beer

Perfect For:

• Your first dinner in Stone Town to get oriented
• Celebrating the end of your Tanzania adventure
• Date night with live music
• Groups who can’t agree on cuisine

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Other Notable Mentions

Forodhani Gardens Night Market (Stone Town)

💰 Price Range: $2-5 per item
Best for: Street food, local atmosphere, budget eating

Every evening, Forodhani Gardens transforms into a bustling night market with dozens of food stalls. You’ll find:

• Zanzibar pizza (a unique creation—more like a stuffed crepe)
• Seafood skewers and grills
• Sugar cane juice
• Urojo soup (Zanzibar mix)
• Samosas and bhajias

It’s touristy but authentically so—locals eat here too. The atmosphere is electric, and the food is incredibly cheap. Perfect for adventurous eaters on a budget.

Karambezi Café (Stone Town)

A stunning seafront restaurant built on rocks jutting into the ocean. The views are incredible, especially at sunset. The food is good (seafood-focused), though pricier than other Stone Town options. Worth it for the setting alone.

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Tanzania Food Tips

What to Expect:

International Food: Tourist areas (Arusha, Nungwi, Stone Town) have excellent international restaurants—Italian, Indian, burgers, pizza, Thai.

Seafood Paradise: Zanzibar’s seafood is incredibly fresh and affordable. Octopus, prawns, lobster, and daily catch are available everywhere.

Spicy Factor: Zanzibari food has Indian influences and can be spicy. Ask about spice levels if you’re sensitive.

Service Pace: “Pole pole” (slowly, slowly) is the Swahili motto. Service is relaxed. Don’t rush—you’re in Africa!

Tipping:

• Restaurants: 10% is standard for good service
• Casual spots: Round up or add a few dollars
• Beach vendors: Negotiate prices upfront, no tipping expected

Food Safety:

Stick to bottled water. The restaurants we recommended are all safe for Western stomachs. Be more cautious at local street food stalls—look for busy spots with high turnover.

Budget Planning:

• Budget meals: $5-8 per person (local spots, street food)
• Mid-range: $12-20 per person (most of our recommendations)
• Upscale: $25-40 per person (Badolina, Karambezi, fine dining)

For a complete cost breakdown of food and other expenses, check our Tanzania budget guide.

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Final Thoughts: Our Top Picks

Best Overall Restaurant: Badolina Bungalows (Nungwi)
Best Value: Fish Market Local Restaurant (Nungwi)
Best Pizza: Ciao Nungwi
Best Burgers: Out in Afrika (Stone Town)
Best Rooftop Bar: 6 Degrees South (Stone Town)
Best Live Music: Out in Afrika (Stone Town)
Best Sunset Dining: Any beachfront spot in Nungwi
Best Local Experience: Forodhani Gardens Night Market (Stone Town)

Tanzania’s food scene exceeded our expectations. Whether you’re craving comfort food after a safari, fresh seafood by the ocean, or sunset cocktails over ancient rooftops, you’ll find something delicious.

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What’s your favorite restaurant in Tanzania? Drop a comment below and share your recommendations! 🍕🦞🍹