10 Best Restaurants in Zanzibar, Tanzania

If you're looking for a sunset cocktail with views of the Zanzibar ocean, then head on over to 6 Degrees on Shangani Street. Fresh, modern Afro-Continental cuisine such as generously sized burgers and steaks grilled on the flame are served in a relaxed, breezy atmosphere under a large double-story terrace that's decked out with modern, white loungers. Inside is a voluminous, bright space with couches scattered around a spiral staircase that leads to an additional dining space. The meals comes at a price, but the fresh take on upscale dining is a welcome change in Stone Town.

With stunning views past the city's minarets to the harbor where dhows are setting out to sea, this rooftop restaurant is a wonderful homage to Stone Towns' rich and varied past. Dining is done at low wooden tables with plush patterned cushions, billowing fabric, and hanging lanterns, and traditional etiquette and customs are observed as you enjoy a journey back in time through the history of the region using storytelling, delicious food, and music.

Ascend up the winding staircase past the eclectic collection of artwork to a bright and sunny sundeck with an infinity pool overlooking downtown Stone Town. This is the spot for sunset cocktails, vibey DJ music, and delicious nibbles---the menu is a fusion of Indian, Mediterranean, and Swahili flavors like tuna and compressed watermelon and ponzu or pan seared octopus and chorizo with a chimichurri chased down with a spiced mango daiquiri. Don't come in your flip-flops and safari khakis as this place calls for more refreshingly cool attire.

The only fully traditional Ethiopian restaurant in Zanzibar, Abyssinian has all the staples---kitfo (beef tartare) in mitmita (chili powder marinade), injera (sourdough bread), doro wat (fragrant chicken stew), and of course, Tej (honey wine) and coffee; it's a simple but tasty menu that's perfect for sharing with groups and friends. Tucked along the edges of the busy Vuga traffic roundabout on the edge of Stone Town, inside a charming and cozy courtyard, this is truly an authentic Ethiopian dining experience.

One of those dining experiences that seems to be a rite of passage for visitors to Stone Town, guests ascend a mammoth series of stairs that leads to the rooftop dining area and an expansive view over Stone Town. A seasonal five-course degustation menu of tasty Swahili-inspired seafood cuisine ranges from prawns and grilled fish to slivers of seared beef in traditional spices. While the famous owner Mr. Emerson himself is no longer alive, his spirit lives on. Reservations are for a single seating at 7 pm sharp and must be prebooked. You are encouraged to arrive early for a wondrous sundowner to the sound of evening call to prayer across the rooftops.

A tiny blue-lined door frame and the fine printed "Lazuli" sign are all that let you know that you have found this little street-side cafe. The large wraps and fruit smoothies are prepared with fresh, local ingredients. There are only a few tables, and service can be glacial, but the smoothies are worth it on a hot and humid day. Wait for a quiet moment in the day, take a book, and escape the crowds and island heat to enjoy an icy avocado and coconut blast from heaven.

Sitting on a small terrace that overlooks the colorful and lively streets of downtown Stone Town, this Japanese restaurant—the only one on the island—offers up small share plates of Asian-inspired fusion food. The wide selection of freshly prepared seafood dishes and good service make this a good bet for any occasion.

This waterside hangout, named after Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury, who was born just a couple of blocks away, serves up the basics like pizzas and burgers in simple surroundings. The wooden terrace overlooking the ocean is ideal for sunset drinks or a pre-ferry drinks pit stop.

Locals and expats in the know have this as their go-to stop for a good, hearty meal with a cold beer and a charming atmosphere undisturbed by the tourist trail. Expect a full plate---burgers, grilled chicken, and chips---and a good beer at a decent price with an unassuming local atmosphere; this is not the place for cocktails and wine. This is where you untuck, kick back, have an icy cold beer (or two) and watch the Zanzibar beach life go by while chatting to friends. 

If there is one place to get a good cup of locally brewed African coffee it's the unassuming Zanzibar Coffee house, a sweet paradise tucked in amid the houses to the alleyways. There might not be any Wi-Fi in the back thanks to the thick walls common in a traditional Arabic house, but it is a cool and deliciously simple café. There are even some great keepsakes for sale. Head up the series of stairs to the charming rooftop coffeehouse for a more specialized coffee and snack experience.