Best Restaurants & Street Food: Zanzibar, Tanzania
If you've ever dreamed of eating grilled octopus on a beach while the Indian Ocean laps at your feet, Zanzibar is about to ruin every other food destination for you. This spice-scented archipelago off the coast of Tanzania serves up some of East Africa's most vibrant and flavourful cuisine, blending Swahili, Arab, Indian, and Portuguese influences into something truly unforgettable. Whether you're hunting for a five-dollar street snack or a candlelit seafood dinner, Zanzibar delivers at every price point.
Overview
Zanzibar is an autonomous archipelago within Tanzania, with Unguja (commonly called Zanzibar Island) being the main island and home to the capital, Zanzibar City. Known historically as a hub of the spice trade, the island produces cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom — ingredients you'll taste woven through nearly every dish. The food culture here is deeply tied to the sea, so expect an abundance of fresh fish, crab, lobster, and prawns. The main foodie hub is Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the beach villages along the north and east coasts have their own thriving restaurant scenes worth exploring.
Essential Information
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but USD is widely accepted in tourist areas. Most restaurants quote prices in USD.
- Budget guide: Street food costs $1–$3 per item. Mid-range restaurants run $10–$20 per person. Upscale dining averages $30–$60 per person with drinks.
- Best time to visit: June to October (dry season) is ideal. The long rains fall from March to May, when some venues close or reduce hours.
- Tipping: A 10% tip is appreciated and not always included in the bill. Always check before adding your own.
- Dietary needs: Vegetarian options are plentiful. Halal food is widely available given the island's predominantly Muslim population. Vegan requests are increasingly accommodated in tourist-facing restaurants.
- Water: Drink bottled water only. Most restaurants serve it, typically $1–$2 per bottle.
Where to Eat
Forodhani Gardens Night Market (Stone Town) — This is the single most unmissable food experience in Zanzibar. Every evening from around 6pm, the waterfront park in Stone Town transforms into a smoky, buzzing street food market. Grab Zanzibar pizza (a stuffed savoury crepe), grilled lobster, Urojo soup (a tangy coconut-and-potato broth), and fresh sugar cane juice. Budget around $5–$10 for a satisfying spread. Go early for the best selection before it sells out.
The Rock Restaurant (Michanvi Pingwe, East Coast) — Perched dramatically on a coral rock in the ocean and accessible by boat at high tide, The Rock is arguably one of the most photogenic restaurants in the world. The menu focuses on fresh seafood — think buttered lobster and grilled catch of the day. Expect to pay $40–$70 per person. Book at least two weeks ahead; it fills up fast.
Emerson Spice Rooftop (Stone Town) — Set inside a restored 19th-century merchant's house, this rooftop tea house and restaurant serves a fixed Swahili menu that changes nightly. The views over Stone Town's rooftops are spectacular at sunset. Dinner is around $35 per person and includes several traditional courses. Reserve in advance.
Mrembo Restaurant (Nungwi, North Coast) — If you're staying up north, Mrembo is a local favourite serving honest home-style Swahili cooking at fair prices ($8–$15 per meal). The coconut fish curry and pilau rice are outstanding. The crowd is a healthy mix of locals and travellers, always a good sign.
Lukmaan Restaurant (Stone Town) — A no-frills local canteen that has been feeding Stone Town residents for decades. Plates of biryani, lentil stew, and grilled meats cost under $5. Line up, point at what looks good, and eat elbow-to-elbow with the locals. This is street-level Zanzibar at its best.
Getting There
Plan your trip to Zanzibar
Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) receives direct flights from Nairobi (Kenya Airways, approximately 1.5 hours), Dar es Salaam (multiple daily connections, around 20 minutes), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines). From Europe, most travellers connect via Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Doha. From North America and Australia, expect at least two connections. Return flights from Europe to ZNZ typically range from $700–$1,100 depending on the season. A ferry from Dar es Salaam is also an option, taking roughly 2 hours and costing around $35–$50 each way.
Accommodation Options
- Budget ($20–$60/night): Flamingo Guesthouse and Malindi Guesthouse in Stone Town offer clean, characterful rooms in the heart of the old city.
- Mid-range ($80–$200/night): 236 Hurumzi Hotel is a stunning boutique option in Stone Town. For beach access, Pwani Mchangani has several solid mid-range resorts along the northeast coast.
- Luxury ($250+/night): Zuri Zanzibar, Mnemba Island Lodge, and Baraza Resort & Spa consistently top the lists for