Must-see restaurants in Northern Tanzania

  • Blue Heron

    Arusha

    The pick of the garden restaurants that are a recurring theme in Arusha's east, the Blue Heron gets the tricky combination of lounge bar and family…

  • Hot Plate

    Arusha

    Delicious Indian food – including southern Indian specialities, plus some Punjabi and other dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian – is on offer here…

  • Khan's Barbecue

    Arusha

    This Arusha institution is an auto-spares shop by day (look for the Zubeda Auto Spares sign) and the best known of many earthy roadside barbecues around…

  • Fifi's

    Arusha

    Good for breakfast or a quiet afternoon coffee as well as for a more substantial meal, this chic bakery also serves up exciting dishes such as beef fillet…

  • Chinese Whispers

    Arusha

    Consistently ranked among Arusha's best restaurants, this place is beloved by the local expat community for its extensive, predominantly Chinese menu with…

  • Via Via

    Arusha

    Cultured and laid-back, with the best soundtrack of any restaurant in Arusha, this place along the river behind the Natural History Museum is a popular…

  • Spices & Herbs

    Arusha

    Unpretentious al fresco spot serving two menus: Ethiopian and Continental – ignore the latter and order injera (Ethiopian bread) soaked in beef, chicken…

  • Eight

    Arusha

    Arusha’s poshest menu features fresh ingredients and creative dishes such as slow-cooked West Kili lamb shanks. Seating is in the quiet dining room or in…

  • Le Patio

    Arusha

    Le Patio follows a tried-and-tested eastern-Arusha template: a large garden beneath shady trees, an open fire at its heart, a lounge bar and outdoor…

  • TapaSafari

    Arusha

    With a semi-outdoor setting, this restaurant and wine bar ticks many boxes. There are snacks, grills, pizza and pasta, but the real stars are the Spanish…

  • Chinese Dragon

    Arusha

    This place at the Gymkhana Club northeast of the centre is in the same family as the wonderful Shanghai. Service and decor are no-nonsense, and the food…

  • Africafé

    Arusha

    A fine refuge from the Boma Rd touts, this place has European-cafe vibes with prices to match. The menu is heavy on sandwiches, with other dishes such as…

  • Village Supermarket

    Arusha

    Part of the Njiro Hill Shopping Complex southeast of the centre, this place is one of Arusha's best-stocked supermarkets. There's a decent open-air food…

  • Cafe Barrista

    Arusha

    Great coffee is why this place exists, but try the chocolate croissant, or fill up with sandwiches, salads and wraps. There's also an internet cafe …

  • Bamboo by Fifi's

    Arusha

    Tasty baked goods, shakes and smoothies, salads and baguette sandwiches, plus an intriguing array of main dishes – all served in a bright, clean dining…

  • Universal Classic Restaurant

    Arusha

    A bigger-than-average selection of simple but hearty local food, with chicken curry, beef pilau and ugali (a maize or cassava-flour staple) roast beef…

  • Food Lover's Market

    Arusha

    A well-stocked, South African–run supermarket, conveniently located west of Arusha, just past Arusha Airport, en route to the national parks.

  • Arusha Naaz Hotel

    Arusha

    This unassuming place has a good-value all-you-can-eat lunch buffet and a large snack counter.

  • Paradise Garden

    Northern Tanzania

    Serves a few extras, such as vegetable curry and spaghetti bolognese, alongside the usual suspects (chicken and chips) in little huts. It’s on the main…

  • Shanghai

    Arusha

    Passable Chinese-owned restaurant with fast service and 'Far East meets the Wild West' decor – let's face it, when did a Chinese restaurant in Africa ever…

  • Blue Turaco Pizza Point

    Northern Tanzania

    The Blue Turaco Pizza Point, unmissable along the south side of the main road, makes good wood-fired pizzas. Seating is in a small courtyard area just…

  • Mirapot

    Arusha

    Mirapot serves local fish dishes, traditional beef stew, and chicken in coconut sauce, as well as burgers, sandwiches and decent local coffee.

  • McMoody’s

    Arusha

    A perennial favourite for burgers of all sorts, as well as pizzas, kebabs and other light meals.

  • Mwahingo Canteen

    Northern Tanzania

    Located at headquarters, Mwahingo Canteen does chicken, pilau, and beans and rice.

  • Biashara

    Arusha

    This small place has a big wine selection.