6 Degrees South Grill & Wine Bar

Whether it's the catch of the day, a beef barbecue (mishkaki), or something exotic like the coconut-dusted octopus, this restaurant has an extensive menu presenting you the rich flavours of Spice Island. Happy hour specials are from 7 pm to 9 pm daily. Enjoy the view from the rooftop bar!

• Web:

  www.6degreessouth.co.tz

• E-mail:

  info@6degreessouth.co.tz

• Address:

  Shangani Waterfront, Stone Town

• Phone:

  +255 62 064 4611

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–midnight

Abyssinian Maritim

Try a stew platter served on injera (flatbread) and wash it down with a fresh smoothie, or join a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, all this in a charming Africa-inspired stetting.

• E-mail:

  abyssinian.maritim@gmail.com

• Address:

  Vuga Roundabout, Kenyatta Road, Zanzibar Town

• Phone:

  +255 772 940 556

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Mon noon–3pm / 6pm–10pm

Al-Jabry

This is one of those restaurants that don't need an intricate design concept to attract visitors —the rich local flavours will do the job. The best place to try boko-boko, a porridge soup made of meat, usually beef.

• Web:

  www.facebook.com/aljabryrestaurant

• Address:

  Tharia Street, Zanzibar Town

• Phone:

  +255 772 766 425

Chef's Baking Shop — Nungwi

Don't expect regular fish or chicken at Chef's: meals are spiced up with curry sauce or coconut gravy, and vegetable sides are just as appetising as the main dish that caught your attention.

• Address:

  Nungwi Supermarket, Zanzibar, Tanzania

• Phone:

  +255 784 461 135

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–10:30pm

Lukmaan Restaurant

An award-winning restaurant conquering tourists and locals as well: there is hardly any better place on the island to get a taste of Zanzibari cuisine. Try the octopus curry, and freshen up with a delicious fruit smoothie!

• Address:

  The Mkunazini Baobab tree, New Mkunazini Road, Zanzibar

• Phone:

  +255 778 939 710

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–11pm

Secret Garden & Tea House

Both venues belong to Emerson Spice and offer an exclusive dining experience in the heart of Stone Town. At Tea House, demand is high for the five-course rooftop dinners and the "Sundowner" drinks, while Secret Garden is famed for its Zanzibar-inspired à la carte lunch, served in a hidden romantic ruin garden.

• Web:

  www.emersonzanzibar.com/restaurants/emerson-spice-secret-garden

• E-mail:

  es.reception@emersonzanzibar.com

• Address:

  Tharia Street, Stone Town

• Phone:

  +255 774 483 483

• Opening hours:

  Daily. Lunch noon–4pm, dinner 6pm–10pm

B4 Beach Club (Paje)

A laid-back beach bar priding itself on being the first location dedicated to electronic music in East Africa. They most probably prepare the best burgers you'll ever have on the beaches of Zanzibar! Additionally, regular visitors are given a discount on a kite-surfing course. Events are organised weekly.

• Web:

  www.b4beach.club

• E-mail:

  contact@b4beach.club

• Address:

  Beach Paje

• Phone:

  +255 778 672 715

Coccobello (Nungwi)

One of the hottest nightspots of Nungwi with live entertainment every night of the week. Food is also served. Wednesday and Sunday nights are the most happening, when the party doesn't stop until 5am. No haggling — just dancing, drinks and a great time.

• Address:

  Nungwi

• Phone:

  +255 773 515 752

Kendwa Rocks (Nungwi)

There's a lot more to Kendwa than an exclusive hotel-restaurant: it is rumoured to throw some of the best parties in entire Zanzibar. Their monthly Full Moon Parties with grills and acrobat shows are the most talked about events on the island!

• Web:

  www.kendwarocks.com

• E-mail:

  frontofficemanager@kendwarocks.com

• Address:

  Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel, Nungwi

• Phone:

  +255 774 415 475

• More info:

  Book tickets for Full Moon Parties in advance

Mercury's Bar

Another tribute to the music legend born on this island, Mercury's bar plays live music every weekend, but also welcomes visitors with special cocktails and freshly caught fish throughout the whole week.

• Address:

  Mizingani Road, Zanzibar Town

• Phone:

  +255 777 413 081

Rooftops Bar at Z Hotel (Nungwi)

With its idyllic location, happy hours, and refreshing colourful cocktails, Rooftops is the number one place to watch the sunset in entire Nungwi.

• Web:

  www.thezhotel.com

• Address:

  Nungwi

• Phone:

  +255 774 266 266

Sunset Bar at the Africa House

At every sunset, the rooftop bar of the Africa House Hotel fills up with the loud chatter tourists, taking in the golden view over a refreshing cocktail and some crispy samosas.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/africahousesunset

• Address:

  Shangani Street, Stone Town

• Phone:

  +255 777 360 982

• More info:

  Across the street from Shangani Gardens

Cafe Africa Shops

An eclectic small cafe you'll probably accidentally come across after getting lost in the buzzing alleyways of Stone Town. Stop by for a coffee and browse the adorable handmade souvenirs!

• Address:

  Soko Muhogo Street, Zanzibar Town

• Phone:

  +255 628 223 094

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 8am–8am, Sun closed

Jaw’s Corner

Jaw’s Corner is a unique square where men gather in the early morning to socialise and bond over cups of black Zanzibar coffee. There are certain things in life that don't need any sweetening: the Zanzibari coffee, or these few lines about Jaw's Corner. Just grab a cup, and listen to the stories of locals.

• Address:

  Stone Town

• More info:

  Close to the St Josephs Cathedral

Mr Kahawa

A vibrant beach-side lodge and cafe with fresh coffee and healthy munchies, daily three-course menu, a craft shop on site, and a laid-back atmosphere that will make you want to extend your stay in Paje.

• Web:

  www.mrkahawa.com/restaurant-coffee

• E-mail:

  info@mrkahawa.com

• Address:

  Paje Beach

• Phone:

  +255 628 240 713

Puzzle Coffee Shop

A flagship cafe in Zanzibar offering premium Brazilian coffee and treats like the famous cheese bread, plus workshops for true lovers of caffeine.

• Web:

  www.puzzlecoffeeshop.com

• E-mail:

  puzzle@puzzlecoffeeshop.com

• Address:

  Shangani 74, Stone Town

• Phone:

  +255 714 699 117

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun closed

Stone Town Cafe

Part of a cosy B&B, this place will make you feel at home even if you only drop in for a quick coffee or meal. Their quesadillas and avocado toast never disappoint.

• Address:

  Kenyatta Road, Zanzibar Town

• Phone:

  +255 778 373 737

Zanzibar Coffee House

A quaint cafe with an extensive coffee list including everything from the classics to iced and bulletproof coffee, to be had with sandwiches, a light lunch, or freshly baked scones and brownies, in a setting reminiscent of colonial times.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/zanzibarcoffeehouse

• E-mail:

  zanzibarcoffeehouse@gmail.com

• Address:

  1563, 64 Mkunazini Street, Zanzibar

• Phone:

  +255 242 239 219