Stone Town Café

Stone Town Café sits on Kenyatta Road in Shangani, one of the main streets of the old town, and works as both a café and a small guesthouse. According to Adventure Life, the building is still owned by the Swahili family of the Arab merchant who built it more than a century ago, and it has been restored to keep its original character, with Zanzibari canopy beds in the guest rooms upstairs.

The café is on the ground floor. Breakfast is served in the shade of palm trees, and the interior is air-conditioned, a welcome relief in the heat of the day, with smoking allowed only outside. Altezza Travel's 2026 Stone Town guide describes it as a central café serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with Western options alongside local dishes and desserts, and puts dinner for two with drinks at a moderate price. That range makes it a dependable choice when you want something familiar after a few days of Swahili food, or a gentle introduction to local dishes.

It is a practical all-day stop: come for a late breakfast before a walking tour, a cold drink and a light lunch in the heat of the afternoon, or a relaxed early dinner. Ask about the day's options and mention any dietary needs when you order. Prices are mid-range for Stone Town, well below the hotel restaurants on the seafront but above the local canteens, and Altezza Travel suggests budgeting a moderate amount for two with drinks.

The café suits families, solo travellers and anyone looking for an easy, informal meal in the old town. Staying in the guesthouse rooms is a good option for travellers on a moderate budget who want to be in the middle of things: rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and mosquito nets, and baby cots can be requested. The café is non-smoking indoors, which helps those travelling with children.

Kenyatta Road links many of Stone Town's sights. From the café it is a short walk to St Joseph's Cathedral, reached via Gizenga Street, and to the Freddie Mercury Museum and the Shangani waterfront. Forodhani Gardens and the Old Fort are within easy reach on foot for an evening stroll after dinner.