Restaurant
Akemi Revolving Restaurant
A revolving restaurant and bar high above Ohio Street in the city centre, known for its views, weekday lunch buffet, Sunday brunch and Friday live music.
Mediterraneo Restaurant
An open-air Mediterranean restaurant by the ocean in Kawe, north of the centre, serving wood-oven pizzas, homemade pasta and seafood, with a lounge bar for sunsets.
At a glance
- Type
- Mediterranean and Italian seafood
- Area
- Kawe, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- mediterraneotanzania.com
Good to know
- Ocean views
- Outdoor seating
- Wood-fired oven
- Lounge bar
Why we recommend it
Mediterraneo is a restaurant, lounge and small hotel on Tuari Road in Kawe, on the shore north of the Msasani Peninsula and a little outside the city centre. It is an outdoor, bohemian-style place with rustic lanterns and an open view over the Indian Ocean, and it is one of the better-known spots in Dar es Salaam for an unhurried meal by the water.
The menu is Mediterranean with an Italian focus. The kitchen's own description highlights wood-oven pizzas, homemade pasta and seafood, and guides to the city have long recommended its seafood pastas. Upstairs, a newer restaurant called ZanyDar serves Swahili and Zanzibari fusion dishes, which gives a choice between Italian comfort food and coastal flavours in the same visit. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served.
The lounge bar is worth knowing about separately. It has deep sofas and ocean views, and serves wine, cocktails and beer to a background of lounge music. Cocktails are mixed to order, and the wine list leans towards South African bottles. The restaurant faces the sea towards Bongoyo Island, and the late afternoon light makes this a good place for a sundowner before dinner.
Mediterraneo suits couples, groups of friends and families who want space and a breeze rather than a formal dining room. It is relaxed rather than smart, but book ahead at weekends, when tables with sea views go first, and bring a light layer and insect repellent for evenings outdoors. Opening hours are not published on the official site, so call ahead, particularly on public holidays.
Kawe is reached by taxi or ride-hailing car from the Msasani Peninsula or the city centre; allow extra time at rush hour, as traffic on the main roads north can be slow. Arrange your return journey before you settle in for the evening. Combine a late lunch here with a morning at the Village Museum, or with an island trip from the north coast, then stay on for the sunset. The property also has rooms, so it is an option for anyone who would rather stay by the sea than in the centre.
Mediterraneo Restaurant FAQs
Where is Mediterraneo?
On Tuari Road in Kawe, by the ocean north of the Msasani Peninsula.
What kind of food is served?
Mediterranean and Italian dishes, including wood-oven pizzas, homemade pasta and seafood.
What is ZanyDar?
A newer Swahili and Zanzibari fusion restaurant upstairs at Mediterraneo.
Is there a bar?
Yes. A lounge bar with sofas and ocean views serves wine, cocktails and beer.
Is it good for sunset?
Yes. The terrace looks out to sea towards Bongoyo Island.
Which meals are served?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Do I need to book?
Booking is advisable at weekends, especially for sea-view tables.
How do I get there?
By taxi or ride-hailing car from the Msasani Peninsula or the city centre.