Zanzibar City's restaurants reflect its trading history, mixing Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences. At the budget end, Lukmaan Restaurant near Christ Church Cathedral serves biryani, pilau, octopus curry and grilled fish from a counter, and it is where many residents eat lunch. For a sit-down seafood dinner by the water, Cape Town Fish Market sits beside Forodhani Gardens, while 6 Degrees South in Shangani is known for grilled steaks, seafood and sunset cocktails.
For a special evening, Stone Town's rooftop tea houses are the classic choice. The Rooftop Tea House at Emerson on Hurumzi serves set menus of Persian, Omani and East African dishes, and the separate Rooftop Tea House at Emerson Spice offers a single-seating seafood tasting menu after a sundown cocktail. Hotel restaurants such as the Terrace Seafood Restaurant at the Zanzibar Serena and The Dining Room at Park Hyatt Zanzibar offer polished service and sea views. Book rooftop dinners ahead, as seating is limited and timings are fixed. Many local places do not serve alcohol, and some close during the long rains of April and May, so check before you go.
7 places · Updated November 12, 2026
Our top 3 restaurants in Zanzibar City
Restaurant
Set-menu dinners of Persian, Omani and East African dishes on one of Stone Town's highest rooftops, with cushion seating, sunset views and live music.
View details — Emerson on Hurumzi Rooftop Tea HouseRestaurant
Single-seating rooftop restaurant at the Emerson Spice hotel, serving a sundowner at 18:00 followed by a multi-course Swahili seafood tasting menu.
View details — Emerson Spice Rooftop Tea HouseRestaurant
Waterfront restaurant and rooftop bar in Shangani known for open-flame grilled steaks, seafood and Zanzibari dishes, with sunset cocktails upstairs.
View details — 6 Degrees SouthRestaurant
Busy, inexpensive Swahili canteen near the old slave market, where you choose biryani, pilau, curries and grilled fish at the counter and share tables with locals.
View details — Lukmaan RestaurantRestaurant
Waterfront seafood restaurant beside Forodhani Gardens, combining South African and Japanese cooking with sashimi, fish and chips and a South African wine list.
View details — Cape Town Fish Market ZanzibarRestaurant
Candlelit rooftop seafood restaurant at the Zanzibar Serena Hotel, open for dinner only, with views across the bay from its terrace and balcony.
View details — Terrace Seafood Restaurant at Zanzibar SerenaRestaurant
Park Hyatt Zanzibar's main restaurant, styled like a traditional Omani colonial home and cooking seafood and local produce with clove, cinnamon and cardamom.
View details — The Dining Room at Park Hyatt Zanzibar