Emerson Spice Rooftop Tea House

The Rooftop Tea House at Emerson Spice is a different restaurant from the one at Emerson on Hurumzi, and the two are easily confused. This one sits on the open-air roof terrace of the Emerson Spice hotel, a restored merchant's mansion on a pedestrian lane in Kiponda, in the older Kasbah area of Stone Town. The terrace looks out over the town's rooftops, and the whole evening is built around one sitting.

According to the Michelin Guide's listing for the hotel, guests gather for a sundown cocktail at 18:00, followed by a five-course tasting menu at 19:00. Fodor's describes the cooking as Swahili-inspired seafood, and Altezza Travel's 2026 guide mentions tasting menus of five to seven courses. Expect a sequence of seafood-led courses, with the menu set by the kitchen rather than chosen from a list. Let the restaurant know about allergies or dietary needs when you book.

Reservations are essential, because there is only one seating and space on the roof is limited. The hotel asks for restaurant bookings by WhatsApp on +255 774 483 483 or by email to its reception, and older guides note a weekly closing day, so check availability before planning around it. Arrive on time: latecomers miss the sunset, which is a large part of the experience. Smart casual clothing is a safe choice; bring a light layer, as an open roof can be breezy after dark.

This is one of Stone Town's more expensive meals and suits couples, special occasions and food-focused travellers. It is less suited to young children or anyone wanting a quick dinner, as the evening runs for several hours. Access is by stairs. Downstairs, the hotel's Secret Garden courtyard restaurant serves lunch and dinner and hosts live music on Wednesday and Friday evenings, which makes an alternative if the roof is full.

Emerson Spice is on Tharia Street, a few minutes' walk from the Old Fort and the seafront. Cars cannot reach the door, so expect to walk the last stretch. Darajani Market and Christ Church Cathedral are within walking distance, so the hotel makes a good base for exploring the eastern lanes by day.