The Passing Show

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!

Another staple in the Zanzibari food scene, the Passing Show is most acclaimed for its biryani and rice pilau dishes, served around the clock. Their tamarind juice is a must try.

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.

A restaurant outstanding in every aspect: not only for its location on top of a rock, but for the great care fresh local ingredients are selected and prepared with, to serve guests with fine Tanzanian dishes. Tempura is popular as a starter, and you can't go wrong with the lobster special or the pasta dishes…

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.

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.

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!

A seafront eatery serving hungered customers around the clock, from fresh morning coffee to hearty burgers and curry lunch meals, as well as dinners with a golden sunset view.

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.