Stonetown Dining Guide: Let's Eat!
- Mr Tumbili
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
Okay, so "best place to eat" in Stonetown? It's like asking which grain of sand is the coolest. It's all personal, right? But since everyone asks, and I've eaten my way around town more times than I can count, here's my lowdown, and I'll keep adding to it as I find more gems (or remove duds, let's be honest).
Just a heads-up: consistency is a thing here. What's amazing one day might be "meh" the next. That's just island life. So, take those "OMG BEST MEAL EVER" reviews with a grain of (sea) salt.
Seriously, you can go to a place and have the most divine seafood platter you've ever tasted, and then return the next day and order the exact same thing, only to find it's completely different. Maybe the chef had an off day, maybe the ingredients weren't as fresh, maybe the kitchen staff was different – who knows?
The point is, one stellar meal doesn't automatically make a restaurant consistently excellent. It takes multiple visits, at different times, and trying various dishes to get a real sense of a place's quality. That's why relying solely on one person's rave review, especially from a tourist who only ate there once, isn't the most reliable way to find your next favorite spot. So, while I'll share my favorites, remember that food is subjective and consistency can be elusive.
And yeah, the food scene is still a work in progress. We're waiting for the day we can grab killer grub on the drive into town. But hey, things are looking up!
Pro Tip: Hit up the Forodhani Gardens at night. Street food heaven! Just keep your wits about you, especially if you're a tourist. Maybe tag along with a local to avoid the "tourist prices" some vendors tend to add.
Food Safety? Tropical Africa, folks. If you've got a sensitive stomach, stick to the nicer places. It sucks to miss out, but better safe than sorry. Cleanliness and storage are the main culprits.
Alright, let's get to the good stuff:
Cape Town Fish Market:
Think big menu, something for everyone. Killer sushi and maki (seriously, some of my fave on the island). Great vibes, whether you're eating or just grabbing drinks. Super central, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Location: Right in the heart of Stonetown on the pier. Search "Cape Town Fish Market Zanzibar" on Google Maps.
Maki @ Cape Town Fish Market
Lukmaan Restaurant:
Legendary local spot, just got a facelift. Tons of tasty local dishes, packed with locals and tourists. Service can be a bit slow, and no booze.
Location: Off Mkunazini Street, Stonetown. Search "Lukmaan Restaurant Zanzibar" on Google Maps.
6 Degrees South:
Meat lovers, this is your spot. They even have tomahawk steaks! Cool location, and a rooftop bar with a great buzz.
Location: On Kenyatta Road, Stonetown. Search "6 Degrees South Zanzibar" on Google Maps.
The Silk Route:
My go-to for Indian food. Seriously good. Great service, and right near the Old Fort. Just be aware, it's a rooftop spot, so lots of stairs.
Location: Near the Old Fort, Stonetown. Search "The Silk Route Zanzibar" on Google Maps.
Livingstone Beach Restaurant:
Chill spot, indoor and outdoor seating. My favorite pizza in town, but they've got loads of other stuff too.
Location: On the beach close to the park and the Old Fort. Search "Livingstone Beach Restaurant Zanzibar" on Google Maps.
Ala-Nnoor Restaurant:
Super popular with locals. Classic local food, always good quality, and cheap! No alcohol.
Location: In the heart of Stonetown, easy to find by searching "Ala-Nnoor Restaurant Zanzibar" on Google maps.
The Secret Garden at Emerson Spice:
Fancy dinner vibes. Perfect for business or a special occasion. Beautiful setting, top-notch everything. Book ahead!
Location: Within the Emerson Spice Hotel, Stonetown. Search "The Secret Garden at Emerson Spice" on Google Maps (in the old town street maze so ask for directiions if needed)
