6 Best Restaurants in Tanzania

The Park Hyatt's Brasserie and Oriental restaurants are both equally fantastic, but by far the hotel's real gem is the spectacular rooftop bar, Level 8. Commanding views of both the city and the working port extend out on either side of the striking, sweeping architecture and high glass walls. There is an unpretentious menu of classical bar and lunch fare like grilled changu (fish) with chips, or delicious fried plantains and snack baskets of beer battered fish, vegetables, and spicy chicken wings. Throw in some live evening jazz and you have the perfect sunset escape that you would be hard-pressed to leave.

If you're looking for a quick meal in between flights or safaris, Fifi's is a firm favorite for those looking for simple fare in a relaxed, casual dining atmosphere. The menu is a lovely fusion of Tanzanian favorites—mishkaki (spicy cubes of grilled beef) and mtori soup (aka banana soup)—and international fare like burgers and homemade pancakes. There is also free Wi-Fi if you need to catch up on the news of the world, decent coffee, and a cute boutique shop. 

A tiny blue-lined door frame and the fine printed "Lazuli" sign are all that let you know that you have found this little street-side cafe. The large wraps and fruit smoothies are prepared with fresh, local ingredients. There are only a few tables, and service can be glacial, but the smoothies are worth it on a hot and humid day. Wait for a quiet moment in the day, take a book, and escape the crowds and island heat to enjoy an icy avocado and coconut blast from heaven.

With a name that translates literally to "Fish, Fish" in Swahili, it's not hard to guess what's on the menu. The fish, in all its varieties and forms, is wonderfully delicious and in generous portions. Expect a festive atmosphere with plenty of live music on the weekends; it shifts to more of a club space in the evening with the city's young and vibrant.

There is a location downtown in the Diamonds Plaza, but the most popular is along the dusty dirt road near Oyster Bay.

A steak house and wine bar high atop Oyster Plaza where the near-constant night breeze cools down patrons indulging in a sundowner special. Arrive ready to enjoy some seriously well-cooked premium steak cuts along with the unbeatable views over the peninsula at sunset; weekends are for live music and wine tastings with food pairings.

If you're looking for fresh and well-prepared dishes in a fine dining setting, Arusha Coffee Lodge's Grill Room is a star in the local fine-dining scene. The eclectic and modern à la carte menu features dishes like grilled steaks with Swahili spices and Tanzania Chips Mayai (a French fry omelet) alongside fresh curries. With superb wine pairings and their famous coffee always available, this is a great evening out.