Zanzibar is one of the most popular tourist destinations across the continent so it has seen more than its fair share of special occasions and celebrations. And like any good celebration, people need to eat. In fact, some special occasions are even more fondly remembered because of the fantastic dining experience that followed. Now this beautiful world-famous island is home to dozens of restaurants all featuring some pretty delicious cuisines on their menus so it can be a bit daunting to choose the perfect one for your special event.
More importantly, you want to be able to narrow your options and choose the best fit for your plans ahead of time so you can get a feel of the place and make reservations. Here are some things to consider to help you choose the perfect restaurant in Zanzibar for your special occasion:
Location
Naturally, the location of the restaurant is a crucial consideration. You don't want to have your event on one end of the island while the food is being served on the other end. Choose a restaurant that is easily within reach for you and your guests. They’ll thank you for it. Being an island, you may decide to opt for a restaurant that offers fantastic views of the ocean. You can also look for fantastic locations like restaurants with unique architectural features to add more prestige to your dining experience.
The Type of Event
When choosing a restaurant, it’s important to consider the type of occasion. For instance, if you are celebrating your 30th wedding anniversary, you may decide to book a table in a restaurant which doesn't play loud music or which won't be too busy. On the other hand, if you are planning to celebrate your 21st birthday, then you may wish to opt for a restaurant with more energy and a lively bar area, like a rooftop bar.
Menu
Once you have located a restaurant with the right look and feel, it’s time to turn your attention to the dishes on the menu. Consider the palate of your guests and make sure to take note of any special dietary requirements that they may have. Nothing will spoil a party like having guests who are not able to enjoy the food. For instance, if you know that some of the people attending your event are vegetarian or vegan, you should check that the restaurant has dishes that are suitable for them.
Service
The kind of service that you will get in the restaurant is another critical consideration. Are the staff welcoming? What about the waiters? How clean is the restaurant? The service of the staff is likely to be reflected in the quality of food that you will eat.
The Price of The Food
When choosing a restaurant, you should consider the price of the food in comparison to how many guests you are expecting. It’s important to splurge and have the time of your lives (you’re in Zanzibar after all), but make sure you’re not stretching your budget on the food alone. Zanzibar is a magical place offering many unforgettable experiences and you’ll want to enjoy as many of them as you can. Trust us on this.
Ambiance
The ambiance matters a lot when you are choosing the perfect restaurant. What’s the general atmosphere of the restaurant? You might find a good option with great outdoor designs, but the interior décor and lighting might not be your taste.
Popular Restaurants in Zanzibar
To help you narrow your search, we’ve put together some of the popular restaurants in Zanzibar that you can use for your special occasion.
Many visitors staying in the Nungwi area of Zanzibar have savored the contemporary African-European fusion offerings of this alfresco restaurant. You have to try their seafood dishes prepared by their chef to understand what the hype is all about. Saruche also features imported wines, which only complement the whole “dining by the ocean” experience. The Z Hotel also has two other food and drink destinations on the premise - Cinnamon, a light and airy café bar overlooking the ocean and Rooftops, an open-to-the-sky champagne and cocktail bar with a well-stocked menu.
- The Rock Restaurant
Located in the Michamwi Pingwe peninsula, a 10-minute car drive from Paje, The Rock Restaurant is sometimes referred to as the floating restaurant due to it being situated on top of a huge slab of rock. Here, guests can enjoy the open-air terrace with panoramic sea-scapes and fresh delicacies.
- La Taverna
This is a great option if you and your guests have an appetite for well-cooked Italian food. La Taverna is the place to go for crispy pizzas and home-made pasta in Zanzibar. It is located in the Mkunazini of Stone Town so it is easily accessible from different parts of Zanzibar. The menu contains all the delicious classics of Italian cuisine, including tagliatelle bolognese, panini, and pizzas prepared in a wood-fired oven, as well as a wide collection of top international wines.
