Stone Town, or old town, was Zanzibar‘s first town. Even now, it boasts houses and structures crafted from stones. This picturesque island offers a wide array of activities to do and a restaurant or two at every street corner.

While both Zanzibarians and foreigners adore basking in the warm sea breeze, leisurely strolls across the island are equally rejuvenating.

Before we delve into dining options, let’s explore some distinctive facets of the city.

Unique Architecture

Zanzibar’s architecture holds a distinct charm. Almost all buildings, if not every one of them, are constructed primarily using stones.

During my time there, I observed a few construction sites where builders mixed fine white sea sand with cement.

This technique lends a sense of simplicity to the houses, likely leading to thicker walls. The plastering on these walls is smoother, offering an unusual touch when felt.

A Muslim school in Stone Town

Religious Beliefs

The majority of the people on the island practice Islam. It’s a common sight to see women and children wearing hijabs of various colors and materials.

While most men didn’t wear long robes and hats as I expected, many opted for traditional Muslim attire. This imparts a distinctive religious atmosphere to the city.

Additionally, mosques are scattered throughout the area, often found on nearly every street corner.

The island isn’t entirely tranquil due to the frequent loud calls to prayer broadcasted from these mosques.

There were around three mosques close to where I stayed. The loud prayer calls from outdoor speakers woke me up at 5 am every morning.

While taking a long walk, I noticed a few Catholic churches in the town center near Stone Town.

I tried to find an international church online, but none were easily located.

Language Barrier

The primary language spoken by most Zanzibar Islanders is Swahili. S

ome of them had a basic understanding of English, but they couldn’t engage in extended conversations using it.

Surprisingly, I encountered difficulties in communication.

Although some people were willing to help with directions, they couldn’t express themselves well and often chose not to speak.

Which restaurant should you go to?

Numerous restaurants line the island’s streets, catering to a wide range of preferences. Whether you’re at Jambiani or Farodaha beaches, there’s a diverse selection for every visitor. During my time there, I noticed Italian eateries and also some with a Western influence.

Local Tanzanian cuisine is available at every turn. What stood out to me was the evident effort that each restaurant put into creating a unique ambiance.

Many had artistic pieces and specially carved furniture, making their spaces truly one-of-a-kind.

The decor and menu were stylish, and even the plates at certain places had me exclaiming “wow” before I even started eating.

Interestingly, my focus wasn’t just on the food; I was there to appreciate the artistry in Tanzania.

Most of these places featured colorful paintings and skillfully crafted drawings that added an artistic touch to the atmosphere.

Cape Town Restaurant

At the unique boat-shaped restaurant hanging by the edge of Farodaha beach, I felt invigorated being so close to the water.

The prices for meals matched the fancy outdoor setup and the high-quality chairs.

Yet, the experience of enjoying the ocean breeze while working or chatting here was truly valuable.

On my first day at this place, I decided to order the menu’s lobster with cream sauce and fried potato chips.

Within minutes, the server arrived with a sizable tray carrying a generously-sized lobster with an open belly.

Inside, I found numerous shrimp soaked in creamy sauce. A side of sauce was included, though I noticed the whole meal lacked salt.

On my second visit there, l drank only Coca-Cola while working. Acceptably, their internet was high speed and l peacefully worked as l watched the sunset.

Train House restaurant

Nestled within the historic heart of Stone Town, there’s a small restaurant situated on a grand train-like structure that’s been around for years.

The wooden chairs were not only comfortable but also intricately carved. The African-themed decor on the walls caught my attention.

Whether I needed to get some work done or engage in a relaxed chat, this restaurant provided a suitable setting.

Their innovative approach to displaying the menu left me impressed.

Instead of the traditional menu, they had a menu with a scannable code.

This meant customers needed to connect to their designated WiFi network before being able to browse through the menu.

What did I order?

I decided to go for the grilled chicken and fries. However, I ended up waiting for over an hour before being served. To my disappointment, the chicken was somewhat burnt and lacked any salt or seasoning. The salad was an unusual mix of cabbage, tomatoes, and cucumbers, all tossed together in the same bowl.

While takeaways were available, I found that dining in was a better option.

The restaurant’s top-notch, high-speed Wi-Fi made it an ideal spot to both work and unwind.

Despite the potential noise from the nearby market, if you can tune it out, this place offers a great lunch and drink experience.

Paje Ocean restaurant

The beachside restaurant appeared quite modest. It featured a few aged wooden tables and chairs.

What caught my attention was their breakfast buffet priced at 20,000TSH, which I found to be quite impressive.

Despite the breathtaking view, I was surprised to discover that they had reliable Wi-Fi.

I watched as they harvested coconuts from the numerous coconut trees on the restaurant’s property.

These coconuts were slightly larger than any I had seen in other countries, yet the juice was abundantly sweet.

The restaurant’s main wall was adorned with a distinct and sizable steel fishbone decoration, making it both simple and eye-catching.

Mama Naa restaurant

For those looking for an affordable dining option, Mama Naa restaurant in Jambiani is a great choice.

Despite its basic plastic chairs and tables, I enjoyed a meal of rice and potato soup with beef there.

The cost was only 5000TSH, the most budget-friendly meal I’ve had at any restaurant.

The portion size was sufficient to satisfy my hunger, and I was amazed at the amount of food I got for such a low price.

On my second visit, I choose fried rice. Apparently, the quantity was sufficient for my stomach demands but the taste wasn’t delicious. I wasn’t too surprised I got just a slice of beef, but I should have expected so. 

Pilipili Restaurant

Situated just a short distance of 1 meter from Jambiani beach, this spot offered an exceptional view.

It’s one of the two restaurants set up by the renowned beach area near the expansive pili pili hotel.

I was truly impressed by the wooden canoe-like tables embedded in the sand, positioned alongside a sturdy cemented couch.

The hut-style section was adorned with lovely paintings on every wall, while the ambiance was complemented by pleasant, lively music as anticipated.

They had an open-air area with wooden chairs and tables where one could directly enjoy the sea breeze. The waiter -Samuel, was extremely kind to take me to their other restaurant so l could have a view of the menu. They sold only tapas.

I ordered green banana fish tapas. It was served in a coconut shell plate. Though the quantity was small, the banana mixed in peanut fish paste tasted delicious.

Dhow resort

At the far end of Jambiani beach stands this expansive resort restaurant. During one evening, I enjoyed the soothing sea breeze while lounging on the outer bench-like seats. To enhance comfort, they offer soft cushions for the wooden seats.

Although I only ordered a drink, I was pleasantly surprised by an unexpectedly warm treat.

A waiter swiftly presented a wooden menu and kindly took the time to explain their beverage options.

Unsure about what to order, he patiently listened and brought me a drink to try at no cost. I opted for the Stony Tangawizi, a Coca-Cola ginger soda. It had a distinctive taste with a strong ginger flavor.

Moreover, the waiter surprised me with complimentary popcorn and fried peanuts.

However, the peanuts seemed to have a spice I couldn’t quite identify, which made it difficult to continue enjoying the free snacks.

As you imagine these delicious scenes, remember that finding a good restaurant won’t be a challenge. Apart from the ones mentioned here, there are numerous eateries scattered along the streets and beaches

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