Below is our Top 5 Restaurants in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, part of the Just Carrying On – Top 5 Things To Do series. These lists are favorite activities, eats, and drinks from our travels around the world—in no particular order.

We lived in Dar es Salaam for one year from 2016-17 volunteering with the no longer active Global Health Service Partnership. We ate at dozens of restaurants and so feel quite qualified to share this list. We not only hope you visit Dar but also that you have time to enjoy some of the below eats (on your way to safari or Zanzibar). For some advice about what to take on safari, click here. We also have two posts about Zanzibar on our site, one is a general Stone Town Top 5 Things to Do and another if you happen to be in Stone Town in the Rain.

1. Mediterraneo Restaurant and Hotel

This quickly became our go to restaurant in Dar. We took all our out of town guests here for a final “special” meal. It is a beautiful setting on the coast north of the city with carved-wooden chairs and tables and a lounging area for cocktails before you sit down to eat. The food is solid, a mixture of Italian and local seafood, and the service is really nice. For a lovely dining experience all around, Mediterraneo is it.

Google Maps / Trip Advisor

2. Salt

We are from Portland, where people wait hours in line to brunch on the weekend, and we really missed this weekend ritual of indulgence. That is why, when they set down the huge plate of waffles covered with fresh fruit and syrup, my eyes teared up a bit because I was so overjoyed to be brunching. Too much? The food is really good at Salt. Both the options and oversized portions are reminiscent of the U.S. If you love a good brunch or just miss home, this is hands down the place to go.

Google Maps / Trip Advisor

3. Woodberry Café

This was our favorite coffee shop in Dar. Decorated with beautiful foliage surrounding a large outdoor covered patio, they serve really good coffee, smoothies, pastries and breakfast/lunch food. They also have good internet and you’ll often find many expats posted up for the afternoon working away on their computers. It is not cheap here but things are fairly priced for the service and experience.

Google Maps / Trip Advisor

4. Lukas Bar & Restaurant

We stumbled upon Lukas after a failed attempt to go to The Slow Leopard (see below). Quickly discovering it overflowing with people cheering for rugby (not our jam), we crossed the street and not far down arrived at Lukas, a much more local joint with a mix of Tanzanian and expat customers. Here we enjoyed fish mishkaki, something you should undoubtedly try while you are on Dar, alongside chipsi (french fries). The food is cheap, served alongside ice cold beers. They often show soccer games projected onto a large screen and it is the perfect spot to hang on a warm weekend evening.

Google maps / Trip Advisor

5. Addis in Dar

Because of our belief that we didn’t like Ethiopian food, we almost never made it to the well-acclaimed Addis in Dar. After going the first time for a birthday party, we returned several more times to what became a favorite restaurant in Dar. The food is delicious and very pescatarian/vegetarian friendly, and eaten family style. The decor is lovely, especially once the sun sets and the antique lights brighten up the outdoor raised deck, where you should definitely sit. It is also located in one of the neighborhoods of Dar, unlike most of the restaurants which are clumped onto the touristy peninsula.

Google Maps / Trip Advisor

Honorable mentions

For a beachside beer and a local feel, check out the Mbalamwezi Beach Club. This was our go-to spot on Friday evenings after work. They serve hot fries and other food, but the cold beer with a view is enough a reason to pay a visit.

Indian food! There is so much delicious Indian Food in Dar. A favorite of ours was Tamarind because it was just down the street and Khana Khazana was also good.

Directly across the street from Hubert Kairuku Memorial University, where we worked, is a small stand called Juice Kingdom, and for a dollar they serve up the most delicious, fresh fruit smoothies.

The Slow Leopard is a fabulous place to grab a salad, burger, and enjoy a Western feel with a cold Tanzanian beer. The owner is really friendly and the vibe is laid-back and welcoming.

Top 5 Restaurants in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is part of Just Carrying On – Top 5 Things To Do series, which offers our best travel recommendations from around the world.