Best Restaurants in Arusha, Tanzania: Top Places to Eat
Most safari travelers think of Arusha as a quick stop on the way to the Serengeti. They are missing out. The best restaurants in Arusha offer Greek tavernas, Indian vegetarian kitchens, wood-fired pizza, smoky Tanzanian BBQ, garden lodges with fine dining, and some of the freshest coffee in East Africa.
Arusha is the gateway to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. It sits at about 1,400 meters on the slopes of Mount Meru, roughly 80 km from Kilimanjaro. Local people, expats and international visitors all live and eat here, so the food scene is more varied than most travelers expect.
This guide covers 30 restaurants in four groups. Each one has a short description, the dishes to try, who it suits and a practical tip. If you want to learn about local food first, read our guides to Tanzanian food: must-try dishes and what to eat on a Tanzania safari.
Quick Picks
Highest rated: Five Chutneys (4.8)
Best for first-timers: George’s Tavern
Best for local food: Khan’s Barbeque, Uzunguni City Park
Best vegetarian: Five Chutneys, Spices & Herbs Ethiopian
Best fine dining: Machweo at Onsea House, Arusha Coffee Lodge Grill Room
Best coffee: Kitamu Coffee, Coffee Culture, Artisan Coffee and Pâtissier
Best views: The Peaks Lounge, The Rooftop
Best for evenings out: Kipong Bar and Lounge, Via Via Arusha
Best Restaurants in Arusha: Complete Guide by Category
These are the places that appear on almost every traveler’s list and fill up on weekends.
1. George’s Tavern ⭐ 4.7 (796 reviews, TripAdvisor)George’s Tavern is a friendly Greek and Mediterranean restaurant that many safari travelers name as a trip highlight. The atmosphere is warm and family-like, portions are generous, and the outdoor terrace gets lively on weekend evenings. Guides, expats and visitors all eat here, which makes it a good first meal in Arusha.
Cuisine: Greek and Mediterranean
Address: 50 Haile Selassie Road
Try: Slow-cooked lamb kleftiko, chicken souvlaki, wood-fired pizza
Best for: Groups, families, post-safari celebration dinners
Tip: Book ahead for Friday and Saturday nights.
2. Khan’s Barbeque ⭐ 4.6 (1,073 reviews, TripAdvisor)Khan’s is one of Arusha’s best-known street food experiences. A roadside workshop by day, it turns into a busy open-fire BBQ spot as evening comes. The seasoning has a subtle Indian influence, and you can watch your food being grilled in front of you. Meals are served with fresh naan.
Cuisine: Indian-style BBQ and street food
Location: Near the bus stations, downtown Arusha
Try: Mixed grill (chicken, beef, mutton), naan, Zanzibar pizza
Best for: Solo travelers, adventurous eaters, late evening meals
Tip: Go after 6pm, when the grill is hottest and the crowd is at its best.
3. Fifi’s Restaurant & Café Fifi’s is a long-running favorite with a relaxed, welcoming feel. The wide menu mixes international comfort food with Tanzanian classics, and it is especially good for breakfast. It is a handy stop if you are arriving or leaving on a morning transfer.
Cuisine: International and Tanzanian
Location: Arusha city centre
Try: Full breakfast plate, fresh juice, local coffee
Best for: Breakfast, casual lunches, first-time visitors
Tip: Arrive early on safari departure mornings.
4. The Blue Heron Restaurant The Blue Heron is a popular outdoor dining spot, loved by expats for its alfresco tables and wide lawns with views of Mount Meru. The wood-fired pizza has a thin crust and good ingredients, and the garden setting makes it feel relaxed and social.
Cuisine: Italian and international
Try: Wood-fired pizza, grilled fish
Best for: Couples, groups, evenings outdoors
Tip: Visit on a clear evening for the Meru view, and check for live music nights.
5. Five Chutneys ⭐ 4.8 (301 reviews, TripAdvisor)Five Chutneys is Arusha’s top-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor. The vegetarian Indian menu is built around fresh chutneys, and travelers from India often describe the dosas and idlis as authentic. It is a real find for vegetarian and vegan guests, who can find lodge menus limited.
Cuisine: Indian vegetarian and street food
Try: Masala dosa, pav bhaji, idli, aloo paratha, samosas
Best for: Vegetarians, vegans, light lunches, breakfast
Tip: Ask for the spice level you like.
6. Chinese Whispers ⭐ 4.8 (685 reviews, TripAdvisor)This is one of Arusha’s best-reviewed international restaurants. Guests praise the food quality and the portion sizes, and many mention the handmade pancakes. After several days of safari food, it is a welcome change.
Cuisine: Chinese and international
Try: Handmade pancakes, Sichuan-style dishes
Best for: Families, groups, anyone craving Asian flavors
Tip: Dishes are good for sharing, so order a few for the table.
7. Cafe Arusha A comfortable, central café with air conditioning, a mixed menu and fresh juices. It is a dependable place to rest between arrival formalities and your safari departure.
Cuisine: International and Tanzanian
Location: Central Arusha
Try: Fresh juice, grilled sandwiches, pasta
Best for: Quick lunches, a cool and quiet break
Tip: Good for catching up on emails over coffee.
8. Kitamu Coffee “Kitamu” means “delicious” in Swahili. This café serves fresh-roasted coffee from the Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions with good pastries in a relaxed setting. It is a good place to taste local coffee before you buy beans to take home.
Cuisine: Coffee and light bites
Try: Single-origin Kilimanjaro pour-over, pastries
Best for: Coffee lovers, morning stops
Tip: Ask the staff which beans are freshest that week.
9. Kitamu Picasso ⭐ 4.5 (TripAdvisor)The sister venue of Kitamu Coffee, with a fuller food menu and art-inspired decor. It attracts creative professionals and NGO workers, and the atmosphere is calm and sociable.
Cuisine: Café and international
Try: Brunch plates, fresh coffee
Best for: Brunch, relaxed afternoons
Tip: Pair it with a visit to Kitamu Coffee to compare the two.
10. Matteo Italian Restaurant A relaxed, trattoria-style restaurant serving home-style Italian dishes. Pasta, risotto and pizza are the main draws, and it suits travelers who want something familiar after a long journey.
Cuisine: Italian
Try: Fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, tiramisu
Best for: Couples, Italian food lovers
Tip: Save room for dessert.
11. Africafé Africafé celebrates African cooking, with a menu that moves across Tanzania and East Africa and focuses on local ingredients. It is a good choice if you want to go beyond the standard tourist menu.
Cuisine: African and international
Try: Traditional Tanzanian dishes, East African specials
Best for: Travelers curious about local cuisine
Tip: Read our Tanzanian food guide first, then try the dishes here.
12. Via Via Arusha Via Via is part of an international network of cultural cafés. It works as a community space as well as a restaurant, with music nights, events and a mix of travelers, artists and locals. It is one of the easiest places in Arusha to meet people.
Cuisine: International and Tanzanian
Try: Grilled meats, fresh salads, local dishes
Best for: Solo travelers, live music, cultural evenings
Tip: Check the event schedule, then see our guide to cultural tours in Arusha for more local experiences.
13. Themi Living Garden A green, peaceful garden by the Themi River, away from the noise of the city. The setting is ideal for a slow lunch or a quiet dinner, and it works well for families.
Cuisine: International and local dishes
Location: Themi area, Arusha
Try: Grilled meats, salads, local favorites
Best for: Families, couples, weekend lunches
Tip: Come in daylight to enjoy the garden.
14. Uzunguni City Park This is where many Arusha locals eat, with a casual outdoor setting and a menu focused on grilled meat. The nyama choma (grilled meat) is the highlight, served with simple Tanzanian sides.
Cuisine: Tanzanian
Try: Nyama choma with kachumbari and ugali, pilau, chipsi mayai
Best for: An authentic local experience, groups of friends
Tip: Visit on a weekend afternoon, when local families gather.
15. Kipong Bar and Lounge (Best Bar 2022–2023)A lively lounge with DJ sets, karaoke and Tanzanian dishes. It has a loyal following among locals and travelers who want a fun evening, and cocktails are a speciality.
Cuisine: Bar food, international and Tanzanian
Address: Makongoro Road
Try: Local dishes with cocktails
Best for: Evening drinks, dinner with entertainment
Tip: Busiest from Thursday to Sunday. For more ideas, read our guide to nightlife in Arusha.
Category 2: Luxury and Special-Occasion Dining
Ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries and farewell dinners at the end of a safari.
16. Gran Meliá Arusha (The Grill) Gran Meliá is a five-star hotel with several dining venues, including The Grill. Expect polished service, quality cuts of meat and a wine selection in an elegant setting.
Cuisine: International fine dining
Try: Premium steaks, seasonal menu
Best for: Farewell dinners, big celebrations
Tip: Smart dress is recommended, and reservations are advised.
17. Arusha Coffee Lodge Grill Room This restaurant is set within a boutique lodge surrounded by working coffee gardens. The mood is romantic and calm, and the coffee heritage of the property adds something special to the evening.
Cuisine: Fine dining and grill
Try: Grilled meats, tasting menu, after-dinner coffee
Best for: Honeymooners, anniversaries, coffee lovers
Tip: Ask about a plantation tour before dinner.
18. Machweo Fine Dining at Onsea House A boutique fine-dining experience in the quiet Usa River area. “Machweo” means “sunset” in Swahili, and the intimate setting makes each meal feel like an occasion. The menu mixes international cooking with local ingredients.
Cuisine: International fine dining
Location: Usa River
Try: Seasonal tasting menu
Best for: Honeymoons, the most special meal of your trip
Tip: Book well in advance, as seating is limited.
19. The Peaks Lounge (Usa River)This lounge has elevated views over the Kilimanjaro foothills, with Mount Meru in the background. It is a favorite for sunset drinks followed by dinner.
Cuisine: International
Try: Sunset cocktails, dinner menu
Best for: Sundowners, couples, scenic dining
Tip: Arrive before sunset for the best light. It is about 25 minutes from Arusha.
20. Rivertrees Restaurant ⭐ 4.6 (326 reviews, TripAdvisor)Rivertrees is often described as an oasis. The restaurant sits in a large riverside garden at Rivertrees Country Inn in Usa River, 18 km from the city, with rooms and a pool on site. It also makes a convenient meal stop between Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport.
Cuisine: African, pizza and international
Try: Wood-fired pizza, grilled meats, fresh salads
Best for: Families, garden lunches, an airport-day meal
Tip: Stay at the inn for the full experience.
21. Tumbili Lodge ⭐ 5.0 (65 reviews, TripAdvisor)A small boutique lodge with a perfect TripAdvisor score. Guests praise the friendly hospitality, the garden setting and the contemporary European-style cooking.
Cuisine: European contemporary
Try: The seasonal menu with fresh local ingredients
Best for: Intimate dinners, couples
Tip: Capacity is small, so book ahead.
22. The Baobab Restaurant at African Tulip The dining room of the African Tulip hotel, with elegant surroundings and professional service. The menu blends international dishes with African influences.
Cuisine: International and African
Try: Grilled meats, African-inspired specials
Best for: Business dinners, hotel guests, a quiet evening meal
Tip: Ask about the chef’s specials.
Category 3: Cafés, Coffee Shops and Casual Dining
23. Coffee Culture A modern specialty coffee café with knowledgeable baristas and freshly roasted Tanzanian beans. It is popular with professionals who work from a laptop.
Try: Single-origin pour-over, espresso, light meals
Best for: Coffee lovers, morning meetings
Tip: Go mid-morning for a quieter table.
24. Artisan Coffee and Pâtissier A refined café known for European-style pastries and specialty coffee. Many visitors are surprised by the quality of the baking.
Try: Croissants, fresh pastries, flat white
Best for: Breakfast, pastry lovers, a mid-morning treat
Tip: Arrive early for the best choice of pastries.
25. Sanna Café A modern café with a contemporary design, an international menu and a good atmosphere at sunset. It suits both a working lunch and a relaxed dinner.
Try: The modern international menu, sunset specials
Best for: Brunch, couples, business lunches
Tip: Time your visit for sunset.
26. The Rooftop A rooftop venue with elevated views over the city toward Mount Meru and, on clear days, Kilimanjaro. It is a pleasant spot as the day cools down.
Try: Cocktails, grilled dishes, finger food
Best for: Sundowners, groups
Tip: Clear evenings give the best views.
27. Amber Bar and Restaurant A warm bar and restaurant with a loyal following among expats and regular visitors. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed.
Try: Cocktails, grilled dishes, bar favorites
Best for: Casual dinners, solo travelers
Tip: A good alternative to a busy weekend venue.
28. Spices & Herbs Ethiopian Restaurant & Lodge A rare chance to try Ethiopian food in Arusha. Dishes are served on injera, a soft sourdough flatbread, and shared from a communal platter. Ethiopian cooking has many vegetarian and vegan options, and injera is often naturally gluten-free, but ask how it is prepared if you have allergies.
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Try: Mixed platter on injera, Ethiopian coffee ceremony
Best for: Adventurous eaters, vegetarians, groups
Tip: Ask about the coffee ceremony.
29. Mumbai Spice House An Indian restaurant offering curries, biryani and street food classics. It complements Five Chutneys if you want more Indian dishes.
Cuisine: Indian
Try: Biryani, curries, street food snacks
Best for: Indian food lovers, vegetarians
Tip: Order a mix of dishes and share.
Category 4: Outside Central Arusha
30. Duluti Crater Lake Restaurant Set on the forested shore of Lake Duluti, a volcanic crater lake about 12 km from Arusha. The setting is peaceful and far from city noise, and it makes a good half-day trip.
Best for: A free afternoon, nature lovers, a slow lunch
Tip: Add a canoe ride and a forest walk.
Quick-Reference Table
Restaurant | Cuisine | Best for |
Five Chutneys | Indian vegetarian | Vegetarians, breakfast |
Khan’s Barbeque | BBQ, street food | Local flavor, late meals |
Uzunguni City Park | Tanzanian | Authentic local food |
George’s Tavern | Greek, Mediterranean | Groups, families |
Chinese Whispers | Chinese | Families, variety |
The Blue Heron | Italian | Pizza, outdoor dining |
Via Via Arusha | International | Solo travelers, music |
Spices & Herbs | Ethiopian | Adventurous eaters |
Rivertrees | African, pizza | Garden dining |
Tumbili Lodge | European | Intimate dinners |
Arusha Coffee Lodge Grill | Fine dining | Romance, occasions |
Machweo (Onsea House) | Fine dining | Honeymoons |
Gran Meliá, The Grill | Fine dining | Farewell dinners |
Arusha Dining Tips
Busiest nights: Friday and Saturday. Reserve at George’s Tavern, Blue Heron, Via Via and Kipong.
Water: Drink bottled water only.
Street food: Choose freshly cooked items you can see being prepared.
Alcohol and pork: Some local restaurants do not serve alcohol, and pork may be limited. Ask before ordering.
Dress: Dress modestly in local neighborhood restaurants.
Evenings out: See our guide to nightlife in Arusha for bars, music and late-night spots.
Beyond restaurants: Meet local communities on a cultural tour in Arusha.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Restaurants in Arusha
What is the best restaurant in Arusha, Tanzania?For fine dining, Machweo at Onsea House and the Arusha Coffee Lodge Grill Room are top choices. By TripAdvisor rating, Five Chutneys and Chinese Whispers lead at 4.8.
What is the most popular restaurant for tourists?George’s Tavern, with nearly 800 reviews and a 4.7 rating.
Where can I try authentic local food in Arusha?Khan’s Barbeque, Uzunguni City Park and Africafé are good places to start. For more ideas, read our list of must-try Tanzanian dishes.
Is Arusha good for vegetarians?Yes. Try Five Chutneys, Spices & Herbs Ethiopian, Mumbai Spice House, or the vegetarian options at most cafés.
Which restaurants suit families?Five Chutneys, George’s Tavern, Rivertrees and Chinese Whispers have space and varied menus.
Are there fine dining restaurants in Arusha?Yes: Machweo at Onsea House, Arusha Coffee Lodge Grill Room, Tumbili Lodge, The Peaks Lounge and The Grill at Gran Meliá.
What food will I eat on safari?Most lodges serve a mix of international and Tanzanian dishes. See our guide on what to eat on a Tanzania safari.
Eat Well in Arusha Before and After Your Safari
Arusha is more than a transit point. At Gnade Safaris, we build Tanzania itineraries that leave time to enjoy the city, and our guides can recommend the right restaurant for your tastes and travel style.
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