THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN ARUSHA (2025 GUIDE)

Top 5 Restaurants You Must Try — Starting with Sanna Café

Arusha is the beating cultural heart of northern Tanzania, a vibrant crossroads where global travellers, safari adventurers, food lovers, and local creatives come together. It is a place where the energy of the city meets the calm of Mount Meru, where traditional flavours blend seamlessly with modern cuisine, and where every street seems to tell a story.

Arusha is known as the Gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit. It welcomes visitors going to the famous Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, or Mount Kilimanjaro. But what most travellers don’t know until they arrive is this:

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Arusha has some of the best restaurants in East Africa.

This city offers far more than safari lodges and quick transit meals. It has evolved into a dynamic food hub — home to elegant cafés, gourmet restaurants, international fusion kitchens, garden-style eateries, rooftop lounges, and authentic Swahili dining experiences.

Whether you’re relaxing after a long safari day, planning a romantic sunset dinner, exploring the town between tours, or craving a place with great music, warm service, and flavorful dishes, Arusha delivers a dining scene that is diverse, creative, and unforgettable.

From sunset terraces overlooking Mount Meru…

…to dreamy coffee shops infused with Tanzania’s highland aromas…

…to fusion restaurants blending global recipes with Swahili spices — Arusha has it all.

In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we dive deep into the Top 5 Best Restaurants in Arusha, carefully selected for their food quality, ambience, hospitality, and overall dining experience. We begin with Sanna Café, a restaurant widely loved for its modern style and sunset charm — and then move on to four other exceptional restaurants you absolutely shouldn’t miss during your stay.

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Top 5 Best Restaurants in Arusha (2025 Guide)

Ranked by Quality, Atmosphere, Food Consistency, Service & Traveller Reviews

Arusha is a city of contrasts — a place where traditional Tanzanian culture blends seamlessly with global influences, creating a vibrant, evolving, and unforgettable food scene. Whether you're a safari traveller winding down after days in the Serengeti, a Kilimanjaro climber fueling up before the trek, or a local foodie seeking something new, the restaurants on this list represent the very best of what Arusha has to offer in 2025.

This carefully curated list showcases the five most outstanding restaurants in Arusha — places where:

• food meets art,

• atmosphere meets personality,

• culture meets creativity,

• And every traveller finds a dining experience worth remembering.

From tranquil garden hideaways to chic modern cafés, from upscale fine-dining halls to Mediterranean-inspired taverns — these are the restaurants that define Arusha’s culinary identity today.

Let’s dive in:

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1. Sanna Café — The Best Restaurant in Arusha (2025)

⭐ Best For: Modern dining, brunch, speciality coffee, pastries, sunset views, peaceful ambience 📍 Location: Central Arusha

🌐Website: https://sannacafe.com/

Sitting confidently at the top of Arusha’s culinary rankings, Sanna Café is a perfect example of the city’s modern dining evolution. This stylish, warm, and beautifully designed café-restaurant has become a favourite among travellers, expats, safari guides, and locals who appreciate quality, comfort, and creativity in every dish.

Walking into Sanna Café feels like stepping into a fusion of urban elegance and Tanzanian soul. Natural elements like wood, stone, and greenery pair effortlessly with contemporary décor, soft music, and warm lighting — creating an environment that instantly relaxes the mind.

🍴 A Menu That Celebrates Global & Local Fusion

Sanna Café’s menu is both diverse and consistent. You’ll find:

• flavorful coconut curries,

• colourful salads bursting with freshness,

• perfectly grilled meats,

• gourmet burgers stacked with local twists,

• warm pastries baked fresh each morning,

• rich Tanzanian coffee brewed to perfection.

Each dish is plated artistically, making your meal feel like a blend of comfort and fine dining.

✨ A Sunset Moment at Sanna Café

One of the elements that sets Sanna Café apart is its sunset experience.

As golden hour begins, the outdoor seating area becomes a peaceful hideaway where Mount Meru slowly transforms under the fading light. Travellers often describe sitting with:

• a chilled cocktail,

• a hot chai latte,

• or a beautifully presented dessert

While watching the sky shift from soft orange to deep purple, it's a moment that captures Arusha’s true magic — calm, romantic, and deeply memorable.

Why Sanna Café Tops the List

• Consistent food quality

• Friendly hospitality

• Artistic presentation

• Beautiful ambiance

• Excellent brunch & dinner selections

• Unforgettable sunset dining

For 2025, Sanna Café represents the best modern dining experience in Arusha.

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2. The Blue Heron Restaurant

⭐ Best For: Garden ambience, wood-fired pizza, international menu, family-friendly dining📍 Location: Arusha City Centre

If you ask long-term residents or safari guides for a classic Arusha dining spot, The Blue Heron often comes first. For years, it has remained a beloved staple — a place where locals, volunteers, expats, and travellers gather to unwind.

🌿 A Lush Garden Escape

The Blue Heron is known for its beautiful green garden, wooden chairs, cosy loungelike corners, and rustic charm. It’s one of those restaurants where time feels slower. It’s great for a relaxed lunch, a quiet afternoon coffee, or a casual dinner under the stars.

🍕 Wood-Fired Goodness & Variety

Their menu features:

• famous wood-fired pizzas,

• hearty sandwiches,

• large salads,

• pasta dishes,

• grilled meats,

• and a selection of cakes and desserts.

It’s comfort food done well, with generous portions and reasonable prices — making it popular among backpackers and families.

🎶 Live Music & Atmosphere

Blue Heron often hosts soft live music nights, giving the space a warm, nostalgic charm. If you want a place that feels homey, friendly, and open, this is it.

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3. Gran Melia Arusha — Saba Saba Restaurant

⭐ Best For: Luxury dining, romantic dinners, panoramic Mount Meru views, gourmet cuisine

📍 Location: Njiro Road

For those seeking sophistication, elegance, and fine dining, Saba Saba Restaurant at the Gran Melia Hotel is Arusha’s premier luxury dining destination.

🏔️ A Restaurant With a View

The first thing guests notice at Saba Saba is the stunning backdrop of Mount Meru. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, making the entire dining room glow during sunset. It feels upscale yet inviting — perfect for:

• romantic dinners,

• business meetings,

• anniversary celebrations,

• or anyone craving a high-end experience.

🍷 Gourmet Cuisine, International Techniques

The chefs at Saba Saba craft dishes that combine:

• European techniques,

• Asian flavours,

• and Tanzanian ingredients.

Expect beautifully plated meals, rich flavours, and attention to detail in every course. If you want fine dining in Arusha, this is your spot.

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4. Fig & Olive Café

⭐ Best For: Healthy meals, vegan/vegetarian dishes, smoothies, café culture, light lunches

📍 Location: Near Njiro Complex

Fig & Olive has become the go-to café for health-conscious diners, digital nomads, and expats who want clean, fresh, colourful meals.

🥗 A Fresh, Vibrant Menu

Their menu focuses on:

• salads full of flavor and texture,

• smoothie bowls,

• wraps and sandwiches,

• vegetarian-friendly dishes,

• artisanal teas and coffees,

• and detox juices.

Everything feels bright, nourishing, and Instagram-worthy.

☕ A Cosy, Modern Workspace

The café has excellent natural light, comfy seating, and a relaxed atmosphere. It is perfect for remote work, reading, or coffee dates. Fig & Olive captures the modern café culture that’s becoming increasingly popular in Arusha.

5. George’s Tavern

⭐ Best For: Greek-inspired cuisine, grilled meats, hearty meals, warm hospitality📍 Location: Near Arusha City

George’s Tavern brings the warmth of Mediterranean comfort food to Arusha’s dining scene.

🍽️ A Taste of Greece in Tanzania

Their menu features:

• grilled lamb,

• marinated chicken,

• seafood platters,

• hummus & tzatziki dips,

• pasta dishes,

• and traditional Greek-inspired mains.

It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for big appetites.

🤝 Warm, Homestyle Hospitality

The charm of George’s Tavern lies in its family-like atmosphere. Guests consistently praise the staff's friendliness and the restaurant's welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where you leave full — not only with food, but with good memories.

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🍽️ Top 5 Must-Try Dishes in Arusha (2025)

If you genuinely want to taste Arusha — not just see it — then these five dishes capture the soul of the city’s culinary identity. Whether you’re dining at a modern café, an upscale restaurant, or a local Swahili kitchen, these flavours represent the essence of Tanzanian cuisine blended with Arusha’s evolving food culture.

These dishes are the ones travellers remember long after their trip — rich, colourful, beautifully seasoned, and deeply satisfying.

1. Tanzanian Coconut Chicken Curry

This beloved dish is a perfect example of Tanzania’s coastal influence reaching the inland valleys of Arusha. It is creamy, aromatic, and layered with flavours that come from centuries of Swahili culture.

Why It’s a Must-Try

• Made with fresh coconut milk, giving it a silky, smooth texture

• Balanced with garlic, ginger, turmeric, coriander, and homemade curry blends

• Light heat from pili pili (chilli) for an authentic Tanzanian touch

• Often served with fluffy basmati rice, chapati, or coconut-infused rice

Every top restaurant puts its own twist on this dish — some add lime for brightness, others caramelise onions for depth, and some incorporate local vegetables. But no matter where you try it, Tanzanian Coconut Chicken Curry feels like a warm embrace after a long safari day.

2. Nyama Choma (Tanzanian Grilled Meat)

Nyama Choma is more than a dish — it is a Tanzanian tradition, a social experience, and a taste of real East African hospitality.

Slow-grilled over charcoal until smoky, juicy, and tender, Nyama Choma captures the heart of local cuisine.

Why You’ll Love It

• Typically made with beef, goat, or chicken

• Marinated in bold yet straightforward spices

• Grilled slowly to achieve a deep smoky flavour

• Served with:

  • ugali (East Africa’s staple),

  • kachumbari (fresh tomato & onion salad),

  • or crispy chipsi (fries)

Sitting around a grill with locals, enjoying freshly cooked nyama choma, is one of the purest Arusha food experiences. If you want to taste the city’s authentic spirit, start here.

3. Swahili Seafood Dishes

Even though Arusha sits inland, it maintains a strong connection to the coast. Thanks to fresh daily deliveries from Zanzibar, Tanga, and Dar es Salaam, Arusha’s top restaurants serve seafood that rivals coastal towns.

Popular Swahili-Style Seafood Options:

• Grilled Octopus (Pweza Choma)Tender, smoky, and lightly brushed with garlic butter or pili pili.

• Spicy Prawns (Kamba wa Kupaka)Cooked in coconut cream, turmeric, and a blend of warm coastal spices.

• Coconut Fish (Samaki wa Nazi)A creamy, fragrant curry with rich coconut flavours.

• Mixed Seafood Platters: A combination of prawns, calamari, octopus, and grilled fish — perfect for sharing.

Why Seafood in Arusha Is Special

Arusha’s restaurants present Swahili flavours with modern plating and international influences. You can enjoy traditional spices with a gourmet touch — a beautiful fusion of Tanzania’s coast and highlands.

4. Gourmet Burgers (Modern Cafés & Trendy Restaurants)

In recent years, Arusha has embraced a modern dining movement — and gourmet burgers have taken centre stage. Stylish cafés like Sanna Café and others have elevated the typical burger into something creative, bold, and uniquely Tanzanian.

What Makes Arusha’s Burgers Unique

• Crafted using high-quality local beef

• Topped with fresh avocado slices

• Sweet-and-spicy pili pili sauce for the perfect kick

• Extra toppings like grilled pineapple, caramelised onions, or spiced aioli

• Vegetarian options such as chickpea or mushroom patties

Whether you're craving comfort food after a long hike or looking for a modern twist on a classic dish, Arusha’s gourmet burgers are packed with flavour and personality.

5. Tanzanian Tea & Desserts (A Sweet Finish to Your Meal)

Tanzania has some of the best spices in the world — and Arusha’s tea culture proudly celebrates them. After your meal, there’s nothing like sipping a cup of authentic Tanzanian chai, infused with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger.

Signature Sweet Treats You Must Try:

• Spiced Chai Latte: creamy and aromatic, often sweetened with local honey.

• Freshly Baked Cakes: From chocolate fudge to vanilla cream and carrot cake.

• Fruit Tarts: Made using tropical fruits like mango, passionfruit, pineapple, or banana.

• Creamy Coconut Desserts are inspired by Swahili cuisine and are often topped with toasted coconut flakes.

Why It’s Special

Desserts in Arusha often blend European techniques with African flavours, creating sweets that are familiar yet wonderfully unique. It’s a gentle, comforting way to end your dining experience — especially when enjoyed during sunset or with a warm conversation.

✨ Final Thoughts: Taste the Heart of Arusha

These five dishes showcase the actual heartbeat of Arusha’s food culture — a blend of tradition, innovation, global influence, and East African warmth. Whether you're a foodie, a traveller, or simply curious, tasting these dishes will give you an unforgettable connection to northern Tanzania.

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🗺️ Local Insider Tips for Dining in Arusha

Make the most of every meal with insights loved by locals, guides, safari drivers, and long-term residents.

Arusha’s food scene is full of hidden gems, cultural nuances, and unique experiences that many travellers miss. These local insider tips will help your readers dine smarter, choose better, and enjoy Arusha like someone who truly knows the city.

1. Go Early for Sunset — The Golden Hour Is Magical

Restaurants like Sanna Café and Gran Melia offer some of the best golden-hour views in the city. Locals recommend arriving between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, especially on weekends, to secure a good spot and enjoy the full glow of Mount Meru at sunset.

Insider tip: Weekdays are quieter — perfect if you want a peaceful, romantic atmosphere.

2. Try Local Tea or Coffee After Your Meal

Arusha sits close to Tanzania’s coffee-growing regions, so the city’s cafés serve exceptional, freshly roasted coffee. Order a cappuccino, macchiato, or latte at modern cafés — it’s richer and more aromatic than what many travellers expect.

If you prefer tea, ask for “chai ya tangawizi” (ginger tea). It’s spicy, soothing, and a beautiful reflection of Tanzanian flavour.

3. Want the Best Nyama Choma? Ask the Locals, Not Google

While restaurants serve great nyama choma, locals know the hidden spots where the grills are smoky, fresh, and unforgettable.

Insider tip: When in doubt, ask your safari driver or hotel staff — they know which nyama choma joints are best on that specific day. Quality can vary daily depending on the grill master and the freshness of the meat.

4. Seafood Is Freshest on Certain Days

Most seafood arrives in Arusha early in the week from the coast. If you want the freshest prawns, octopus, or fish:

👉 Monday to Wednesday are the best days.

By Friday, many restaurants still have a good supply, but locals insist the early-week deliveries are unbeatable.

5. Healthy-Eating Travellers Should Explore Njiro

The Njiro area has become a hotspot for modern cafés, vegetarian-friendly menus, and smoothie bars, including places like Fig & Olive.

If you're into fresh bowls, salads, detox juices, or plant-based dishes, spend one afternoon restaurant-hopping around Njiro Complex.

6. Cash or Card? Here’s How Payments Work

Most modern restaurants accept:

• Visa

• Mastercard

• Mobile money (M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Tigo Pesa)

However, some smaller local eateries or nyama choma joints may be cash-only.It’s always good to carry some Tanzanian shillings (TZS), just in case.

7. Portions Are Generous — Don’t Over-Order

Tanzanian hospitality often means significant portions, especially for:

• burgers,

• grilled meat plates,

• seafood platters,

• and Swahili-style curries.

If you’re unsure, order one main dish first — you can always add more later.

8. Ask for “Pili Pili” Only If You Like REAL Heat

Tanzanians love spicy flavours. Their local pili pili sauce is:

🔥 fiery🔥 flavorful🔥 not for the faint-hearted

If you prefer milder spice, ask for “kidogo pili pili” (just a little chilli). If you love heat, say “niongezee pili pili” (add more chilli) — and prepare for a kick.

9. Weekend Nights Are Busy — Make Reservations

Especially at:

• Sanna Café

• Blue Heron

• Gran Melia

• George’s Tavern

On Fridays and Saturdays, the dining scene is lively, and tables fill up fast. Reservations are recommended, especially if you want a garden seat, terrace view, or indoor corner table.

10. Ask About Seasonal Dishes — They’re Often the Best

Some restaurants offer seasonal items depending on what's fresh:

• avocado dishes during peak season

• tropical fruit desserts

• pumpkin soups in cooler months

• grilled tilapia from Lake Victoria after fresh deliveries

Locals know the best dishes are often not on the printed menu — always ask.

11. Try the Local Juice: “Passion-Mango Mix”

This is Arusha's unofficial signature drink — fresh, sweet, tangy, and incredibly refreshing.

Most restaurants blend local passionfruit with ripe mangoes to create a juice that's both tropical and energising.

12. Respect the Relaxed Dining Pace

Arusha dining is calm, warm, and unhurried. Meals take time because:

• Food is cooked fresh

• Ingredients are locally sourced

• kitchens avoid “fast food” shortcuts

This slow, intentional pace is part of what makes dining here special.Use the moment to unwind, enjoy the atmosphere, and embrace Tanzania’s famous phrase:

“Pole pole…” (slowly, slowly)

✨ Final Local Tip: Let Arusha Surprise You

The best dining experiences often happen when you step off the beaten path — down a quiet street, into a garden café, or at a cosy restaurant recommended by someone you meet along the way.

Arusha’s restaurants are filled with heart, creativity, and stories. Let your taste buds explore freely — the city will reward you.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Dining in Arusha (2025)

Everything travellers want to know before choosing where to eat in Arusha.

1. What is the best restaurant in Arusha in 2025?

According to traveller reviews, local recommendations, and updated food rankings, Sanna Café is widely considered the best restaurant in Arusha for 2025. It offers a modern menu, exceptional coffee, warm service, and the city’s most beautiful views of Mount Meru at sunset.

2. What are the top 5 restaurants in Arusha?

The Top 5 Best Restaurants in Arusha (2025) are:

1. Sanna Café

2. The Blue Heron Restaurant

3. Gran Melia Arusha – Saba Saba Restaurant

4. Fig & Olive Café

5. George’s Tavern

These restaurants were selected based on food quality, consistency, atmosphere, service, and traveller feedback.

3. Where can I watch the best sunset while dining in Arusha?

The best sunset dining experiences are found at:

• Sanna Café (golden-hour views of Mount Meru)

• Gran Melia Arusha (panoramic floor-to-ceiling window views)

Both restaurants offer unforgettable golden-hour moments.

4. What dishes should I try when visiting Arusha?

The top must-try dishes in Arusha include:

• Tanzanian Coconut Chicken Curry

• Nyama Choma (grilled meat)

• Swahili seafood dishes

• Gourmet burgers with local flavours

• Tanzanian chai paired with pastries or fruit tarts

These dishes represent the heart of Arusha’s unique dining culture.

5. Is Arusha suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes! Arusha has a growing café culture with vegetarian and vegan-friendly menus. Popular choices include:

• Fig & Olive Café

• Sanna Café

• Several health-conscious restaurants in the Njiro area

Expect salads, smoothie bowls, plant-based wraps, and creative vegetarian dishes.

6. Do Arusha restaurants accept credit cards?

Most modern restaurants accept:

• Visa

• Mastercard

• Mobile Money (M-Pesa, Airtel, Tigo)

However, small local eateries and nyama choma spots may be cash-only, so carry some Tanzanian shillings (TZS).

7. Is seafood in Arusha fresh even though it’s inland?

Yes! Arusha receives daily seafood deliveries from Zanzibar, Tanga, and Dar es Salaam. The freshest seafood is usually served between Monday and Wednesday, but top restaurants maintain excellent quality all week.

8. What is the average price of a meal in Arusha?

• Cafés & casual dining: $6–$12

• Mid-range restaurants: $10–$20

• Luxury dining (Gran Melia, lodges): $25–$50+

Arusha offers options for every budget, from backpackers to fine dining lovers.

9. Do I need to make reservations?

For popular restaurants like Sanna Café, Gran Melia, and Blue Heron, reservations are recommended for:

• Friday evenings

• Weekends

• Sunset dining

• Special occasions

Walk-ins are usually OK during weekdays.

10. What time do restaurants in Arusha usually open and close?

Most restaurants follow these hours:

• Breakfast: 7:00 am – 11:00 am

• Lunch: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

• Dinner: 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

• Cafés: Some open earlier and close around 8–9 pm

Nightlife venues and hotel restaurants often stay open later.

11. Is it safe to dine out in Arusha at night?

Yes, Arusha’s central restaurant districts are safe, especially areas near:

• City Centre

• Njiro

• Sakina

• Gran Melia

As with any city, use standard precautions — use taxis at night and avoid unlit streets.

12. What is the most authentic local dish to try in Arusha?

Nyama Choma (grilled meat) is the most authentic and culturally beloved dish. Eat it with ugali and kachumbari for the whole experience.

13. What drink should I order in Arusha?

Locals recommend:

• Fresh passion-mango juice (the city’s favourite combo)

• Tanzanian spiced chai

• Locally roasted coffee

• Sugarcane juice (at select cafés)

These beverages showcase Tanzania’s rich agricultural flavors.

14. Is Arusha’s food spicy?

Most dishes have mild to moderate spice.If you want heat, ask for pili pili, but be warned — the local chili sauce is robust!

15. Are there good breakfast and brunch options in Arusha?

Absolutely. Arusha has excellent brunch culture, especially at:

• Sanna Café

• Fig & Olive

• Blue Heron

Expect pastries, eggs, fruit bowls, coffee, and hearty brunch plates.

16. Does Arusha have international food?

Yes! Apart from Tanzanian cuisine, Arusha offers:

• Mediterranean (George’s Tavern)

• Italian (pastas, pizzas)

• Indian

• Middle Eastern

• Western/continental fusion

• Healthy/vegan menus

It’s one of East Africa’s most diverse culinary cities.

17. What time is best for photography at restaurants?

The golden hour between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm offers the best lighting, especially at restaurants with mountain views, gardens, or terraces.

18. Can restaurants accommodate diet restrictions?

Most high-end or modern restaurants can accommodate:

• gluten-free

• vegetarian

• vegan

• dairy-free

Just mention it to the staff — Tanzanian hospitality is very accommodating.

19. How can I eat like a local in Arusha?

Try:

• nyama choma joints

• Chipsi mayai stalls

• roadside nyama rosti

• mom-and-pop Swahili restaurants

• local tea houses

You’ll experience authentic flavours beyond tourist spots.

20. What makes Arusha’s restaurant scene special?

Three things:

• A unique blend of local tradition and modern innovation

• Fresh, organic produce from nearby farms

• International influences from travellers, expats, and chefs

Arusha is the culinary melting pot of Northern Tanzania.