Where to Eat in Arusha: Best Restaurants, Cafes and Street Food

Spending some time in Arusha and wondering where to eat? The safari capital of Tanzania is more than just a gateway to Serengeti and Kilimanjaro – it also has a bunch of nice things to see and places to eat. For a complete overview about this town, see my Arusha Travel Guide.

From street food stalls to upscale restaurants and cozy cafés, Arusha offers a diverse range of culinary experiences for every type of traveler. This guide highlights the best places to eat in Arusha, including local favorites, hidden gems, and highly rated spots for coffee, traditional Tanzanian meals, and international fare.

If you have a sensitive stomach and you’re worried about getting ill, I would recommend sticking to the more upscale establishments and/or hotel restaurants, at least at first.

Where to eat in Arusha — Blue Heron / Schwari Restaurant

Recommended Restaurants in Arusha

1. Georges Tavern

Location: Haile Selassie Road
A peaceful garden setting, attentive service, and excellent Greek and Mediterranean dishes make Georges Tavern a standout. Great for dinner or a romantic evening out, Georges has recently added a stylish bar next door.

2. The Blue Heron / Schwari

Location: Off Haile Selassie Road
This tranquil garden restaurant set in nature is known for wood-fired pizzas, nice wines, and gorgeous views including Mount Meru. The ambiance is ideal for brunch or an afternoon break. While you are there, check out their shop with beautiful local products.

3. Amber

Location: Simeon Road
Cuisine: Mainly Indian, but the extensive menu includes options for everyone. This upscale yet cozy spot offers various inside and outdoors spaces as well as a solid bar.

4. Gran Meliá Hotel

Location: Simeon Road
Cuisine: many different options. If you’re in the mood for an upscale cosmopolitan experience, this beautiful hotel offers several different restaurants. My personal favorite is the rooftop terrace, which has an inside and outside part, and a gorgeous view.

5. Kitamu House

Location: 64 Haile Selassie Road
The relatively new Kitamu House offers more of a restaurant feel than its older sister, Kitamu Café (see below), in a very stylish garden setting. They have regular music performances too (check their website or Instagram for details). This is one of my favorites in Arusha – I strongly recommend paying a visit!

6. Arusha Coffee Lodge

Location: Old Dodoma Road, Burka Coffee Estate
For a more upscale experience, have dinner by the fireplace at this elegant old lodge just outside town, or lunch in their beautiful garden.

7. Tumbili Lodge

Location: Dorobo Road, Olasiti
Tumbili may have the most beautiful garden in all of Arusha region, full of tall old trees. The lodge’s pretty cottages are spread out in the background, and restaurant tables set up spaciously in the foreground. It’s a true hidden gem. I strongly recommend going here for lunch, sundowners, or dinner.

8. Sanaa Cafe

Location: Simeon Road, just down the road from Gran Melia Hotel (on the other end of the hotel’s garden)
Sanaa is a beautiful outdoors venue, with a view to the extensive gardens of Gran Melia Hotel. Their lunch menu has some delicious options; it’s the only restaurant in Arusha, besides the fancier hotels, where I have seen smoked salmon. They also have a shop selling cute products made in their own workshop, which is well worth a visit.

Where to Try Tanzanian Food in Arusha

9. Milestone Park

Location: Njiro Road
A good place to sample traditional Tanzanian dishes like ugali, beans, nyama choma (grilled meat), and sukuma wiki (collard greens). The setting is casual and often features live music or local events.

10. Uzunguni City Park

Location: Near the Arusha-Moshi Road
A lively local park with several vendors selling chapati, grilled maize, and chips mayai (French fries and egg omelet). It’s especially popular in the evenings.

11. Khan’s BBQ

Location: Mosque Street, Arusha town
This simple street-side barbecue spot is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its spicy grilled chicken, naan, fries, and flavorful sides, Khan’s offers a casual open-air dining experience you won’t forget.

12. Five Chutneys

Location: “in town”, i.e. the center
This simple Indian restaurant offers delicious vegetarian streetfood.

Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Arusha

13. Kitamu Coffee

Location: Goliondoi Road
Serving locally grown Tanzanian coffee, Kitamu Coffee is perfect for brunch, and for digital nomads or travelers looking for a quiet place to relax or work. They offer some of the best homemade cakes I’ve tried in Arusha. Open 24/7!

14. Africafe

Location: Boma Road, Arusha CBD
Africafe is a reliable stop for travelers looking for a relaxed setting and a varied menu. From gourmet burgers and wraps to Tanzanian favorites like mishkaki (grilled beef skewers), it’s a safe bet for good food and a clean environment.

Street Food in Arusha: What and Where to Try It

If you’re comfortable with eating like a local, Arusha’s street food scene is worth exploring.

Popular Street Foods in Arusha:

Chips Mayai: A French fry omelet, often served with kachumbari (fresh tomato-onion salad)
Mishkaki: Marinated meat skewers grilled over open flames
Mandazi: Fried dough snacks, similar to donuts but less sweet
Chapati: East African flatbread served with beans or vegetables (my personal favorite!)

Where to Find Street Food:

Central Market (Soko Kuu): A bustling market where locals shop and eat—ideal for adventurous foodies.
Njiro Complex Parking Area: In the evening, local vendors set up stalls with grilled meats and snacks.
Clock Tower Area: Busy during lunchtime with vendors selling everything from chapati to roasted bananas.

Tips for Eating Out in Arusha

Water Safety: Stick to bottled or filtered water.
Cash: Many smaller eateries and street vendors only accept Tanzanian shillings in cash.
Tipping: A 5–10% tip is appreciated in sit-down restaurants, though not a requirement.
Food Safety: Choose busy spots with a high turnover of food, especially for street food. If you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to include some anti-diarrhea tablets on your packing list.

Pro tip: no energy to go out? Order in via the app Piki Tanzania. Not all restaurants are on it, and you should count on a lengthy wait, but sometimes the convenience makes it all worth it, right? Some restaurants also accept orders through phone calls or WhatsApp.

Planning your trip to Tanzania?
Explore more blog posts on where to stay, what to do, and how to get the most out of your safari adventure:

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Where to Eat in Arusha: Best Local Restaurants, Cafes & Street Food