1. The Blue Heron
Cuisine: European-Tanzanian Fusion | Price Range: $$$ | Highlight: Handmade pizzas + Maasai artisan boutique
Nestled in coffee plantations with Mount Meru views, this garden oasis uses hyper-local ingredients. Their coconut-crusted Nile perch and pesto vegan pizza are legendary. The attached workshop supports Maasai artisans – dine amidst handmade crafts
Recent Review: "The serenity and pizza perfection make this Arusha's unmissable experience!"
2. George's Tavern
Cuisine: Greek-Mediterranean | Price Range: $$ | Highlight: 20+ vegetarian options + sushi bar
A white-and-blue sanctuary in downtown Arusha, famous for lamb gyros, halloumi wraps, and East Africa's best pork chops. Their meat platter (served with Greek salad) feeds two, and the craft beer selection impresses connoisseurs.
Recent Review: "Felt transported to a Greek island – the gyros and sunset cocktails are divine!"
3. Gran Meliá Rooftop
Cuisine: Tanzanian-International Fusion | Price Range: $$$$ | Highlight: Mount Meru views + coffee-crusted ostrich
Perched atop Arusha’s luxury hotel, this rooftop dazzles with sunset views and avant-garde dishes like crocodile carpaccio. Their "Safari Journey" tasting menu pairs with South African wines.
Recent Review: "Watching Meru turn pink while sipping baobab cocktails? Pure magic."
4. Arusha Coffee Lodge
Cuisine: Farm-to-Table | Price Range: $$$ | Highlight: Coffee-infused menus + garden buffets
Dine amid coffee aromas with dishes like coffee-rubbed steak and pilau rice. Their 4-course "Garden Buffet" showcases Tanzanian produce, and baristas craft pour-overs from estate beans.
Recent Review: "The coffee crème brûlée alone justifies the visit!"
5. Kitamu House
Cuisine: Swahili Specialties | Price Range: $ | Highlight: Nyama choma (grilled meat) + ugali workshops
For bold local flavors: try slow-cooked goat pilau or cassava-leaf stew. Communal tables encourage sharing, and chefs demonstrate ugali (maize porridge) techniques.
Recent Review: "Finally tasted real Swahili home cooking – explosive flavors!"
6. Abyssinia
Cuisine: Ethiopian | Price Range: $$ | Highlight: Hand-eating communal platters + coffee ceremonies
Share spicy lentil stews and beetroot salads on sourdough injera bread. Weekend coffee ceremonies involve roasting beans tableside – a cultural immersion.
Recent Review: "Eating with our hands bonded our safari group – unforgettable!"
7. Khan's BBQ
Cuisine: North Indian | Price Range: $$ | Highlight: Clay-oven naan + $12 lunch buffets
Family-run since 2010, their butter chicken and tandoori platters draw locals. Owner Imran personally monitors dish quality – expect fiery chutneys and mango lassis.
Recent Review: "The garlic naan was so fresh, it puffed like a pillow!"
8. Fifi's Restaurant
Cuisine: Continental-African | Price Range: $$$ | Highlight: Coffee-rubbed steak + Mount Meru vistas
Book a sunset table for banana-leaf-wrapped tilapia or passionfruit-glazed ribs. Their "Safari Sunset" cocktail with hibiscus gin is iconic.
Recent Review: "Dinner with Meru views? Worth every shilling."
9. Rivertrees Country Inn
Cuisine: Organic Garden Fare | Price Range: $$$ | Highlight: Usa River views + zucchini-chocolate cake
Ingredients come straight from their gardens. Try the pumpkin curry or tamarind-glazed fish beneath ancient trees.
Recent Review: "Zucchini cake sounds odd – tastes like heaven!"
10. Tokyo Japanese Restaurant
Cuisine: Japanese | Price Range: $$$ | Highlight: Weekly fish flights from Dar + teppanyaki shows
Surprising authenticity: tuna sashimi and tempura udon rival coastal cities. Sake pairings curated by Japanese expats.
Recent Review: "After weeks in the bush, this tasted like a trip to Tokyo!"
Local Tip: Book rooftop spots (Fifi’s, Gran Meliá) for 5:30 PM to secure sunset views. Most top restaurants offer free pickup within 5km of Arusha Clock Tower.
