Arusha is Tanzania's northern safari capital and a vibrant gateway city perched on the lower slopes of Mount Meru. Sitting at roughly 1,400 metres above sea level, the region blends bustling urban energy with dramatic highland scenery and world-class wildlife destinations on its doorstep.
Summary Arusha's food scene reflects its role as an international crossroads. Traditional Tanzanian dishes — ugali, nyama choma, pilau, and coastal Swahili cuisine — sit alongside Indian curries, Italian restaurants, French bakeries, and continental expat dining. Safari lodges and high-end restaurants have elevated local produce to gourmet status., Local staples Ugali (maize porridge), Nyama choma (grilled meat), Pilau rice, Wali na maharagwe (rice and beans), Sukuma wiki (collard greens), Mandazi (doughnuts), Chapati, Biryani, International presence Indian, Chinese, Italian, French, American-style
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Arusha.
Nyama Choma
Charcoal-grilled meat (beef, goat, or chicken), the quintessential Tanzanian social meal
Where to try: Khan's BBQ, local restaurants
Ugali na Sukuma Wiki
Stiff maize porridge with braised collard greens — Tanzania's national staple
Where to try: Any local restaurant
Pilau
Fragrant spiced rice with meat, a Swahili coast classic popular across Tanzania
Where to try: Swahili Pot, local eateries
Mishkaki
Marinated beef skewers grilled over charcoal — the street snack of Arusha evenings
Where to try: Khan's BBQ, street stalls from 17:00
Tanzanian Coffee
Single-origin Arabica from Kilimanjaro and Arusha slopes — among Africa's finest
Where to try: Tazama Cafe, Africafe, Arusha Coffee Lodge
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Arusha Coffee Lodge Restaurant (The Coffee House)
Set on a working coffee plantation, The Coffee House at Arusha Coffee Lodge offers one of Tanzania's finest dining experiences. A seasonally changing menu showcases local produce — from Kilimanjaro trout to Maasai beef — with impeccable presentation and service. Coffee from the estate features prominently.
Known for: Estate coffee dining experience
Burka Coffee Estate, Arusha-Moshi Road, Arusha
Shanga Restaurant
The restaurant at Shanga social enterprise in Usa River is consistently rated among the best in the Arusha region. Set in beautiful gardens with the sounds of the Usa River, the menu changes daily and features produce from the kitchen garden alongside local meats and fish. The setting is magical in the evening.
Known for: Garden-to-table dining in a social enterprise setting
Shanga, Usa River, Arusha
Onsea House Restaurant
The intimate restaurant at Onsea House boutique hotel offers superb European-African fusion cuisine in elegant surroundings. The fixed-price dinner menu changes nightly and is paired with curated wine selections. Reservations essential for non-guests.
Known for: Intimate fine dining with Belgian influence
Njiro, Arusha
Rivertrees Restaurant
Rivertrees Country Inn's riverside restaurant offers a farm-to-table experience with herbs, salads, and vegetables from the kitchen garden. The atmosphere is romantic and unhurried; the menu changes seasonally and frequently features organically raised meats and seasonal fish.
Known for: Country house dining with organic garden produce
Usa River, Arusha
Via Via Restaurant
Via Via is one of Arusha's most popular gathering spots for travellers and expats alike. Part of a Belgian social enterprise network, Via Via serves a broad menu including wood-fired pizzas, hearty pastas, local ugali dishes, and excellent coffee. Live music on weekends and a lively garden bar make it a great evening spot.
Known for: Social hub for travellers; live music weekends
Boma Road, near Arusha Cultural Centre
Africafe
Africafe is a beloved Arusha institution — a bright, contemporary cafe-restaurant on the ground floor of a city centre building serving excellent breakfasts, fresh juices, healthy lunches, and strong Kilimanjaro coffee. It doubles as a popular meeting point for safari operators and their clients.
Known for: Best breakfast in the city centre
Sokoine Road, Arusha City Centre
Jambo's Bar & Restaurant
Jambo's is a cheerful, laid-back restaurant and bar popular with local professionals and travellers. Known for its generous portions of nyama choma, grilled chicken, and Indian-influenced dishes, plus ice-cold Safari lager. The outdoor terrace is lively most evenings.
Known for: Relaxed local favourite for grilled meats
Colonel Middleton Road, Arusha City Centre
McMonkey's
McMonkey's is a popular expat and traveller hangout in the Njiro area of Arusha, offering a comfortable atmosphere with reliably good food. The menu spans burgers, wraps, pasta, grilled meats, and vegetarian options. The garden terrace is pleasant for sundowners and the cocktail list is well-curated.
Known for: Popular expat hangout with garden terrace
Njiro, Arusha
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
African
Arusha Coffee Lodge Restaurant (The Coffee House)
Shanga Restaurant
Onsea House Restaurant
Cultural Heritage Centre Restaurant
Serengeti Grill House
International & Tanzanian
Via Via Restaurant
McMonkey's
Arusha Hotel Restaurant
Barlastone Park Restaurant
Hakuna Matata Bar & Restaurant
French
Patisserie French Bakery
L'Endroit
Chez Pascal
Indian
Everest Inn
Aangan Indian Restaurant
Spice Garden
Tanzanian & International
Africafe
Fifi's Restaurant
Old Farmhouse Restaurant
Chinese
The Dragon Pearl
Bamboo Garden Chinese Restaurant
Local Tanzanian
Saba Saba Restaurant
Green Hut Restaurant
Bakery & Cafe
Boulangerie des Alpes
Bbq & Grill
Khan's BBQ
Cafe & International
Cafe Bamboo
Cafe & Juices
Baobab Cafe
Coffee & Light Bites
Tazama Cafe
Deli & International
Corner Store Cafe & Deli
Farm
Rivertrees Restaurant
International & Grills
Rooftop Bar & Grill (Impala Hotel)
International & Pub Food
Stiggy's Bar & Restaurant
Italian
Meza Luna
Nyama Choma & Grills
Carnivore Restaurant
Swahili Coastal
Swahili Pot Restaurant
Tanzanian & Fast Food
Hot Plate Restaurant
Tanzanian Cafe
Nakupenda Cafe
Tanzanian Grills
Safari Jiko Restaurant
Tanzanian Grills & International
Jambo's Bar & Restaurant
Vegetarian
Jungle Kitchen
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Mishkaki
Beef skewers; found at evening street stalls, from TZS 500 per skewer
Mandazi
Deep-fried doughnuts; common breakfast item, TZS 200–500 each
Samosa
Vegetable or meat-filled pastry; common at market stalls, TZS 500–1,000
Ugali with stew
Market canteens serve complete ugali meals from TZS 2,000
Sugarcane juice
Fresh-pressed at market stalls, TZS 500–1,000 per cup
Roasted corn (mahindi)
Charcoal-roasted maize cobs, TZS 500–1,000
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Arusha Central Market
Tengeru Market
Shoprite Supermarket
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Ask for the daily special (chakula cha leo) at local restaurants for the best value and freshest food
Service charge is sometimes added (10%); tipping additionally is appreciated
Lunch is the main meal of the day for locals — best variety and value
Vegetarian options are available everywhere but tell staff clearly (mimi si mkula nyama)
USD and TZS are both accepted at most restaurants; change is given in TZS
- Vegetarian
- Increasingly available, especially at international restaurants and cafes
- Vegan
- Jungle Kitchen is the top vegan option; most markets have excellent plant-based ingredients
- Halal
- Widely available; Tanzania has a significant Muslim population
- Gluten free
- Limited; best to self-cater for strict requirements
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |