Northern Tanzania is home to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, world-famous safaris, and a rich culinary scene. Whether you’re trekking Kilimanjaro, on a safari from Arusha, or exploring the towns, Moshi and Arusha offer dining options for every traveler. From traditional Tanzanian flavors to international cuisine, this guide highlights the top 20 restaurants for 2025–2026 with insider tips, must-try dishes, and practical travel advice.

Price Guide Explanation:

To help you plan your meals, we’ve included a simple price guide for each restaurant:

$ = Very affordable (street food, cafés)

$$ = Mid-range (casual dining)

$$$ = Expensive (fine dining or rooftop restaurants)

$$$$ = Luxury (premium dining experiences)

Restaurants in Arusha Top 10

1. The Blue Heron

Location: Arusha City Center

Cuisine: Mediterranean & International

Why Recommended: Traveler favorite with garden seating; great for families and casual dining.

Best Dish: Mediterranean pizza and homemade cakes

Price Range: $$ Alt Text: "Blue Heron Restaurant Arusha Mediterranean pizza outdoor seating"

2. Urban Rooftop

Location: Arusha City Center

Cuisine: Fusion & Modern

Why Recommended: Panoramic views ideal for sunset dinners.

Best Dish: Chicken skewers with refreshing mocktails

Price Range: $$$ Alt Text: "Urban Rooftop Arusha sunset view and chicken skewers"

3. The Grill House

Location: Njiro

Cuisine: BBQ & Steak

Why Recommended: Perfect for meat lovers with generous portions.

Best Dish: BBQ ribs or steak platter

Price Range: $$ Alt Text: "The Grill House Arusha BBQ ribs and steak platter"

4. George’s Tavern

Location: Arusha City

Cuisine: Greek & Mediterranean

Why Recommended: Cozy atmosphere with authentic flavors; popular with expats and travelers.

Best Dish: Grilled chicken souvlaki

Price Range: $$ Alt Text: "George's Tavern Arusha grilled chicken souvlaki interior"

5. Le Patio

Location: Near Clock Tower

Cuisine: International & Steak

Why Recommended: Romantic courtyard setting; excellent cocktails.

Best Dish: Beef fillet

Price Range: $$$ Alt Text: "Le Patio Arusha beef fillet courtyard dining"

6. Khan’s Barbecue

Location: Arusha Town

Cuisine: Local BBQ/Street Food

Why Recommended: Iconic local spot with authentic street food.

Best Dish: BBQ chicken with fresh naan

Price Range: $ Alt Text: "Khan's Barbecue Arusha street food chicken skewers"

7. Picasso Café

Location: Njiro

Cuisine: Café, Sandwiches & Smoothies

Why Recommended: Great for breakfast, light meals, or working on-the-go.

Best Dish: Chicken quesadilla and iced latte

Price Range: $ Alt Text: "Picasso Café Arusha chicken quesadilla iced latte"

8. Spices & Herbs Restaurant

Location: Arusha

Cuisine: Indian

Why Recommended: Modern Indian flavors in a stylish setting.

Best Dish: Butter chicken and garlic naan

Price Range: $$ Alt Text: "Spices & Herbs Arusha butter chicken garlic naan"

9. Rooftop by Gran Melia Hotel

Location: Gran Melia, Arusha

Cuisine: Fine Dining & Seafood

Why Recommended: Luxury dining with panoramic views of Mount Meru.

Best Dish: Seafood platter

Price Range: $$$$ Alt Text: "Rooftop Gran Melia Arusha seafood platter Mount Meru view"

10. Africafe

Location: Clock Tower, Arusha

Cuisine: Café & Casual Dining

Why Recommended: Friendly café with pastries, salads, and Tanzanian coffee.

Best Dish: Cappuccino and chicken wrap

Price Range: $ Alt Text: "Africafe Arusha cappuccino and chicken wrap interior"

Restaurants in Moshi (Top 10)

11. Union Café

Location: Moshi Town

Cuisine: Café / Breakfast

Why Recommended: Popular for freshly roasted Tanzanian coffee and light breakfasts.

Best Dish: Cappuccino and banana pancakes

Price Range: $ Alt Text: "Union Café Moshi cappuccino banana pancakes"

12. Indoitaliano

Location: Near Mawenzi Road

Cuisine: Indian & Italian

Why Recommended: Popular before Kilimanjaro climbs with large portions.

Best Dish: Butter chicken or wood-fired pizza

Price Range: $$ Alt Text: "Indoitaliano Moshi wood-fired pizza butter chicken"

13. Kilimanjaro Backyard BBQ

Location: Shanty Town

Cuisine: BBQ

Why Recommended: Lively outdoor BBQ with a local vibe.

Best Dish: Chicken mishkaki

Price Range: $ Alt Text: "Kilimanjaro Backyard BBQ Moshi chicken skewers outdoor"

14. Coffee Shop at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

Location: Kilimanjaro Wonders

Cuisine: Café

Why Recommended: Elegant café for breakfast or relaxing afternoons.

Best Dish: Fresh pastries

Price Range: $$ Alt Text: "Kilimanjaro Wonders Moshi pastries coffee"

15. The Secret Garden

Location: Moshi Town

Cuisine: Healthy / Vegan-Friendly

Why Recommended: Relaxed green setting with smoothies and vegetarian meals.

Best Dish: Smoothie bowls

Price Range: $ Alt Text: "The Secret Garden Moshi smoothie bowl garden setting"

16. El Rancho

Location: Near YMCA

Cuisine: Indian

Why Recommended: Authentic curries and fast service.

Best Dish: Chicken tikka masala

Price Range: $$ Alt Text: "El Rancho Moshi chicken tikka masala curry naan"

17. Milan’s Restaurant

Location: Market Street

Cuisine: Vegetarian Indian

Why Recommended: Affordable and flavorful vegetarian options.

Best Dish: Thali plate

Price Range: $ Alt Text: "Milan's Restaurant Moshi vegetarian thali plate"

18. Maembe Garden

Location: Moshi Town

Cuisine: Casual / Burgers

Why Recommended: Open-air casual dining for budget travelers.

Best Dish: Beef burger

Price Range: $ Alt Text: "Maembe Garden Moshi beef burger fries outdoor seating"

19. Mama Africa Restaurant

Location: Moshi Town

Cuisine: Traditional Tanzanian

Why Recommended: Authentic local dishes in a cultural setting.

Best Dish: Ugali with chicken or beef stew

Price Range: $ Alt Text: "Mama Africa Moshi Ugali chicken stew traditional Tanzanian"

20. The Grill & Bar Moshi

Location: Moshi

Cuisine: Steak / Casual Dining

Why Recommended: Modern décor, cocktails, and sharing platters for groups.

Best Dish: Mixed grill platter

Price Range: $$ Alt Text: "The Grill & Bar Moshi mixed grill platter cocktails"