Top 20 Best Restaurants in Moshi & Arusha (2025–2026 Food & Travel Guide) — Your Tanzania Adventure
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"