Restaurants in Pemba Island

Best Restaurants in Pemba Island, Tanzania

Located just north of Zanzibar, Pemba Island is one of Tanzania’s most enchanting destinations—lush, unspoiled, and brimming with cultural heritage. While it’s less commercial than its sister island, Pemba offers a unique dining scene where local Swahili flavors, fresh seafood, and spice-laced dishes take center stage. Here’s your guide to the best restaurants in Pemba Island for an unforgettable culinary experience.

1. Fundu Lagoon Restaurant (Fundu Lagoon Resort)

Cuisine: Swahili Fusion, International
Why Go: Nestled along a secluded beach, this upscale resort offers one of Pemba’s most elegant dining experiences. Enjoy a rotating menu of gourmet seafood, tropical fruits, and spiced Swahili dishes—all with stunning ocean views.

Top Picks: Grilled reef fish, coconut crab curry, pineapple upside-down cake
Ambience: Romantic, barefoot luxury

2. The Manta Resort Restaurant

Cuisine: Farm-to-table, East African
Why Go: Known for its famous underwater room, The Manta Resort also offers a stellar restaurant experience. They use local organic produce and fresh-caught seafood, with a daily changing menu that reflects the best of Pemba’s island flavors.

Top Picks: Octopus masala, cassava fries, passion fruit mousse
Ambience: Open-air dining, reef view, eco-luxury

3. Emerald Bay Restaurant (Aiyana Resort)

Cuisine: Mediterranean–Swahili fusion
Why Go: This luxury beachfront restaurant serves beautifully plated dishes with global influences while remaining rooted in local ingredients and flavors. Perfect for a sunset dinner or special occasion.

Top Picks: Seafood tagine, tamarind-glazed prawns, tropical fruit tart
Ambience: Sophisticated, scenic and serene
Location: North Pemba

4. Pemba Misali Sunset Beach Restaurant

Cuisine: Local Swahili, Seafood
Why Go: For a more rustic, authentic experience, this beachside restaurant near Chake Chake is known for its simple yet flavorful dishes. It’s a favorite among local travelers for grilled fish, chapatis, and fresh fruit juices.

Top Picks: Grilled tuna, coconut rice, mango juice
Ambience: Casual, feet-in-the-sand charm

5. Cafe Coco at Pemba Lodge

Cuisine: Vegetarian-friendly, Organic
Why Go: Tucked away in the southern part of the island, this eco-conscious café serves up light fare made from garden-fresh ingredients. It's great for vegetarians, and also offers amazing ocean views.

Top Picks: Pumpkin soup, avocado toast, herbal iced teas
Ambience: Laid-back, eco-lodge vibe

What to Try in Pemba:

• Pweza wa nazi – Octopus cooked in coconut milk

• Wali wa pilau – Fragrant rice with spices

• Mishkaki – Skewered grilled meat or fish, served with spicy kachumbari

• Zanzibar mix – A tangy blend of potatoes, chickpeas, chutney, and bhajias

Foodie Tips:

• Most upscale restaurants are within resorts, but open to non-guests with reservations.

• Fresh seafood is everywhere, caught daily by local fishermen.

• Meals are often served slowly—“pole pole” (slowly slowly) is part of the island life, so relax and enjoy the pace.

• Cash is preferred outside of major resorts.

Dining on Pemba Island is not just about food—it’s about atmosphere, ocean breezes, and the warm, welcoming culture of the Swahili Coast. Whether you're indulging in fine seafood by the sea or savoring home-style chapatis with locals, the island’s restaurants serve flavors as unforgettable as its sunsets.