Aside from the lodges, which all have restaurants, there are several independent restaurants in town, which change regularly. If you have a dollar, you can find a burger, Malawian pizza, or a great Chambo fish dinner.
For a particularly good local restaurant, find the large tree in the middle of the market; here you will find reasonably priced, good food to enjoy on benches beneath the branches.
Safari Africa
Does very good cheap meals, much larger than the back packers. It is located next to the water, on the way up towards Aqua Africa. It is a bit no frills particularly in its seating arrangements, but at about half the price of the back packers dishes, very good value.
Kaya Papaya
A new restaurant in town offers Thai food, pizzas, cakes, shakes, juices and very tasty cocktails for reasonable prices. It´s easy to hang out all day on its atmospheric topdeck overlooking the football ground and town centre, enjoying a good meal and fine music.