Zanzibar

Mercury

Near the port, is dedicated to freddy mercury who was born on the island. the only interesting thing in the place is the atmosphere and the nice view over the harbor and bay -- skip the food unless you're in for a stomachache.

Passing Show Restaurant

Next to the malindi police station just outside the harbour. a place where they have very decent local food, like pilau, and all sorts of stews. all the men go there in the evening to drink tea. muslim place, so no alcohol.

Monsoon Restaurant

Just to the west of the tunnel at the edge of the harbour and the southern corner of forodhani gardens.

Amore Mio

On shangani street, serves good italian gelati ice cream, pizzas and pasta ~ $10-15 per person.

Forodhani Gardens

(http://www.africahousehot...) is a nightly affair by the water. you can purchase 'zanzibari pizza' or get all sorts of grilled seafood and meat for less than $1 per serving. also available are banana and chocolate pancakes which are to die for note: bring an extra bar of chocolate for them to add to your pancake. some consider the market to be overrated -- the food quality can be mixed and there will be papasi or touts who may hassle you. the twilight atmosphere however makes for a nice setting to have a cheap meal.

Serena Hotel

Stone town, has a very nice restaurant with live music almost everyday. beautiful view of the ocean and excellent, although expensive, food.

Blues Restaurant

On the water, has closed down.

Botanic Country Resort

Tunguu central region, 14km from the stone town towards the east coast behind the new tanzanian houses of parliament. taarab square and kipepeo grill and pub/beer garden with discotheque on weekends, live music on public holidays including outdoor cinema and live sports events on giant screens. beautiful gardens, food is from traditional swahili & zanzibarian dishes to international cuisine.

Kidude

Near hurumzi, serves traditional zanzibari cuisine at moderate prices.

Hurumzi', earlier known as Emerson and Green and later as Emerson's Tower Top Restaurant, is well worth a visit. It can be found at 236 Hurumzi Street in Stone Town. Amazing food and sublime atmosphere. While dinner is quite expensive and has to be booked in advance, the rooftop view of the sunset punctuated by the sound of prayer calls is not to be missed.