The most unique restaurant in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Well, to say Zanzibar is a paradise, would be an understatement. Its magic can't really be captured in words; although I would try to, in tits and bits in the numerous travelogues that I would be jotting down in the coming months. Deciding the topic to go forward with was the first hurdle, and I zeroed on writing about the most unique restaurant of this African island because the experience exceeded my expectations!
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| The Masai men adding local culture to the ambiance |
Mind you I am talking about 'uniqueness'. It's not about Michelin star quality or an extravagant affair like dining in a submarine (Mauritius) or in an aquarium (Maldives) or up in the sky (Dubai). It's unique as per Zanzibari topography (the drama of low tides and high tides) and believe me, it was really incredible.
The Rock restaurant definitely has the most beautiful scenery till now I have been. And the fun part? You have to take a boat to reach it during high tide! Basically the restaurant is built on a big piece of rock; in the Indian Ocean. During low tide, when the ocean recedes upto 2 kms 😆 (Peculiar Zanzibari phenomenon), you can walk to the restaurant over the sea bed. But during high tide, not only you have to take a boat, but the ride is rather bumpy, because the ocean gets so wild!
The boat is complimentary by the restaurant, although some people do tip the sailors. We intentionally reached during high tide as I wanted to soak in the full experience! It was a 5 minute boat ride, rocking from side to side and getting almost fully wet. Since the restaurant is built on a rock, you have to ascend the steps only to discover a mesmerizing 360 degree view of the area.
The Rock is situated on the Pingwe Beach, and there is a swing on the beach that gives an excellent view of the restaurant in the backdrop. The owner is an Italian and the place serves a mixture of all kinds of cuisines. You get fresh sea food, pasta, Swahili food and desserts and coffee and of course drinks. They are priced in USD, and this restaurant is the costliest in the entire island (that was expected). However if you just want the experience and don't want to fill up your stomach and empty your pockets, you can order coffee and a dessert. We had a full lunch in Michamvi an hour before, so we ordered an iced coffee (5USD) and a coconut tiramisu (12USD) The experience was of course; priceless. The coffee was lovely and so was the tiramisu.
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| We dressed as the national flag of Tanzania 🇹🇿 |
Since it was my pre birthday celebration, I made sure we were dressed nicely for family pictures. Too sad our tripod broke right at the airport; hence we were solely dependent on the public for our family pictures. I dressed my family as the flag of Tanzania, and although we got a few pictures together, none of them are satisfactory to my level, ie for enlarging and framing.
I would always suggest to sit outside; unless it's the middle of the afternoon with the sun glaring. The ambiance is more than magical; with sand beneath your feet, the ocean breeze ruffling your hair and the soothing turquoise waters of the ocean on three sides. It basically feels like a stationary cruise. I could literally spend hours there, if we didn't have a long drive back to our resort. We had rented a car for our entire Zanzibar stay (7 days) so zooming around the island wasn't an issue. My husband loves to drive and we tried to explore every nook and corner of this picturesque Tanzanian island.
We spent 1 and a half hours there; left at 6 30 PM, when it started getting dark. After reaching the shore, me and my daughter pranced around in the water, which was mind you absolutely chilling. But who cared! We were headed back to the resort only, so just chuck the wet clothes!
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| Cute souvenir shop inside |
We had a great time on the swing too, in the dark, in wet clothes, with the mobile flash on for taking pictures. Would it even count as an excursion if I don't take enough captures? 😂
I strongly feel that one should definitely give this place a visit, no matter where you are staying in Zanzibar.
Which has been your dreamiest restaurant experience till date?
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
29 comments
Wow this restaurant looks really so cool!
ReplyDeletewww.dudekgmc.blogspot.com
The Rock restaurant sounds like a must-visit destination, and your tips and insights are valuable for anyone planning a trip to Zanzibar. Keep sharing your wonderful travel adventures!
ReplyDeleteOMG, the Rock restaurant in Zanzibar, seems like a breathtaking culinary oasis nestled on a small rock formation in the Indian Ocean, just off the Michamvi Pingwe beach. With its unique location, this restaurant has added five stars to Zanzibar's beauty and charm.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to dine here, considering the Rock's awe-inspiring setting and enchanting atmosphere. Being a food blogger, I also want to try their exquisite selection of seafood and traditional Zanzibari dishes, prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Wow, Zanzibar truly sounds like a paradise, and your description of the most unique restaurant has me hooked! The idea of sitting outside with sand beneath your feet, the ocean breeze, and turquoise waters surrounding you sounds like a dream come true. I can almost imagine the magical ambiance you experienced; it must have been like dining on a beautiful stationary cruise. Your adventures exploring every nook and corner of the island with your husband also sound so exciting. Can't wait to read more about your travelogues from Zanzibar!
ReplyDelete-Anjali
Znzibar is one of my fav places to visit for sure. Your all instagram pictures already lurked me a lot and now after seeing this restaurant I am sure where I will be heading next. Such a stunning place with cool vibe , I must try this place. Thanks for the detailed gude.
ReplyDeleteRecently many are exploring Zanzibar & it seems to be safe to travel.
ReplyDeleteThe flag dress pic & the restaurant is fab. Also loved all the pics.
I would like you to write about the dos & don’t for Tanzania trip including safety tips.
The pic shared creates curiosity and excitement to visit it. Love the way you shared your experiences, it excites to plan a trip there.
ReplyDeleteIt's very picturesque and beautifully located! A must visit.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are so enticing. Wish Zanzibar was just a drive away. It surely sounds exotic, located on a rock that you can walk to, or take a boat as you said. And those Masai men are strong and tall. The beauty of the place is striking. Keeping the prices in mind, considering you say it's the most expensive place there.
ReplyDeleteWhaw, restaurant on a rock, a boat to reach the restaurant during high tides and with those clicks. It looks like a worth place to go for. Its like something like this could only appear in dreams.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading the blog and matching the description with your peaks I was looking where exactly the restaurant is in the pic. All that I can see is a picturesque Hut type at the backdrop. Now when I again examined the pic more minutely then I realized OMG thats the unique restaurant Mandira is talking about. I have never been to Zanzibar nor have any idea about this location natural beauty but now after reading your blog I can feel the sound of the waves echoing in my ears and calling me to be there. Thank you Mandira for introducing me to such a wonderland though your blog.
ReplyDeleteThose are some lovely pictures.
ReplyDeleteBeach hotel look so beautiful and peaceful. The picture with Masai man is beautiful. You are so lucky to travel such a unique place and we are lucky to have a tour through your post.
ReplyDeleteThe description of the most unusual restaurant has me intrigued, and Zanzibar sounds like a true paradise. It sounds like a dream, with the sand beneath your feet, the breeze from the ocean, and the blue waters all around you. I can practically feel the enchanted atmosphere you encountered; it must have seemed like dining on a lovely stationary cruise. Amazing read...
ReplyDeleteYou celebrated your 35th in Tanzania right Mandira, so that's y zanzibar is your pre birthday. I love the idea of dressing up as the flag... so creative. n omg the restaurant... amazing! I haven't had a dreamy restaurant experience so far... hopefully I will🤞. Stunning pics as usual and wishing u more travels...
ReplyDeleteKaveri
Just the look of the restaurant itself caught my eye and your detailed review on this restaurant is now a must visit for me. Zanzibar was in my must visit place and definitely going to visit this restaurant. Stunning pics as well. You sure look you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like quite an experience. I love that you always share about unique and picturesque places. Thanks you for the virtual tour.
ReplyDeleteFrom your pics, it indeed looks like a paradise. Lovely pics. Where's your other kid? Is she the one taking the pics? :)
ReplyDeleteThat restaurant is definitely uniquely located and made for some great pictures. The tall Masai men in their red cloaks give the perfect backdrop to your sexy self Mandira!
ReplyDeleteI would love a birthday bash like that, surrounded by loved ones, in the middle of the sea, having lovely food and a great view.
That resto looked so amazing.. I guess you had absolute fun there. I would love to vsit it too
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful view and your family pics look amazing The way you write about your visits with pictures that speak a ton is always admirable.
ReplyDeleteThe rock appears to be a stone throw away but getting there on a boat must have been quite an experience. Great captures in spite of the tripod, Mandira. The flag colors are on point. As always, filing the post.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful place. Each image is like a movie. The backdrop is breathtaking. I can't wait to visit the place. But yes it takes time:(
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great time here and this place is unique and mesmerizing
ReplyDeleteHow in the world you travel so much?? That too Zanzibar in Tanzania. Your travelogues are fantastic. I have always read about it. I wish I could trvel as much as you do.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures. I am a huge fan of Travelogues. Place looks very unique. Following you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place it seems. And lovely pictures too
ReplyDeleteLooking at your travel blogs makes me realise how much bigger and amazing Earth is and how much more I haven't seen. It's one reason why I love seeing your photos and make me manifest of visiting them as well someday=) - MommyWithAGoal
ReplyDeleteWow this sounds like such fun! I hope to visit it someday.
ReplyDeleteNoor