Dining out is about more than just staving off hunger. It’s also a way to enjoy culture, nourish our souls and our bellies, share intimate moments with family and friends, and create lasting memories. If food experiences matter to you, Africa boasts some of the most scenic and out-of-the-ordinary restaurants in the world. Here are 7 unique restaurants in Africa that you must visit.

The Rock ~ Zanzibar Tanzania

The Rock is one of Africa’s most famous restaurants, situated on a rock in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It offers stunning panoramic ocean views, a variety of seafood dishes, and a unique experience that can’t be missed. When the tide is low you can walk to the restaurant by foot, but during high tide the restaurant shuttles guests back and forth by boat. The Rock is open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks and reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited.

Akemi ~ Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Akemi is one of Tanzania‘s premier fine dining establishments and its only revolving restaurant. It’s located on the 21st floor in one of Dar es Salaam’s tallest buildings and offers breathtaking 360° city and ocean views. Akemi is open daily for lunch, dinner and cocktails and has a grand buffet with a live band on Sundays. The cuisine features Continental, African and Asian dishes.

Cargo Hold Restaurant ~ Durban, South Africa

Have you ever wanted to dine with sharks? If so, visit the Cargo Hold for the ultimate aquatic culinary experience. Built in a replica phantom ship, this restaurant offers seating next to a wall-sized shark aquarium (book those tables well in advance) or by windows that overlook the ocean. The cuisine is high-end international and South African fare. It’s open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for lunch only.

Carnivore ~ Nairobi, Kenya

Carnivore is a meat lover’s dream and a must-do for first-time visitors to Kenya. As soon as you enter, you’ll know you’re in for a treat as you’re greeted by a huge charcoal pit and the wafting aroma of meats roasting on traditional Maasai swords. This all-you-can-eat meat buffet features a menu that changes daily, with a wide variety of classic meats from lamb, chicken, and sirloin to exotic meats like crocodile, ostrich balls, and zebra. The meat feast is accompanied by a selection of salads, vegetable side dishes, and sauces. If you indulge, be sure to try the house cocktail, the Dawa (means medicine in Swahili), which is delivered on a hand tray by Dr. Dawa, the resident “medicine man”. Carnivore is open daily for lunch and dinner.

La Tante DC10 Restaurant ~ Accra, Ghana

La Tante DC10 is a restaurant located inside a converted DC-10 airplane near Accra’s international airport. Guests enter and exit the plane via a covered staircase and are greeted in the former first class seating area, which has been converted into a waiting area. The restaurant seats more than 100 people and is air-conditioned throughout. The cuisine is local Ghanaian fare.

Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant ~ Diani Beach, Kenya

Ali Barbour’s offers fine dining in a coral cave 33 feet underground. Don’t fret if you’re claustrophobic because the “roof” is open for star gazing. This magical restaurant is open 7 days a week for dinner only and reservations are required. The menu is international, but their specialty is seafood.

9 Pyramids Lounge ~ Cairo, Egypt

Africa’s latest unique restaurant is 9 Pyramids Lounge, opened in October 2020 on the southern side of the Giza Plateau. Visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch or drinks at their choice of table seating or Bedouin-style seating on floor pillows, all while enjoying expansive views of the Giza Pyramid complex. Reservations are highly recommended because they are usually booked months in advance.