4 Best Restaurants in Zambia

Background Illustration for Restaurants

In Zimbabwe, game meat can be found on almost any menu, but it's something of a delicacy in Zambia; superior free-range beef and chicken are available everywhere. The local bream, filleted or whole, is excellent, and the staple starch, a thick porridge similar to polenta—sadza in Zimbabwe and nsima in Zambia—is worth a try; use your fingers to eat it (you'll be given a bowl for washing afterward). Adventurous? Try macimbi or vinkuvala (sundried mopane worms) or inswa (flash-fried flying ants) during the flood season.

Meals are taken at regular hours, but during the week, restaurants close around 10. Dress is generally casual, but this part of Africa easily lends itself to a little bling, so you'll never be out of place in something more glamorous.

Livingstone Island Picnic

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Available throughout the year whenever the water levels are low enough, this is a spectacular dining option. Livingstone Island is perched right on the edge of the void, where you'll dine at a table dressed with linen and gleaming silver on a delicious organic lunch (with salads) served by attentive waiters. You get there by boat (two engines, just in case). Brunch and afternoon tea are US$115 and US$155, respectively, and lunch is US$180, including transfers and a dip in Devil's Pool. The trips are run by Tongabezi Lodge, and there is a maximum of 24 guests.

Livingstone, Zambia
0979-312--766
Known For
  • Unparalleled proximity to the Falls
  • Unique, spectacular location
  • Delectable sweets
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed a couple of months around Feb.–June, depending on water levels. No dinner, Reservations essential

Royal Livingstone Express

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Walking the stretch of red carpet alongside Locomotive 156 while it blows steam and rumbles in preparation for its journey is an ultimately exciting and romantic Vic Falls experience with a beautifully presented and meticulously prepared gourmet dinner. Dinner guests are seated in either the Wembley or Chesterfield dining carriage (both exquisitely restored). Depending on the day, the historic steam train either pulls you through a bustling shanty town, over the Sinde River Bridge, and then back through Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, or stops to watch the sunset on the magnificent Victoria Falls Bridge. And yes, the train gives right-of-way to giraffes, elephants, and any other plains game who might decide to cross the tracks during dinner!

Golden Leaf

$$

The Moghuls themselves might declare a meal here a feast. Spicy but not hot, the curries are lovingly prepared from ingredients imported from India. The chicken tikka masala is a house speciality, and the handmade saffron kulfi is an inspired dessert at the end of another hot day in Africa. You'll do well to find better curry anywhere in Zambia, and portions and prices are reasonable.

110 Mosi-oa-Tunya Rd., Livingstone, Zambia
0213-321--266
Known For
  • Authentic ambience and food
  • Good variety of curries
  • Great service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Mon.

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Olga's Italian Corner

$

This restaurant delivers a double whammy. Not only does it serve genuine house-made Italian food prepared from fresh local ingredients, it's also part of an NGO project that trains and benefits the local youth. Open six days a week, Olga's features house-made croissants and muffins with Italian espresso for breakfast and seasonal delights for lunch and dinner. All the Italian pastas and pizzas are prepared on the premises and served with flavorful sauces made to order.