5 Best Restaurants in Namibia

A favorite restaurant among locals, this bistro-style steak house champions perfectly prepared Namibian meat and first-rate South African wine. The menu features burgers, salads and a couple of pasta dishes, but it's the steaks that keep this expansive place bustling every night. Try the beef carpaccio for starters and the slow-cooked pork belly for mains or keep it traditional and have a good old-fashioned steak excellently prepared. Grab one of the tables set in the captivating courtyard warmed by outdoor heaters (on cooler nights).

Always book in advance as this place is extremely popular.

One of the in-house restaurants at the Strand Hotel, this genuine steak house has an inviting and lively atmosphere that will set you at ease at once. The steaks are A+ and the craft beers from the in-house microbrewery pair well with a succulent piece of grilled game loin or a grilled Namibian Kapana experience, where the meat is grilled on an open fire, sliced, and sprinkled with traditional kapana spice. There are only a few vegetarian options. The outside fire pits are a great place to gather with friends for the beer tasting tray and a side of barbecue wings before dinner; you'll never tire of the view over the misty beaches of Swakopmund.

The palm-shaded terrace at this classic little café is a good place to watch the world go by while you savor scrumptious home-baked cakes and pastries, or enjoy a late-afternoon tea with hazelnut triangles, custard-filled danish, or croissants. Breakfast (buffet or à la carte style) is served until 11 am, and a small selection of light lunch options, like toasted sandwiches and soups, are served from noon until 2 pm.

If you only have a single night to spend in the capital city, make sure you swing by Joe’s Beerhouse, whether it’s to sample a large selection of local and imported beers, fill up on their generous portions of meat-forward food, or to marvel at the thousands of pieces of eclectic memorabilia and knickknacks on display, from stuffed animals and road signs to antiques and wire art. This quirky Windhoek institution will make for very memorable photos no matter whether you choose to sit indoors or out. Despite the vast amount of people who usually frequent this popular jaunt, the service is fairly prompt. The restaurant also offers a shuttle service for its patrons, which is added to the restaurant bill.

The Raft enjoys a spectacular view from its perch out over beautiful Walvis Bay Lagoon. Divided into two parts—bar to the right, restaurant to the left—this friendly establishment is a great spot to enjoy the best of Walvis—including sightings of the flamingos. The menu is extensive, with the usual array of seafood, sushi, red meat, good pizzas and the requisite pasta and vegetarian options. It's also a great spot for a local beer served in an icy cold mug.