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The Rock Restaurant has got to be one of the most unique restaurants I’ve ever been to. Every element of this piece of beauty in nothing but impressive. Simply put, the Rock Restaurant is genius.
What better way is there to explore Zanzibar’s idyllic waters, fresh seafood, laid back vibes and epic sunset but on a restaurant set upon a rock in the ocean? And that’s exactly why I couldn’t let the opportunity to visit pass me by.
Tell me more about the Rock Restaurant
The Rock Restaurant is situated in Michamvi Pingwe in the South-east of Zanzibar and is as iconic as the island itself. It offers 5 star dining and 5 star service overlooking the gentle calmness of the open ocean and easily reachable from any part of the island.
Transfers to and from the restaurant can be made with the many hotels and resorts dotted around the island as well as with the restaurant itself.
The restaurant is in high demand so advance booking is preferable if you don’t want to get disappointed at the door! It can accommodate couples as well as big group so it can be enjoyed as a romantic haven or a fun getaway.
Note: when the tide is high you’ll be transferred by boat from the shore to the restaurant and when it’s low you’ll walk to it.
On our way to the Rock Restaurant
Me and my husband took a short 10 minute ride from Bwejuu to the Rock restaurant and arrived at the car park where my excitement levels were pretty much sky high at this point!
A little walk along a pretty pathway later and it opened up to a beach filled with life, bliss and good vibes only. We were instantly greeted by locals and young children eager to sell us sea shells with their contagious smiles. If you’re not interested simply say so gently and they’ll leave you to it with a bunch of ‘welcome to Zanzibar’ and ‘hakuna matatas’.
Our first look at the Rock Restaurant
There it lay before my eyes, even more epic live up. I almost had to pinch myself, it was a true gem! Unfortunately, when we arrived the tide was low so that was a little disappointing so make sure you check the tide before you arrive.
We walked along the man-made steps towards the restaurant and even though the tide wasn’t in our favour, I already knew it was going to be an amazing experience!
Our experience at the Rock Restaurant
We arrived at the stairs and were warmly greeted by staff who showed us to our table at the side of the restaurant looking out over the ocean and shore.
We received the menus and spent atleast 15 minutes gushing over the table decor and drooling over what to get! And when it came down to the real business? We didn’t hold back at all! We enticed our taste buds with as much seafood as humanly possible and I couldn’t have faulted any of it.
The food went beyond my expectations, it fully embodied flavour and freshness and it was a visual piece of art.
We indulged in a colourful array of seafood along with fresh vegetables and crispy potatoes (which were just divine!) My personal favourite were the prawns with the lobster coming in at a close second. EVERY single thing on our plates was just as succulent as the other, so well worth the extra pennies! Don’t forget to have a refreshing mango and passion drink if you ever go because … well you’ll find out soon!
The atmosphere around the Rock Restaurant
The restaurant’s soothing music was almost like therapy as I daydreamed into space whilst watching the laid-back lifestyle of the locals and tranquillity of the fishermen at sea. You’ll feel like you’re at the mercy of the ocean with its shimmering blue and the soft sway of the palm trees – just pure bliss. There’s something very humbling about Zanzibar’s way of life so always be sure to pay the local villages a visit.
Sunset coffee on the terrace
We eventually went out to the back of the restaurant on the terrace where we got ready to watch the sunset with cappuccinos and a pot of tea in hand. We humbly enjoyed front row views of the sky’s goodbye show and it was a beautiful way to end the day. Even though the south of Zanzibar boasts beautiful sunrises over sunsets it was still stunning regardless.
A little advice before you go ...
If you can, I would strongly suggest you go just before sunset so you can experience the restaurant at day, sunset and night. At night the staff light candles on the tables and terrace and it becomes the dreamiest atmosphere!
Please note, the Rock Restaurant doesn’t come cheap, especially in comparison to Zanzibar prices so be prepared to dig a little deeper in your pockets!
And with that, if you’re thinking of a trip to Zanzibar or the Rock Restaurant, I hope you have an amazing time and be sure to make a lot of memories. Please consider reading my full Zanzibar travel guide before you go so you can full enjoy your time there!
If you’re looking to book your next trip, please consider booking down below with my links (at no extra cost to you!), i’d really appreciate the support!
Till next time x
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