Must-see restaurants in Uganda

  • Deli

    Jinja

    This industrial-chic deli and cafe is just the trick for homesick travellers. Tasty espresso drinks, brownies, lovely oversized salads, nachos and…

  • Mediterraneo

    Kampala

    This upmarket open-air Italian restaurant occupies a sprawling wood deck in a tropical garden, lit at night with kerosene lamps. The Italian chef creates…

  • Khana Khazana

    Kampala

    Regarded by many as the best Indian in town and even far beyond, classy Khazana is a great place to treat yourself. It features atmospheric Rajasthani…

  • Elephante

    Uganda

    Gulu's hipsters flood this cute garden cafe serving wood-fired pizzas, burgers and Mexican fare. It's owned by a Portland native, which ensures quality…

  • Nurali's Café

    Eastern Uganda

    This popular Indian restaurant delivers delicious flavours from the tandoor. The chicken tikka masala is melt-in-your-mouth good, plus there's excellent…

  • EcoBurrito

    Southwestern Uganda

    This brilliant and highly unexpected roadside find is likely to elicit squeals of glee from even the most seasoned Africa hands. An American doctoral…

  • Black Lantern

    Jinja

    Bujagali's premier dining destination is set under an elegant traditional thatched-roof overlooking the water. The extensive menu showcases dishes from…

  • Fez Brasserie

    Kampala

    One of Kampala’s most renowned restaurants, this gorgeous spot looking out over the leafy grounds of the Emin Pasha hotel has an ever-evolving fusion menu…

  • Prunes

    Kampala

    A great spot for brunch, lunch or a laid-back dinner, Prunes is a popular expat hang-out. It does great Ugandan coffee to go with comfort food such as…

  • Mama Ashanti

    Kampala

    West African fare isn't so common here and this is some of the best. Mama Ashanti tempts with egusi (minced spinach, pumpkin seed and groundnut) with…

  • Gately on the Nile

    Jinja

    The restaurant on the back porch of the popular boutique hotel of the same name exudes the atmosphere of a Balinese garden. The fusion menu serving butter…

  • Yujo Izakaya

    Kampala

    In a gorgeous setting, this highly regarded, popular and friendly restaurant offers a slice of traditional Japan. Known primarily for its imported rice…

  • Le Chateau

    Kampala

    Though popular for its Ugandan beef tenderlion, Le Chateau serves an extensive Belgian menu that includes Flemish stew, crispy fries, snails and a…

  • Omwani Training Cafe

    Southwestern Uganda

    When you tire of all-inclusive lodge meals, come to this adorable cafe with tables in the backyard and chickens running loose. Service is slow but the end…

  • Cafe Javas

    Kampala

    It's really hard to fault this place, a bright, spotless and roomy cafe in the middle of downtown Kampala. A huge menu takes in everything from delicious …

  • Café Frikadellen

    Southwestern Uganda

    An expat fave, this Danish-owned eatery is best known for its Friday night all-you-can-eat barbecue (USh40,000) with many side salads, but also serves…

  • Holy Crêpe

    Kampala

    Billing itself (perhaps unshockingly) as Uganda's first crêperie, this spot perched on top of Kololo Hill has sweeping views of Kampala. The main reason…

  • Kwanzi Cafe

    Southwestern Uganda

    This 2nd-storey open-air cafe with comfortable divans provides respite from dusty Kabale. A curbside blackboard announces the daily specials, though your…

  • Source Café

    Jinja

    A magnet for expats seeking reliable wi-fi (not free but cheap and fast), this attractive cafe does excellent French-press coffee, baked goods and…

  • Iron Donkey Restaurant

    Uganda

    Start your day feasting on homemade pastries, crêpes or an American breakfast. Salads, sandwiches and tacos are served the rest of the day. It's no wonder…

  • Lawns

    Kampala

    A pretty garden restaurant offering carnivores anything from tender beef steaks to more exotic ostrich burgers, wildebeest steaks and crocodile in garlic…

  • Cantine Divino

    Kampala

    Doubling as a stylish wine bar, this upmarket Italian grill is a spot to see and be seen. Think steak with rustic potatoes, flame-grilled lamb chops and…

  • Bwindi Bar

    Southwestern Uganda

    A colourful haven on the main drag, this cute cafe serves organic espresso drinks with brownies and banana cake. For something more substantial, try a…

  • Tamarai

    Kampala

    Kampala's premier Thai restaurant is a classy affair stylishly set in an immense open-air thatched hut. All your favourite Thai classics (plus a few pan…

  • Miso Garden

    Kampala

    In a candlelit garden setting under a jackfruit tree, this popular Korean-owned restaurant offers up a selection of Korean and Japanese dishes. Bibimbap …

  • Eco Sham

    Eastern Uganda

    Inside the Casa del Turista, this cafe has quality food and top organic Mt Elgon coffee, with proceeds going to a local school. The rooftop tables with…

  • Plot 99

    Southwestern Uganda

    This chilled out Belgian-Dutch–owned coffeehouse serves everything from Belgian fries with mayo to thin-crust pizzas and Greek salads. It has great coffee…

  • Jinja Sailing Club

    Jinja

    Completely rebuilt in a sleek and modern resort style, this waterfront restaurant serves a long list of Indian, African and Western classics, with…

  • Bistro

    Kampala

    With a varied menu, seductive cocktails and good service, this refined bistro is popular with Ugandans and expats alike. Tapas are great, but there are…

  • Kardamom & Koffee

    Kampala

    Come for the relaxed garden setting, strong coffee, spiced tea and carrot cake. Fresh juices, mezze plates and watermelon feta salad are a few of the…

  • New Abyssinia

    Uganda

    Serving delicious Ethiopian and Eritrean food, this friendly restaurant offers a welcome change of pace. To sample some of everything, try the Abyssinian…

  • Haandi

    Kampala

    Always crowded with locals, this restaurant features the best of North Indian frontier cuisine. Experiment a little with the tilapia (Nile perch) curries…

  • Great Indian Dhaba

    Kampala

    Serving an extensive menu of northern and southern Indian cuisine, this casual garden restaurant delivers. There's sufficient spice and great value in the…

  • Grass Roots Cafe

    Southwestern Uganda

    This cute little deli offers all-day breakfast, Turkish coffee and healthy wraps featuring hummus, spinach and avocado or falafel. Don't skip the fresh…

  • Moti Mahal

    Jinja

    Jinja's best Indian food comes from this cavernous restaurant with a large downstairs dining room. The ambience is dull but the food isn't. Enjoy spicy…

  • Quality Hill

    Kampala

    To pack a gourmet picnic or just hang out, visit this fashionable foodie enclave, home to Quality Cuts Butchery for meat and cheese, the superb La…

  • Cafe Olimaco

    Southwestern Uganda

    Sometimes with wi-fi, this cute cafe with patio seating offers satisfactory light meals, snacks and espresso drinks.

  • La Fontaine

    Kampala

    While you don't come here for fine dining or lightning-fast service, you do get cheap, tasty food in a laid-back, atmospheric environment. The fish dishes…

  • Casablanca

    Kampala

    Another big player in Kololo's fantastic multicultural food scene, Casablanca does tasty injera (flatbread) dishes in its outdoor candlelit garden…

  • Fang Fang

    Kampala

    An upmarket Chinese restaurant with a large, quiet outdoor terrace. Specialities include fried crispy prawns with ginger and garlic. There's also a more…

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