Piri Piri
Maputo, Mozambique
Named for the country’s famous dish, galinha à zambeziana – more commonly known as grilled chicken piri piri – this small no-frills café serves up some of the best in the nation (made up of grilled chicken cooked in lime, pepper, garlic, coconut milk, and piri piri sauce). Piri Piri – the restaurant – is also famous for its pregos, or steak rolls, and is constantly buzzing, no matter the time of day.
Zambi
Maputo, Mozambique
If you’re looking for a bistro-style option for your seafood, look no further than Zambi in Maputo. Known for its butterflied fish, prawns, as well as a vocal and friendly owner, Zambi offers quality food fresh from the ocean. You may pay a bit more than other places, but it’s considered to be well worth the price.
Feira Popular
Maputo, Mozambique
Feira Popular is actually an entertainment complex that offers a variety of diverse dining options. Some of its establishments are well known for specific items such as o escorpião’s feijoada (pork and vegetable stew), or Xiluva or Esplanade Oriental’s chicken. It’s also great for people watching, as large crowds flock there every night, especially on weekends.
Restaurante Costa do Sol
Maputo, Mozambique
This establishment has been around for more than 70 years, and with good reason. Located directly across from the beach (so it’s an ideal place to stop after a long day in the sand and surf), Restaurante Costa do Sol is famous for its prawns, as well as upbeat Latin music that plays throughout the day. It has outdoor seating for those who want to continue their sun worshipping, and is well known for its laid back attitude, reasonable prices, and delicious food.
The Docks
Maputo, Mozambique
At the Clube Naval in Maputo, you’ll be seated right on the ocean at The Docks, either inside or out, depending on your preference. Crowd favorites include the fresh crab, prawns, and seafood rice, with fish so fresh you’ll assume the chefs themselves are plucking them straight from the water.
Restaurante Maúa
Maputo, Mozambique
Located in the Feira Popular, Restaurante Maúa is especially popular for its unique Mozambican cuisine, and is one of the most popular in the complex. A menu that relies heavily on grills and the plentiful seafood of the region, crowds flock here on a daily basis – so you may end up waiting a bit for your food, but you’ll never leave hungry!
Fish Market
Maputo, Mozambique
For those looking for a little more of a do-it-yourself experience, stop by the fish market and pick out your own seafood, plucked fresh from the ocean. After making your purchase, you simply head into one of the restaurant stalls nearby to have it cooked (for relatively low prices, as you’ve already paid for the food itself), as well as to pick up any type of rice, chips or other side dishes. It’s guaranteed to be some of the tastiest seafood around!
Mundo’s
Maputo, Mozambique
Good food isn’t always about a fine dining experience, and Mundo’s proves that with its pub fare and famous pizza. It’s not necessarily at the forefront of Mozambican cuisine, but incorporating other cultures’ cuisines results in a wide menu and delicious fare. It also has bunches of TVs for customers to enjoy the day’s local sports matches.
Restaurante Pic-Nic
Beira, Mozambique
Well known as one of Beira’s best restaurants, Restaurante Pic-Nic offers more of a European flair to its dishes. Large portions and excellent service (from suited-up waitstaff, no less) are what define the place, as well as its delicious preparation of its dishes.
Restaurante Lucas
Inhaca Island, Mozambique
For the local touch, head to Restaurante Lucas, a homey place (but don’t necessarily expect the prices to reflect that) that offers up mouth-watering seafood. It is extremely popular with Mozambicans and tourists alike, but is known to take a while to prepare each dish – after all, you can’t rush excellence!
