The best restaurants in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo

Due to its rich colonial history with the Portuguese, Mozambique has evolved to become one of Africa’s powerhouses in preparation of mixed-stated cuisines. Food in Mozambique has an African-Portuguese touch and at times, incorporates Arabian tastes.

Iconically, its seafood heralded by the presence of coastline is delicious. While in Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, make a date to visit the following restaurants:

Dhow cafe

The restaurant is set up in Dhow boats overlooking Maputo Bay thus the name “Dhow Cafe”. The dhow boats are transformed into comfortable sofas surrounded by a garden at the end of a residential street in the capital. Greek cuisine is the signature dish at Dhow cafe but it has a little bit of Mozambican touch. Some of the favourite meals here include feta-hiney Samosas, ginger iced tea and strawberry cake.

Dhow Cafe, Maputo: Part art gallery, part high-end concept store, part chic lunch spot, this stylish café in a gorgeously restored house has a sweeping veranda overlooking gardens, a pool, and Maputo Bay. [Photo by Financial Times]

Campo di Mare

It is the to-go-to restaurant for a fine serving of Italian food. Its beautiful view of the ocean coupled with Italian cuisine with a little bit of local twist has made it very famous. Some of the popular dishes include tuna tartar, tuna steak, grilled prawns, crab fusilli, spaghetti with clams among others.

Zambi Restaurant

Zambi is located near the ocean and beautifully set under palm trees and a terrace shaded with wild grass. Here, you get well-done Brazillian steak referred to as picanha in Portuguese dialect.

Zambi Restaurant in Maputo.[ Photo by Residencial Palmeiras]

Piri Piri, Maputo

It serves local and Portuguese cuisine. It is known for its grilled chicken christened ‘piri piri’ chicken. You can also try seafood such as Crab matapa prepared at this restaurant opened during the colonial era.