The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar
Seafood restaurant ·

The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar

Seafood restaurant ·

Seafood, pasta, and ocean views from a tidal island restaurant

lobster
attentive service
tasty food
friendly staff
fish pasta
steak on a stick
green tanzanite
pistachio tiramisu
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by kunovskayaanastasia (Used With Permission)
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by Rod Waddington/CC BY-SA 2.0
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by zanzibarphotographytours/Gwen Courtman (Used With Permission)
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by Rod Waddington/CC BY-SA 2.0
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by meet_my_meat (Used With Permission)
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by meet_my_meat (Used With Permission)
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by Rod Waddington/CC BY-SA 2.0
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by Rod Waddington/CC BY-SA 2.0
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by kunovskayaanastasia (Used With Permission)
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by kunovskayaanastasia (Used With Permission)
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by Rod Waddington/CC BY-SA 2.0
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by Rod Waddington/CC BY-SA 2.0
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by zanzibarphotographytours/Gwen Courtman (Used With Permission)
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by Rod Waddington/CC BY-SA 2.0
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by zanzibarphotographytours/Gwen Courtman (Used With Permission)
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by Rod Waddington/CC BY-SA 2.0
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by MEET_MY_MEAT
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by meet_my_meat (Used With Permission)
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by Rod Waddington/CC BY-SA 2.0
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar by null

Information

Pingwe, Michamvi, Tanzania Get directions

$$$

See Menu
Usually a wait
Reservations required
Restroom
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner

Information

Static Map

Pingwe, Michamvi, Tanzania Get directions

+255 776 591 360
therockrestaurantzanzibar.com
@therockzanzibar

$$$ · Menu

Features

•Usually a wait
•Reservations required
•Restroom
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Cozy
•Romantic
•Trendy

Last updated

Jan 28, 2026

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@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

The Most Remote Restaurants in the World

"Once the site of a fisherman’s post, The Rock restaurant sits perched atop a rock off the eastern coast of Unguja Island in the Zanzibar archipelago. The establishment is on what’s known as a “tidal island”—it rises above the sand on Michamvi Pingwe beach at low tide, but becomes an island at high tide. Depending on the time of day, voyagers arrive on foot or by boat. After climbing a wooden staircase to reach the entrance, diners enjoy unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean from one of 12 cozy tables beneath a Makuti palm tree roof. Patrons sip cocktails out on the back patio, which—at certain hours—is surrounded by turquoise water on three sides. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, so parties can time their meal reservations to match the desired tide level. The menu, which is largely European-inspired, highlights local seafood and house-made pasta. The Rock’s chefs offer guests a selection of globally-recognizable options, but they also aim to impart the flavors of Zanzibar and the surrounding region in every dish. The fish carpaccio is served with coconut, lime, and chili pepper. Most desserts (which range from chocolate salami to pineapple flambé) come topped with “Zanzibar spices” ice cream. Their beef, spices, and vegetables are all farmed nearby.  While dining at The Rock is exponentially more expensive than dining elsewhere in Zanzibar, the restaurant, which opened in 2010, sponsors the Kichanga Foundation. Established in 2005, this organization teaches community members how to swim and focuses on a number of sustainability programs, including waste sorting and recycling." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/remote-restaurants-around-the-world
meet_my_meat (Used With Permission)
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar
@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

Gastro Obscura's Top 20 Places to Eat and Drink

"Once the site of a fisherman’s post, The Rock restaurant sits perched atop a rock off the eastern coast of Unguja Island in the Zanzibar archipelago. The establishment is on what’s known as a “tidal island”—it rises above the sand on Michamvi Pingwe beach at low tide, but becomes an island at high tide. Depending on the time of day, voyagers arrive on foot or by boat. After climbing a wooden staircase to reach the entrance, diners enjoy unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean from one of 12 cozy tables beneath a Makuti palm tree roof. Patrons sip cocktails out on the back patio, which—at certain hours—is surrounded by turquoise water on three sides. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, so parties can time their meal reservations to match the desired tide level. The menu, which is largely European-inspired, highlights local seafood and house-made pasta. The Rock’s chefs offer guests a selection of globally-recognizable options, but they also aim to impart the flavors of Zanzibar and the surrounding region in every dish. The fish carpaccio is served with coconut, lime, and chili pepper. Most desserts (which range from chocolate salami to pineapple flambé) come topped with “Zanzibar spices” ice cream. Their beef, spices, and vegetables are all farmed nearby.  While dining at The Rock is exponentially more expensive than dining elsewhere in Zanzibar, the restaurant, which opened in 2010, sponsors the Kichanga Foundation. Established in 2005, this organization teaches community members how to swim and focuses on a number of sustainability programs, including waste sorting and recycling." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/cool-restaurants-bars
meet_my_meat (Used With Permission)
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar
@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

8 Unique Restaurants Built Over, or Under, the Water

"Once the site of a fisherman’s post, The Rock restaurant sits perched atop a rock off the eastern coast of Unguja Island in the Zanzibar archipelago. The establishment is on what’s known as a “tidal island”—it rises above the sand on Michamvi Pingwe beach at low tide, but becomes an island at high tide. Depending on the time of day, voyagers arrive on foot or by boat. After climbing a wooden staircase to reach the entrance, diners enjoy unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean from one of 12 cozy tables beneath a Makuti palm tree roof. Patrons sip cocktails out on the back patio, which—at certain hours—is surrounded by turquoise water on three sides. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, so parties can time their meal reservations to match the desired tide level. The menu, which is largely European-inspired, highlights local seafood and house-made pasta. The Rock’s chefs offer guests a selection of globally-recognizable options, but they also aim to impart the flavors of Zanzibar and the surrounding region in every dish. The fish carpaccio is served with coconut, lime, and chili pepper. Most desserts (which range from chocolate salami to pineapple flambé) come topped with “Zanzibar spices” ice cream. Their beef, spices, and vegetables are all farmed nearby.  While dining at The Rock is exponentially more expensive than dining elsewhere in Zanzibar, the restaurant, which opened in 2010, sponsors the Kichanga Foundation. Established in 2005, this organization teaches community members how to swim and focuses on a number of sustainability programs, including waste sorting and recycling." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/underwater-floating-restaurants
meet_my_meat (Used With Permission)
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar
@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

"Sitting atop a rock on Michamvi Pingwe beach, this restaurant becomes its own island at high tide."

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-rock-zanzibar
Gastro Obscura's Top 20 Places to Eat and Drink
MEET_MY_MEAT
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar

maude P.

Google
We went at the rock during our holiday and it was fantastic! The food is incredible tasty and the presentation is amazing. The location is perfect, you see all the sea colors in this relaxing atmosphere! The staff and managers are incredibly nice! There is no place like this anywhere. We are beyond satisfied of our experience and suggest this stop during your holidays.

Noa V.

Google
My family and I went here for dinner and it was amazing. We ordered food and drinks and it almost came immediately after ordering it. We unfortunately sat inside ratjer than outside but it was still worthwhile. I recommend coming here on low tide but if you do come on hogh tide there is a boat you can go on to the restaurant and back with no extra costs. I had the Steak on a Stick which was delicious but the mash was a little sweet in my opinion. My dad had the Lobster which was a a huge portion andhe said it was done perfectly. My sister had the Fish Pasta which she said was delicious. I highly recommend coming here if you have a chance, just remember to book a table in advance.

filippo P.

Google
Very charming place, well-kept and clean. Friendly, knowledgeable staff (they speak many languages), and very coordinated. Lots of choice on the menu, including vegan and vegetarian options. The dishes are beautifully decorated, and each dish tastes different from the others. They also cater to people with allergies and intolerances. The welcome dish was light, simple, and very good. The Italian-style pasta was constructed perfectly, and the sauce was generous, blending well with the various pasta styles (I'm Italian). The lobster was really good, and there's a wide selection of homemade sauces. The wine list isn't extensive, but there are some very good African wines, and every wine is delicious. Hospitality is the key to this place. It should be in the Michelin guide, and why not? Even get a star!! ⭐️ Congratulations Reddy, the best restaurant in Zanzibar and maybe Tanzania.

Channing Du P.

Google
Worth the hype every bit. Service was perfect, not just great. Quick, easy and elegant in the way they manage dinner service. Food was amazing, and despite the fine dining feel was a bit pricey but not impossible to afford. Absolutely loved the experience

Toby

Google
A very magical place. Henry my waiter was an absolute gentleman. Food is not cheap, but very good. Great options too for vegetarians, would highly recommend the cauliflower nuggets! Try and come at high tide to experience the great sea atmosphere.

Zoe V.

Google
Best dessert I’ve ever had WOW 🔥You cannot come here without ordering the Green Tanzanite (pistachio tiramisu) it was amazing! What a great experience at such an epic location! I had the seafood pappardelle and it was great! Definitely booked ahead of time. At 8pm a band starts playing which is nice.

Talsia

Google
Where do I even start with The Rock Restaurant—this place is absolutely wonderful. From the moment you arrive, the staff are incredibly attentive and friendly, making the whole experience feel special. They gave us these two polenta balls to start with- one was seafood and one was vegetable which were lovely. I ordered the lobster and OMG… it was so damn good. Perfectly cooked, rich, and flavorful, especially paired with the crispy potatoes, fresh salad, and that buttery sauce—everything worked beautifully together. Add to that the stunning views of the sea, and it becomes more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The Rock truly lives up to the hype and is a must-visit. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Elodie van W.

Google
Worth the hype 💓 Although it might not be the most local hidden gem 😉 It is definitely worth stopping by. It’s an experience in itself to be brought up to the restaurant/rock in a little boat (I tried walking and except if you’r ready to be soaked below the navel— don’t) The food was super tasty and the portions were generous. So even though it might be on the pricier side, it’s worth it— even more so with the beautiful views around you and the general atmosphere 🌊 Also our water, Frank, was so kind and sweet :) he made our night 10 times better and was just super sweet and attentive 🧡