BARAKANA Restaurant Nungwi Zanzibar — Restaurant in Unguja

Barakana Restaurant in Zanzibar exceeded all our expectations and deserves every bit of its stellar reputation. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty. We arrived earlier than their usual hours, and to our surprise, the owner, who noticed us on the security camera, went out of his way to send the staff over early to welcome and serve us. That level of care and attentiveness is rare and truly made us feel special.

The food at Barakana was nothing short of extraordinary. We started with the chicken samosas, which were perfectly golden, crisp, and packed with flavorful, spiced chicken. Each bite melted in our mouths, leaving us craving more. The chicken fried rice was equally delightful—aromatic, well-seasoned, and with just the right balance of tender chicken and fresh vegetables. The pièce de résistance was the grilled chicken: juicy, perfectly charred, and bursting with bold flavors that highlighted the chef’s skill.

To complement the meal, we indulged in fresh-squeezed mango juice, which was easily the best we’ve ever had. It was like sipping pure sunshine—sweet, refreshing, and the perfect accompaniment to the meal.

What truly sets Barakana apart is its impeccable service. The staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely eager to ensure we had the best experience possible. From the personal touch of opening early for us to their careful attention to detail throughout the meal, they went above and beyond in every way.

The restaurant itself has a charming atmosphere, blending local authenticity with a cozy vibe that makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re visiting Zanzibar for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, Barakana is an absolute must-visit.

If you’re looking for incredible food, outstanding service, and a team that makes you feel like family, Barakana Restaurant is the place to be. We’ll definitely be back on our next visit...

Best food in africa! Thank you very much! Absolutely Outstanding! From the moment we walked in, we were blown away by the warm atmosphere and incredible attention to detail. The staff were not just friendly – they were genuinely welcoming, making us feel like honored guests rather than just customers.

The food? Simply extraordinary. Every dish was a masterpiece, bursting with fresh flavors and perfectly balanced. You can tell that the chef cooks with passion and uses only the finest ingredients. The presentation was so beautiful it almost felt wrong to eat it – but once we did, every bite was pure heaven.

The drinks menu was equally impressive, with creative cocktails and a wine list that perfectly complemented the dishes. And the desserts… unforgettable!

This is not just a restaurant – it’s an experience. I can’t recommend it enough. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. We’ll be coming back...

Absolutely amazing food! Fresh and hot. Waitresses are so nice! We enjoyed many items. Tuna Carpaccio, Avocado Mango Chicken Salad, Ceviche, Samosa, Steak, Chicken Cashew Curry, Guacamole, Creamy Prawn Pasta, Octopus/ Chimmichurri, Prawn/Ginger Garlic, Fried Rice, Beef Burger. Over 4 visits, we tried so many items.

Will definitely be back. Very cozy and great music selection 👌🏽. A favorite in Zanzibar. 💚💎. We also met the owner while dining one night, and he was a pleasure to chat with. You can tell from speaking with him his love and how carefully he curated the phenomenal dishes on the menu. Amazing...