Nestled up to the largest lake in the world, Lake Tanganyika, is the tiny country of Burundi. There, amidst the rolling hills and the lush tropics, live a people surviving on a simple bounty of beans, bananas, plantains, maize (corn), cassava, sweet potato, and peas.
The dining scene however is another story of its own. Home to a plethora of dining experiences, Burundi offers everything from French influenced menus featuring the delectable coffees and desserts to a surprisingly international scene from Mexcian, Indian, Italian to the local cuisine. Dining in Burundi means slowing down to savor the ambiance of Lake Tangayika while sipping an impeccable collection of wines or devouring scrumptious meat or vegetarian delights.
The banana and the plantain can be found everywhere, piled high on the back of bicycles, old truck beds, and in baskets on top of women’s heads. These sweet treats are served plain, fried (recipe), and in home-brewed banana beer called Urwarwa that make their way on to the tables from high end restaurants to local cafes. Though the local people enjoy organically ripe bananas or juicy pineapple slices as desserts, the patisserie is sure to take you to levels in desserts that will have you telling the story on your return.
Fish, drawn daily from the crystal lakes, is a staple found in restaurants around Burundi. Two most popular dishes from Tanganyika are called Ndagala (a tiny fish eaten whole) or mukéké (larger mackerel type fish). The fish are either grilled, steamed over a fresh tomato and onion sauce (recipe), or fried. Red chili powder, cumin, and turmeric, Piri Piri (also Pili Pili), create the flavor in Burundian foods.
Kiboko Grill
Great for families, Kiboko features big green spaces, a swimming pool, with tortoises and crested cranes to keep the children entertained. The restaurant’s menu choices include kebabs, pizzas, to grilled foods. For the beer lovers, we recommend the fresh Primus draught beer.
Dine in the garden, perfect for business meeting or afternoon sundowners enjoying an amazing view of the sunset across Lake Tanganyika of the Congo mountains.
Offering an impeccable view of bathing hippos only 50 meters away, Kiboko also features in the wide Ubuntu Residence garden a giant paillote, erected for the extension of Kiboko Grill.
Avenue de la Plage, BP 377, Bujumbura Burundi+257 22 24 40 65+
Le Maquis
Visit Le Maquis for dinner with friends, family or coworker and enjoy the courtyard surrounded by open air decks that give it a treehouse vibe. The service is friendly and professional. Savor fish brochettes and grilled chicken with a great ambience featuring a large shade tree in the middle of the open courtyard.
The picturesque architecture is reminiscent of a wooden cabin. Le Marquis menu offers both local and international food selections. The fun and energetic ambience makes it a great place for dinner and drinks with colleagues, friends, family, or just for two.
Avenue de l’Universite Rohero II, Bujumbura Burundi
+257 22 25 11 71
Orphée Negro
Orphée Negro combines very well with the neighboring Zilliken vinotheque where you can find all kinds of local and especially imported cheeses, hard or soft, with flawless quality. Crème fraîche is also famous among cooks.
J997+RRR, Bd de l’Uprona, Bujumbura, Burundi
+257 22 25 96 26
Pasta Comedia
It’s loud, but possibly the best pizza in Africa…”says some.” Dine in the open air with music and friends at this
lively pizza restaurant right on Lake Tanganyika. At twilight you can spot hippos in the bay across from the restaurant, especially with some great pizza on the veranda, where you get the best views. The service is attentive and the food swell.
There is nothing like great pizza beer on tap, served cold in a frosted glass.
With gourmet toppings like salmon, no wonder many say it’s unlike anything they’ve ever seen or tasted.
Avenue de La Plage, Bujumbura Burundi
Petit Bassam
Situated between the Beach Saga and Karera Beach, the Little Bassam has experienced a high level of attendance on weekends. The umbrellas are set a little further from the beach than those of the Saga, but the children bathe in the pool rather than in the lake. It is here that the Water Circle of Bujumbura, after its departure from Avenue du broad in 2009, was established. The many games and facilities for children make the place very lively on weekends.
This is a great place for swimming, volleyball courts, good food, good drinks, nice staff. Best playground in Burundi says one guest.
BP 605, Chausée d’Uvira, Chau. D’Uvira, Bujumbura, Burundi
+257 22 24 60 65
Aroma
Offcourse with name like aroma, it is a great place for a cup of amazing coffee. The chocolate chip cookies are also divine! This very cute little café, peaceful setting and relaxing environment offers delicious food in city centre.
You can dine in or outside for breakfast, lunch or dinner or just for a cup of coffee. Aroma also sells good Burundian coffee, beans or ground. Thed”old fashion style” cafélocated on Uprona boulevard, in downtown Buja is perfect for spending the entire day working, writing, reading or hanging out with friends.
The staff is there when you need them, and do not hover when you don’t. Enjoy great dairy-free fruit smoothies (with or without sugar, your choice), iced ginger drink (also no sugar), and veggie burgers, pasta and coffee drinks. With a variety of seats and tables you can have privacy and feel right at home.
Boulevard de l’Uprona
Ave du 18 Septembre, Bujumbura, Burundi
Closes 5:30PM
+257 71 54 20 61
Bora Bora
Try the Muketee fish, fresh from LakeTanganyika, or a scrumptious double cheese burguer…. its Worth it! It’s one cosy place. Mojitos are amazing, plus a nice location for volleybeach! You can experience the pool and the lake at the same time while sipping great cocktails and music. Located next to the beach, Bora Bora makes a beautiful weekend getaway.
Spacious dining area with home made pizzas and salads make for cozy dining without breaking the bank.
J8WC+H9V, R.N.4, Bujumbura, Burundi
FB: @BoraBoraBuja
Bujacafe
Serene and peaceful setting, this is a wonderful place to visit if looking for a peaceful atmosphere. A great place for working from your laptop or enjoying an afternoon date or meet-up with friends. The setting is natural and beautiful with a lush garden full of flowers. The food is excellent including coffee, sandwiches, free wifi.
The Aroma of the coffee calls you from miles away. In this natural coffee hideout, enjoy fresh Burundian arabica and natural juices at very affordable prices. Mmmm, diners say this is the best coffee bar in Bujumbura, with a sandwich to go with it.
32 Ave du 18 Septembre, Bujumbura 5151, Burundi
Open ⋅ Closes 8PM
+257 61 53 42 26
Le Café Gourmand
This bistro and bakery offer incredible baked goods such as paninis, pastries and cakes! Enjoy Strawberry milkshake and excellent coffee. Free wifi.
Av. De France, Bujumbura
Open until 9:00 PM
+257 22 27 72 45/ +257 75 100 446
Harry’s Grill House
Featuring the “best authentic Indian food,” Harry’s is worth a visit. The owner Harry himself prepares the delicacies and ensures that you are satisfied with the service & food. A very distinct restaurant in the heart of the city of Bujumbura, friends join up for drinks and dinner. The food is super delicious and highly recommended. Savor the best is the tandoori chicken and awesome semi crispy garlic naans, yummyyyy! Harry’s serves authentic Indian delicacies including Akabenzi, some of the best pork ribs.
Avenue Murumvya No 17 Rohero 1, Bujumbura Burundi
+257 61 87 05 05
Restaurant Tanganyika
Owner and chef Marc prepares exquisite Belgian, Burundian and other international cuisine, including vegetarian dishes which might not even be on the menu, giving you great personalized serviceand first class hospitality. Close to the city centre, the port, the beach of the lake Tangyanika the menu includes dishes like steak Tartare in a discreet, cozy and classy atmosphere.
Enjoy a buffet dinner featuring a variety of dishes in a spacious and picturesque breathtaking garden. This excellent resto of the city in an extraordinary ancient style restaurant not far from the colonial time.
Avenue de la Plage, BP 109, Bujumbura Burundi
Roca Gulf Hotel Restaurant
This Belgian influence restaurant menu includes delicious flemish stew, roast vegetables, cauliflower gratin, soup, salads, veggie quiche, muesli, sushi, crepes and eggs to order, desserts, and best of all, fresh juices of all kinds (carrot and ginger, cucumber, cocktail, etc.).
The location and golf view creates a great ambiance for a buffet lunch that is well laid and tasty. The buffet offers plenty of choices for vegetarians and choices for vegans.
Boulevard de la Tanzanie 30 Bp 6716, Bujumbura Burundi
+257 22 27 71 00
Taj Mahal
Great outdoor atmosphere with attentive servers, the Taj Mahal offers a good selection of dishes, quick service, tasty Indian dishes. The menu includes starters, mains, vegetarian, meat, curry based, rice based, naans and breads. Chinese dishes are also available.
Some of the best chicken you will ever taste, the service is great and very fast. Taj is popular for its special taste and its convenient location in the town. Its also very close to the Village Hotel which is quite popular among tourists to Bujumbura. Very good curry mutton Masala with naan bread. Value for money. Popular with all, Indians, Africans and Europeans alike, the restaurant’s staff is friendly, the restaurant serves large portions, and it is pocket-friendly.
Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore, Bujumbura Burundi
Restaurant de La Palmeraie
A movie-style ambiance featuring life style and food together makes Restaurant de La Palmeraie the perfect location to relax and try some local recipes and cocktails. It is also perfect for a quiet dinner in good company.
Try the grilled fish fillet with grilled plantains and curry while sipping something from their comprehensive wine list. With great and attentive service, this gem is worth a visit.
Avenue Du Large, Bujumbura 00000 Burundi
+257 75 60 00 01
Amahoro Cafe
Enjoy one of the best iced cafe lattes in town in a cool tropical vibe on a nice patio.
Holy guacamole! Enjoy the best guacamole in Burundi. This place is your fix for Mexican food. The menu is not a large one, but it serves up a killer burrito that will make you yearn for more. Also their cinnamon rolls and cookies are quite good. Looking for some amazing smoothies? It’s here too.
The decor is based on crafts and fabrics available in an attached shop, made by local associations that support Burundi women and youth by teaching handicraft skills.
Amahoro café serves up delicious food and drinks with a great ambiance and productive workspace. Great for lunch, meeting friends, getting some work done, and/or indulging in some delicious desserts.
Boulevard Du 28 Novembre Corner of Rue Du The, Roherero, Bujumbura Burundi+257 75 55 75 57Website
Open now: 07:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Maison Cremerie
In the middle of Bujumbura you can find this little “sandwich” house featuring
great “planks” with charcuterie, a good selection of Belgium beers and red wine to go with your planchet.
Maison Cremerie serves amazing food in a quiet and hidden place. It offers great sandwiches on fresh baguettes with available cheese products. Enjoy a quick lunch on the terrace and do not forget to ask for the dessert because they make the best in town.
Avenue de la Liberte 10 Galerie Alexander, Bujumbura 5383 Burundi
+257 22 25 96 26
Snack Bar Pizzeria Waka Waka
A great Italian restaurant in center of city with a menu that features the tastiest pasta amatriciana, spaghetti aglio olio and Waka Waka. All are spot on with great and fast service even though place was very busy.
In the middle of Bujumbura, it blends traditional Italian mixed with local culture.
Genuine Italian products include homemade cold cuts and cheeses, and authentic Italian recipes.
The wait staff is pleasant — it’s a great place for a lunch break in Bujumbura.
Boulevard de la Liberte J 996 & 59, Bujumbura Burundi
+257 75 50 00 67
Kezamia
Excellent and original, Kezamia serves a variety of food from different cultures. It is one of the best places in Bujumbura for breakfast, lunch and deserts. Located in a quiet and beautiful quarter, Kezamia is rated amongst the best in Buja for breakfast – as they have different varieties which can suit any customer. The portions are huge and one have a large variety to choose, even those on diets or a special meal plan. Their desserts are truly to be craved. The mint tea is awesome. The main courses are rich, especially the tilapia fish and the allocco (or mizuzu as they are called here). Should you happen to come to Bujumbura for a visit or for a longer stay, this is definitely a must to go and indulge yourself. Great place to come with kids. Friendly and relaxed environment.
Ave Source du Nil 23, Bujumbura Burundi
+257 68 25 16 57
Open now: 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Maison Pic
How about a mediterranean salad, bagel and Strawberry ice cream.. wow ooh what a night!! Maison Pic is also one of the best places to have Italian wine in Burundi. Here you can purchase bottles of fresh red wine from Italy, and accompaniments as sausages, cheese, sauces, and greens that make the tasting of the wine a
5-star experience! This is in indeed the perfect spot for a glass of wine and a tasty bite to eat in the evening. Super cosy, super friendly staff.
The place to be every Friday afterwork!
Avenue de l’OUA Numero 13, Bujumbura Burundi
+257 68 21 48 48
Open now: 09:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Dominoes Sports Bar and Restaurant
A nondescript door off the side street round the back of Kings Conference Centre opens into a calm tropical garden where at the far end one finds the bar and serving area to Dominoes. Enjoy a cold beer and hot meal of shish kebab, salad, fried plantain with generous portions at great prices.
It is quiet and secluded in the evenings and great for the family in the day. Enjoy Boule/Petonk and a great Brochette with a cold beer. Care, hospitality, good food, beautiful nature, calm atmosphere, and fresh air all near Lake Tanganyika makes for a great dining spot.
Behind Kings Conference and HCR on Ave De Large Kinindo Bujumbura, Bujumbura Burundi
+257 75 63 58 62
