Eating out is about more than letting somebody else do the cooking for a change – although that is a definite plus.
On holiday, the restaurants and eateries we pick have a tangible impact on our experience of the place we’re visiting. Chosen wisely, these establishments can offer us a glimpse into the culture, life and atmosphere of a town.
This is as true in Vic Falls as it is anywhere else, and below we have a list of locally beloved spots for you to try, each lending a new set of eyes to the diner.
From easy and laid-back to sophisticated and sleek, here is our round-up of the top 10 restaurants in Victoria Falls!
1. Cassia Restaurant
We start this list with our very own Cassia Restaurant – one of the most popular restaurants in Victoria Falls.
We pride ourselves on having created a space where guests can truly relax – be it inside the elegantly decorated dining space, outside on the terrace beneath the Golden Shower trees (Cassia fistula), or by the pool-side bar.
Sitting outside, your meal will be accompanied by the gentle rumble of Victoria Falls in the background as you soak up the serenity of our lush gardens.
You couldn’t ask for a better dining experience when it comes to food. We have á la carte menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, respectively, as well as a snack menu for those in between times. These menus are frequently updated to suit the season, but also offer classic fare like burgers, wraps, kebabs and fish.
We stock a wide selection of hand-picked South African wines from award-winning vineyards – the perfect accompaniment to an al fresco dining experience under the starry African night sky – and local and international beers.
Join us for an unforgettable culinary experience at one of the highest-rated restaurants in Victoria Falls on TripAdvisor!
2. Palm River Hotel Restaurant
Our sister hotel, Palm River Hotel, serves eclectic fusion fare with a quintessential Zimbabwean twist!
The dining space is modern and airy, with an old-world feel. The vaulted ceilings create a seamless transition between the dining hall and the veranda – both beautiful areas in which to enjoy a meal as you gaze out on the Zambezi River.
3. Riverside Dining Experience
For a fun foodie activity, consider the Palm River Hotel’s Riverside Dining Experience.
During this experience you’ll taste authentic African barbecue dishes with Zimbabwean flavours – all cooked over open fires.
Attentive staff will see to your every need as you dine by lantern light on the banks of the Zambezi – you might even spot wildlife while you eat!
This offering is exclusive to guests of Palm River Hotel and Ilala Lodge Hotel – be sure to book ahead to secure your spot.
Email fnb@palmriverhotel.com or call +263 867 7196873 to make a reservation.
4. The Lookout Café
Owned and operated by Wild Horizons, The Lookout Café is one of the most iconic restaurants in Victoria Falls.
Why? Well, the name says it all! Here you’ll be treated to an incredible view of Victoria Falls Bridge as you gaze down upon the gorge and Zambezi River below.
They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, combining traditional favourites with more adventurous menu items – crocodile, for instance. Their list of cocktails is also extensive, making The Lookout Café a wonderful sundowner location.
They even present a Full Moon Dinner which may coincide with your visit!
Image Credit: Instagram | the_lookout_cafe
5. The River Brewing Company
If you’re a lover of beer, you can’t miss out on a visit to The River Brewing Company!
This quirky establishment has everything you want in a craft brewery – quirk, eccentricity and a staff dedicated to creating brews as unique as our incredible African setting.
You’ll find their beers at several outlets in Vic Falls, but nothing beats going to the source and enjoying a meal at their very own bar – where the magic happens!
Be sure to buy a few cans – like Siyabonga Session IPA and Painted Dog Pale Ale – to take home with you.
Image Credits: Instagram | Shared by theriverbrewingco & taken by the.salty.zebra.co
6. The Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar
There’s always a buzz at The Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar!
Clustered around an old train carriage, which serves as the main kitchen area and food outlet, here you can be guaranteed of tasty meals enjoyed in what feels like a “beer tent” atmosphere.
This is a great restaurant for families as they serve all the classics – burgers, wraps and pizzas for the kids and killer cocktails for the adults.
Take a bite of the authentic Vic Falls in what has quickly grown into a town hub for tourists and locals alike!
Image Credits: Instagram | the_three_monkeys_vic_falls
7. The Rainforest Café
Located in the heart of the action – in Victoria Falls National Park – this is the ideal place to relax beside the rainforest after taking in the Falls.
The café-style meals are simply delicious – think chicken mayo paninis, pan-seared Zambezi bream and ginger beer waffles!
The laid-back setting and buoyant atmosphere is sure to recharge you for the rest of the day.
Image Credit: Instagram | the.rainforestcafe
8. Dusty Road
Dusty Road is a Zimbabwean catering company born right here in Vic Falls under the stewardship of Sarah Lilford.
They have a restaurant in Chinotimba, the largest and oldest township in Victoria Falls, just 2km from the town’s centre. It’s here where you can enjoy the Dusty Road Township Experience – where meals are prepared in cast iron pots and over open fires.
This is an authentic and vibrant activity that every foodie should add to their list of things to do in Victoria Falls.
Here you’ll also be able to buy wares from local vendors and immerse yourself in this welcoming community.
Image Credit: Instagram | dustyroadtownshipexperience_
9. The Boma – Place of Eating
Experience more than just dining at The Boma, a unique cultural enclave nestled in a Gusu Forest.
Delight in Zimbabwean delicacies, from game meats to traditional dishes, amidst nightly entertainment featuring a hand-washing ceremony, Shangaan dancers and local fortune tellers.
This experience is the perfect way to unravel the rich tapestry of Zimbabwe’s folklore, culture, and heritage during your trip!
Image Credit: Instagram | thebomadinneranddrumshow
10. Baines Restaurant
Travel upriver to Baines Restaurant, located along the Zambezi above the Falls.
The magical setting lends a sense of serenity to your dining experience, with modern dishes like Turmeric Pumpkin Risotto with Fillet Steak and Zambezi sesame battered Tilapia.
Seated right on the waterfront, you couldn’t ask for a more elegant dining experience when visiting Victoria Falls. And remember, as their menu states: Ithemba – entrust the chef!
Image Credit: Instagram | bainesrestaurant
Stay With Us
Nestled in the heart of town, Ilala Lodge Hotel is the ideal place to base yourself when on holiday in Victoria Falls.
Our lush gardens provide sanctuary and seclusion, while our location makes us the perfect choice for those looking to explore town on foot.
Browse our luxury accommodation options here and make your pick.
Bookings can be done online or via email.
Once settled in, Victoria Falls is at your fingertips!
