There is a moment around 6:15 pm at the Msasani Slipway when the whole terrace goes quiet. Forks pause. Phones come out. The sun drops into the bay, the dhows turn to silhouettes and the sky goes orange, then pink, then deep blue. Then the conversation comes back, louder, and someone orders another round of grilled prawns.
Dar es Salaam has a long coastline, but surprisingly few restaurants where you actually sit with the ocean in front of you. Our favourites for a sea view or rooftop meal are Karambezi Café on the Msasani Peninsula, The Waterfront and other spots at the Msasani Slipway, Mediterraneo in Kawe, Level 8 for a city and harbour view, Coco Beach for an evening by the sea wall, and the beach restaurants of Kigamboni for a lazy weekend lunch. Here are eight picks and how to make the most of each.
As always in a busy city, places change. Confirm opening hours and book on weekends.
1. Karambezi Café: best all-round ocean view
At the tip of the Msasani Peninsula, the open-air terrace of Karambezi Café, at the Sea Cliff Hotel, sits right above the Indian Ocean. It works for breakfast, a long lunch or dinner. The breeze makes it one of the more comfortable places to sit on a hot afternoon. Come for sunset and stay as the lights come on along the coast.
2. The Waterfront at the Msasani Slipway: best for sunset
Because the Slipway faces west over Msasani Bay, it is the city's best-known sunset spot. The Waterfront Sunset Restaurant and Beach Bar is popular for grilled fish, seafood platters and cold drinks. Arrive around 5:30 pm to get a table near the edge.
3. More at the Slipway: best for choice
The Slipway area has several restaurants side by side, including Thai Kani for Thai and Japanese food and a terrace restaurant for Italian dishes and pizza. That makes it a good choice for groups who cannot agree on what to eat, and there are shops and an ice cream stop to walk around after dinner.
4. Mediterraneo, Kawe: best for a beach dinner
Mediterraneo sits right on the beach in Kawe, north of Masaki. Pizza, pasta and fresh seafood come with the sound of waves and a relaxed pace that suits long weekend lunches and date nights. It is a little further from the centre, so plan your transport.
5. Level 8, Hyatt Regency: best rooftop view
If you want a view of the city rather than the beach, Level 8 on top of the Hyatt Regency, The Kilimanjaro looks out over the harbour, the ferry terminal and the city skyline. It is best for drinks and small plates at sunset or late in the evening.
6. Coco Beach: best free view
Coco Beach in Oyster Bay is not a restaurant, but it is one of the best places in Dar to eat with a sea view. In the late afternoon and evening, vendors sell mishkaki, roasted maize, cassava and chips along the sea wall. Bring friends, buy a few skewers and a coconut, and watch the waves. Read more in our street food guide.
7. Kigamboni beach restaurants: best for a weekend escape
Cross the harbour by ferry or the Kigamboni bridge and the city suddenly feels far away. Beach lodges such as Kipepeo Beach and others along the coast have simple restaurants under thatched roofs, serving grilled fish, chips, curries and cold drinks right on the sand. Go for a long Saturday lunch and a swim. Some charge a small entry fee for the beach; check before you go.
8. Northern beaches: best for a quieter day out
Further north, the beach hotels around Kunduchi and Mbezi Beach have restaurants with ocean views and a calmer feel than the city. They are a good option for family lunches, especially on Sunday, and some have pools you can use with a meal or day pass.
Which sea view restaurant should you choose?
| Place | Best time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Karambezi Café | Afternoon to evening | All-round view, visitors |
| Msasani Slipway | Sunset | Sunset, groups, choice |
| Mediterraneo | Weekend lunch or dinner | Beach dinner, dates |
| Level 8 | Sunset and night | City and harbour view, drinks |
| Coco Beach | Late afternoon | Street food on a budget |
| Kigamboni beaches | Weekend daytime | Swimming and long lunches |
| Northern beaches | Sunday lunch | Families, quieter days |
What should you order with a sea view?
Seafood, of course. A whole grilled fish with lemon, garlic and chilli, a plate of grilled prawns or calamari, or octopus curry with coconut. Most come with rice, ugali or chips. Fresh juices like passion, mango or tamarind, and madafu (young coconut), suit the heat. For the classic coastal plate of fish and chips at home, our guide on how to make crispy chips helps.
What tips help you enjoy it more?
- Check the tide for beach restaurants; at low tide the sea can be far out.
- Use sun cream and a hat for daytime terraces.
- Bring a light jacket for windy evenings by the sea.
- Book the edge table if you are celebrating; mention it when you call.
- Watch your bag on open terraces and beaches.
Make grilled fish and chips at home with Supa Fries: from freezer to golden in about 3 minutes.
Order on WhatsAppFor a full evening plan with music and late dinners, see our guide to the best restaurants for a night out in Dar es Salaam.
When is the best time for a sea view meal?
Dar es Salaam is hot and humid for much of the year, so many people prefer late afternoon and evening by the sea, when the breeze picks up and the light softens. Sunset is usually between about 6 pm and 7 pm, so arrive half an hour earlier for a good table. The cooler, drier months from June to September are especially pleasant for long lunches outside. During the long rains, roughly March to May, check the weather and choose places with a covered terrace.
How much does a sea view meal cost?
It varies a lot. Street food at Coco Beach costs very little, while hotel terraces and seafood restaurants on the peninsula charge more, especially for prawns, lobster and imported drinks. A whole grilled fish to share is often the best value at the beach restaurants. Many places show prices on Instagram or Google Maps, so check before you go if you are on a budget.
Whichever you choose, put your phone down for a few minutes when the sun goes down. It is the best show in the city, and it is free.
In short
The best sea view and rooftop restaurants in Dar es Salaam include Karambezi Café on the Msasani Peninsula, The Waterfront and other restaurants at the Msasani Slipway for sunset, Mediterraneo on Kawe beach, Level 8 at the Hyatt Regency for a city and harbour view, Coco Beach for street food by the sea, and beach restaurants in Kigamboni and the northern beaches for weekend lunches. Go to the Slipway for sunset, book weekends and confirm hours before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Which restaurant in Dar es Salaam has the best ocean view?
Karambezi Café on the Msasani Peninsula is one of the best-known, with an open-air terrace right above the Indian Ocean.
Where can I watch the sunset over the sea in Dar es Salaam?
The Msasani Slipway faces west over Msasani Bay and is the city's most popular sunset spot.
Are there beach restaurants near Dar es Salaam?
Yes. Kigamboni, across the harbour, and the northern beaches around Kunduchi have beach lodges and hotels with restaurants by the sea.
Is there a rooftop restaurant in Dar es Salaam?
Level 8 at the Hyatt Regency in the city centre is a well-known rooftop bar with views over the harbour.
What food should I try at a seaside restaurant in Dar?
Grilled whole fish, prawns, calamari, octopus curry and fresh juices or madafu (young coconut).
Put better chips on your menu
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