During my travels in Gaborone, I discovered a vibrant culinary scene brimming with flavor. From charming cafes to lively dining spots, each restaurant brought its own unique twist to traditional dishes.
No matter where you go, the warm atmosphere and friendly service make every meal memorable. Join me as I share my favorite 14 places to eat in this beautiful city.
1. Savuti Grill & Lounge, Gaborone, Botswana
What to Expect
Welcome to Savuti Grill & Lounge, where local flavors and vibrant energy collide! This restaurant embraces the spirit of Botswana with a cozy atmosphere that feels both inviting and lively.
When you step inside, you can expect a warm welcome and a taste of authentic Botswana cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds.
What I Recommend to Order
You absolutely cannot miss their signature grilled meat platter! It’s packed with deliciously seasoned meats that practically melt in your mouth.
Pair it with a side of pap, and you’ve got yourself a feast fit for a king—or a hungry traveler!
What I Didn’t Like
Honestly, the service was a bit on the slow side, which can be frustrating when you’re famished. But hey, good food is worth the wait, right?
Overview
In summary, Savuti Grill & Lounge is a delightful haven for those eager to explore the rich flavors of Botswana. With its vibrant atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes, you’re sure to leave with a smile and a happy belly!
2. Bistro Estelle, Gaborone, Botswana
Bistro Estelle, Gaborone
Bistro Estelle is a charming new restaurant nestled within the Setlhare Guest House. It’s rapidly becoming a favorite spot for both lunch meetings and casual cafe work sessions.
What to Expect
The atmosphere is serene, especially when dining under the trees. The wait staff is attentive and friendly, ensuring a warm experience.
What I Recommend to Order
- The rib eye steak is cooked to perfection!
- Don’t miss out on the Couscous Salad, it’s a must-try!
- For dessert, the Death by Chocolate cake is simply divine!
When I visited, the homemade bread was a real highlight – it was heavenly!
While the limited menu options can be a slight drawback, the quality of the food makes up for it!
The only downside? Parking can be a bit tricky, so plan ahead! But trust me, it’s worth it to indulge in this delightful dining experience.
3. The Grand Palm Restaurant, Gaborone, Botswana
The Grand Palm Restaurant
Located in the vibrant Gaborone, The Grand Palm Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience within an upscale hotel atmosphere. The colorful rooms and suites create an inviting ambiance that sets the tone for your meal.
Why You Should Eat Here
The charm of The Grand Palm lies in its lively environment, complete with a casino and a poolside bar that frequently features live music. It’s the perfect spot for those who appreciate a lively dining scene.
Waitstaff are friendly and efficient, making the service feel personal and welcoming.
What to Order
I highly recommend the delicious buffet, which features a variety of Western dishes that won’t leave you scratching your head. The flavors are familiar yet comforting, and you’ll definitely walk away satisfied after exploring all the options.
4. KFC – Gaborone, Botswana
KFC in Gaborone, Botswana, is where you’ll find your fried chicken cravings blissfully satisfied.
The restaurant’s inviting environment combines the iconic fast-food vibes with a local twist, making it a delightful spot for all ages.
Why You Should Eat Here
This place shines in providing great service, quick drive-through orders, and a clean ambiance.
With excellent customer feedback about the freshness and juiciness of their food, it’s hard to resist the call of those crispy buckets!
What to Order
If you’re unsure what to get, I highly recommend the All Star Dunked Box. It’s delicious, loaded with flavors, and comes with that crunch you’re craving.
Pair it with some jalapeno crunch master for a spicy kick—it’s simply irresistible!
While service might sometimes be slow during busy nights, the tasty rewards make it worthwhile.
5. Dine Divine, Gaborone, Botswana
What to Expect
Dine Divine in Gaborone is an exquisite spot offering a blend of international flavors and local cuisine.
The atmosphere is vibrant yet cozy, perfect for family gatherings or a romantic dinner.
As soon as you walk in, the welcoming staff makes you feel right at home.
What I Recommend to Order
You absolutely must try their signature dish, the grilled tilapia. It’s perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, making it a flavor explosion!
The accompanying mango salsa brings a sweet tang that complements the fish wonderfully.
What I Didn’t Like
On a less positive note, I noticed the wait for food can be a tad long during peak hours.
But let’s be honest, good food is worth the wait, right?
Overview
Dine Divine stands out for its unique décor and impeccable service. The menu is diverse and caters to many tastes, so there’s something for everyone!
With its charming atmosphere and delightful dishes, it’s definitely a Gaborone gem you shouldn’t miss!
6. Nando’s, Gaborone, Botswana
Nando’s Gaborone
Nando’s is a fantastic Afro-Portuguese restaurant that brings a delicious flair to Gaborone.
The place serves up their signature flame-grilled chicken, marinated in a spicy chili sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
Why You Should Eat Here
The atmosphere is chill, with a friendly vibe that makes you feel right at home.
The staff is super attentive, ensuring quick service and a delightful dining experience.
Even though it’s situated in the bustling heart of an old vegetable market, once you’re inside, the vibrant environment fades away.
What to Order
You cannot miss the juicy grilled chicken leg—it’s tender, flavorful, and perfectly marinated.
Pair it with their garlic rolls for a complete meal that will leave you craving more!
Oh, and don’t forget the ice cream; once you taste it, you’ll want seconds!
7. The Carvery, Gaborone, Botswana
What to Expect
The Carvery, nestled in Gaborone, offers a polished dining experience featuring an outdoor pool and a lovely spa.
You can indulge in a great atmosphere with a welcoming vibe from the staff, making you feel right at home.
What I Recommend to Order
I highly recommend their succulent roasted beef, perfectly seasoned and served with a delicious gravy.
Pair it with their floral rosemary potatoes for a flavor explosion that’s simply mouthwatering!
What I Didn’t Like
While the overall experience was pleasant, some items on the menu were not available during my visit, which was quite a bummer!
Also, I noticed the stretchers by the pool could use some extra cushioning for a more comfortable lounge.
Overview
The Carvery is one of those places where you feel pampered while enjoying sumptuous meals.
With its diverse cuisine and attentive service, it stands out as a must-visit when you’re in Gaborone.
I was particularly impressed by the hotel facilities, making it perfect for both relaxation and meetings. Don’t miss it!
8. Cappuccino’s, Gaborone, Botswana
Cappuccino’s – A Cozy Culinary Haven in Gaborone
Cappuccino’s is a delightful culinary gem located in Gaborone, Botswana.
The vibe is super cozy yet modern, making it perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a romantic dinner.
Why You Should Eat Here
The atmosphere and service are definitely what make this place worthwhile.
With super friendly staff who treat you like family, you’ll feel right at home.
They also have a menu packed with options, including tasty pizzas and delectable pasta.
What to Order
You absolutely must try the pizza! The crust is crispy and the toppings are fresh.
If you can, roll the dice and order the fried calamari—it’s addictive!
And don’t overlook their cappuccino; it’s said to be one of the best in Gaborone!
9. Pasta Fabbrica, Gaborone, Botswana
What to Expect
Pasta Fabbrica in Gaborone is a charming spot known for its authentic Italian cuisine.
You can expect a warm, inviting atmosphere where the aroma of fresh pasta fills the air.
This little gem is perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual lunch with friends.
What I Recommend to Order
You have to try their signature homemade pasta dishes!
The Fettuccine Alfredo is creamy and decadent, with just the right amount of garlic.
It’s a heartwarming dish that just makes you feel at home, doesn’t it?
What I Didn’t Like
The service can be a bit slow during busy hours, but hey, great food takes time to prepare!
Just bring a good book or a friend to chat with while you wait.
Overview
Pasta Fabbrica stands out for its homemade approach and dedication to quality ingredients.
With a cozy vibe and delicious offerings, it’s definitely a must-visit for pasta lovers in Gaborone!
10. Mugg & Bean, Gaborone, Botswana
Mugg & Bean, Gaborone
Mugg & Bean is a delightful café located in Riverwalk Mall, where you can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere. This place specializes in hearty breakfasts and delicious coffee that’s famously bottomless.
Why should you eat here? Well, the friendly staff makes you feel right at home, and the food quality can leave a lasting impression. Even if the service sometimes takes its sweet time, the delicious muffins and aromatic coffee are worth the wait.
- What to Order: Definitely try the big Bens—they’re delicious!
- I recommend the freshly baked muffins to start your day; they’re large and scrumptious.
Although some dishes can vary in quality, the overall vibe is perfect for working or catching up with friends. Just make sure to come when you’re not in a rush!
11. Spur Steak Ranch, Gaborone, Botswana
What to Expect
Spur Steak Ranch is a vibrant family dining spot that offers a fantastic mix of delicious burgers, BBQ chicken, and ribs.
Located in Gaborone, this restaurant has a cheerful ambiance where families can enjoy meals together.
With a kids’ play area and coloring pages, it’s a perfect choice for a family night out, or even a celebration!
What I Recommend to Order
I highly recommend diving into their Wednesday special—400g of ribs with crispy chips and onion rings.
These ribs are simply mouthwatering and will leave you craving another visit!
You can’t go wrong with their Oreo cheesecake for dessert; it’s definitely the cherry on top of your meal.
What I Didn’t Like
It can get a bit noisy at times, especially during busy family nights. Just a heads up if you’re looking for a calm meal!
Overview
Spur Steak Ranch is a delightful restaurant that pairs excellent service with great food. The staff, especially the friendly waiters, ensure your order is always right.
If you enjoy a lively atmosphere and delicious food, this is a must-visit spot in Gaborone!
12. Wimpy, Gaborone, Botswana
Wimpy, Gaborone
Wimpy in Gaborone offers a delightful blend of classic fast-food favorites and warm hospitality. Located in The Square CBD, this restaurant invites you to enjoy a casual dining experience.
Why You Should Eat Here
This place is known for its exceptional service, especially from waiters like Maatla and Junior, who are both friendly and attentive.
The atmosphere is calm and inviting, making it perfect for families or friends looking to enjoy a meal together.
Though the food quality can vary, most dishes, like the Ultimate Feast, impress with their flavor and quality.
What to Order
I highly recommend the Ultimate Feast. It’s a crowd-pleaser with perfectly cooked beef that’s flavorful and tender.
This hearty meal will leave you satisfied and is definitely worth a try!