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LuandaAngola’s capital city – consistently tops the list of the most expensive cities for expat living. Perhaps as a result of this Luanda has some of the best upscale restaurants in the country. These are the top 10.

Courtesy of Nikki’s House

Nikki’s House

Restaurant, Fusion, European, Portuguese

Nikki’s House restaurant is located in the Maianga neighborhood in Luanda and features an international fusion menu. Be sure to book ahead as this venue requires reservations. The restaurant is nestled in a quaint house which has been transformed into a fine-dining experience. Each room is arranged in order to serve different patrons. The first area is a quiet hall with small couches and pillows, followed by the more intimate setting of the living room which features romantic lighting and coupled tables. The lively dining area is found on the large downstairs patio at the back of the house, complete with abundant seating. The decor is as much playful as it is meticulously designed. The perfect food coupled with the great atmosphere makes Nikki’s House one of the best restaurants in Luanda.

Chill Out

Restaurant, Fusion, Mediterranean, European

Chill Out Restaurant, though better known for its club vibe, has some of the best culinary offerings in Luanda. Chill Out is situated along the scenic coastline, providing a calming and natural setting to the restaurant’s already laid-back ambiance. If diners so choose, meals can even be prepared on the beach itself. White and purple lighting reflect off the white table linens and into the carefully arranged seating area. The menu offers Eurasian fusion with Angolan accents. Detail and focus not only go into the restaurant’s quality dishes, but also into the service. This makes Chill Out one of the best venues within Luanda’s high-end restaurant circuit.

Lookal Mar

Restaurant, Portuguese, Seafood, Mediterranean, European

Luanda
© Fabio Vanin/WikiCommons
At the more expensive end of the Luanda restaurant scene, Lookal Mar is renowned for its beautiful seafood dishes. The restaurant has its seafood supply flown in nearly twice weekly from Portugal. Some of it even arrives still alive. Diners who visit the restaurant are informed when a new shipment is anticipated to arrive. The spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore and the sights of ships docking at the Porto de Luanda also add to the grandeur of the dining experience. Lookal Mar’s offerings are fresh, tasty and unrivaled in Angola – a true African treat.

Luanda Chic

Bar

Located inside the newly constructed shopping gallery known as the Atlantic Business Center, Luanda Chic is one of the top places in Talatona – Luanda’s downtown. Luanda Chic lives up to its name within moments of arrival. Stunning multi-colored lights adorn the veranda bar, smiling wait staff are ready to greet incoming diners and the modern decor combine to create an elegant dining atmosphere. Luanda Chic’s menu experiments with the concept of gourmet Angolan cuisine. It has reinvented the traditional flavors and dishes of the region, executing them with modern and unexpected twists.

Oon.dah

Restaurant, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian

Oon.dah is one of Luanda’s most refined restaurants. The decor upon entering the space is striking and elegant, the design having been created by award-winning British firm Julian Taylor Design Associates. Oon.dah is in the Escom Skyscraper in Luanda and features the sophistication that is characteristic of its designers. As such, the decor caters to the city’s upscale and international clientele. Not only does Oon.dah have an exquisite atmosphere and visually stimulating decor, but the restaurant also presents some of the finest dining the city has to offer.

Pimm’s

Restaurant, Bar, Portuguese, European

Pimm’s is one of Luanda’s best restaurants, particularly known for their service, ambiance and the stellar quality of the food. Pimm’s specializes in traditional Portuguese cuisine with local Angolan flair. The restaurant is famed for its fish and seafood dishes, as well as its extensive wine lists. The ambiance is sophisticated and combines hints of traditional decor with more modern features of interior design. The service is consistent and their staff knowledgeable on both entree and wine recommendations. This restaurant’s service and refined atmosphere make this one of Luanda’s finest venues.

Switch Supper Club

Restaurant, Nightclub, Asian, Mediterranean, Sushi, Japanese

The Luanda Switch Supper Club is one of the newest and hottest restaurants in Luanda. There is an inevitably long wait for a table if turning up spontaneously, so it is recommended you book in advance. The Switch Supper Club is located beneath the Epic Sana Hotel. It draws its inspiration from the culture of Supper Clubs – the trend for dining, socializing and dancing all in the same place. The Switch Supper Club is an Asian/Mediterranean fusion restaurant and also one of the trendiest places to dance and have drinks at the end of an evening. The restaurant is luxurious and the lighting expertly adjusted to accent the beautiful ornate decor. Dishes are expertly plated and wine and champagne can be served by the glass.

Restaurante Kook

Restaurant, Sushi, Japanese

Kook is a relative newcomer to Luanda’s restaurant scene. However, it differs from its counterparts both in its ambiance and in the kitchen’s ability to consistently keep the menu evolving and the choices diverse. Kook is located in the business park of Talatona, which reflects the crisp, clean and modern interior. This also provides the perfect backdrop to the restaurants’ shifting menu choices and creative entrees. The tasting menu offers a variety of dishes and explores the marriage of seafood and fruit. The restaurant’s sushi selections are also immensely popular among local diners. Kook’s kitchen continually brings new dishes into the dining room. The variance in tastes, colors and textures make this restaurant one of Luanda’s very best.

Restaurante Shogun

Restaurant, Seafood, Japanese, Sushi, Asian

For incredible teppanyaki beyond the shores of Japan, Shogun in Luanda’s city center is the restaurant to visit. This beachside sushi restaurant has an incredible atmosphere and unrivaled views of the ocean. It simultaneously awakens all the senses as the chefs prepare the meal right before your eyes. The food is beautifully plated to reflect the colors of the fish, seafood, and vegetables. Meanwhile, the slow hiss of the griddle provides a merrily sonorous background to the meal. Shogun provides great food with a sense of showmanship.

Restaurante Vitrúvio

Restaurant, French, Italian, European, Vegetarian, Portuguese

Restaurante Vitrúvio prides itself on offering one of the most extensive wine lists in the area. It has more than 120 quality Italian, Portuguese, French and New World wines – as well as high-quality, distinctive champagnes. A visit to Restaurante Vitrúvio would not be complete without making a selection from this impressive wine list. The restaurant is hailed as the best Italian in Luanda. And, Vitrúvio holds the honor of being the first restaurant to reside in the Epic Sana Hotel and offer an a la carte menu. The restaurant has knowledgeable waiters and sommeliers, a diverse Italian menu and uses only the highest quality ingredients for their recipes. The prices reflect this premium service. One taste of the incredibly smooth, silky pasta dishes and diners will understand why Vitrúvio’s is considered to offer the best Italian fare in town.
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