Over the last few years, residents have witnessed the restaurant scene boom in Kigali. The city has embraced its status as a bourgeoning economic, innovative, and creative hub in the region, and with it has come exciting new flavors and options in the culinary industry. Restaurants can be found all over the city that produce not only a bevy of fantastic Rwandan options, but international specialties as well. Read away, and check out 11 of Kigali’s top restaurants.
Repub Lounge, purveyors of upscale Rwandan cuisine, create some of the best dishes around. Try the delectable Liboke chicken or fish, a banana-leaf cooked meal that is one of their trademark offerings. Repub Lounge is also a great place to sample brochettes (grilled meat or fish on a stick), misuzu (sweet plantains), and general grilled meat offerings.
Kigali does not have many sushi options when it comes to dining, but with Kiseki, the city thankfully doesn’t need anymore. Located in the Kimihurura neighborhood of Kigali, Kiseki creates inventive rolls, cuts perfectly sliced nigiri, and even supplies sushi burritos during the lunchtime rush.
Perfect for vegetarians or healthy food fanatics, Turambe Shoppe is known for its fresh salad and sandwich offerings. Choose between the delicious Asian chopped salad and roasted garlic hummus, and crunch on Turambe’s organic lettuce.
Poivre Noir takes fine dining in Kigali to the next level. Their eclectic mix of Belgian and French cuisine, inspired by local Rwandan ingredients, is considered to be some of the best in the city. Known for creative burgers, steaks, and starters, don’t miss their indulgent desserts or thoughtful wine selection.
Kigali’s excellent Indian food scene is at its best at Zaaffran. This delectable restaurant offers up some of the city’s best curries, naan, mango lassi, paneer, and more in a traditionally decorated restaurant. Their large rooms are a perfect spot for group dinners, and the service is generally quite good and fast.
Monmartse produces the city’s best Korean food, creating perfectly cooked bibimbap, soups, and banchan (small, usually vegetable-oriented, side dishes). Go with a big group to take advantage of their large portions, tables, and a tasty do-it-yourself Korean barbecue.
A well-decorated dining room and terrace located inside the Radisson Blu hotel and next to the Kigali Convention Centre, awaits guests at Filini. The interior design aside, the restaurant produces some of the city’s best Italian cuisine. Try the gnocchi, pizzas, and fresh salads – everything at Filini is made with high quality ingredients.
The eclairs at Baso Patissier have become legendary throughout Kigali. However, in addition to some of Kigali’s best sweet treats, Baso also offers great and well-priced sandwiches, burgers, and omelettes. Their casual vibe and sprawling view of the city make it an even better spot to visit.
This stylish tapas restaurant offers great small bites, a lovely garden space, and thoughtful interior design. Try the eggplant fries drizzled in cane honey and house salad that comes from their cute and colorful garden, and stay for their different events, Spanish classes, and themed foodie nights.
Famous for their quiet candlelit Italian dinners and well-stocked wine cellar, Brachetto is undoubtedly one of Kigali’s finest dining establishments. Politicians, high-ranking visitors, and celebrities all dine at Brachetto, ordering their succulent duck, steaks, or homemade pasta dishes. For those in the know, Brachetto’s lunchtime buffet is one of the city’s best secrets. With endless supplies of creative salads, quiches, cheese, breads, and more, Brachetto’s overloading lunch tables are a treat for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
Located in Remera, Come Again is known for one thing and one thing only: the city’s best Akabenz. Akabenz, marinated and roasted pig, is one of Rwanda’s most traditional foodie claims to fame. This dish at Come Again is the favorite of both locals and expats alike, and this crowded restaurant always comes through.