What are the best restaurants in Harare that deliver? (A Shortlist)
Harare is one of the top foodie destinations in Zimbabwe, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank when eating out. I’ve rounded up the top cheap eats in the city so you can stretch your cash and satisfy your cravings. It’s also important to note note that bad restaurant reviews are inevitable and any restaurant will eventually receive one. I have compiled a list of some places I have visited and personally felt were worth noting; Enjoy😊
[PS: This review is not a paid promotion but rather my own thoughts (and those of pretty much everybody I know). The list is by far not extensive.]
Yanaya
Restaurant, Contemporary, Healthy, $$
Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Yanaya serves healthy meals that are free of any additives and preservatives. The restaurant has an impressive breakfast menu and a range of healthy smoothies on offer. Their Baobalicious smoothie bowls with baobab pulp, banana, orange, milk, sesame seeds topped with granola, banana slices, desiccated coconut, chia seeds and fresh fruit, are out of this world. There are many options on the menu for $12/ZWL2, 160.00 or less, you’re bound to find a wallet-friendly dish.
However their customer service is pretty average and their tsvubvu smoothie is too terrible to finish.
Pizza inn
Restaurant, Pizzeria, $$
This trendy takeaway joint serves pizza and is another Simbisa brand. It has plenty of branches surrounding the sunshine city of Harare and Zimbabwe. They try to keep meals authentic while keeping prices as reasonable as possible. From mouth-watering starters to pastas and a large selection of pizzas, the menu boasts low prices and hefty portions, perfect for everyone.
As expected? Their service is sometimes poor especially on Tuesdays which is “Terrific Tuesday” promotion. After placing an order one might take more than an hour in a queue. Not so terrific.
Chop chop
Breakfast, Restaurant, Contemporary, Healthy, Zimbabwe, $$
Chop chop is a Steak and Grill House in Harare and is a favourite meeting spot for locals (me). The breakfast menu is large and the reasonable prices are no reflection of the large portions. If you stop by for lunch or dinner, you can fill up on anything from coffee shop, Steak-Away, Restaurant, Pizzeria and bar all under one trendy roof.
Service is slow and the waitress sometimes don’t even know what is available to only inform after waiting 30 minutes that, well……..it’s unavailable.
Chai Café
Café, Restaurant, healthy, Tea, Zimbabwe, $$
Chai Café is a popular breakfast and brunch spot (If you live north of Samora), and easily one of the most affordable restaurants in the city (again north of Samora). Trees provide shade and tower over the relaxing outdoor area, the food is mostly organic and free range and Bean. There coffee satisfies caffeine cravings. Nothing on the menu is priced over $10/ZWL 1,210 from bagel menu to sandwiches to salads and pastas; whatever you’re after, you’ll find it here.
Note: I couldn’t find anything particularly bad.
Nandos
Restaurant, Fast food, Zimbabwe, Street foods
Nandos is a fast food chain that specializes in flame-grilled peri peri style chicken. Opt for a full chicken if you’re hungry and choose between lemon and herb or peri peri flavoring. Other options on the menu include burgers, pitas, wraps, boujee bowls and designer drinks.
Interestingly, there is poor quality service. (A trend in a lot of fast food chains really). Some customers have to wait a good 30 minutes before someone notice them and their restrooms are often dirty.
Seeing that I have tantalized your taste buds you may wondering, Hey Heilly I thought you said these places deliver, how, where….when? Well, apart from ordering directly from them (of which they may or may not answer your phone call) there’s a pretty great service you can use called the Otarkie Marketplace. brought to you by well you guessed it, Otarkie. And even better you can Order from WhatsApp on their Chatbot, on +263 717 012146 just start by saying “Hi”. So no installing clunky apps that just take up your precious space,
If you have made this far thank you for indulging me🙂. I’ll be writing additional articles on some of the least known and overhyped places next. Subscribe to get notified when they come out!
