We’re struggling to think of a more appropriate name for the Rock – the restaurant perched, ahem, on a rock next to Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar chain off Tanzania. The tiny eatery, 30 metres from Michamvi Pingwe beach, offers diners an immersive experience. With 360-degree views of the cerulean waters from the restaurant’s back patio, and local flavours at the table, this is a meal you won’t forget in a hurry.
The Rock opened in 2010 and has been feeding travellers’ meals with a side of adventure ever since. Your mode of transport will depend on the time of day. Arrive at low tide and you can simply shuffle across the shore to the slightly rickety, wooden front steps, but high tide calls for a short trip in an outboard-powered dinghy.
Once you’re settled, sate your appetite with a selection of local dishes laden with seafood like tambi (a Swahili take on spaghetti) served with stir-fried fish or a fish carpaccio with coconut sauce and grilled lobster. Just make sure you choose your seating based on your tropical comfort levels – some like it hot, but lunch at noon or 2 p.m. is a real scorcher, while dinner sessions at 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. pair sea breezes with your sundowners.
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