Destination
Type of Restaurant
Type of Meal
Editors Pick
Read MoreAnda
Helmed by Chef Treasure Makwanise (who previously worked at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest), the fine dining restaurant Anda opened in the Kimihurura neighborhood in 2022. “Anda” was taken from the word kwanda in Kinyarwanda, which means "to expand". Chef Treasure’s goal...
Photo by Kathryn Nathanson, courtesy IndagareRead MoreAtelier du Vin
In a city with few wine bars, Atelier du Vin is one of the exceptions. Atelier du Vin is tucked behind a car dealership, but upon entering, the space is large with distant views of Kigali. A wine bar with...
Photo by Kathryn Nathanson, courtesy IndagareRead MoreBaso Pâtissier
Baso Pâtissier serves delicious French and Belgian pastries, and is within walking distance of The Retreat, making it a nice stop for a morning stroll. There is outdoor seating with views overlooking Kigali’s rolling hills.
Photo by Kathryn Nathanson, courtesy IndagareRead MoreBrachetto Restaurant
In a city with few high-end restaurants, Brachetto Restaurant is likely the most upmarket of them all. Brachetto serves Italian dishes, including pastas, fish and meat plates, and the restaurant has a nice wine list and wine shop.
Choose Kigali. Photo by Kathryn Nathanson courtesy of IndagareRead MoreChoose Kigali
After hosting culinary pop-up dinners for many years, Emmanuel opened a restaurant at Choose Kigali that serves both an Italian á la carte and fine-dining tasting menu. The restaurant doubles as a creative space with four floors of art galleries...
Photo by Kathryn Nathanson, courtesy IndagareRead MoreFusion Restaurant
Located poolside at The Retreat at Heaven Kigali, Fusion Restaurant merges culinary traditions from around the world with local Rwandan ingredients. While it calls itself a fine-dining restaurant, it actually is quite casual and serves an á la carte menu...
Read MoreHeaven
The passion project of Alissa and Josh Ruxin, Heaven is arguably one of the most famous restaurants in Africa—thanks in part to the engaging memoir chronicling its establishment, A Thousand Hills to Heaven. The Ruxins moved to Rwanda when Josh...
Photo by Kathryn Nathanson, courtesy IndagareRead MoreIndabo Café
A combo restaurant and plant/ceramic shop in the heart of the Kiyovu neighborhood, Indabo Cafe serves salads, sandwiches, grain bowls and great cocktails. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the cafe has lovely outdoor seating.
Read MoreKhana Khazana
A casual Indian restaurant across the street from The Retreat, Khana Khazana is the best option for good food within walking distance of the hotel.
Photo by Kathryn Nathanson, courtesy IndagareRead MoreKivu Noir
In downtown Kigali next to Moshions, Kivu Noir is a high-end coffee shop that serves one of the world’s top single-estate coffees. The Rwandan Red Bean Arabica coffee beans are grown in the volcanic soil of Lake Kivu in Rwanda.
Photo by Chriss Swagga, courtesy Dieuveil Malonga LTDRead MoreMeza Malonga
Meza Malonga is owned and operated by Chef Dieuveil Malonga, a celebrity chef in Rwanda. Chef Malonga was named a 'Champion of Change' in 2022 by the San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Awards; this award recognizes and celebrates "unsung heroes...
Photo by Kathryn Nathanson, courtesy IndagareRead MorePoivre Noir
Poivre Noir is one of the most popular restaurants in Kigali. The bistro has an atmosphere that is as simple and enjoyable as the food, namely great burgers and Belgian inspired dishes.
Photo by Kathryn Nathanson, courtesy IndagareRead MoreRepub Lounge
For some of the best food in Kigali, head to the two-story restaurant Repub Lounge, which serves Rwandan cuisine and has views looking out over the hills of Kigali. It has a relaxed ambience, and there is often live music,...
Photo by Kathryn Nathanson, courtesy IndagareRead MoreRubia Coffee
Rubia Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe in the Kimihurura neighborhood.
Photo by Kathryn Nathanson, courtesy IndagareRead MoreSoy Asian Table
In a city of casual eateries, Soy is one of the more upmarket spots, second to Brachetto. Soy serves an array of delicious Southeast Asian dishes in a fun and lively atmosphere. It is popular for group dinners and gets...
Photo by Kathryn Nathanson, courtesy IndagareRead MoreThe HUT
The HUT is a popular, no-frills local hangout in Kigali. The menu has something for everyone from grilled meats and pastas to salads. This is also a good place to sample Rwandan cuisine.
