Where to eat in Vilanculos

Vilanculos makes a great mainland base for those wanting to stay somewhere with a bit of a vibe, and lots of choice for eating out. Visitors to Vilanculos have the best of both worlds - they can visit the stunning Bazaruto islands by day, and by night they will return to buzzing restaurants with splendid views. There's much more variety here in Vilanculos than out in the islands - a different restaurant for every day of your holiday.

So where are the best places to eat out in Vilanculos?

Frutos do Mar

A great restaurant with amazing sweeping views out over the Vilanculo bay and islands, and a pleasant, relaxed beach vibe. The enviable setting, good food and rustic decor make this an ideal place for a seafood lunch.

Casbah Restaurant and Beach Bar

A little bar on the beach right next to the kite zone and just a 5 minute walk from Bahia Mar on the beach. The perfect spot to enjoy a Dacquiri with fresh mint and strawberry, and a dish of coconut prawn curry right there on the sands.

Zita's Restaurant

This is a really authentic Mozambique experience. Zita also runs cooking classes for tourists, first taking them to the local market to shop for ingredients, before heading back to the restaurant to share the secrets of the Mozambican kitchen. Try the crab curry, followed by a platter of fresh fruit.

Leopoldina Restaurant

Another very authentic place to eat is the Leopoldina Restaurant, which is owned and run by a local family. This tiny restaurant with its funky decor, personal service and fresh food is a great choice if you want a home cooked culinary experience with friendly conversation.

Dona Ana Hotel

The elegant Hotel Dona Ana is perched on Vilanculos harbour surrounded by ocean on two sides. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a fusion of Afro-Portuguese cuisine, and there are also cocktail bars overlooking the beach and pool.

Pescador Hotel

The Pescador Hotel restaurant serves lunch and dinner, as well as bar refreshments throughout the day. The views from here are superb, the perfect accompaniment to a meal of freshly prepared seafood.

Zombie Cucumber

Ideally situated in central Vilanculos, Zombie Cucumber is just 2 minutes from the beach, and offers a selection of french style starters, mains and desserts. Seafood is freshly purchased straight from the fishermen and there are vegetarian options available. It's the place to try homemade pizzas baked in a firewood oven, whilst relaxing by the pool in the sun.

Varanda Restaurant

A great little spot for sundowners and an early evening meal whilst watching the fishing boats return home from their day out at sea. Low key with a relaxed vibe, Varanda serves fresh calamari and has a welcoming homely feel.

Samara Restaurant

Tucked away on the main beach road the Samara Restaurant is a relaxed open kitchen right on the beach. It's is a pleasant spot for trying seafood platters of prawns and crayfish, with tranquil views out over the ocean.

Bahia Mar

The stylish and romantic restaurant at Bahia Mar serves local food including several health-conscious options, and offers cocktails and smoothies by the infinity pool bar. Try the stuffed blue crab shells and butterscotch banana.

Kilimanjaro Cafe

A super little coffee shop experience aimed at both locals and tourists, serving pizza, burgers, sandwiches and salads as well as smoothies and gourmet coffee. Seating is in a beautiful outdoor garden, and it's a great spot for lunch, or even breakfast with a fresh cappuccino whilst sitting in the shade of the trees.

Something a bit different

Local guide Edson runs a cultural tour to take guests out for more 'local' restaurants like Zitas or Leopoldinas. This is particularly popular with guests from Europe, who want to have a more authentic experience. Edson then stays with guests, or arranges a guide so that they have someone with them at all times.

Alternatively visitors to Vilanculos could take a picnic supper up to the Red Dunes to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean, perhaps after an afternoon of quad biking adventures. What a wonderful end to the day!