The 33 Best Restaurants in Lilongwe
One thing we have in common is the stress of trying to find the perfect spot to enjoy a nice international cuisine.
Although we have a lot of them around the city, we’re still lost when it comes to picking one because we never really know the types of meals they specialize in if we haven’t visited them before.
We made it easy for you and compiled 31 of these restaurants and their specials so you don’t have to go through the trouble next time you want to try something different.
Indian Cuisine
1. Bombay Palace
| Name | Bombay Palace |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Indian |
| Location | Game Complex, Area2, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 888 202 202 |
| Opening Hours | Lunch: 12:00-14:00, Dinner: 18:00-22:00 (Mon-Sun) *Mondays are closed for lunch. |
Enjoy an authentic Indian cuisine cooked with love & affection. Located at Game Complex, they provide one of the best Curry and Naan dishes in Lilongwe.
2. Chennai Spice
| Name | Chennai Spice |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Indian |
| Location | Area3, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 991 110 401 |
| Opening Hours | 10:00-22:00 (Tue-Fri), 9:00-10:00 (Sat, Sun) |
Chennai Spice is an Indian restaurant offering the best flavours of both South and North Indian cuisines, crafted to perfection by their professional chefs.
Located in Area3, along Laws Avenue, they have both indoor and outdoor seating areas to provide you with the best services and Indian food experience.
3. Woodlands Lilongwe
| Name | Woodlands Lilongwe |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Asian and Continental Cuisine |
| Location | Youth Drive, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 991 775 203 |
| Opening Hours | 6:00-22:00 (Mon-Sun) |
The cool breeze at Woodlands Bar complements the superb drinks that it offers.
The bar is located within Woodlands Lilongwe along youth drive in city centre, Lilongwe.
The counter is well-decorated with wood; and to your right, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the pool and the green trees.
The serenity of the place makes it a perfect spot for imbibers that want a quiet place.
4. THE BAY
| Name | THE BAY |
|---|---|
| Location | Along Kirk road,Area 4, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 995 000 058 |
| Opening Hours | Everyday 11:00-23:00 |
THE BAY is a modern Indian restaurant opened in 2022 in area 4, along Kirk road (off Kagame road).
THE BAY has three segments: Crispy Bay, Spice Bay and Smoky Bay that offer a range of dining experiences.
Crispy dishes, spicy and smoky flavours – there is something for everyone.
With the variety of Indian, Chinese, Portuguese, Continental, and Malawian dishes on offer, the restaurant provides a wide array of culinary preferences.
The restaurant has gained popularity for its must-try tawas.
They offer the Indian tawa, Portuguese tawa, Chinese tawa and the tantalizing mix tawa of unique and flavorful ingredients.
The stylish restaurant also hosts birthday parties, family or group dinners, buffets and corporate functions.
5. Veg-Delight Lilongwe
| Name | Veg-Delight Lilongwe |
|---|---|
| Location | Old Town Mall, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 993 858 028 +265 (0) 213 177 777 |
| Opening Hours | Everyday 10:00-22:00 |
Located at Old Town Mall, Veg-Delight is a vegetarian restaurant established in 2009.
It offers diverse menu of vegetarian South Indian cuisines.
It opens every day from 10:00 to 22:00, ensuring that guests savor the delicious dishes.
At Veg-Delight, you can indulge in a wide variety of tantalizing options.
Try the rich spices and flavors of dishes like Paneer Lollipops and dhokla or quench your thirst with their refreshing Shisha collection.
Chinese Cuisine
6. Noble China
| Name | Noble China |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Chinese |
| Location | Area3, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 888 204 388 |
| Opening Hours | Lunch: 10:30-14:30, Dinner: 17:30-22:30 (Mon-Sun) |
Located on Colby road in Area3, Noble China is one of the best Chinese restaurants found in the heart of Lilongwe city.
From a bountiful menu to their authentic Chinese themed seating area, it gives you the best of a Chinese restaurant experience.
Korean Cuisine
7. Cafe RaS
| Name | Cafe RaS (Round and Square) |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Korean |
| Location | Area3, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 998 378 160 |
| Opening Hours | 10:30-16:30 (Mon-Sat) |
Located on Mandala Road in Area3, Cafe RaS is a pleasant cafe with a relaxed atmosphere.
Their menu offers not only a cafe menu but also a wide range of Korean and Japanese food.
Dinner is available upon reservation.
8. Mum’s Table
| Name | Mum’s Table |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Korean |
| Location | Area9, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 912 788 |
| Opening Hours | Lunch: 11:00-14:30, Dinner: 17:00-20:00 (Tue-Sun) |
In Area 9, opposite DSTV Multichoice offices in Lilongwe lies a Korean restaurant with an exciting menu for Asian food lovers.
Mum’s Table has a relaxing atmosphere with a lot of outdoor table space.
Takeaways are also available.
9. Kortasia
| Name | Kortasia |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Korean Cuisine |
| Location | Area38, Close to Bunda turnoff, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 282 114 |
| Opening Hours | 11:00-21:00 (Mon-Sun) |
Kortasia lodge is set on the outskirts of Lilongwe and is renowned throughout Malawi and internationally for its cultural distinction and Korean cuisine.
The restaurant incorporates both abstract and African style, with walls made of solid stones and thatched roofing.
The lodge is set away from the bustling Lilongwe city life, so you are assured of a quiet peaceful meal.
Mexican Cuisine
10. La Cantina
| Name | La Cantina |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Mexican Cuisine and Bar |
| Location | Area 43, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 996 705 984 |
| Opening Hours | 9:00-23:00 (Mon-Sun) |
Mexican music blares through the speakers as you enter La Cantina’s indoor seating area.
Dedicated to serving Mexican food and drinks, the La Cantina experience is unlike any other in Lilongwe.
The interior décor as well as that of the bar reflects this so vividly.
Drinks such as the tequila-infused Santa Fé are loved by many or you can also get the Cucumber Chilli for a taste of Mexico.
With a comfortable seating area and exciting menu, La Cantina is also the perfect location to host work dinners.
Every Thursday, La Cantina has happy hour from 16:00-17:00 whereby prices of cocktails are slashed to half. Every Tuesday is Taco Tuesday and it’s 20% off on Tacos.
11. Rosevine
| Name | Rosevine |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Location | Area3, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 207 237 |
| Opening Hours | 11:30-Midnight (Mon-Sun) |
Located on the Corner of Keppel Compton in Area3, Rosevine is a restaurant focuses on Mexican cuisines but also have a continental mix on their menue. They have a lot of outdoor space with tables for 2 or more.
Delivery is also available.
12. George’s Kitchen
| Name | George’s Food Truck |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Mexican Cuisine |
| Location | Area12, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 998 777 052 |
| Opening Hours | 8:00-17:00 (Tue-Thu), 8:00-19:00 (Fri-Sat) |
Located on the same site as the Orchid in Area 12, George’s Kitchen is a Mexican food experience.
Originally located in Area 47 as George’s Food Truck, the restaurant moved here in 2023.
With its signature tacos, spacious and quiet seating, and great service, it is a popular place for those looking to try new dishes.
Italian Cuisine
13. Mamma Mia
| Name | Mamma Mia |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Location | Old Town Mall, Area4, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 994 608 767 |
| Opening Hours | Lunch: 11:00-13:30, Dinner: 17:15-21:00 (Tue-Sun) |
Located in Old Town Mall, Mamma Mia is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Lilongwe.
They offer a wide range of Italian food such as antipasti, Pizza, Pasta, Lasagne, steaks and seafood.
Delivery is also available through Doorbell Service.
Persian Cuisine
14. Orchid
| Name | Orchid |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Persian Cuisine |
| Location | Plot 300, Area 12, Corner of Chinula and Ring Road Avenue, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 888 221 040 |
| Opening Hours | 15:00-22:00 (Tue-Sun) |
Located in a quiet residential area in Area 12, Lilongwe, Orchid is Malawi’s only Persian restaurant.
It features Persian cuisine and variations of Persian-based Middle Eastern dishes, and also offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Mezze, kebabs and shirazi salads are popular, as well as homemade ice cream, cocktails, fruit juices, lemonade and smoothies.
Everything on the Persian menu is homemade, including bread and sauces, and vegetables and herbs are locally sourced.
You can dine wherever you like, in the spacious and beautiful garden, on the veranda with Lilongwe’s best cocktail bar, or in the dining area with its warm and cosy interior.
A live band plays on Friday and Saturday nights, and a variety of board games in the dining area are also popular.
Ethiopian Cuisine
15. Seble Ethiopian Restaurant
| Name | Seble Ethiopian Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Ethiopian Cuisine |
| Location | Area12, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 991 093 288 |
| Opening Hours | 8:30-21:30 (Mon-Sat) |
Located on Kaduya road in Area12, Seble Ethiopian Restaurant is the only restaurant in Lilongwe that offers Ethiopian cuisine.
From their spacious and traditionally decorated space, you will feel as though you are right in the heart of Ethiopia as you enjoy their meals.
Burmese Cuisine
16. StaMag Cafe
| Name | StaMag Cafe |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Bermese & Continental |
| Location | Area13, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 247 057 |
| Opening Hours | 9:00-21:00 (Mon-Sat) |
Located on opposite the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) building in Lilongwe City Centre, StaMag Cafe is well known for its famous cocktails.
It also houses a restaurant that offers some unique South Asian dishes.
Jamaican Cuisine
17. Alpha Omega Miracle Spot
| Name | Alpha Omega Miracle Spot (Jamaican Restaurant) |
|---|---|
| Location | Area 12, Domasi Street, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 984 998 725 |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 – 23:30 (Mon-Sun) |
Alpha Omega Miracle Spot has a restaurant “The Vomma Kitchen” serving authentic Jamaican cuisine, a juice bar “Asher’s Juice Bar”, a beauty salon, spa and boutique.
A recommended dish is the Jerk Chicken, a typical Jamaican dish, Jerk meaning spicy marinated grill, with an addictive spicy flavour.
Other dishes such as Gungo Rice & Peas and Sah Fish Flitters are also available here.
How about getting a taste of the Caribbean in Malawi?
Malawian Cuisine
18. Zikomo Restaurant
| Name | Zikomo Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Malawian Cuisine |
| Location | Behind the Immigration Office, Area 4, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 266 348, +265 (0) 888 266 348 |
Zikomo Restaurant is a reputable local restaurant located behind the immigration office in Lilongwe.
There is ample seating and the best dish is the braai’d chicken on the spot.
The tomato sauce and braai are outstandingly seasoned, and there is a wide selection of other dishes including beef and gizzard braai.
You can choose from nsima, rice or chips as your staple meal.
If you are looking for a delicious local lunch in Lilongwe, you should definitely try Zikomo Restaurant.
Continental Cuisine
19. Café92
| Name | Café92 |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Continental Cuisine |
| Location | Onion Complex, Area 4, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 997 687 417 |
| Opening Hours | 8:00-24:00 (Mon-Sun) |
Café92 is a trendy and lively bar and restaurant located in the Onion Complex, Area 4, Lilongwe.
Formerly “Living Room” has been refurbished and newly opened in June 2022.
Popular events include cocktail nights every Wednesday and Acoustic Fridays every Friday.
A wide range of cocktails and shisha are also popular.
It is particularly busy on weekend evenings, but there is ample seating.
20. Bamboo Boutique Hotel Restaurant and Bar
| Name | Bamboo Boutique Hotel |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Continental Cuisine and Bar |
| Location | Area 12, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 996 999 922 |
| Opening Hours | 6:30-22:30 (Mon-Sun) |
Located within the Bamboo Boutique Hotel in the residential Area 12 is a picturesque bar that sets the tone for the business class.
The bar is decorated tastefully with a blend of international and local décor that will make you feel right at home.
The bar at the Bamboo Boutique Hotel is perfect for those who like to enjoy their drinks in a relaxed environment.
21. Copper Pot
| Name | Copper Pot |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Indian, Chinese & Continental Cuisine |
| Location | Crossroads Complex, Area9, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 888 750 444, +265 (0) 888 513 100 |
| Opening Hours | Lunch: 12:00-14:00, Dinner: 18:30-20:30 (Mon-Sun) |
This is hidden gem in Lilongwe.
It is part of Crossroads Hotel and one of the places best suited for a romantic dinner.
With food ranging from Asian, Chinese to European, good service and reasonable pricing of food.
22. Urban Cafe
| Name | Urban Cafe |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | International Cuisine |
| Location | Pacific Mall, Area10, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 998 969 594 |
| Opening Hours | 8:15-17:00 (Mon-Fri), 8:15-15:00 (Sat), 8:15-14:00 (Sun) |
Located at Pacific Mall in Area10, at the end of Visions gaming alley, it is one of the best places to enjoy a quiet meal, coffee or snack.
With their dynamic menu, you will always be excited to try something new.
23. Kaza Kitchen
| Name | Kaza Kitchen |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Malawian & Mixed Cuisines |
| Location | Tsoka Road, Area 10, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 888 284 606 |
| Opening Hours | 8:30-16:30 (Mon-Fri) |
Kaza Kitchen is more than just a cafe or lunch venue and deli.
It aims to also make a positive difference to society and the environment.
They aim to use as many local ingredients as possible including using cassava, maize and sweet potato flours.
Their deli also promotes other small Malawian businesses, as well as selling frozen ready meals, fresh fruit juices, sushi and more.
Their specials menu changes daily serving food from around the world including Malawian dishes.
24. Khichini Hub
| Name | Khichini Hub |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Continental Cuisine and Bar |
| Location | City Centre, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 997 000 015 |
| Opening Hours | 7:00-17:00 (Sun-Tue) 7:00-24:00 (Wed-Sat) |
More than just a restaurant, Khichini Hub is located right in the heart of Lilongwe in the City Centre.
Infused with bright and colourful décor, this outdoor restaurant and bar is a truly remarkable experience for everyone.
25. Warm Heart Cafe
| Name | Warm Heart Cafe |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Malawian & Continental Cuisines |
| Location | Area 10, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 994 474 827 |
| Opening Hours | 8:30-17:00 (Mon-Sat), 10:30-17:30 (Sun) |
Located on Zomba street in Area10, Warm Heart Cafe gives you a taste of local food meets international food.
Your cravings will surely be satisfied by their superb food craftmanship.
They have both outdoor and indoor seating areas with unique traditional designs mixed with arts and crafts.
Also within the restaurant is a gift shop with a lot of crafts and products to choose from.
26. Amakhofi
| Name | Amakhofi |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | International Cuisine |
| Location | Four Seasons Complex, Area 12, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 998 196 475 |
| Opening Hours | 7:30-17:00 (Mon-Sat), 9:00-17:00 (Sun) |
Amakhofi takes pride in maintaining the highest quality foods with salad ingredients picked fresh from their garden every morning.
It stands out as a restaurant with a calm atmosphere created by their seating areas that overlook the four seasons gardens.
27. Flavours Cafe
| Name | Flavours Cafe |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Malawian & Indian Cuisines |
| Location | City Centre, Area13, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 919 561 |
| Opening Hours | 8:30-17:00 (Mon-Fri) |
Located behind the British council building along Independence drive in Lilongwe, Flavours Cafe is a lunch goldmine right in the heart of Lilongwe City Centre.
Catering from early morning to late afternoon, you will find yourself satisfied with the wide range of food they offer.
28. Latitude 13°
| Name | Latitude13° |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Continental Cuisine |
| Location | Area43, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 975 959 |
| Opening Hours | 6:00-22:00 (Mon-Fri), 6:00-23:00 (Sat, Sun) |
Latitude 13° hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel nestled in the leafy lanes of Area43 in Lilongwe.
You will find that their hotel has one of the best restaurants in town with a warm and welcoming environment, from the breath taking interior décor and seating to the comfortable couches around the pool.
The restaurant is uniquely designed to host a range of events from for business meetings through to social gathering with friends.
29. Coco’s Cafe
| Name | Coco’s Cafe |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American & Continental Cuisine |
| Location | Gateway Mall Area47 / August House, Area 10 |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 109 919 (Gateway Mall) / +265 (0) 999 951 516 (August House) |
| Opening Hours | 8:30-17:00 (Mon-Sun except Tuesday) |
Found at Gateway Mall and its new branch in Area 10, Coco’s is a cafe with an artistic touch and classic look you will feel yourself wrapped with serenity.
They provide fast food with a twist and also offers other kind of dishes to please a larger audience (even vegetarian).
From a solo meal or a day out with friends, you’ll never regret Coco’s.
30. Café Cargo
| Name | Café Cargo |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Farmers World, Kanengo, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 992 384 091 |
| Opening Hours | 9:00-16:00 (Mon-Fri) |
Café Cargo is one of the few trendy restaurants in the industrial area of Kanengo, Lilongwe.
Café Cargo is popular with expats who work in the Kanengo area.
Although the Café is busy at lunchtime, it has a quiet and very relaxed atmosphere with ample seating and space.
If you are in the Kanengo area and are looking for a place to have a lunch meeting, a relaxed meal for couples, friends or just by yourself, Café Cargo is the place for you.
31. Chili’s – Flavour of the World –
| Name | Chili’s – Flavour of the World – |
|---|---|
| Location | Queens Mall, Along Mchinji Road, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 981 340 406 |
| Opening Hours | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM(Mon-Sat), 10:00 – 9:00 (Sun) |
Chili’s is a new restaurant located in the Queen’s Mall on Mchinji Road, Lilongwe.
This trendy restaurant offers a variety of dishes, from seafood to Indian cuisine, burgers and a wide selection of desserts.
The restaurant is spacious and has ample seating, making it ideal for large dinners and parties.
A bakery and cakery are also located in the same restaurant.
32. D’s Kitchen – Fries & Grills –
| Name | D’s Kitchen – Fries & Grills – |
|---|---|
| Location | Queens Mall, Along Mchinji Road, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 888 887\ |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 – 21:00 (Mon-Thu), 9:00 – 22:30 (Fri & Sat), 9:00 – 22:00 (Sun) |
D’s Kitchen is a modern restaurant located in the Queen’s Mall on Mchinji Road, Lilongwe.
Steak is one of the most popular dishes on the menu, but there is also a wide selection of burgers, sandwiches, seafood and pizza.
After your meal, how about a dessert such as waffles or pancakes?
The upstairs terrace overlooks the main street and offers a pleasant breeze while you dine.
33. Kuwala Gardens
| Name | Kuwala Gardens |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Continental |
| Location | Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Kenyatta Drive, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 987 729 170 |
| Opening Hours | 8:00 – 17:30 (Sun-Tue) 8:00-22:00 (Wed-Sat) |
Kuwala Gardens is situated in the peaceful environment of Lilongwe Wildlife Centre between City Centre and Old Town in Lilongwe.
Surrounded by trees, birds and animals, the tranquil setting offers a variety of food, from snacks such as Waffle, Tacos and Wrap to meals such as burgers and pizzas.
Why not spend the day chatting with friends over coffee or tea, along with cakes, brownies or ice cream?
Kuwala Gardens also opens at 8am and offers an extensive breakfast menu, so you can start your day with a relaxing outdoor seating and a view of nature.
It is also open in the evening from Wednesday to Saturday.
Enjoy a range of special events, including jazz nights, violin nights and cigar nights.
Whether you want to dance the night away or just sit back and enjoy the music, Kuwala has something for everyone.
