The 12 Best Restaurants in Blantyre
Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial capital, has a number of popular restaurants with a reputation for good food.
But if you are not familiar with Blantyre, you may not know much about it.
This article will introduce you to some of the best restaurants in Blantyre.
1. 21 Grill on Hannover
| Name | 21 Grill on Hannover |
|---|---|
| Location | Protea Hotel by Marriott Blantyre Ryalls 2 Hannover Ave, Blantyre |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 820 995 |
| Opening Hours | 11:00-15:00 & 18:00-23:30 (Mon-Fri), 18:00-23:30 (Sat), 17:00-23:30 (Sun) |
Established in 1921 with the concept of “a sophisticated restaurant offering intimate dining, in a quiet atmosphere with excellent continental cuisine”, the 21 Grill is located next to the Protea Hotel in Blantyre.
The restaurant was named “21 Grill” after its opening in 1921 and for also acquiring the number “21” at Blantyre Post Office.
It is one of Malawi’s most sophisticated restaurants, with old-world English charm, and although the menu is dominated by steaks and other meat dishes, there is also a wide range of fish dishes, pastas, salads and tempting desserts.
The restaurant has attracted many celebrities over the years and, in 1982, catered for Princess Anne and Mark Phillips.
The 21 Grill is a Malawian landmark offering refined cuisine, an extensive wine list, exclusive décor and the highest level of service, providing visitors with an unforgettable dining experience.
It is advisable to book in advance before you go.
2. Splash Rooftop Restaurant
| Name | Splash Rooftop Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Location | Amaryllis Hotel – 4th Floor, Blantyre, Malawi |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 833 333 |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 – 23:00 (Mon-Sun) |
Located on the fourth floor of Blantyre’s only five-star hotel, Amaryllis Hotel, Splash Rooftop Restaurant is one of Blantyre’s most popular restaurants.
The panoramic view of Blantyre town and the night view from the rooftop is stunning, and is the reason some people visit the restaurant.
There is also a swimming pool, ideal for sundowners and casual dining.
The most popular dish is the oven-baked pizzas – buy one, get another free, which is recommended for two or more people.
Alcohol is not sold in the restaurant.
Why not spend a luxurious time in Splash Rooftop Restaurant with friends and family?
3. Picasso’s Restaurant
| Name | Picasso’s Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Location | Sunbird Mount Soche, 28 Glyn Jones Road, Blantyre, Malawi |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 820 588 |
| Opening Hours | Lunch: 12:00-14:00 (Mon-Sun) Dinner: 18:00-22:00 (Mon-Sun) |
Picasso’s Restaurant, located in the Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre, is an elegant restaurant serving local and international cuisine à la carte and buffet
The restaurant’s luxurious décor creates a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.
A variety of special menus are available, including business lunches three days a week and traditional lunches on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Picasso also offers a private dining room for diners to enjoy their meals in privacy.
This is a great place for a business lunch or dinner, or to spend an important moment with friends or loved ones.
4. Casa Mia
| Name | Casa Mia |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Continental Cuisine |
| Location | 15 Kabula Hill Road, Kabula Hill, Blantyre |
| Phone | +265 (0) 996 963 111, +265 (0) 996 963 110 |
| Opening Hours | Last order 21:30 (Mon-Sun) |
Casa Mia is one of Blantyre’s most popular fine dining restaurants, tucked away in a quiet residential area of Blantyre.
The gorgeous yet relaxed atmosphere is perfect for special occasions with friends, loved ones and family.
The menu varies from grilled dishes to pasta, but the attention to culinary excellence is considerable, with the main menu changing twice a year and a ‘special of the day’ menu always on offer.
Enjoy dishes prepared with care and attention by skilled chefs using the best ingredients.
Last orders in the restaurant are taken at 9.30pm.
5. STEAKOUT Bar & Restaurant
| Name | STEAKOUT Bar & Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Steak & Grill |
| Location | Ground floor, Amaryllis Hotel, Laws Road, Blantyre, |
| Phone | +265 (0) 888 564 217 |
| Opening Hours | 12:00 – 24:00 (Mon-Sun) |
STEAKOUT is a stylish restaurant serving steaks and burgers on the ground floor of the Amaryllis, a five-star hotel in Blantyre.
It is the only restaurant in the Amaryllis Hotel that serves alcohol, while the other restaurants in the hotel do not.
Why not go there to enjoy good food and drinks?
6. Bay Leaf Restaurant
| Name | Bay Leaf Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Continental Cuisine |
| Location | Serendib Suites Hotel, Off Chilamoni Ring Road, Namiwawa, Blantyre, |
| Phone | +265 (0) 993 400 400 |
| Opening Hours | Breakfast: 6:00-11:00 Lunch: 12:00-14:30 Dinner: 18:00-22:00 |
Bay Leaf is a restaurant serving delicious cuisine located in the Serendib Suites Hotel in the quiet residential area of Namiwawa, Blantyre.
Enjoy local and international cuisine prepared by top chefs using fresh ingredients.
7. Maybe Mars Cafe
| Name | Maybe Mars Cafe |
|---|---|
| Location | Along Mandala Road, Blantyre |
| Phone | +265 (0) 889 902 673 |
| Opening Hours | 9:00-18:00 (Tue-Sun) |
Maybe Mars Cafe is a trendy cafe located on Mandala Road in Blantyre.
With a large garden and ample seating, it offers an extensive menu of burgers, seafood, pasta and more.
It is a great place to spend precious time with friends or to relax on your own.
8. Caffe Grazia
| Name | Caffe Grazia |
|---|---|
| Location | Kidney Crescent Road, Blantyre |
| Phone | +265 (0) 888 832 705 |
| Opening Hours | 8:30-15:00 (Mon-Sat) |
Located on Kidney Crecent Road, Caffé Grazia is one of the most popular cafés in Blantyre.
The lunch menu offers a choice of pastas, salads, pizzas and paninis, as well as a wide selection of drinks and desserts.
They also offer a special daily menu.
The quality of the food is high, but the prices are reasonable.
While waiting for your meal, you can buy souvenirs at the African Habitat next door.
9. Hostellerie de France
| Name | Hostelerie de France |
|---|---|
| Location | Chilomoni Ring Road, Namiwawa, Blantyre |
| Phone | +265 (0) 888 833 586 |
| Opening Hours | 6:00 – Evening (Mon-Sun) |
Hostellerie de France is a hotel and restaurant run by a French owner in a quiet residential area of Blantyre.
It has a beautifully maintained, spacious garden with stunning views.
Enjoy breakfast in the spacious garden or savour French home-style dishes such as chicken in red wine and a glass of wine while enjoying the romantic evening view.
The restaurant is open daily, but it is advisable to make a reservation as it can close early in the evening.
10. Gelato Carnival
| Name | Gelato Carnival |
|---|---|
| Location | Victoria Avenue, Blantyre |
| Phone | +265 (0) 885 976 426 +265 (0) 881 970 068 |
| Opening Hours | 8:30-21:00 (Mon-Thu) 8:30-22:00 (Fri-Sun) |
Gelato Carnival is a popular restaurant located on Victoria Avenue in Blantyre, with a patisserie that sells bread, sweets and gelato.
It also serves Japanese food such as sushi and ramen, which is rare in Malawi, as well as tacos, pizzas and seafood.
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, a kids’ park is open, where children can have a fun time while the adults enjoy a leisurely meal.
This is a great restaurant for those who want something different and special to eat, or for families with children.
11. Golden Peacock Hotel Restaurant
| Name | Golden Peacock Hotel Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Location | Kasungu Crescent Road, Blantyre |
| Phone | +265 (0) 111 877 888 |
| Opening Hours | Everyday (9:00-14:00, 16:30-21:30) |
Golden Peacock Hotel Restaurant is one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in Blantyre.
With a wide selection of dishes on the menu and the quality of the food, it should definitely be on your list of choices if you want to try Chinese food.
You can go there with friends and family and indulge in the many dishes, or even if you go alone, you can have half-size dishes served to you.
12. La Caverna & Cafe Mandala
| Name | La Caverna & Cafe Mandala |
|---|---|
| Location | Kaohsiung Road, Blantyre |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 951 005 +265 (0) 999 917 181 |
| Opening Hours | 8:00-16:00 (Mon-Fri) 8:00-14:00 (Sat) |
La Caverna & Cafe Mandala, located on Kaohsiung Road in Blantyre, is an art gallery and cafe in a beautiful setting.
The building is Malawi’s oldest European structure, built in 1882 of sun-dried grass, mud and bricks, and is a National Monument.
After appreciating art and souvenirs available only here, enjoy snacks, dessert or coffee at Cafe Mandala.
On sunny days, spend some time in the beautiful garden and enjoy the pleasant breeze.
If you are new to Blantyre, this is a must-visit place.
