Cafes and Restaurants

The 12 Best Restaurants in Blantyre, Malawi

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.

21 Grill on Hannover in Blantyre21 Grill on Hannover About 21 Grill on Hannover Name 21 G...

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?

Splash Rooftop Restaurant (Continental Cuisine) BlantyreSplash Rooftop Restaurant About Splash Rooftop Restaurant ...

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.

Picasso’s Restaurant (Continental Cuisine) in BlantyrePicasso's Restaurant About Picasso's Restaurant Name Pica...

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.

Casa Mia (Continental Cuisine) BlantyreCasa Mia About Casa Mia Name Casa Mia Cuisine Conti...

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?

STEAKOUT Bar & Restaurant, BlantyreSTEAKOUT Bar & Restaurant About STEAKOUT Bar & Restaurant ...

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.

Bay Leaf Restaurant, BlantyreBay Leaf Restaurant About Bay Leaf Restaurant Name Bay Le...

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.

Maybe Mars Cafe (Continental Cuisine) in BlantyreMaybe Mars Cafe About Maybe Mars Cafe Name Maybe Mars Caf...

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.

Caffe Grazia (Italian Cuisine) in BlantyreCaffe Grazia About Caffe Grazia Name Caffe Grazia Lo...

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.

Hostellerie de France (French Cuisine) in BlantyreHostellerie de France About Hostellerie de France Name Ho...

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.

Gelato Carnival (Continental Cuisine) in BlantyreGelato Carnival About Gelato Carnival Name Gelato Carniva...

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.

Golden Peacock Hotel Restaurant (Chinese Cuisine) in BlantyreGolden Peacock Hotel Restaurant About Golden Peacock Hotel Restaura...

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.

La Caverna & Cafe Mandala in BlantyreLa Caverna & Cafe Mandala About La Caverna & Cafe Mandala ...