The 20 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 20 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.
Chinese Cuisine
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. 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.
8. George’s Foodtruck
| Name | George’s Food Truck |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Mexican Cuisine |
| Location | Area47, Sector4, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 998 777 052 |
| Opening Hours | 11:00-17:00 (Mon-Thu), 11:00-19:00 (Fri-Sat) |
Located in Area47, Sector 4 on Mubvi street, this foodtruck gives you the best experience of a mexican blend of food.
With their signature Tacos, simply artistic seating area, and excellent service they are a popular pick for those looking for spunk in their food.
Italian Cuisine
9. 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.
Ethiopian Cuisine
10. 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
11. 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.
Continental Cuisine
12. Black Pepper Restaurant
| Name | Black Pepper Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Continental |
| Location | Area3, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 991 472 825 |
| Opening Hours | 9:00-17:30 (Tue-Sun) |
Located along Mthunthama road behind the Waterboard tanks on Young street, Black Pepper has a relaxing outdoor atmosphere and offer a wide range of food from different countries including seafood.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. Maravi Gardens
| Name | Maravi Gardens |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Continental Cuisine |
| Location | Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Kenyatta Drive, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 888 232 596 |
Maravi Gardens is a trendy café in the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre.
It has a lovely location with lots of trees and shade, and plenty of outdoor terrace seating.
As well as freshly baked bread, French pastries and home-roasted Malawi Geisha coffee, there is a wide selection of meat dishes, a vegan menu and smoothies.
Enjoy a chat with friends and family over a meal or coffee in the natural surroundings, or relax after a trek at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre.
