Cafes and Restaurants

The 33 Best Restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi

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.

Bombay Palace (Indian Cuisine) LilongweBOMBAY PALACE About BOMBAY PALACE Name Bombay Palace C...

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.

Chennai Spice (Indian Cuisine) LilongweChennai Spice About Chennai Spice Name Chennai Spice C...

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.

Woodlands Lilongwe (Asian and Continental Cuisine)Woodlands Lilongwe About Woodlands Lilongwe Name Woodland...

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.

THE BAY (Indian Cuisine) in LilongweTHE BAY About THE BAY Name THE BAY Location Along K...

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.

Veg-Delight (Indian Cuisine) in LilongweVeg-Delight Lilongwe About Veg-Delight Lilongwe Name Veg-...

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.

Noble China (Chinese Cuisine) LilongweNoble China About Noble China Name Noble China Cuisine...

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.

Cafe RaS (Korean Cuisine) LilongweCafe RaS About Cafe RaS Name Cafe RaS (Round and Square) ...

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.

Mum's Table (Korean Cuisine) LilongweMum's Table About Mum's Table Name Mum's Table Cuisine...

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.

Kortasia (Korean Cuisine) LilongweKortasia About Kortasia Name Kortasia Cuisine Korean ...

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.

La Cantina (Mexican Cuisine and Bar) LilongweLa Cantina About La Cantina Name La Cantina Cuisine ...

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.

Rosevine (Mexican Cuisine) LilongweRosevine About Rosevine Name Rosevine Cuisine Mexican...

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.

George's Kitchen (Mexican Cuisine) LilongweGeorge's Kitchen About George's Kitchen Name George's Foo...

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.

Mamma Mia (Italian Cuisine) LilongweMamma Mia About Mamma Mia Name Mamma Mia Cuisine Ital...

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.

Orchid (Persian Cuisine) LilongweOrchid About Orchid Name Orchid Cuisine Persian Cui...

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.

Seble Ethiopian Restaurant (Ethiopian Cuisine) LilongweSeble Ethiopian Restaurant About Seble Ethiopian Restaurant ...

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.

StaMag Cafe (Burmese & Continental Cuisines) LilongweStaMag Cafe About StaMag Cafe Name StaMag Cafe Cuisine...

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?

Alpha Omega Miracle Spot (Jamaican Restaurant) in LilongweAlpha Omega Miracle Spot (Jamaican Restaurant) About Alpha Omega Mi...

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.

Zikomo Restaurant (Malawian Cuisine) LilongweZikomo Restaurant About Zikomo Restaurant Name Zikomo Res...

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.

Café92 (Continental Cuisine) LilongweCafé92 About Café92 Name Café92 Cuisine Continental...

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.

Bamboo Boutique Hotel (Continental Cuisine and Bar) LilongweBamboo Boutique Hotel Restaurant and Bar About Bamboo Boutique Hote...

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.

Copper Pot (Indian, Chinese & Continental Cuisines) LilongweCopper Pot About Copper Pot Name Copper Pot Cuisine I...

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.

Urban Cafe (International Cuisine) LilongweUrban Cafe About Urban Cafe Name Urban Cafe Cuisine I...

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.

Kaza Kitchen (Malawian & Mixed cuisines) LilongweKaza Kitchen About Kaza Kitchen Name Kaza Kitchen Cuis...

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.

Khichini Hub (Continental Cuisine and Bar) LilongweKhichini Hub About Khichini Hub Name Khichini Hub Cu...

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.

Warm Heart Cafe (Malawian & Continental cuisines) LilongweWarm Heart Cafe About Warm Heart Cafe Name Warm Heart Cafe ...

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.

Amakhofi (International Cuisine) LilongweAmakhofi About Amakhofi Name Amakhofi Cuisine Interna...

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.

Flavours Cafe (Malawian & Indian Cuisines) LilongweFlavours Cafe About Flavours Cafe Name Flavours Cafe C...

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.

Latitude13° (Continental Cuisine and Bar) LilongweLatitude13° About Latitude 13° Name Latitude13° Cuisin...

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.

Coco's Cafe (American & Continental Cuisines) LilongweCoco's Cafe About Coco's Cafe Name Coco's Cafe Cuisine...

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.

Café Cargo (Continental Cuisine) in LilongweCafé Cargo About Café Cargo Name Café Cargo Location...

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.

Chili's - Flavour of the World - (Continental Cuisine) in LilongweChili's - Flavour of the World - About Chili's - Flavour of the Wor...

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.

D’s Kitchen - Fries & Grills - (Continental Cuisine) in LilongweD’s Kitchen - Fries & Grills - About D’s Kitchen - Fries & ...

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.

Kuwala Gardens (Continental Cuisine) LilongweKuwala Gardens About Kuwala Gardens Name Kuwala Gardens ...