Honestly one of the most beautiful places to be but the service is the worst, imagine waiting 45 min for a beer, we literally had to go to the bar to order our own drinks, and the bartender even apologised, I'm writing this review sitting at this restaurant, the service is the worst ever in the world and I have been around the world! Over priced and the worst service ever and when you don't tip , they look at you as if you did something wrong! Whoever is the owner of this place needs to do something, even if they need to be on the floor to make sure the customers are taken of, its not cheap and the service sucks.

Waited an hour for our starter. Ordered coconut rice to my main course, was given plain basmati rice and was told “the chef said only plain rice could be served with my dish”, when I insisted, he came back and said “the chef says it’s coconut rice” (clearly lying). When the waiter had come back to me regarding this it has been that much time that my company had eaten their food.

Nice terrace on the beach, with a very nice sunset view

Good food , good vibes nice staff. right at the beach, clean facilities affordable prices

Nice place, we visited few times for dinner and beers. Service could be improved, once I got kicked out rudely from the table after about 20 minutes when they already took my order so they knew I was seating there.. the mentioned the table is reserved. Totally fine, I seated the table right behind. 2h after, the table was still empty.. An other night, I did order a lava cake that never came (waited 1h15). The cashier could not careless and was rude.

Stunning views of the ocean. Delicious food. Feels like paradise.

Two stars are all for the location and comfy sunbeds. Worst service ever. Asked for two fresh juices, a fruit salad and a water. Juice was everything else except fresh and fruit platter with water never came. Oh, also our change never came till we had to ask for it 2-3 times. Barman boy from Cuba was friendly, but that’s not the right way to treat tourists if you want this place to get a top tourist attraction.

The main kitchen is closed between 345 and 7pm 😳 Good luck to anyone wanting a late lunch or early dinner! I came straight from the ferry and still didn't make their insane kitchen shut down. No food for you! 🤣 Definitely not impressed so far...

Delicious food and a lot to choose between. We went to the restaurant multiple times and never had a bad experience.

I have been here few times for drinks. It’s a nice location by the beach .. for sunsets with a drink. A bit overpriced to my taste, other than that all good (drinks, I can’t say about food).

It was nice, the waiter was extremely kind and I made a surprise for my girlfriend’s birthday he made a lava cake who was not in the menu and dance and sin happy birthday to you on swajili language. They have lot of different food options and razonable prices. The view of the sunset is amazing and all the Saturday’s they make a party on the beach, if you are not guest of the hotel you can enter paying 15000 chelins (8 dollars) anda is good.

It’s a lovely spot in kendwa to watch sunset, have a drink and maybe a snack. It’s not the best choice for dinner or lunch so don’t expect a feast. But their menu has some interesting options, the shrimp masala is perfect.

We sat twice in this restaurant. The service was excellent and food was quite good. I guess it's a good place to try and get some reasonably priced lobster, if you also live in parts of the world where lobster is paid in gold weight (exaggeration). Very positive experience, drinks and food on the beachfront, what else may you ask for?

Kilimanjaro beers are TNZ 10k. Quite pricy but the beach is amazing and the service is great. The place has all the facilities.

Variety type of food with great and affordable prices

Reasonable priced beer at the beach front but the chicken kabab was only eatable, at best. No spices or nothing. Would try this place again but with different dish.

It is a nice & simple bar with no fancy price of menu All coctails where based on fresh fruits, grilled octopus and calamari where also good and simple, very nice location at the beach, good wifi, good place to relax & swim in the ocean, friendly staff :)

Really liked the space, didnt have many people but its overlooking the beach directly. We had some drinks, and food which was quite good. If you want to have a break from the beach its a great place to have a refreshment

Best beach bar in Nungwi, good service, tasty food and fair prices. (Beautiful view included)

We had a nice evening, we had a pizza and beef kofta. Pizza was ok, nothing special. Beef kofta was delicious, I would go back for it. Even though We arrived very late, close to 10 pm, they were very nice and helpful

Waited over an 2 hours for my food...I'm still waiting. Recommend to go when you are not hungry, so by the the time your food does come it will be time to eat!! I ordered a lemon mojito mocktail which I had to send back as it did not have ice and enough mint. The burger was average

What I liked: the service is great. The waiters are friendly. Thats all. What I didn’t like: this place allows people to smoke in the restaurant, which is illegal in Tanzania. You’re meant to have a designated smoking area. The food was underwhelming and overpriced. The taste was off. Nothing like the place used to be in 2013. It has become a tourist trap.

The octopus curry was quite a small portion and it lacked flavour. After adding salt, pepper and the spicyango sauce to it it became acceptable. The place wasn't too busy and I received the food in about 20-30 minutes. Location is excellent but I'd rather recommend this bar for a beer than for food.

The food and drinks here are very affordable and as its on the beach, it's a great setting for dinner.

It's a chilled spot, service is slow but there is no rush. The bathroom could be cleaner. It's got a lovely view of the beach

It became my favourite spot because of how fast and nice the staff is! The pool table is free to use, there’s darts and good music and very affordable prices. I wouldn’t agree it’s a tourist trap. The food was ok. No dissapointments but also I didn’t have high expectations. Portions are not very big. Food was coming fast but I heard they improved recently.

It's a very beautiful place, located at the beach, with a very nice view & beach, highly recommended for beach lovers, vacation lovers in Nungwi.

Good food, good drinks but on the expensive side for Zanzibar. Very nice location with great sunset views. Minimum spend is 15 $ when you want to watch the sunset.

Very nice rooftop terrace with beautiful view to the sunset. A bit difficult to find in but when guided the place was nice. They were upfront of the minimum 15 dollar per person for non-residents. That was fine, our drinks covered that easily. Recommendation for the place.

The Rooftop Bar in the Z-Hotel was a stand-out experience in Nungwi which we visited a number of times during our stay. There are so many great things to say about the Rooftop Bar including; - The panoramic view of Nungwi beach, an ideal place to watch the sun set over the sea - The food is really tasty, affordable and familiar to European / US tastes - The lively atmosphere in the bar in the run up to sunset While the setting is undoubtably perfect, what really sets the Rooftop Bar apart is the highly attentive and enthusiastic staff who make you feel very comfortable and welcome. Sylivanus makes some of the nicest cocktails I have ever tasted including the Dhowa which I would highly recommend. He was also very accommodative and made cocktails which are not on the menu including an Espresso Martini which was delicious. He was really interested in learning about cocktails which are popular at home and was keen to find new additions to add to next seasons cocktail menu. It was a delight to find someone who is so passionate about their role and offering the best possible experience.

Easily became my daily rutine in Nungwi - Have perfect sunset views on 3rd floor, large food selection, good cocktail menu; and barmens’ don’t hesitate to prepare anything even if it is not on menu. You can ask for free nuts and popcorns. Amazing staff, they do everything to make you satisfied. Saturdays and Wednesday DJ performance. Especially recommended between 17:30-20:00 to watch the sunset :)

Definitely nice view! It is happy hour from 5pm. If don’t visit as soon as happy hour starts, it is hard to find the seats. Almost cocktails taste good. I recommend to go to downstairs restaurant for dinner after enjoying sunsets with cocktails at the rooftop bar.

A nice restaurant with a very nice view. The food is extraordinarily tasty and beautifully arranged on the plate. And the impeccable service until the moment I didn't, I made an order of only 58 dollars instead of 60 as the minimum required. Of course we paid the $2 difference but this left a bitter taste (we leave more anyway). Strange that for this we were not noticed at all by the waiters until we asked for the bill. It was the second evening at this restaurant and we had also booked for the next day, but of course we will not go to this restaurant again. Sin!

The best place in Nungwi to watch the sunset and drink some cocktails or champagne. Nice staff, quick service. Happy hour everyday from 5 to 7 pm.

One of the best restaurants in Zanzibar! First of all, the view is amazing! The food was perfect, we ordered: Fried Calamari: Very good! Beef Mishkaki: Very very good! Volcano roll Sushi: Very good! Spicy Fried Beef: very good! Overall I highly recommend this place. Its a little pricey tho, however its worth the price!

Shocking!!!! We were recommended to go here and it was shocking. Waiter was rude. We waited 20 mins for our drinks. We waited 2 hours for our food and it came out cold so we just left!!!! Stay away folks!!

Essence Restaurant at Bravo Kendwa Beach Resort offers a warm and welcoming experience from the moment you step through the door until the moment you leave. The staff, whether it's security, bartenders, waitresses, or housekeepers, greet you with genuine hospitality and friendliness, making you feel right at home. The restaurant boasts an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages, and when it comes to the food, it's nothing short of delightful. We started with bread rolls and sticks accompanied by garlic sauce and cucumber salad, which were absolutely delicious. For the main course, we savored grilled chicken breast with mashed potatoes in Slovakian style and Kadai chicken with butter naan. Executive Chef Ali's magical touch and aura were evident in every bite, making it one of the best Indian cuisine experiences I've had in Zanzibar over the past two years. To top off our meal, we indulged in some dessert, including chocolate ice cream and Indian Kulfi, which were both outstanding and left us completely satisfied. In addition, I must commend Executive Chef Ali for his exceptional attention to detail and dedication to ensuring a memorable dining experience for all guests. Throughout our meal, I observed Chef Ali interacting with other guests, taking the time to personally engage with them and discuss the cuisines being served. What truly stood out was when Chef Ali made his way to our table, introducing himself and providing insights into the dishes we were enjoying. This personalized touch, going above and beyond to connect with diners and share his passion for food, was truly out of the box and greatly appreciated. Chef Ali's commitment to guest satisfaction is truly commendable and adds an extra layer of warmth and hospitality to the dining experience at Essence Restaurant. Kudos to Team Bravo for their excellent work and delicious offerings.

Found this place through high ratings on trip advisor when looking for a place for dinner, wasn’t disappointed. Happened to try it at happy hour so drinks half price and complimentary snacks, drinks were good and strong but snacks were a miss, fresh bread was nice but all we got was garlic dip which was mind blowingly strong and sweet cucumber pickles. We had the grilled beef fillet, succulent with a delicious pepper sauce, vegetables and fries. Got the 2 lobsters dish and it was really good, albeit tough to get out of the shell. Service was nice and the staff were friendly.

I don’t give 5 out of 5 regularly but these guys deserve it. The food was tasty the service was not “pole pole” it was balanced and right on time. We got a great time and we will visit again.

Easier my favourite restaurant in the North. Food is good & the service is better. Location is the best part of this restaurant you get to enjoy a lovely meal on the beach.

The best restaurant in Kendwa is Essence!✨❤️🌸 The restaurant is very clean, tastefully furnished. There is plenty of food and drink to choose from - everything is always available! The food is very tasty, high quality, always fresh, big portion and professional! ⭐️🙏🏻🌸 The waiters are very nice, friendly, always in a good mood. ⭐️🙏🏻🌸 And the best at the end - a huge thank you to lovely chef Ali! Always in a good mood, friendly, he is interested in the opinion of whether the food is tasty, he will comply with any desired request if you want to leave something out of the meal. ⭐️🙏🏻🌸 We look forward to our next visit and recommend everyone to come and eat here! A real food experience! For us, this restaurant has ten stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING 🙏🏻❤️🌸

Essence Restaurant: A Culinary Oasis in Kendwa, Zanzibar Nestled in the heart of Kendwa Beaches, Zanzibar, Essence Restaurant is a true gem that offers not only exceptional cuisine but also a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like home. From the moment we stepped foot into Essence, we were greeted with smiles and hospitality that instantly put us at ease. The staff, with their genuine warmth and attentiveness, made us feel like honored guests from the moment we arrived until the moment we left. But it wasn't just the impeccable service that made our experience memorable; it was the food itself. Each dish we sampled was a culinary masterpiece, bursting with flavor and expertly prepared with the freshest ingredients. Whether we were indulging in local delicacies or savoring international favorites, every bite was a delight for the senses. What truly sets Essence apart, however, is the way it makes you feel. Dining here isn't just about enjoying a meal; it's about creating lasting memories in a space that feels like a home away from home. Whether you're sharing a romantic dinner for two or gathering with friends and family, Essence provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments. In summary, Essence Restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in Kendwa, Zanzibar. With its delicious cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive staff, it truly embodies the essence of hospitality. We can't wait to return and indulge in another unforgettable meal at Essence.

We ate Lobster Linguine, Zanzibar Seafood Coconut Curry n Tandoori Chicken, all of them was so delicios. Especially Znz Seafood Coconut Curry should be tasted.

Great spot for a meal! Wonderful service, very tasty food! Highly recommended! Note to tourists: We walked down to this restaurant from Nungwi Beach and had to take a “water taxi” for part to get around rock as it was high tide. We booked direct with a boat driver that was waiting. Despite agreeing to a price before getting in, the boat driver insisted we pay a lot more for the ride when we were ready to get out. We paid the crook as we didn’t want any problems, not knowing who he might have waiting for us. Avoid booking outside a hotel or somewhere with accountability, to avoid our mistake! Nonetheless, The beach walk and restaurant were still totally worth it!

We had two lunches there . Fruit smoothies were very good. We had pad thai , lamb with rice , fish , and curry seafood . The food was nice , too , but the meat quality and freshness was lacking . Overall , it was good food , I wish , instead of meats , I ordered the vegetarian options .

Absolutely perfect. Really love the friendly stuff and the food is superb. I highly recommend it.

I can't say a bad thing about the place. Since we discovered the place we never went to another place for lunch an diner. The staff is so welcoming, always with a smile on their face, the chef is flexible and very friendly. The food is amazing for the price. And the priceing is absolutely spot on.

Had a really amazing dining experience! The ambiance at dinner here is just too soothing and calm. The decor along with the faint music is just perfect. The staff was very efficient and helpful. Ms. Rebecca was an excellent waitress, professional and friendly. The food was perfect and delicious. Has a wide variety of soft and hot drinks to choose from as well. Prices seem reasonable for the standards maintained. Accepts payments via card in USD and in cash. Overall a very good experience.

Overall ok. We had paneer and biryani, both vegetarian. It was good, but we've had the same dishes better and cheaper in other restaurants. Therefore, the price-performance ratio was simply not right for us. The staff are very nice, but unfortunately some of them can't speak English very well.

OMG you must try the sea food. The place is shining with food and exceptional service of the staff!

Great place to eat, I’ve been there 2 times and tried about 6 dishes. All meals are good and recommend! except the burgers (both beef and chicken) which were okay. The place is great, with lovely staff (especially the two guys named Ali) and of course significantly nice location on the beach 🏝️

Amazing food. Fish is fresh and perfectly cooked, juices are great. The staff is very kind. Can’t wait to come back!

2 out of my 3 days staying in Nungwi, I had my lunch and dinner here (the 1st day I haven't got any information about the restaurant). Everything was great. The octopus was soft, none of the seafood was overcooked, seafood soup was amazing (and the squid was sweet). You will know that they have the freshest seafood and they know how to cook it well. They will also cater your needs (with or without rice, only fries, only salad, salad without onion, etc). The fruit juices I ordered were all good, with lime or ginger or any other stuff they put 😂😂. Above all of those, the price is super affordable and way cheaper than other restaurants. All staff was attentive and friendly. Also they have the best location to observe sunset. Oh and the spiced calamary... out of this world! My favorite!

Without many words, it is the best Restaurant by a huge margin in North Zanzibar, the food is simple, fresh, and with fast service, the juices are fresh and without mixing water, the view is unique whether at noon with the fishermen returning from work, or evening with people walking on the beach. I left Samir for last, this kid with his smile and humor gives added value to the space. We highly recommend it, and will be there again tomorrow night...

Very delicious sea food, prices are in compare to other restaurants cheaper, friendly service, uncomplicated place. Definitely to suggest to everyone. We did not want salad and rice in our sea food platter and ask for more French fries, they brought a big plate of fries!

Our favourite find in Nugwi, we went twice. Family run restaurant with wonderful service, delicious local food and great views (all at an amazing price). Try the calamari and also order the special chilli sauce (not on the menu) to have with your mains. Fresh fish and the salad was also simple yet delicious. Other tourists will be there but it feels like the most local food we’ve tried. FYI - It’s much easier finding the restaurant at night by walking along the beach (as the tide is out) rather than a taxi in the dark. Enjoy!

If you want to go local restaurant, this is the place. Spiced calamari was my favorite. And the mixed fresh juice blew my mind! I’ve had many many fresh juice in my life, but that one was the best! Not just I was thirsty, it was so delicious. Perfect place for the sunset.

Very good food for reasonable price. Nice view on the ocean. Service is good but could be better when the restaurant is full. They seem to forget about the order and you need to remind them few times about bringing the drink.

Already eaten here 2 times. Food is amazing and great value for money. And the view is unbeatable as you sit by the ocean. The service is chill as usual. If you ask they'll tell you what's fresh. Samer was a great waiter. The cost for 2 ppl was 100000 T shilling. 35€ with 4x fanta and 2x fresh juice.

Very Fresh and delicious seafood with reasonable price！The portions are also generous. We tried calamari , prawns, king fish and pilau. Curry's taste is so so. but everything else is great！ Definitely recommended!

We’ve ordered the mixed sea food platter for 2 persons. The fish was fresh but nothing special happened with the fish that was a bit of bummer. Still would recommend because the price quality ratio was nice! And of course the sea view is cool

Amazing restaurant located on Nungwi beach we discovered upon walking on the shore. The seafood is amazing, very fresh and the mixed fruit juice is everything! Their prices are very affordable for what you are getting. The service is great, very friendly :) recommend to try if you are staying in the area!

Amazing place - excellent sea food and fish, this fantastic cinnamon rice and a small salad. Such a perfect meal. Great service, incredible view. Thank you!