10 Best Restaurants in Kampala, Uganda
Are you looking for where to eat in Kampala? Here is a list of the best restaurants in Kampala that you should dine at.
This post was last updated on 9th Jan 2020
Over the past years, Kampala has taken its notch higher when it comes to restaurants and dining, offering a bunch of different cuisines from traditional Ugandan food to African, Mediterranean, Asian and continental cuisines and sometimes a fusion of two or more.
In no particular order, I present to you the 10 best restaurants in Kampala you should probably eat at one point when you’re in town. They feature in this post not only because they serve the most delicious foods but also the most charming ambiance.
All these restaurants in Kampala have maintained a good reputation, thanks to their well-trained and talented chefs and the entire staff, great customer service, and always adding new features to out-compete themselves.
Since these are the Kampala best restaurants, they tend to sometimes be a little bit crowded, so it is better to make a reservation not to miss out on these amazing places.
Spending your afternoon or evening at any of these Kampala restaurants will leave you yearning for more food and a soothing atmosphere. These are not just the top restaurants in Kampala but also some of the best restaurants in Uganda as a whole.
I will also be sharing the top 3 meals to try out at each restaurant.
Note: The adventurous feet has not been paid to include any restaurant here, I am just sharing my favorite restaurants in Kampala that I wish you could check out.
Best Restaurants in Kampala
1. Mediterraneo restaurant.
Photo credit: Mediterraneo Restaurant
This is absolutely one of the best restaurants in Kampala. Just like the name suggests, Mediterraneo serves a mix of Mediterranean and other cuisines. Being an Italian restaurant, you can never go wrong on their pasta.
Located in one of the most prestigious places of Kololo along Acacia Avenue, this puts it in the perfect location accessible by the elite and expats of Kampala.
It might come off as pricey at first but Mediterraneo restaurant is worth every penny. Serving breakfast lunch and dinner, you can’t go out of options of what you can eat at this restaurant.
Be sure to call in for a reservation beforehand to avoid the waiting time as it can sometimes be full to brim.
Location: 31 John Babiha Acacia Avenue, Kampala
Working hours: from 7 30 am to 11 pm.
Modes of Payment: Both Cash and visa card
My favorite 3 dishes served at Mediterraneo restaurant.
- Grilled boneless chicken in pepper sauce
- Charcoal-grilled steak
- lasagna Bolognese
Related post: Best places to visit in Uganda
2. Cafe Javas
Located in 8 different parts of Kampala, Cafe Javas ought to be on the list of restaurants you should eat at while in Kampala. With over 300 menus, Cafe Javas has become a household name when it comes to restaurants in Kampala. A visit to any of the locations will greet you with an amazing ambiance with outstanding details that bring out a touch of class.
If you choose to have your birthday lunch/dinner at cafe javas, you just need to inform the manager and the staff with sing for you a birthday song with enchanting sounds of drums, an experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
Location: Oasis Mall, Kampala road, Parliamentary Avenue, Kira Road, Bombo Road, Namirembe road, Nakawa, Lugogo.
Working hours: from 7 30 am to 11 pm.
Modes of Payment: Both Cash and visa card
My favorite 3 dishes served at Cafe Javas
- Caribbean Chicken Jerk
- Jerk Chicken Pizza
- The Trio
3. La Cabana
Photo credit: La Cabana Restaurant
Located on the prestigious Speke apartments in Wampewo, La Cabana is the first-ever Brazilian restaurant in Uganda. Started with meat lovers in mind, La Cabana has become one of the best places to eat at in Kampala. The great ambiance and jazz music played in the evening hours on top of the nonstop flow of meat keep revelers going back.
If you are a meat lover, this a must-eat-at place as you eat till you drop. (Meat will keep coming till you say you can’t eat anymore).The meat served includes chicken, lamb, beef, and pork – you choose what you want to eat more. The price might be a little bit higher compared to other restaurants but the open salad bar section makes up for the extra shillings.
Even though La cabana has other cuisines like the Indian and continental, it’s the Brazilian all you can eat menu that has made it so popular in a few months of its existence.
The restaurant also includes a bar area to unwind, share a glass of wine with friends as you enjoy jazz music.
Location: Plot 19-20 Speke Apartments, Wampewo
Working hours: from 6 30 am to 11 pm.
Modes of Payment: Both Cash and visa card
My favorite 3 dishes served at La Cabana Restaurant.
- All you can eat Churrasco Meat
- Kadai Chicken
- Satay Skewers
Related post: Things to know before travelling to Uganda
4. Mythos Greek Taverna & Lounge
Craving Greek food? Mythos is the place for you. Hidden in the suburbs of Kololo, Mythos Greek Taverna & Lounge offers a dining experience beyond average. With the best Meze in town, Mythos has stolen the hearts of many that now consider it their home away from home.
And if you love Congolese food, you’re in luck because they recently introduced a Sunday Congolese buffet.
Location: Kololo, between Multichoice and Nanjing
Working hours: from 12 pm to 3 am.
Modes of Payment: Both Cash and visa card
My favorite 3 dishes served at Mythos Greek Taverna & Lounge
- Mythos Meze
- Chirino Bekri Meze
- Chicken Souvlaki
5. The Lawns Wild Game & Barbecue Restaurant
Photo credit: The Lawns Restaurant
Commonly knowns as The Lawns, this great restaurant provides two major dining areas. One in the restaurant “foyer” and the other in the air terrace upstairs offering great views of the golf course.
It might have changed location in the past years, but the great service and food have not changed one bit. The Lawns has maintained its spot in the top 10 restaurants in Kampala due to its great customer service and mouth-watering dishes prepared to perfection. I personally believe that The Lawns in the best restaurant in Kampala.
The Lawns also has a bar known as Tapas bar that serves local and international wines, whiskeys & champagne and is normally open up to 2 am.
Location: Plot 3A, Lower Kololo Terrace, Kololo
Working hours: from 11 am to 12 am
Modes of Payment: Both Cash and visa card
My favorite 3 dishes served at The Lawns
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Serengeti Plains
- Pork chops
6. Piato Restaurant
Photo Credit: Piato Restaurant
Location: Plot 20, Lumumba Avenue, Nakasero
Working hours: from 7 am to 11 pm and 8 am to 12 am on weekends
Modes of Payment: Both Cash and visa card
My favorite 3 dishes served at Piato Restaurant
- Beef Escalope
- Tangri Kebab
- Asian Chicken Meat Balls
Related post: Best African countries to visit in 2019
7. Cafesserie Restaurant
Photo Credit: Cafesserie Restaurant
Located at Acacia Mall is this sophisticated restaurant that has made dining an incredible experience in the busy area of Kisementi. Caffeserie is one of the many Italian restaurants in Kampala that has made a name for itself as the best at what they do. Cafesserie is also known to have one of the best ice creams in Kampala. It can get super busy in the evening hours over the weekend, so be sure to arrive early to book your spot.
Location: Acacia Mall, Kisementi
Working hours: from 7 30 am to 12 am
Modes of Payment: Both Cash and visa card
My favorite 3 dishes served at Cafesserie
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Schnitzel
- Chicken Skewers
8. La Chateau Brasserie Belge
Photo credit: La Chateau Restaurant
This is such a beautiful and exquisite Belgian restaurant perfect for families or individual dining. The outdoor areas of the restaurant provide the tranquility that cannot be found at any other restaurant in Kampala.
Working hours: from 11 30 am to 11 pm
Modes of Payment: Both Cash and visa card
9. Tamarai Restaurant.
Photo credit : Tamarai Restaurant
Hidden in the corners of Lower Kololo is Tamarai Restaurant, one of the best and most known Thai restaurant in Kampala. Hungry in the middle of the night? Tamarai is a great place to grab a late-night meal as they close at 1 30 am.
If you’re craving some seafood, Tamarai is here for you, offering a wide range of seafoods from grilled Lobsters to Wok crabs. Tamarai also has a Tea bar – the only one of its kind in Kampala serving over 15 flavors to Tea lovers.
Location: 14 Lower Kololo Terrace, Kololo Kampala.
Working hours: from 11 am to 1 30 am
Modes of Payment: Both Cash and visa card
My favorite 3 dishes served at Tamarai Restaurant
- Grilled Sesame Chicken
- wok Crab
- Chicken Noodles
Related post: Packing list for Africa
10.Holy Crepe Restaurant, Kololo
Photo credit: Holy crepe
Working hours: 8 30 am to 9 30 pm
Modes of Payment: Both Cash and visa card
My favorite 3 items served at Holy Crepe
- Taiwanese Dan Bing Roll
- Nutella Waffle
- Strawberry Smoothie
Look no further folks, these are the 10 best restaurants in Kampala, Uganda that you should check out every time you’re in the city.
Have you been to any other restaurant that you consider a “food heaven?” Let me know in the comment section. Also, spread the love by sharing this amazing guide of restaurants in Kampala with your friends.
More African posts to inspire your wanderlust
- Essential things to know before traveling to Africa
- Best countries to visit in Africa
- Safest countries in Africa
- Incredible adventures you can only have in Africa
- Best National parks to visit in Africa
Was this post helpful? Please pin it:
Thanks for this list! I’ll have to check out at least 1 of these restaurants while I’m in Kampala
I am glad you liked the post! These are all great options and eating at one will be very rewarding for you.
Hi Esy,
What a great article! I have been to all of these restaurants other than La Cabana and The Lawns (I’ve been trying to get to the latter for years but have never gotten around to it). I have to say: I agree with your selection of Kampala’s best restaurants! I had never heard of La Cabana until I read this post, but I will definitely look out for it the next time I am in Kampala!
It’s amazing how many good restaurants have sprung up in Kampala in the past decade or so. That we even now have a well-attend restaurant week says it all!
Thanks for writing this article. I came across it on Pinterest, and I will be sure to repin it.
It’s a pleasure to discover another East African lifestyle blog. I like what I see!
Biche
Hey Biche,
Isn’t it so interesting to see how Kampala has upped its dining game to restaurants that we can be proud of and actually meet international standards!
Oh, you should try La cabana when you come around and The Lawns by all means – its got delicious dishes.
And I am so glad you landed on my post and actually liked it – it makes me happy.
Yay to East African bloggers!!
And for cafe Javas, they really have the best customer care services, good food and i cannot fail to recommend anyone the best juices. i liked the Blue lagoon drink and pizza.
Yes, indeed! It is one of my favorite restaurants in Kampala. The Kiwi Lemonade is my favorite drink though the Blue Lagoon is equally great. Don’t even get me started about their food, simply delicious! I feel like I have their entire menu in my head lol