The Swahili House

We came here for lunch as part of our walking tour with a guide. The roof top shows views of Stonetown but aside from that, there is nothing good to say about this restaurant. I asked for a bacon, lettuce and tomato cheese burger. The waitress informed me that they had no bacon which was not an issue. When the food arrived, I was surprised to find no beef but rather a very poor sandwich with a tiny amount of bacon. When we came to pay for the meal, we were told at reception that they would accept card as we didn’t have enough cash on us. When we asked to pay by card, the waitress laughed and said they only accept cash as the machine was broken. They asked for our card details in which they would use to transfer money later. We refused to provide our details as we didn’t trust what they would do with our details. We were told that we had to go to an ATM which was a 10 minute walk away. Eventually we paid and the waitress continued to laugh the whole time. The whole restaurant seems like a huge scam with terrible food. This is a huge tourist trap and if your guide says to go here, don’t.

Staff at the entrance were very unfriendly. USD2 demanded ‘visitors permit’ at entrance only payable in cash. But refunded against drinks/food. Explained we had no cash to lots of muttering. Rooftop sitting area dirty and service poor. Not recommended. There are many more good rooftop establishments in Zanzibar to enjoy.

The Swahili House is well positioned in the old town and is an authentic renovation merchants house. The rooms are simple but spacious, clean with aircon and hot water. The staff were all welcoming and accommodating. They helped us find our way around d and even escorted us to an atm! The roof top restaurant is one of only a handful in the old town and offers great views of the city. The food might be a little more expensive because of this but it was good. A good breakfast is served on the roof also. Overall we very much enjoyed staying here.

Great views from the rooftop. Food was just ok, but a bit to expensive.It was actually the most expensive restaurant that we visited on our trip to Zanzibar yet the food was the worst of all the places we ate in on the island.I would recommend but only for a drink because of the view.

The swahili house is one of the best hotel to see the beautiful scenery of stone town and the costal area of Unguja island,its height has prove to be most loved hotel by the tour guide to take their guests to appreciate the beauty of stone town roofscape and the greens,you can enjoy a cup of coffee at the rooftop or have a drink of your favourite while you chill and get reflection of fresh breeze from the indian ocean and incence to calm your breath....I truely enjoy the view here and most my guests like the design and the pattern of this hotel....if you plan to see the view of the city,pass at The swahili house

Beautiful View around Stone Town. Enjoying in drinking cocktails and taking a rest after sightseeing. The place has a good restaurant and offers a time to relax. Its also a good meeting point with the tourist agent that shows you the city and tells the stories about Architecture - Decorated Doors.