3 Awesome Restaurants in Victoria Falls (+ 1 bonus spot)

Every adventurer has gotta eat. And Victoria Falls is a great balance of adventure and chill, so here’s three places I’d recommend you check out if you’re looking for a bite or a brew (or both) in Victoria Falls that won’t break the bank.

The Lookout Cafe

There’s just something wildly satisfying about a cold beer on a shady patio that I’ll never get tired of. And this is probably the best patio I’ve ever sat on.

The Lookout Café by Wild Horizons boasts a peaceful view over top of the canyons by Victoria Falls with a great view of the bridge off in the distance. It’s very close to the Victoria Falls National Park (we actually hiked here from the park down a small path). Their menu ranges from canapés to larger meals like burgers or crocodile kebabs and they also have a brunch and kid’s menu.

The vibe is a laid back but also pretty nice – definitely not the kind of place for sweaty shirts and muddy shoes. Service is also laid back, friendly enough, but if you have anywhere you need to rush to be make sure you add a little extra time into your schedule.

If it’s busy season you should call ahead and make a reservation especially if you want a spot on the patio.

A woman's hand holds a small beer on the patio at the Lookout Cafe in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. In the gorge below you can see rapids from the Zambezi.

Three Monkeys

Looking for a livelier vibe? Three Monkeys is a bar built around a refurbished railway carriage close to the tracks in the heart of the downtown. They have a ton of space if you’ve got a larger group to plan around. But are more than welcoming for smaller groups!

The food was great, service was helpful, and the menu full of things you definitely want to eat. It’s a laid back but fun vibe, so think pizza (which they’re known for), burgers, salads and more. It’s a pretty extensive menu s if you have some dietary restrictions you can likely find what you’re looking for here.

Their beer and cocktail list is pretty delightful in case you’re looking to imbibe. We didn’t stick around too late, but the place was full of energy the whole time we were there and people were still going strong by the time we called a cab home.

The River Brewing Company

Wanna get hoppy? The River Brewing Company is a microbrewery in Victoria Falls with an impressive lineup of beers just calling your name.

They brew all their beers using water from the Zambezi which you can enjoy inside their restaurant, outside on the patio, or at home from the bottle shop. They have a few standard fare and always have something interesting going on their rotating taps. But if you’re not a beer-person they also have cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks on the menu.

Speaking of menu, theirs is classic pub fare. Think burgers, nachos, chicken, Fish n’ Chips, mac and cheese etc. Also a surprising number of taco options for a spot so far from Mexico.

They also host a variety of community events, live music and pop ups. Make sure you check out their Instagram to see if there’s anything happening while you’re there.

Bonus spot: The Boma Dinner & Drum Show in Victoria Falls

The Boma Dinner is a fun way to experience some local cuisine and culture all in one. There’s one seating each night and then the fun begins before you even get into the restaurant. Honestly, this sort of experience I usually find a little cringe but friends living in Harare recommended it… and I’m very grateful they did because it was SO FUN.

As you walk up, dancers greet you and give you a “chitenge” (sarong) to wear for the show. You can also get your face painted if you’d like, but it’s fun so of course you should do it. There’s fortune tellers and hair braiders around if either of those catch your fancy.

Once inside, the buffet menu is a mix of local cuisines and game. And you know what? It was all pretty good. Many buffets are kind of mid – the food is sort of bland and boring because it’s for the masses. This fortunately isn’t the case here. They have a variety of local game, sadza, and if you’re really brave you can try a mopane worm which is a delicacy around here. Plus, you get a certificate.

The show is a blast. From traditional dances to an interactive drum show (like, everyone in the audience gets a drum), it’s impossible to not get into the music.

You should reserve your tickets in advance. These shows will sell out.