Not everyone would automatically think of Mozambique for its culinary excellence – but for those who like fine seafood, Maputo’s restaurants are definitely worth exploring. Mozambique is a forgiving country, and despite the violent war of independence it still retains certain classic Portuguese traditions, not least the tendency to serve rice and chips with most main courses. It is also possible to find great Portuguese wines – definitely a step up from most of the South African ones
available on the wine lists. Here are just a few of my favourite places to eat in Maputo:
- Costa do Sol – on the coast to the north of Maputo – serves fantastic fresh seafood in an art deco atmosphere. The vinhos verdes go down well with the lobster and prawns!
- Restaurante Escorpião (Recinto da Feira Popular – Maputo. Tel. 21302180. E-mail: restauranteescorpiao@hotmail.com) – serves typical ‘Portuguese’ cuisine – and has one of the best collections of Portugese wine outside Portugal (try the Borba with one of the meat dishes).
- Maputo Waterfront restaurante (Av 10 Novembro 74,http://www.paginasamarelas.co.mz/pag/2226032468_PAG_A.html) – serves excellent seafood and meat dishes – try one of the combination dishes, such as chicken and seafood. As its name suggests, it is right on the waterfront
- Restaurante 1908 (Av. Eduardo Mondlane,946 – Maputo. Tel. 21424834.) – a sophisticated restaurant in the centre of Maputo, serving Mozambican and Italian food. As its name suggests it is in a building constructed in 1908!
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