by Sofeeyah Lloyd
Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi and one of Africa’s vibrant capital cities. You’ll find gorgeous woodland trails if you want a relaxing walk, a stunning old town with various shops, bars, and restaurants, and the excellent Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. The Capital City district, often called City Centre, houses the impressive 21st-century parliament building.
Better still, Lilongwe is home to excellent food and cuisine. If you come to an event in Lilongwe, you’ll enjoy endless African cuisine in the restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi. But not only that, you’ll find tasty food from every corner of the world, including Indian, European, Far Eastern and of course Malawian cuisines.
In this article, we’ll break down the best places to eat and drink into three categories: walking distance, short drive, and longer drive in relation to the Bingu International Conference Center (BICC).
Walking Distance from BICC
The Wild Orchid Restaurant
- Location: Capital Hill, Umodzi Park, Area 31
The Wild Orchid Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi, that’s within walking distance of the BICC. With an eclectic array of food — including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday lunch — attendees will have no qualms about diminishing their appetite.
The restaurant combines African cuisine with European dishes and is an excellent, budget-friendly option, with prices ranging between $8 to $13.
Afroma Terrace Bar
- Location: Capital Hill, Umodzi Park, Area 31, Second floor of the President Hotel
If you’re looking for outdoor bars and restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi, with stunning city views, look no further than the Afroma Terrace Bar.
The restaurant has a variety of cuisine from all over the world, and you’ll enjoy sensational views of Umodzi Park as you devour your delicious meal.
Olive Tree
- Location: Area 19, Convention Drive
There are two excellent offers at the Olive Tree restaurant: a vegan/vegetarian menu and delicious Mediterranean food. The restaurant offers outdoor seating so you can enjoy the sunshine in the ambient atmosphere.
The menu includes a delicious selection of smoothies with tremendous health benefits. Better still, it’s only 5 minutes from the BICC via car and a 1-minute walk. The restaurant has a price range of $3 to $9.
Khichini Hub
- Location: Area 19, Plot 13/15
If you’re looking for drinks and cocktails with a delicious twist, visit the Khichini Hub. It’s one of the best Restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi, and prides itself on one key element: bringing cultures together and making memories.
They offer daily specials, live entertainment, and karaoke. In addition, it’s only a 2-minute drive from the BICC and a 7-minute walk.
The Causerie Restaurant
- Location: Area 19
The Causerie Restaurant offers some of the best international cuisines in Lilongwe. However, the restaurant specializes in Indian cuisine — and it sure does deliver. With an amazing range of authentic Indian dishes, you’ll leave with a full stomach.
The venue is one of the best restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi, and is only a 2-minute drive from the BICC and a 10-minute walk with most dishes below $10.
N1 Cafe and Grill
- Location: Area 19
The N1 Cafe and Grill is the ultimate spot if you’re looking for a sports bar with a delicious BBQ grill. Likewise, the bar offers outdoor seating if you’re looking to enjoy the Malawi sunshine with a beer and burger.
The cafe is only a 2-minute drive and 13 minutes walk (800-meter) from the BICC. The N1 Cafe and Grill is a budget restaurant with prices typically under $8 per dish.
Short Drive from BICC
Seble Ethiopian Restaurant
- Location: Area 12/191
Ethiopian cuisine is one of the best cuisines in Africa, and Seble Ethiopian is one of the best Restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi. The restaurant has a garden area with outdoor seating, perfect for those sunny days.
Although the food is more expensive than many other local restaurants, it doesn’t disappoint. It’s only a short 5-minute drive from the BICC, and prices are between $8 to $16.
Ama Khofi
- Location: Area 12/191
Ama Khofi is a cafe with great breakfast and lunch options. You can sit outside and enjoy the cafe’s many sweet tooth delights and coffee. The eatery prides itself on providing a relaxed, tranquil atmosphere.
Ama Khofi is only a 5-minute drive from the BICC (2.3km), and dishes typically cost under $10, making the cafe an excellent budget-friendly option.
Mediterraneo
- Location: Area 10
Do you love eating pizza? We’ve found the best place for you. Mediterraneo is the best pizza restaurant in Lilongwe and one of the best restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Not only that, the restaurant has delicious seafood, pasta, and meats. The eatery is only a 7-minute drive from the BICC, with prices ranging between $6 and $15.
Latitude 13 Degrees Restaurant
- Location: Inside Latitude 13 degrees hotel, Area
If you’re looking for a delicious cafe, check out the Latitude 13 Degrees Restaurant with wonderful food, drinks, and atmosphere, making it one of the best restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The cafe has vibrant decor, an imaginative, creative vibe, and beautiful, progressive architecture. It’s only an 8-minute drive from the BICC (4.5 km) with a price range of $10 to $25.
La Cantina
- Location: Area 4
Mexican food is one of the most extraordinary cuisines worldwide, and La Cantina is one of the best restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi. The restaurant is often packed due to its excellent Mexican food, so it’s wise to have a reservation.
The restaurant is also renowned for its tasty burritos and superb margaritas, and it’s only a 10-minute drive (4.6km) from the BICC.
Noble China
- Location: Area 3
Noble China is the ultimate destination for Chinese food and one of the best restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The restaurant is ideal if you’re looking for budget Chinese food with a delicious finish. It’s only a 10-minute (5.6km drive) from the BICC.
Veg-Delight Lilongwe
- Location: Old Town Mall
If you’re looking for vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi, you’ll struggle to beat Veg-Delight Lilongwe. The cuisine is primarily Indian, with a massive range of Indian dishes from across the country.
The restaurant has a superb ambiance, and popular dishes include the Indian Dali. You’ll find the restaurant in the Old Town Mall, only a 10-minute drive from the BICC, with prices between $12 and $20 per dish.
Mamma Mia’s
- Location: Old Town Mall
Mamma Mia’s is another excellent Italian food option and one of the best restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi. The restaurant doesn’t only offer Italian food, but it also provides many top European dishes.
You’ll find the restaurant in the Old Town Mall, only a 10-minute (5.3km) drive from BICC, with maximum prices of around $9.
Longer Drive from BICC
Rosevine
Location: Area 3
Look no further than Rosevine if you’re looking to visit one of the best restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi, with an excellent family vibe and affordable prices between $12 and $20 per dish.
The restaurant offers a diverse range of cuisines from every corner of the world, and some nights have outstanding live music. It’s an 11-minute (6.1km) drive from the BICC.
Bombay Palace
Location: Area 2, Game Complex
Another delicious Indian cuisine option is Bombay Palace, only an 11-minute drive (4.8km) from the BICC. The highlight of the restaurant is the authentic Malawian Lassi, and the restaurant’s Indian food is up there with the best in the city.
Also, the restaurant is only an 11-minute drive (4.8km) from the BICC, and the food ranges from $15 to $18.
Chennai Spice
Location: Area 3, Along Laws Avenue
Chennai Spice is an authentic Indian restaurant that focuses on South Indian food and is one of the top restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi. The prices are incredibly affordable, with a maximum cost of around $10.
Moreover, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy all types of weather. You’ll find Chennai’s Spice a mere 13-minute drive from the BICC (5.8km).
The Food Club
Location: 2PGR+J98
If you love butter chicken, the Food Club is the best restaurant for you. Locals believe the restaurant has the best butter chicken in Lilongwe, and some of the finest Indian and Malawian cuisines in the city.
You can get there via car from the BICC in 13 minutes (7.5km), and it’s a superb budget-friendly eatery.
D’s Kitchen
- Location: Queens Mall
D’s Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi, if you love eating delicious steak.
Nonetheless, the restaurant offers food from every world corner with a modern design and an upstairs terrace area. The restaurant is only a 14-minute drive from the BICC (6.0km).
Kortasia
- Location: Outskirts of Lilongwe
Although it’s a little further out than the other eateries, Kortasia is a great option if you love excellent Korean food and one of the best restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The restaurant also offers fantastic food from across Africa, and the restaurant has walls with solid stones and thatched roofing. Kortasia is also a 26-minute drive from BICC (13.5km).
Questions?
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