Dining at The Rooftop by Samawa Living

Perched on our resort's rooftop, our trendy restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience with stunning views of Zanzibar’s beauty. The atmosphere blends boho-chic aesthetics with island vibes, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated setting for your meals.

Enjoy the best dining experience in Zanzibar, where every meal is an opportunity to taste the island’s vibrant culture and fresh offerings. Our menu is a fusion of locally inspired dishes and fresh, seasonal flavors, served with panoramic ocean views. It highlights seasonal, organic ingredients sourced sustainably from local farmers and fishermen.

Dining is more than just a meal, it is a sensory journey curated by our talented Chef Johari. Passionate about fresh, healthy, and locally inspired cuisine, she brings Zanzibar’s rich spices and flavors to life with a modern beachside twist. 

Whether you are enjoying a leisurely breakfast, a nourishing wellness meal, or a sunset dinner under the stars, Chef Johari’s creations promise an unforgettable taste of Zanzibar.

Two tacos on a black slate platter with wooden border, filled with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, guacamole, and meat, on a wooden table.
Woman in white shirt smiling and holding a glass of cocktail with lime and lemon slices, with a beach and palm trees in the background.

Refresh your senses with our tropical-inspired beverages, including signature mocktails, juices, and smoothies made from the island’s freshest seasonal produce. Whether you're enjoying a light meal or indulging in an elaborate feast, Samawa’s rooftop dining is a feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds.

Person pouring yellow sauce over a bowl of rice, salad, and vegetables in a restaurant setting.

A delightful fusion of Zanzibar’s rich culinary heritage and global beachside cuisine, expertly crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From savory African-inspired dishes to international favourites, each bite is a celebration of island flavors.


Empty outdoor patio at a restaurant or café with wooden tables and chairs, shaded by white fabric canopy, with glass walls and tropical plants.

A Relaxed Boho-Chic Atmosphere perfect for unwinding and indulging.

Bright, modern restaurant with wooden tables and chairs, large glass windows, potted plants, and a colorful wall mural.
Slice of key lime cheesecake with whipped cream, passion fruit seeds, a lime slice, and decorative sauces on a light blue plate.
Outdoor patio area with wooden tables and chairs, large potted plants, and a building with glass windows and a wooden roof under a clear sky.
A plate with a cooked fish fillet topped with microgreens, accompanied by roasted carrots, green beans, a grilled mushroom, and a dollop of white sauce or puree on a wooden table.
A chef in a black shirt and beige apron cooking on a griddle in a commercial kitchen.

SAJ & Co

Where Levantine street food meets island paradise.

Tucked within the palm-lined paths of Samawa Living, SAJ+CO brings the soul of the Middle East to the shores of Zanzibar. Our cozy food truck serves up freshly baked Lebanese Saj wraps and traditional Manaeesh, made to order and bursting with flavor.

Whether you're winding down after a day in the sun or craving something deliciously different, join us from 5pm to 9pm for a laid-back, mouthwatering experience.

Daily | 5PM – 9PM

A woman orders food from a stainless steel food truck at sunset.
A person wearing gloves preparing a flatbread with tomatoes, shredded beef, and other toppings on a wooden board.
A ceramic plate with five slices of raw fish, garnished with chopped green onions and tiny orange fish roe, on a woven placemat on a wooden table.

Meet Chef Johari

Bringing the best of flavors together, one bite at a time.

At the heart of our culinary experience is Chef Johari, whose passion for fresh, nourishing cuisine shines through in every dish. Rooted in Zanzibar’s rich culinary heritage and inspired by global flavors, her menus celebrate the island’s seasonal bounty with creativity and care.

Expect a vibrant journey of scents, tastes, and colors—where every plate is thoughtfully crafted, beautifully presented, and deeply satisfying.

Fresh. Flavorful. Feel-good food, made with love.

A smiling server in a chef's uniform holding a plate with grilled fish and vegetables in a warmly lit restaurant.
A plated gourmet dish with seared fish, fresh vegetables, a drizzle of white sauce, and microgreens on a round ceramic plate on a wooden table.