Images courtesy of: The Rock images
A foodies' fantasy island Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Rock restaurant is one of Zanzibar’s most iconic sights
T
Rock lobster
Screamingly fresh seafood at The Rock
he Rock restaurant is so
dining experiences in the world. It
sands, a paddle or a swim. There’s
magical it doesn’t seem
can be found on Zanzibar’s relaxed,
also a water taxi laid on by the hotel
real. How could this seven-
sparsely populated south-east coast,
if you’ve dressed up for the occasion
metre-high rock stand alone in the
where small coastal fishing villages
and don’t fancy getting wet.
crystal-clear shallows of Zanzibar’s
are the extent of development. On an
Michanwi Pingwe beach and how
island famed for its dreamlike fringes
Panoramic ocean views
could it provide the platform for
of golden coast, this area has arguably
Once you climb the wooden staircase
the restaurant’s beautiful palm-
the best of its beaches and you’ll most
to the restaurant, you can take in the
thatched huts and landscaped
likely just be sharing them with ladies
wondrous views of the Indian Ocean
gardens? Surely some CGI trickery
collecting seashells or seaweed or kids
afforded by its unique setting. There’s
has been involved here? It looks
playing football. Among them is the
an outdoor terrace where guests
like something conjured up in
palm-lined Michanwi Pingwe, with its
can enjoy drinks before or after their
Peter Jackson’s design studios for
powder-fine sand, aquamarine waters
meal. Sunsets are special around here
‘The Lord of the Rings’ films.
and The Rock.
and taking them in while sipping a
But the former fishing post, now a
Depending on the tide, getting
14-table restaurant, is very real, offering
from the beach to the restaurant
one of the most iconic and exclusive
will involve a short walk across the
cocktail or two from The Rock’s bar is hard to beat. As for the food, frankly, The Rock’s
Paa Dining / The Rock, Zanzibar www.precisionairtz.com
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