The Sunday Mail
Leisure Reporters
EATING out has never been this fun in Harare.
New joints offering an assortment of cuisines are literally sprouting everywhere, while existing ones have gone an extra mile in upgrading their menus and quality of service. There is no longer monopoly as diners are spoilt for choice. Dishes ranging from African, Spanish and Chinese, etcetera, are now readily available in numerous places around the capital. So stiff is the competition that the battle is no longer only about the quality of food but quantity and pricing as well. Below we look at some eateries that Hararians have been frequenting of late.
Nambitha
Africa Day is just around the corner, and one restaurant, Nambitha, has decided to throw a massive African cuisine feast. In fact, the place is celebrating African food for this whole month. The actual food lovers gathering is set for Thursday May 30th featuring unique African dishes that are as diverse as the many cultures that exist on the continent. Among the culinary delights on offer at the restaurant is Nigerian popularised jollof rice as well as traditional dishes from all of Zimbabwe’s neighbours. One will also find Nambitha’s signature roadrunner, rump-bones mixed with fresh green vegetables, stewed goat, well-simmered oxtail, maguru and matumbu, zvinyenze and inhloko/musoro wemombe, among a plethora of dishes. Nestled at number 7 Falmoth Road in Alex Park – having moved from Belgravia – the place is run by the vivacious head chef and owner, Zee Ncube. Zee does not offer just a delicious African meal, but will charm you with her healthy meal secrets and “family recipes”. Nambitha has two main divisions, which are the restaurant itself and outside catering.
Chop Chop
Established in 2017, this Brazilian steak house and grill which is located at Corner 5th Street and Herbert Chitepo has grown to become one of the top restaurants in the capital. Having a pizzeria, cafe, restaurant and bar under one roof is a formula that seems to have become the standard on the eatery scene, something which the proprietors of this establishment took into consideration. Their menu, which has a wide range of cuisines, will certainly get any food lover confused when it comes to selecting what to eat. From their breakfast to dinner options – Chop Chop has a fascinating mix. With steak being their biggest drawcard, they do not disappoint in this regard, serving succulent grilled and smoked meat that is not only easy on the eye, but also does well on challenging the taste buds. While this is a pricey eatery, they usually have numerous specials, which can easily accommodate those munching on a budget. Boasting both an indoor and outdoor setup, the spot has also become popular for hosting birthday dinners and business meetings.
Chez Zandi
Chez Zandi Bistro & Wine Bar, which is located at Alliance Francaise, has so much to offer with a menu that features French, Western and African cuisines. Chicken Cordon Bleu, Prawn Cocktails, Pork Ribs, Poached Tilapia and Rabbit Stew are just a few of the intricate dishes you will bump into on the menu. Their pig on the spit Fridays have become very popular, being one of the few places in the capital offering such. The outdoor setup is perfect for those who want to enjoy their food in a relaxed and serene atmosphere. In terms of entertainment, the place comes alive at night, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, with their Sundays playing host to the popular Back2Jazzics events.
Hometown
If you crave a slow grilled, smoked succulent brisket, then Hometown Coffee House and BBQ should be your ultimate destination because that is their specialty. The multi-cuisine establishment located in the leafy suburb of Borrowdale, just a stone’s throw away from Sam Levy’s Village, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the coffee bar, specially trained baristas serve up the eatery’s roasted seasonal blend coffees, with weekly offerings of new beans and roasts from other parts of the world. Those who love their meat are sure to have their taste buds satisfied with authentic, pit-smoked meats prepared in the classic Southern technique of smoking on indigenous hardwood being their specialty. Their spicy wings are simply heaven. The spot has also spiced up the capital’s nightlife with numerous events, including Thursday’s Ladies Night and Saturday’s Da Chill Zone hosted by Chucknosis. Their bars offer craft beers, a wide range of exquisite whiskeys, seasonal cocktails and some of Cape Town’s best wines.
Queen of Hearts
If a garden set-up for your breakfast or lunch is what you are looking for, then Queen of Hearts might just be the answer. Situated at 1 Hurworth Road along Enterprise Road, this place has an atmosphere that is unique in many ways, comprising both simplicity and sophistication. Their menu packs a punch and will certainly have patrons scratching their heads as they scan the vast options at their disposal. Whether it is their famous King/Queen Breakfast or Crumbed Bream Fillet, the food is made with finesse and is impressive to say the least. When it comes to drinks, they seem to have it all – coffees, teas, smoothies, milkshakes, wine, gin, whiskey and beer, among other options. The establishment is also popular for hosting various events, including high teas, expos and wine tastings, to name a few. It is also home to The Horsebox Bar, a vibrant nightspot, which is not only popular for its craft beer, craft gin and wine, but also for hosting exciting events every now and then.
Gava’s Restaurant
This is one joint that is fast proving to be a cut above the rest in the capital with its offering of tasty dishes, mainly Zimbabwean food. As if that is not enough, the popular eatery has also introduced live music every Sunday afternoon and bands play from 1pm to 6pm. Afro-jazz is often played as diners get to enjoy their meals in the sunshine. The meals at Gava are well known for preserving authentic flavours and they are served in a way that depict our cultural systems. Dinning at Gava is open and friendly to people from different walks of life ranging from individuals, families, church members and business people. The place is open for lunch and dinner throughout the week. The wide selection of tasty braai meat and stews are often served with sadza, greens and beans. Peanut butter rice, sadza re zviyo (sorghum) and mhunga (millet) are optional starch that come for an extra cost. Mutongi, aka Nyama Choma, consists of a grilled T-bone, chicken portion and boerewors. lt is most people’s favourite as it strokes taste buds in all favourable ways. Other stew options range from beef/pork bones, maguru, roadrunner, beef stew, goat stew, liver and kidney, hanga (guinea fowl), oxtail and vegetarian dishes.
