Windhoek is the crossroads of Namibia, making it one of the first places that travelers see after flying into the country. The city is rather safe compared to many African cities, and is a great place to spend a few days. If you’re staying a night or two, you might as well treat yourself to some fantastic meals. Here are our picks for the best places to eat in Windhoek, Namibia.

Leo’s at the Castle

This eatery is one of Windhoek’s finest dining experiences and has served real royals before. It’s also probably the most expensive restaurant in the city. However, the money is worth it, as you’ll be able to get a fabulous view of the entire city in the castle on the hill, dine on haute cuisine, and sip wine while watching the sunset over the horizon. Outdoor dining is available when the weather is nice for even better views. The food is all wonderfully prepared and presented, and includes a small, seasonal menu that rotates often. The wine list is equally impressive with many of the top wines from South Africa and abroad.

Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro

Lunch or dinner at the Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro is a fabulous affair that showcases the diverse flavors of Namibia paired with some of the best wines from Stellenbosch. The emphasis of the menu is centered around prime cuts of meat complimented by made in house sauces, many of them being wine reductions. Outside of steaks, some of the best items include the crispy pork belly and the Bangladeshi lamb curry. Decor is definitely upscale, with wood accents and accompanying lights helping to set the mood for the restaurant. The restaurant also hosts its own version of an annual wine show which is extremely popular each year.

 

Gathemann

This restaurant is run by one of the top chefs in Windhoek, Urs Gamma, a Swiss ex-pat who has been commandeering the kitchen with gusto for over two decades. Gamma is known for sourcing fantastic local produce like grandilla from Owamboland along with a variety of traditional beans from the markets in Katutura. The menu also has plenty of top quality beef, fish and game dishes which are all exceptional. Other items worth a try are the omajova dishes, Swiss potato cake and Kalahari truffle ice cream. The restaurant is situated inside one of the city’s old colonial buildings overlooking Independence Avenue. Feel free to sit outside and enjoy Windhoek as it lights up at night.

Corner of 62nd – House of Good Food

Set inside a historical house built in 1938, this modern and classy restaurant is definitely one of the must-try spots in the city, and is quickly growing into a local fave. It manages to be easy going while still carrying an air of sophistication throughout, in both the cuisine and the ambiance. The lower floor of the house features fantastic woodwork and detail to design, owing to the owner’s renovation. There is also a comfortable garden area outside where diners can eat under the stars. The chef likes to call his cuisine “experimental” with roots from allover the world. Some of the most tantalizing items on the menu include oxtail soup, Korean fried chicken, Land vs Sea, schnitzel, and west coast sole.

 

The Olive Restaurant

The Olive Restaurant pulls off one of the most sleek and modern looks in Windhoek, making it a great place for a romantic dinner or just an occasion to treat yourself. Like its name, it’s also surrounded by olive trees, which help set the mood. The restaurant is particularly proud of its meat selections and offers great mains like the Kalahari lamb shoulder and the braised-fillet of beef. Although the menu is rather small, everything has been thought out, so whatever you order will go perfect with each other. The interior is graced with clean white tables, Namibian decorations, animal antlers, and a small, rustic bar. There’s also fantastic seating on the outdoor terrace with serene views of the surrounding mountains.

 

Restaurant Am Weinberg

Housed in a building that was constructed in 1901, this restaurant located by a vineyard changed hands over the course of a century before being restored in 2004 and opened as ‘Restaurant Am Weinberg’. Being restored with care, the restaurant has a historic ambiance and also offers a a magnificent view of the outdoor garden and surroundings. The menu, like many in Windhoek, specializes in its meat selections, but also has some seafood that’s definitely worth a try. Al fresco dining here is also excellent, and there is an extensive amount of wine on offer, kept in the farmhouse’s old cellar. As the place is rather small, be sure to call in advance for reservations.

 

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