Just shy of a year old, Pistachio, in Borrowdale’s Sam Levy Village, is a relative newbie to the Harare food scene but is quickly gaining a reputation as the place to go for brunch – or any meal for that matter – and it is usually packed. The Cordon Bleu-trained head chef and owner, Teresa Muirhead, has created a soothing oasis where the décor – think the green hue of its moniker and cream for a color scheme, and lots of glass to let in light – is as appetizing as the fresh and healthy dishes she specializes in.

In a country known for its meat-and-potato style restaurants, Pistachio, with its diverse salad and sandwich lineup, plus excellent breakfast choices, offers a refreshing change. Not that it doesn’t do beef well as well – the burgers here are juicy and delicious. If you’re craving eggs, the Gruyere omelet with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes is tasty, and for salads you’ll have a choice of everything from beef fillet and beetroot, to Cajun chicken, plus a pistachio salad in honor of the restaurant’s name. The complimentary focaccia served with sides of olive and vinegar is also a nice touch.

Best of all, Pistachio makes a great latte, something that isn’t easy to find in Zimbabwe. The café opens each morning at 7:30am, but you’ll find people showing up even earlier, patiently waiting for their morning caffeine fix.