The Blue Heron is very popular with Arusha’s expat crowd. It makes a pleasant place for residents and travelers alike to while away a lazy afternoon, well-insulated from the bustle of nearby streets. The main diversions are the delicious cuisine, a children’s playground and a quiet, grassy garden with a bubbling fountain and shaded outdoor tables.
The menu features appetizing fare showcasing a mix of cuisines, and including delicacies such as zucchini or mozzarella focaccia, wild rice salad, lamb or vegetarian shawarmas and a variety of thin-crust pizzas. I found the pizzas and salads to be particularly good, although you cannot go wrong, no matter what your choice. For dessert, there is a decadent chocolate concoction, homemade crepes and – best of all, a stand selling home-made ice cream.
In the main building is a delightful souvenir shop with many unique items, including jewelry made by the Shanga disabled artists cooperative. Food prices are reasonable (about US$10 for mains). Quality is uniformly high – in many visits to Arusha, I have not heard any negative commentary about the food at Blue Heron – and waiting times are not overly long.
The Blue Heron is open for lunch from Monday through Saturday, and also for dinner on Friday and Saturday (closed completely on Sunday).
Expert Review
The Blue Heron is very popular with Arusha’s expat crowd. It makes a pleasant place for residents and travelers alike...
The Blue Heron is very popular with Arusha’s expat crowd. It makes a pleasant place for residents and travelers alike to while away a lazy afternoon, well-insulated from the bustle of nearby streets. The main diversions are the delicious cuisine, a children’s playground and a quiet, grassy garden with a bubbling fountain and shaded outdoor tables.
The menu features appetizing fare showcasing a mix of cuisines, and including delicacies such as zucchini or mozzarella focaccia, wild rice salad, lamb or vegetarian shawarmas and a variety of thin-crust pizzas. I found the pizzas and salads to be particularly good, although you cannot go wrong, no matter what your choice. For dessert, there is a decadent chocolate concoction, homemade crepes and – best of all, a stand selling home-made ice cream.
In the main building is a delightful souvenir shop with many unique items, including jewelry made by the Shanga disabled artists cooperative. Food prices are reasonable (about US$10 for mains). Quality is uniformly high – in many visits to Arusha, I have not heard any negative commentary about the food at Blue Heron – and waiting times are not overly long.
The Blue Heron is open for lunch from Monday through Saturday, and also for dinner on Friday and Saturday (closed completely on Sunday).