Livingstone, Zambia’s gateway to Victoria Falls, is a sensory feast that eclipses your wildest imagination. From traditional Zambian dishes to international gourmet fare, this buzzing town has something to please every palate. Whether you’re relaxing after a safari or fuelling up for a helicopter ride, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

Zambezi Riverfront Dining
Dining by the river is a must in Livingstone. Expect fresh bream, grilled to perfection, often served with nshima (a local maize staple) and sautéed greens. Riverside restaurants blend local ingredients with a safari-chic ambience, ideal for sunset dinners with hippos grunting in the distance.

Street Food & Local Flavours
For the adventurous eater, local markets serve spicy beef stew, chikanda (aka African polony), and roasted maize. It’s a budget-friendly way to sample real Zambian flavours. Don’t skip the fritters, deep-fried, fluffy, and utterly addictive.

Image by Huahom from Pixabay

Safari Lodge Fine Dining
Staying at luxury lodges like Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls offers more than plush accommodation; you’ll have access to some of the best restaurants in Zimbabwe, where special menus often feature the likes of Zambezi crayfish cones and Ostrich Fillet, paired with South African wines, all served to impress.

Zimbabwe Restaurants for a Cross-Border Treat
Just across the bridge, the Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe is home to more must-visit establishments. Think grilled ostrich, handcrafted cocktails, and fine views of the misty gorge, all a short drive from Livingstone.

Vegan & International Cuisine
Plant-based travellers won’t feel left out. Several spots in Livingstone now cater to vegetarian and vegan diets, with jackfruit curries, lentil stews, and even falafel wraps popping up on menus across town.