Dinner Over the Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean was glowing gold that evening. Boats drifted lazily near the pier, and the sun melted into the horizon behind the roofs of Stone Town. That was the scene when I stepped onto the wooden deck of The Cape Town Fish Market Zanzibar, a stunning waterfront restaurant perched right above the ocean in Forodhani. It was my first time visiting this iconic spot once known locally as the Old Fort Pier Restaurant and it turned out to be one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve had on the island.
A Restaurant with a Story
This spot along the Forodhani waterfront has seen Zanzibar’s tides of history. Long before it became part of an international restaurant brand, locals referred to it simply as the “Old Fort Pier Restaurant,” a nod to its location just beside the Old Fort of Zanzibar the 17th-century fortress built by the Omani Arabs. Back then, it was a modest seaside spot known for serving grilled fish and tropical cocktails, a place where both islanders and travelers gathered to eat by the water’s edge.
As Zanzibar’s tourism blossomed, the location evolved too. In recent years, the space was transformed into The Cape Town Fish Market Zanzibar (CTFM), part of a South African franchise that brings together seafood, sushi, and grill culture. Despite the rebranding, the heart of the place — its love of the ocean and fresh ingredients — remains the same. The view is still unmatched, and the spirit of Zanzibar still lingers in every sea breeze that flows through the open-air dining deck.
Golden Hour by the Sea
I arrived around 6:15 PM, just as the sun was beginning to dip. The waitstaff greeted me with a warm “Karibu!” (“Welcome!”). I was shown to a table right by the edge of the pier, where the light from the sunset painted the water in copper and pink. A few children were still playing in the shallows below, their laughter echoing against the waves.
The restaurant itself was alive but calm — a balance between elegance and the laid-back island atmosphere. Fairy lights outlined the railings, reflecting off the water as the first stars began to appear. It felt like being suspended between the sea and the sky. I ordered a chilled mango juice to start, a local favorite that always pairs well with the ocean air.
A Blend of Cultures and Flavors
What makes Cape Town Fish Market Zanzibar so special is its dual culinary heritage: a blend of South African and Japanese inspiration with a tropical twist. The menu is a fusion of classic seafood, sushi, and grilled meats — all made with fresh ingredients caught just off Zanzibar’s shores. You can browse the full menu at https://ctfm.co.tz/menu/
After scanning the options, I went for the Seafood Platter — a generous spread of prawns, calamari, mussels, fish fillet, and spiced rice. The aroma alone was intoxicating. Each bite told a story of coastal freshness: the prawns were juicy and smoky, the calamari crisp yet tender, and the fish fillet melted effortlessly on my tongue. It was a dish that balanced spice, texture, and simplicity perfectly.
For sushi lovers, the restaurant offers beautifully plated rolls and sashimi — a rare treat on this side of the Indian Ocean. Locals I spoke with recommended the Salmon Rainbow Roll and Tempura Prawns, both of which have become crowd favorites according to online reviews.
An Evening to Remember
As darkness settled, the atmosphere transformed. Soft Afro-fusion music played in the background, the sea shimmered under the lights, and laughter rippled through the crowd. The place was full — couples, families, and groups of travelers all sharing the same space, united by food and the rhythm of the waves.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant fills up quickly, and the open-air deck becomes a lively social scene. Some guests come just for drinks — the bar offers local beers, South African wines, and tropical cocktails like the Zanzibar Breeze and Passionfruit Mojito. Others linger for hours over shared platters and conversation. Every corner buzzed with life but never lost its relaxed island charm.
The Spirit of Zanzibar
What I appreciated most was how the restaurant balances local and global influences. While the menu is modern and international, the hospitality remains authentically Swahili. You feel the island’s personality in every detail — the wooden railings, the ocean breeze, the soft glow of lanterns. At one point, a waiter smiled and said, “Chakula kizuri huleta furaha.” — “Good food brings happiness.”
That sentiment captures the essence of Zanzibar’s dining culture: meals are not rushed. They are moments to connect, to breathe, to enjoy the sound of the sea and the company of others. As I sat there watching the waves, I realized that dining in Stone Town isn’t just about taste — it’s about time. Time to slow down, appreciate, and let life unfold as gently as the tide.
Reviews and Reflections
Before visiting, I read several reviews online, and they were spot on. Guests consistently praise the seafood quality, portion sizes, and romantic sunset views. Even the small details — like the choice of music, presentation of dishes, and timing of service — show how carefully the team has refined their craft.
No matter what you choose, pair your meal with a sunset — it’s the restaurant’s best-kept secret ingredient.
As the night cooled, I couldn’t help but think about how perfectly this moment embodied the spirit of travel: freedom, curiosity, and appreciation. That’s what Around the World in a Rush stands for — capturing the world’s beauty and turning it into wearable stories.
Take a Piece of Zanzibar Home
Before you go, check out the Tanzania Flag T-Shirt from Around the World in a Rush. It’s inspired by the colors that surrounded me that night — the blue of the ocean, the green of the palms, and the gold of the Zanzibar sunset.
When I finally stood to leave, the restaurant lights shimmered over the water. The boats bobbed gently in the dark, and the laughter of diners mixed with the rhythm of the waves. It wasn’t just a meal — it was a memory written in flavor and light.
As I walked back toward the Old Fort, I heard one of the servers say goodbye in Swahili: “Karibu tena!” — “Welcome again!” That’s the thing about Zanzibar — you never really say goodbye; you just promise to return.
Written for Around the World in a Rush — where travel, culture, and fashion meet on one journey around the globe.
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Cape Town Fish Market Zanzibar |
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