From one Foodie to another - A list of Restaurants in Lubumbashi

When I say, my Husband and I are Foodies, it's an understatement. We love to experiment, and trying out exotic food is one of our favourite pastimes. The simple logic...How do we know if we don't try? We find it mundane to visit the same places repeatedly. That is exactly what we were doing here, for lack of adequate and authentic information. I decided to get cracking on this subject a couple of days ago. Not much is available on the net, I must admit. However, after some stubborn research, I have been able to compile some information. Please pardon me if you find incorrect addresses and phone numbers or incomplete information. I would love for readers to help me correct them, post suggestions and comments and provide me with more information if available. Have fun!!!

Restaurants we have dined at

Le Bonne Table Restaurant

The Grand Karavia

55, Route de Quartier, Golf

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 815583058

Incredible property to start with, away from the main road, in the midst of landscaped gardens, with the lake on one side, is a treat. The restaurant serves French Mediteranean cuisine tempered with local influences. They boast of Indoor seating, as well as outdoor by the pool. The buffet is priced at USD50. Although passé, the Xmas spread was worth every penny and the New Year brunch on the 1st day of the year was everything a food lover could ask for. Their cold starters are simply out of the world.

Les Artistes
Route du Golf
Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 998538049

Les Artistes is an upscale restaurant  by the lovely Karavia lake. This beautiful Belgian restaurant is sophisticated and large, boasting of beautiful decor and lovely furniture. This place can be accessed via the gate to La Plage or by the road immediately after.  There is nothing about the place that is ordinary. They have a deck by the lake too. A lunch in my opinion might be a better option, to be able to soak in the scenary. One could take the pedalos or motor boats out on the lake as well. Might be a good idea to make reservations in advance, to avail seating by the lake. On the food front, Les Artistes is a gourmet's delight. Our 1st taste of wild boar.

Bush Camp

33, Avenue Kapwassa Kampenga,

Lubumbashi

Phone no : +243 814032161

Not within the city and not too far out, it screams ‘Game’ from all directions, it's as beautiful in the dark as it is in the day. They serve steaks, grills, salads and Congolese fare, all on the buffet. Sundays are special with various other meats like alligator and nntelope available, one pays on the weight of the meat. The buffet comes along with the meat selected. The décor is very African and resembles a hunter’s paradise. A nice place to lounge on a lazy Sunday afternoon. They also have some cottages, add a small animal  farm and a lovely garden. We loved the pork sausages and the antelope steak. Bush Camp is also responsible for my 1st taste of Congolese cuisine.

Cercle Hippique de Lubumbashi ( The Horse Club of Lubumbashi )
Lubumbashi

Beautifully green and scenic, this sprawing club is again situated in the Golf club area. Owned by the M Forrest group, it paints a very pretty picture. On one side are the stables and the other, a Show Jumping Course with a small gallery overlooking it. The lovely outdoor restaurant forms the 3rd angle of the triangle with a nice view of both. The cuisine is French-Congolaise. They also have a Congolaise buffet for $30 on Sundays. An afternoon over a pub meal with cool breeze blowing all the time, cannot be more relaxing.

Tony and Tony
Forrest Square
Lubumbashi

Run by a lovely Greek couple in a home setting, a beautiful garden outside, a few tables on the verandah, simple yet pretty inside with pristine white walls and crisp clean linen covering the asymmetrically arranged bamboo chairs and tables, surrounded by green plants and a few blue artefacts, completes the fabulous restaurant serving authentic Greek food with menu covering all my favourites from the Greek cuisine. I simply can't wait to go back there, not just for the food but to meet the lovely husband-wife again who make home cooked meals truly a treat to savour. 

Taverna Communate Hellenique ( The Greek Club  )

3000, Avenue Lubumba

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 816070539

The restaurant serves a variety of starters and main courses, Greek and French, they also serve Chinese cuisine out of a separate kitchen. The Chinese fare from the earlier chef was one of the best I had ever had. The ever simple egg fried rice was unbelievably tasty. They also have a bar and a very large seating area apart from a childrens play area, a football pitch and a basketball court. This place may be now more popular for the space, rather than the food.

Cercle de la Communaute Belge de Lubumbashi ( The Belgian Club )

3, Avenue Kilela Balanda

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 0815050728 / 0815050756

No fanfare, the club is all in one. They have a football pitch, tennis courts, a 2 lane bowling alley, even a dart board, a small bar and a dance floor, the restaurant serves continental food mostly from Italian and French/Belgian cuisines. They are well presented and well done. The french fries, something so simple are to die for, have never seen them so visually appealing before.

Ristorante Italiano La Casa

2900, Avenue Lubumba

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 997025756/ 813331157

A lovely Italian place resembling a diner, green outside, never short of crowd and good food, it boasts of a casual atmosphere with a bit of formality looming over. Good food!!! Helps when am a sucker for Italian desserts. Their Menu is not very different from that of Planet Holly-bum.

Las Cara ( formerly Le Piccolo )
Avenue Sombesombe
Quartier Golf
Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 998502646

The restaurant is situated off the terminus in Quartier Golf, beyond Hotel Karavia. They serve authentic Italian Cuisine. They also host corporate parties and banquets. They undertake home delivery after prior agreement with companies and individuals. They also home deliver pizzas upto 9pm. They have a restaurant/bar as well as an outdoor seating area by the pizza oven. We went for pizzas and pastas the first time, the food tasted lovely, although the pizzas tasted a tad salty but was done perfectly, not too crispy and not soggy. They also boast of a lovely garden and ample parking space, peace and quiet too.

Planet Holly-Bum

975, Avenue Kilela Balanda

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 997030256 / 990082013

Why is it called Holly-Bum??? Anyway, before I write about the food, I must tell you the restaurant is beautiful, love the artefacts, the furniture and the lighting. the décor is not expensive but done up very tastefully. They seat inside and outside. The food served is French/Belgian and Italian, worth the price and experience. This is a must try if you haven’t. The garden is beautiful as well but the approach is very unappealing. They must be credited for our 1st frog legs, sautéed in butter and garlic.

Les Tropiques
Avenue De La Justice
Lubumbashi

An outdoor restaurant, lots of trees and dimly lit, I was thrown back by the darkness that engulfed the restaurant. However, it's a completely different experience during the day, bustling with people with greenery and hutments all around. Food is lovely but the service is extremely slow.

Royal India Multi-Cuisine Restaurant ( called Swad now )

1446, Avenue Kilela Balanda

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 993355330

The best Indian restaurant in Lubumbashi in my opinion, consistent always, there's plenty of space for parking, a neatly manicured lawn ushering guests in, earning them the top spot for parties. A place where parents can have a good time, leaving the wards on their own. Their Mutton Biriyani is finger licking good. They have renovated recently, giving away their bar area to Cafe Latte Lounge, converting their space inside for banquets and corporate parties and the space overlooking the garden has been retained for casual dining. The menu is the same.

Hotel Lubumbashi

Avenue du 30 Juin at Avenue Djamena

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 819777111

A nice looking hotel, I am not sure how good it is as a hotel, I love their courtyard. They have a multicuisine restaurant, which serves Indian and Belgian/French cuisine. Among the better Indian restaurants, there is not much on the menu, they can throw a nice 3 course dinner though. Their kulfi is awesome. Men, listen up, their salon can do good to your hair while you wait for dinner to be served. Must say this lady goes there once in a while too.

Maharaja Indian Restaurant

Avenue Lomani

Lubumbashi

A dhabba-ish atmosphere inside, they also serve chinese, but it is better to stick to their Indian fare. They also serve chats and sweets. They do outdoor catering and also undertake orders for sweets and paneer. They should concentrate on the toilet facilities, they are losing out on in-house parties. Their hot Jalebies are yummy.

Belle Maison
Off Trente Juin
Lubumbashi

A spacious Chinese restaurant off Trente Juin, this place definitely attracts a lot of crowd even during weekdays, albeit most of them are Chinese. The food is great and is kept piping hot on the table from the mini stove provided. The sore point however is the 'smokey' atmosphere and the noise from the boisterous crowd. Absolutely the right place for an awesome chinese meal and absolutely the wrong place for a quiet meal.

La Perla de Oriente

De La Justice Road

Lubumbashi

A Chinese restaurant we go to, when are absolutely hungry and want to have junk Chinese food. They serve a buffet at USD18 per person on Saturdays, hot food and availability is not guaranteed. It could get very crowded and smokey too. A perfect place for the hungry. On other days, there's plenty of space, there is a large variety to choose from the menu card, the portions are large and it's simply good Chinese food.

Golden Sun
Avenue Mama Yema
Near the Hindu Temple
Lubumbashi

Our friends and us had decided on Chinese dinner at the Greek club. Sadly, the kitchen was closed. We were craving Chinese, so decided to try out this place. They have a casino on one side and a restaurant on the other, with a nice garden seperating the two. The owner tell us he's been here for 4 years, has travelled to Lubumbashi after putting a stamp on Sri Lanka and South Africa. He admits he makes more money from the casino. The food I must say was lovely, simple, yet tasty and authentic. So, if you want to play Black Jack or American Roulette and celebrate your money with Chinese food, this is the place to be.

Luana

Avenue Lubumba

Lubumbashi

Lebanese Cuisine is one of my favourites, it’s also known to be one of the healthiest, borrowing influences from the Mediteranean cuisine. This place, albeit owned by a Lebanese group, only carries influences from the Lebanese cuisine. They specialise in comfort food or fast food, namely shawarmas, pizzas, burgers, KFC style chicken ( pales in comparison ), sandwiches, eggs, rice and gravy Chinese style and fries. I love their grilled sandwiches, especially the one with the labneh filling. Labneh is hung curd mixed with olive oil and a dash of salt, is healthy and is one of my favourite spreads. These days, sadly, they don’t stock them, it is available at the Nazem grocery store on Mondays.


Cafe Lattelicious
Golf de Lubumbashi
Lubumbashi
Phone no : +243 998126503

Owned by the Governor's family and nestled in a corner among their various properties, diagonally opposite the Horse club in the Golf club area, this cafe/bar is a fantastic place to relax over a nice cuppa coffee or a drink and good conversation. They serve breakfast, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, burgers, other short eats and dessets, apart from coffee and alcohol. They also offer home delivery and have a very exhaustive menu. They levy USD 5 for the same. They also have a gym and spa attached but the price tag is way over a regular budget. We are pretty sure we are going to be regulars. Did I mention the service is very good???

Cafe Latte Longe
No 1446, Avenue Kilela Balanda ( same compound as Swad )
Lubumbashi

This cafe/bar shares management with Cafe Lattelicious, the menu is the same barring a few additions. The music is pretty loud for dinner time. The place serves as a dance lounge post midnight. We happened to dine there and found the place too cramped for comfort, add heavy rains and the 'outsiders' turned to cover inside. Would certainly prefer Cafe Lattelicious for just a meal or snack but if  one's priority is to enjoy music and dance, should give Latte Lounge a try 'after dark'.

La Plage
Lubumbashi

La Plage is a lovely property by the Lake, meaning 'The beach' in French, it has a restaurant/bar, a cafe ( Cafe du Lac ), bakery ( Vanille & Chocolat ), a supermarket ( Hyper Psaro ) and a huge sand pitch by the Lake, with provisions to play football, volleyball or just chill around. They also have pedalos and motor boats if one is ready for an adventure on the lake. On the side is an entrance to their swimming pool and an area to host parties. Les Artistes can be accessed via La Plage too. This place is situated right after the the waterfall on the Golf course road. The place is hip and happening.

Cafe du Lac
Lubumbashi

Cafe du Lac is a lovely cafe which doubles as a Cafe and a Bar. They have two outlets, one in Karavia and the other in La Plage. The one in La Plage is open on one side to the sand pitch with a view of Le Artists just beyond that and the lake. From what we ate, food was pretty average but who is going there for food??? It's a wonderful place to just lounge and meet with friends.

Vanille & Chocolat
La Plage
Lubumbashi

A small place selling different kinds of breads, sweets, desserts, particularly chocolates, there is just enough space to pay and collect one's order, simply because it's extremely popular. Situated right next to Cafe du Lac.

La Brioche

75, Laurent Kabila Road

Lubumbashi

Phone no : +243 97021780

This one sells all kinds of baked produce, also attached is a cafe, which serves as a good hang out over a cuppa joe. They also serve croissants, cookies, sandwiches, snacks, cakes and chocolate desserts. Our Birthday cakes come from La Brioche.

Nazem Boulangerie

Avenue Lubumba

Station des Champions

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : +243 0819882222

A place for all kinds of breads except brown, am not sure if there is another place here, which sells the local version of the kubooz or pita bread, called chapatte locally. I cannot however figure out why these bakeries don't sell brown bread.

Restaurants, which got to see us, their culinary skills waiting to be tested

Cercle Hippique le Centaure  ( The Horse Club )

Lubumbashi

A small place off the Golf club road with neat looking stables and a Show Jumping Course with a restaurant/bar sandwiched in-between. Nicely located with a lovely view on both sides, the menu is Continental, but one gets slightly put off by the smell from the stables. It feels nice to just stand there and bird watch, adds a very romantic touch.

Hotel La Rose

Lubumbashi

Some say it’s a good place to stay, am a Resident here, so that's not going to interest me. They also have a small swimming pool open to the public. Have been to their restaurant just to take a look, the menu is Continental, yet to try. I would prefer Holly-Bum and restaurant Italiano to La Rose, simply for the visual effects.

Le Riviera

Lubumbashi

This beautiful outdoor restaurant is located by the lake. One of the 1st places we visited in Lubumbashi, one could just get carried away by the pristine lake that is in view. There are huts which one could take cover under or, one could just take a table by the lake. Unfortunately we landed there after coffee elsewhere, and hence did only a photo shoot. They might want to spruce up the place a bit.

Park Hotel

50, Avenue Munongo

Lubumbashi

A small Restaurant, lovely décor and a neat Menu card.

Restaurants, we have heard and read about, waiting to be visited

Hotel Cosmopolite

15, Avenue Lomami

Lubumbashi

Hear, it’s one of the best hotels here, I haven’t heard about their restaurant but am looking forward to visiting soon.

Hotel Sabrina
Off Trente Juin
Lubumbashi

A Chinese joint on the 1st floor, on one of the main roads off Trente Juin, this place carries good reviews, yet to visit though. Parking could pose a problem. It is situated diagonally opposite Belle Maison.

Alilac Café

50, Avenue Bundi

Lubumbashi

Sports a very nice open terrace, serves food and drinks at reasonable prices.

Restaurants, we would love more information about

Chez Robert
Villa Munua
1722 Quartier Golf
Lubumbashi
Phone no: +243 819331241

Heard a while ago, look forward to visiting, it's on my wish list. This place is situated in one of the finest Guest houses here, Chef Robert from Liege, is the man behind the place. One could choose to enjoy dinner outside, facing the Garden and Swimming Pool.

Oxy Lac

Kalubwe

5, Avenue Chemin Public

Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 997012775

Lakeside, overlooking Hotel Karavia. meals are served in huts. grilled tilapia is a speciality. We had a look at the place one night, couldn't see much but the place cried for crowd, maintenance and information.

The Brussels

Hotel Palace Beau Site

500, Avenue Lomami

Lubumbashi

Serves French cuisine with a Mediterranean accent.

Taj Tandoori

Avenue Lubumba

Lubumbashi

An Indian place on Avenue Lubumba, am not sure why we haven’t tried it as yet or why people don’t talk about it very often. Heard from a contact that food and service are below standard.

Le Perroquet

588, Avenue Kasavubu

Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 997022930

Serves local fare.

Joliety

Avenue Kapenda

Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 997020664

Serves quality local cuisine. The walls are adorned with aphorisms.

La Calebasse

78, Avenue Sendwe

Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 997026625

Specialises in Congolaise cuisine, with a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes

Le Petit Brussels

1045, Avenue Kabalo

Lubumbashi

Serves Congolaise food

Le Village

Avenue 30 Juin

Lubumbashi

Run by a Family, Le Village serves local Congolaise cuisine inside huts.

La Grignotte

Laurent Kabila Road

Lubumbashi

Located near La Brioche, known for their sausages and meatballs.

Super Ebene

294, Avenue Maniema

Lubumbashi

Phone no. : + 243 995922222

New Relax – Le Bamboo Restaurant/Bar

Quartier Golf
Lubumbashi
Phone no. : +243 996023210

Bon Appétit!!!