Top Restaurants in Jinja
Top Things to do in Jinja
Jinja Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Jinja
Discover the best restaurant in Jinja, Uganda including The black lantern restaurant, The Source Cafe, The Keep Cafe, Gately on Nile, Surjio's Pizzeria and Guesthouse, Rumours at the Source of The Nile, Space Cafe, Moti Mahal, Aaswad Forever Restaurant, Jinja Sailing Club
Things to do in Jinja
1. The black lantern restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 117 reviews
Fine dinning overlooking The Source of the Nile. A la Carte.
Reviewed By MMehary - Kampala, Uganda
The Black Lantern is a well-kept Eco-Lodge of luxurious standards (for camping). It's my favorite place to stay in Jinja, as the rooms are cozy, clean, and aesthetically pleasing. It's the best place to go to when you want to escape Kampala and just relax. The view from the bandas overlook the Nile, one of the best in all of Jinja. At night, there's an orchestra of nature that gently serenades even the most anxious sleeper into a deep sleep. In the mornings you are greeted with monkeys swinging through the trees above. Breakfast is included with your stay (if you opt for that rate). I always have the restaurant bring us tea and coffee to the room in the morning and then we walk over the restaurant patio for a proper meal. The menu options are representative for everyone, vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores. My favorite breakfast is the Bujagali Sunrise. It's eggs cooked anyway, with a choice of bacon or sausage, sauteéd mushrooms, baked beans, toast and butter. It's delicious, I order this every time, and am never disappointed. The Whole Fried Tilapia is BOMB and the potato wedges are equally worthy of praise. On top of all this goodness, the staff and the management are super-friendly and welcoming. I always feel right at home when I stay here. Oh and I can't forget, they have the BEST RIBS in Uganda, but I think those sell themselves. Enjoy!
2. The Source Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 175 reviews
The Source Cafe was the first place in Jinja to offer internet access and great coffee. With our central location, stop by and let us help you navigate Jinja and find some good deals!
Reviewed By Zachary D - Uganda
We went with a group of friends one week and the service and food was AMAZING. They accommodated 9 of us in the outside Seating area and were extremely welcoming—they revamped their breakfast menu that includes: Nutella waffles, chicken & waffles, biscuits with country gravy, and much more. And it was SO delicious.
Then we went another week and we were not welcomed very warmly, the waitress and bar back didn't have a great attitude and were very slow to take our order. We all loved the biscuits and gravy, which was still on the specials chalk board so we ordered that. Then the manager came out 10 minutes later and said there were no biscuits and at that point erased it off the specials board. The espresso machine was broken. And it took 2 hours to get our food. I had ordered an omelette and got my food last—the food came out one by one over a 30 minute period so none of us really got to eat together. Overall it was a terrible experience and I had thought they changed with our positive experience the last time we went. We would love to make this a weekly outing but with The Source Cafe's inconsistency we are going to stay away for a while. Try calling in ahead of time before going in and ordering!
3. The Keep Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Keep/193403040698451
Reviewed By HRHORCH - Memphis, Tennessee
This is a hotspot for Westerners and Europeans for its food and its internet connection. My group bragged non-stop on their milkshakes. I had a cheeseburger and it was thick and tasty. There are several tables that will accommodate large and small groups. The Waitstaff is super friendly. The Keep is located one block from Main Street.
4. Gately on Nile
Overall Ratings
4 based on 50 reviews
Jinja's special Continental Restaurant offering fine dining with additional authentic Thai Cuisine. Relax on the sprawling Terrace enjoying the tranquil exotic Gardens or African night sky views. Romantic candle lit ambience with warm and friendly staff.
Reviewed By olive c - Cape Town, South Africa
this was a lovely place with a boma restaurant in the grounds of the B+B also open to non residents....the food was well prepared and the fish delicious...we were only there one night so difficult to judge how this restaurant compared to others in the vicinity....we were only 2 of a total of 3 guests that evening so that made the experience a little strangers there were more staff than guests!
5. Surjio's Pizzeria and Guesthouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Bill B - Hot Springs, Arkansas
Ate several meals at Surjio's and food was always good. Had breakfast several times and it was very good and nice variety. Ate pizza at one meal, it was good. Overall, a good variety of good food and service was great.
6. Rumours at the Source of The Nile
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Rumours restaurant is located at the source of the Nile Jinja Uganda. Rumours Restaurant is the only eating and drinking place located closest to the Source Of the River Nile. Rumours restaurant Also operates day and Sunset/Party Boat Cruises around the Source of Nile and Lake Victoria. Speed boats can also be hired at reasonable rates as well. Being right on the Nile, we are known for serving the best fish in Jinja. Complimentary WiFi is also available. Rumours is also the gateway to Samuka Island conveniently located some 11 km from Rumours.
Reviewed By davidtazz - Pontypridd, United Kingdom
This was my first visit to Uganda and visited this restaurant on the recommendation of friends. It was superb and we enjoyed a whole fish each? The environment was great and the staff were really helpful. The tour finished with a boat trip on the Nile and a visit to the market. The experience was first class.. I'd love to visit again.
7. Space Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 61 reviews
Space Cafe is a vibrant cafe and restaurant in the heart of Jinja town where good coffee,local cuisine and European dishes are served.You are welcome to our legendary hospitality in a serene ambiance.Enjoy free wireless internet in the comfort of our beautiful Gardens.
Reviewed By CesmeTraveller - Woking, Surrey
We were hunting around Jinja for a decent cup of coffee and were recommended to Space Cafe by a local - and what a recommendation it turned out to be!
The coffee was excellent, both the Cafe American and Cappuccino can be whole-heartedly suggested as the coffee was fresh and delightful! Our server couldn't be sure about the origin of the coffee, whether Ugandan or Kenyan, but that didn't matter! It was worth even the leisurely service to have something other than instant!
8. Moti Mahal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By ramchabi - Chennai (Madras), India
We were in Jinja and my friend looked up this place. We took a taxi and came here for dinner. The place is quite big and many Indians who live in Jinja frequent this place. The food was tasty and it was well worth it.
9. Aaswad Forever Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Maggiebui - Uganda
Aswad's is great, the food is always excellent. I go there about once a month on average. Some friends of mine are vegan and this is the only Indian in Jinja which has a decent variety of vegan meals. Rarely disappoints. However, their menu is so large that it is very confusing! They list the dish and do not describe it like other Indians and therefore for ease and convenience I tend to stick to the same old... There is always a manager around to ask them what is what on the menu, however it gets quite busy and it feels hard to ask many questions!!! It is a small observation and will not stop me from going there. Choice to sit outside or inside, restaurant itself is dated and needs refreshing, staff are somewhat efficient and a little knowledgable. It is located on main street across from the Police Station.
10. Jinja Sailing Club
Overall Ratings
4 based on 127 reviews
A posh Restaurant, Bar & Banqueting place on the shore of Lake Victoria and adjacent to the Source of River Nile. Very popular for its serenity environment, food, cocktails, Boat Cruises, private event & weddings and children swimming pool. Favorite place for Ugandans for local food and our signature Whole Fried Tilapia Fish.
Reviewed By Lyn H
Good food and service but the best is the sunset at twilight. Great views over the Nile, don’t be but off by the dinosaur!
