Tag: vic falls restaurants

  • A Day of Dining at Cassia Restaurant

    A Day of Dining at Cassia Restaurant

    Whether you’re looking for a scenic spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, a shaded terrace for a relaxed lunch, or a beautiful poolside bar to unwind at with afternoon drinks, you can’t go wrong with Cassia Restaurant, our hotel’s award-winning eatery.

    Nestled in the heart of Victoria Falls, our restaurant offers not just a place to eat, but an immersive dining experience. From the gentle rumble of Victoria Falls in the distance to the expansive lawns, where families of warthogs and graceful antelope often make an appearance, dining at Cassia Restaurant is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food.

    In this post, we’ll take you through the various dining options you can enjoy at Cassia Restaurant throughout the day, each offering its own unique experience.

    If you’re looking to explore other great dining options around Victoria Falls, check out our take on the Top 10 Restaurants in Victoria Falls.

    Let’s get into your day of dining at Cassia Restaurant!

    Starting Your Day

    Breakfast is served from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM daily.

    If it’s true that breakfast sets the tone for the day, then wouldn’t you prefer that tone be relaxed and invigorating, with a strong cup of coffee?

    In a town as beautiful and connected to nature as Victoria Falls, you can be in no short supply of scenic eateries, but if we allow our bias to win out, we truly could think of no better set-up than our very own terrace.

    The cool early morning air, the golden light filtering through the trees, and the sounds of birdsong as the town begins to wake up—there’s simply no better way to set the tone for your day in Victoria Falls. The sun hasn’t yet reached its peak, so you can enjoy your meal in comfort, with a gentle breeze to keep you refreshed.

    Seeing as you’re on vacation, there’s no rush – linger as long as you’d like.

    Below you’ll find some of our most popular breakfast dishes.

    Breakfast Quesadillas
    Spinach and feta scrambled eggs served in a warm, grilled tortilla—a deliciously satisfying twist on a breakfast classic.

    Cassia’s Breakfast
    A hearty plate featuring eggs cooked to your liking, beef or pork sausage, crispy bacon, baked beans, sautéed mushrooms, grilled tomato, and golden potato croquettes.

    View our full Breakfast Menu here.

    A Lazy Lunch

    Lunch is served from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM daily.

    By midday, whether you’re gearing up for afternoon adventures or taking a well-earned break after a busy morning, a hearty lunch is the perfect way to refuel.

    The Cassia Restaurant offers a wide range of lunch options, from comforting classics to lighter, fresh choices. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy burger or something a bit more refreshing, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

    Here are some of our most popular lunchtime dishes.

    Cassia Beef Burger
    A deliciously juicy burger made with premium beef, topped with cheddar cheese, slow-roasted balsamic tomatoes, crispy bacon, gherkins, onion rings, and served with a side of golden fries.

    Tempura Battered Hake
    Lightly battered and crispy fried hake, served with fries, a fresh salad, and tangy tartar sauce.

    Garden Salad
    A refreshing mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty herb and lemon dressing for a light and healthy option.

    View our full Lunch Menu here.

    Poolside Cocktails: Sip & Unwind

    After a fulfilling lunch or a day of exploring Victoria Falls, there’s no better way to unwind than with a refreshing cocktail at our Poolside Bar.

    Nestled right beside our two brilliantly blue swimming pools, which overlook lush lawns and the wild expanse of Victoria Falls National Park, the Poolside Bar offers the ultimate space to relax and enjoy a cool drink.

    With a cocktail in hand and a gentle breeze in the air, it’s easy to see why this is a favorite spot for both hotel guests and day visitors. Wondering what to sip on? Check out our blog post on the 5 Cocktails to Try at Our Poolside Bar for inspiration.

    Dining in Style

    Dinner is served from 6.30 PM to 9.30 PM daily.

    Our restaurant truly comes into its own in the evening, when the heat of the day has settled and a delightful breeze lilts through our showstopping golden shower trees.

    Guests are welcome to make themselves comfortable indoors or on our beautiful terrace, which provides a charming al fresco location for a memorable night out in Victoria Falls.

    Indulge in a carefully crafted menu of exquisite dishes, perfectly paired with an exclusive selection of South Africa’s finest wines.

    Allow us to highlight one of our current favourite dishes:

    Beef Fillet Rossini
    Served with herb butter baby potatoes, rich ostrich liver parfait, charred onions, tender baby carrots, and a luxurious red wine jus.

    View our full dinner menu here.

    Whether you are an in-house guest or a day visitor, Cassia Restaurant is open to all, provided there is availability. For this reason, we kindly ask that outside guests get in touch prior to arrival.

    Bookings can be made by calling us on +263 83 2844737/8/9 or sending an email to  fnb@ilalalodge.co.zw.

    Stay With Us

    With our world-class amenities, personalised service and unbeatable location just minutes away from the falls, Ilala Lodge Hotel offers a truly unforgettable experience.

    To book your stay, get in touch with our friendly reservations team at reservations@ilalalodge.co.zw or use our easy-to-navigate online booking platform to secure your dates.

    We look forward to welcoming you to Ilala Lodge Hotel and sharing the best of Victoria Falls with you!

     

     

  • Top 10 Restaurants in Victoria Falls

    Top 10 Restaurants in Victoria Falls

    Eating out is about more than letting somebody else do the cooking for a change – although that is a definite plus.

    On holiday, the restaurants and eateries we pick have a tangible impact on our experience of the place we’re visiting. Chosen wisely, these establishments can offer us a glimpse into the culture, life and atmosphere of a town.

    This is as true in Vic Falls as it is anywhere else, and below we have a list of locally beloved spots for you to try, each lending a new set of eyes to the diner.

    From easy and laid-back to sophisticated and sleek, here is our round-up of the top 10 restaurants in Victoria Falls!

    1. Cassia Restaurant

    We start this list with our very own Cassia Restaurant – one of the most popular restaurants in Victoria Falls.

    We pride ourselves on having created a space where guests can truly relax – be it inside the elegantly decorated dining space, outside on the terrace beneath the Golden Shower trees (Cassia fistula), or by the pool-side bar.

    Sitting outside, your meal will be accompanied by the gentle rumble of Victoria Falls in the background as you soak up the serenity of our lush gardens.

    You couldn’t ask for a better dining experience when it comes to food. We have á la carte menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, respectively, as well as a snack menu for those in between times. These menus are frequently updated to suit the season, but also offer classic fare like burgers, wraps, kebabs and fish.

    We stock a wide selection of hand-picked South African wines from award-winning vineyards – the perfect accompaniment to an al fresco dining experience under the starry African night sky – and local and international beers.

    Join us for an unforgettable culinary experience at one of the highest-rated restaurants in Victoria Falls on TripAdvisor!

    BOOK ONLINE

    2. Palm River Hotel Restaurant

    Our sister hotel, Palm River Hotel, serves eclectic fusion fare with a quintessential Zimbabwean twist!

    The dining space is modern and airy, with an old-world feel. The vaulted ceilings create a seamless transition between the dining hall and the veranda – both beautiful areas in which to enjoy a meal as you gaze out on the Zambezi River.

    BOOK ONLINE

    3. Riverside Dining Experience

    For a fun foodie activity, consider the Palm River Hotel’s Riverside Dining Experience.

    During this experience you’ll taste authentic African barbecue dishes with Zimbabwean flavours – all cooked over open fires.

    Attentive staff will see to your every need as you dine by lantern light on the banks of the Zambezi – you might even spot wildlife while you eat!

    This offering is exclusive to guests of Palm River Hotel and Ilala Lodge Hotel – be sure to book ahead to secure your spot.

    Email fnb@palmriverhotel.com or call +263 867 7196873 to make a reservation.

    4. The Lookout Café

    Owned and operated by Wild Horizons, The Lookout Café is one of the most iconic restaurants in Victoria Falls.

    Why? Well, the name says it all! Here you’ll be treated to an incredible view of Victoria Falls Bridge as you gaze down upon the gorge and Zambezi River below.

    They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, combining traditional favourites with more adventurous menu items – crocodile, for instance. Their list of cocktails is also extensive, making The Lookout Café a wonderful sundowner location.

    They even present a Full Moon Dinner which may coincide with your visit!

    BOOK ONLINE

    Image Credit: Instagram | the_lookout_cafe

    5. The River Brewing Company

    If you’re a lover of beer, you can’t miss out on a visit to The River Brewing Company!

    This quirky establishment has everything you want in a craft brewery – quirk, eccentricity and a staff dedicated to creating brews as unique as our incredible African setting.

    You’ll find their beers at several outlets in Vic Falls, but nothing beats going to the source and enjoying a meal at their very own bar – where the magic happens!

    Be sure to buy a few cans – like Siyabonga Session IPA and Painted Dog Pale Ale – to take home with you.

    BOOK ONLINE

    Image Credits: Instagram | Shared by theriverbrewingco & taken by the.salty.zebra.co 

    6. The Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar

    There’s always a buzz at The Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar!

    Clustered around an old train carriage, which serves as the main kitchen area and food outlet, here you can be guaranteed of tasty meals enjoyed in what feels like a “beer tent” atmosphere.

    This is a great restaurant for families as they serve all the classics – burgers, wraps and pizzas for the kids and killer cocktails for the adults.

    Take a bite of the authentic Vic Falls in what has quickly grown into a town hub for tourists and locals alike!

    BOOK ONLINE

    Image Credits: Instagram | the_three_monkeys_vic_falls 

    7. The Rainforest Café

    Located in the heart of the action – in Victoria Falls National Park – this is the ideal place to relax beside the rainforest after taking in the Falls.

    The café-style meals are simply delicious – think chicken mayo paninis, pan-seared Zambezi bream and ginger beer waffles!

    The laid-back setting and buoyant atmosphere is sure to recharge you for the rest of the day.

    BOOK ONLINE

    Image Credit: Instagram | the.rainforestcafe

    8. Dusty Road

    Dusty Road is a Zimbabwean catering company born right here in Vic Falls under the stewardship of Sarah Lilford.

    They have a restaurant in Chinotimba, the largest and oldest township in Victoria Falls, just 2km from the town’s centre. It’s here where you can enjoy the Dusty Road Township Experience – where meals are prepared in cast iron pots and over open fires.

    This is an authentic and vibrant activity that every foodie should add to their list of things to do in Victoria Falls.

    Here you’ll also be able to buy wares from local vendors and immerse yourself in this welcoming community.

    BOOK ONLINE

    Image Credit: Instagram | dustyroadtownshipexperience_

    9. The Boma – Place of Eating

    Experience more than just dining at The Boma, a unique cultural enclave nestled in a Gusu Forest.

    Delight in Zimbabwean delicacies, from game meats to traditional dishes, amidst nightly entertainment featuring a hand-washing ceremony, Shangaan dancers and local fortune tellers.

    This experience is the perfect way to unravel the rich tapestry of Zimbabwe’s folklore, culture, and heritage during your trip!

    BOOK ONLINE

    Image Credit: Instagram | thebomadinneranddrumshow

    10. Baines Restaurant

    Travel upriver to Baines Restaurant, located along the Zambezi above the Falls.

    The magical setting lends a sense of serenity to your dining experience, with modern dishes like Turmeric Pumpkin Risotto with Fillet Steak and Zambezi sesame battered Tilapia.

    Seated right on the waterfront, you couldn’t ask for a more elegant dining experience when visiting Victoria Falls. And remember, as their menu states: Ithemba – entrust the chef!

    BOOK ONLINE

    Image Credit: Instagram | bainesrestaurant

    Stay With Us

    Nestled in the heart of town, Ilala Lodge Hotel is the ideal place to base yourself when on holiday in Victoria Falls.

    Our lush gardens provide sanctuary and seclusion, while our location makes us the perfect choice for those looking to explore town on foot.

    Browse our luxury accommodation options here and make your pick.

    Bookings can be done online or via email.

    Once settled in, Victoria Falls is at your fingertips!