Savour São Tomé restaurants in every bite and sip

From street stalls to seafront grills — São Tomé restaurants

São Tomé restaurants combine fresh island produce with a laid-back dining style shaped by Portuguese and African heritage. From seafront grills serving just-caught tuna and snapper to small cafés offering rich local coffee and cocoa desserts, every meal is tied to the island’s culture. Whether you’re trying street-food snacks in the market or enjoying grilled lobster with an ocean view, dining here is about flavour, freshness, and the easy rhythm of São Tomé life.

Sabor Divino probably the best in the city

Probably the best restaurant in the city Just a minute from the centre, it stays quiet — undeservedly so. Local food, done with care. One of the few São Tomé restaurants where the service is calm and English is spoken.

Xico's Cafe

Quiet, low-lit, and right in the centre. Xico’s is a rare mix — good food, friendly staff, and a calm place to sit without fuss. Among São Tomé restaurants, it’s the kind of spot people return to, even if they didn’t mean to find it in the first place.

Papa Figo

A well-known name among São Tomé restaurants, but not one we’d rush to. Papa Figo is expensive for what it is, and recent reports suggest slow service and forgettable food. You’ll dine next to well-heeled locals and tourists looking for the “real São Tomé” — and not quite finding it.

Zima Bar

Rooftop Bar & Restaruant

There’s Levy Levy, and then there’s poor service. This leans toward the latter. The food’s good, no question — but for the price, the experience doesn’t hold up. Long waits, confused service, and little effort to make things right. Last time, six of us walked out after waiting over an hour. Complaiing brought bread, olives, and one starter but it didn’t fix the problem. We’d give it another try, but at those prices, it’s too much of a risk.