Anantara Bazaruto Island Restaurant — Indian Ocean / International, Bazaruto Archipelago
Anantara Bazaruto occupies the northern end of Bazaruto Island — the largest of the five islands that constitute the archipelago, fringed by coral reefs that have been protected within the Bazaruto National Park since 1971. The resort's main restaurant, built on stilts above the shore, looks directly into the Indian Ocean.
The kitchen is led by chefs with international training who treat the extraordinary local produce with the respect it commands. Tiger prawns from the channel, crayfish from the reef, line-caught kingfish and yellowfin tuna, and the local oysters that grow on mangrove roots are the heroes of every menu.
The seafood platter for two — the kitchen's showpiece — arrives on ice in a vessel the size of a small boat, piled with cracked crab claws, whole prawns, oysters, and grilled crayfish tails. It is one of the Indian Ocean's definitive dining experiences.
Breakfast here — served as the sun rises over the channel and the birds come in from the reed beds — may be the best single meal in Mozambique. Fresh tropical fruit, eggs cooked to order, freshly-baked bread, and the particular quality of Indian Ocean morning light.
Best Occasion: Perfect for Proposals
A private beach table at sunset, crayfish tails and champagne, and the sound of Indian Ocean surf as the only other presence. The resort's event team will arrange everything — candles, flowers, a cold bottle waiting.
Best Occasion: Best for Impressing Clients
Bringing a client to Bazaruto Island signals the most rarefied level of taste and access. This is a place that most people have only seen in magazines. The kitchen matches the setting.