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East African restaurant in karatu
What should I order at Ol Mesera Restaurant?
What to order
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Nyama Choke
Recommended for being described as “bomb,” with reviewers praising its bold flavor alongside the sauces and overall Tanzanian food experience.
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Kuku Mshikaki
Highlighted as “bomb” and singled out with Nyama Choke as a standout dish, suggesting it was especially enjoyed.
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Pizza
Mentioned as delicious by a reviewer who visited twice, making it one of the clearly praised specific items.
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4
Ugali Fries
Recommended for its fun twist on traditional Tanzanian food, showing the restaurant’s creative take on local dishes.
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5
Coffee
Praised for being really good, with reviewers also noting the baristas and fresh preparation, making it a well-liked drink option.
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6
Fresh Ginger Juice
Mentioned positively as part of a fresh ginger, honey, and lemon concoction, appreciated for its freshness and preparation.
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7
Maru Bhajiya
Called “austome” and superb, making it a clearly recommended snack or appetizer from the reviews.
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8
Mocktails
Included in the list of very friendly staff, great coffee, mocktails, and food, indicating they were a well-liked drink choice.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 AM to 6 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM to 6 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM to 6 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM to 6 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM to 6 PM |
| Saturday | 7:30 AM to 6 PM |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM to 6 PM |
About Ol Mesera Restaurant
Ol Mesera Restaurant is an East African and African restaurant in Karatu, Tanzania, also listed as an event venue. Reviewers consistently praise its Tanzanian food, fresh ingredients, friendly and sociable staff, and the way it puts a twist on traditional local dishes. It is known for lunch and dinner, with a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere that appeals to groups and solo diners. The restaurant also offers cocktails, coffee, dessert, and a wine list, and it is often recommended by travelers on the northern safari circuit near Ngorongoro.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Drive-through
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked
What is Ol Mesera Restaurant known for?
Ol Mesera Restaurant is best known for Tanzanian food with a modern twist, especially dishes like nyama choma, kuku mshikaki, and ugali fries. Reviewers also mention fresh ingredients, short service waits, and a menu that works well for travelers passing through Karatu on the way to Ngorongoro and the northern safari circuit.
What dishes are most recommended at Ol Mesera Restaurant?
Reviewers repeatedly highlight nyama choma, kuku mshikaki, and the tapas-style small plates that let you sample several dishes in one visit. Pizza also gets positive mentions, along with items like maru bhajiya and the restaurant’s sauces and local-ingredient interpretations.
What is the atmosphere like at Ol Mesera Restaurant?
The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, with a unique dining space that includes a baobab tree in the middle. It suits groups who want to share small plates, as well as solo diners and tourists looking for a relaxed stop in Karatu.
Is Ol Mesera Restaurant good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is TZS 30–80K, which matches a sit-down meal with drinks, cocktails, and dessert rather than a cheap takeaway stop. Reviewers say the food, service, and atmosphere make it worth the cost, especially for travelers who want a reliable meal near Ngorongoro and the safari route.
How is the service and wait time at Ol Mesera Restaurant?
Service is often described as friendly, attentive, and well trained, with several reviews calling out sociable staff and outstanding hospitality. One review specifically notes that the wait time for service is short, making it a practical stop for lunch or dinner when traveling through Karatu.
Is parking available at Ol Mesera Restaurant?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is Ol Mesera Restaurant kid-friendly?
Yes, Ol Mesera Restaurant is good for kids.
