Categories: Venues

Zama Restaurant & Prohibition Bar: A Taste of Mozambique in Cape Town

Zama Restaurant & Prohibition Bar is a popular destination in Cape Town, offering a unique atmosphere and delicious food inspired by Mozambique.

Vibrant Decor and Warm Atmosphere

You’ll be transported to a different world when you step inside Zama. The vibrant decor, inspired by Mozambique, features woven lights and umbrellas in bright blues, reds, and yellows hanging from the ceiling. The two-story building is bright and airy, with plenty of seating options upstairs and downstairs.

The Prohibition Bar

A standout feature of Zama is its prohibition bar. Tucked away in the restaurant’s corner, it offers a different feel to the rest of the space. The dim lighting and stone walls create an underground speakeasy atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic date. The extensive cocktail list, featuring classic and signature cocktails with a Mozambican twist, is a highlight.

Inspired Menu

Mozambique inspires the Zama menu and features various grills, seafood, and spice. One must-try dish is the classic chicken prego roll, a traditional Mozambican sandwich filled with juicy chicken and a spicy sauce. Seafood lovers will enjoy the prawn rissoles, half-moon breaded pastries stuffed with spicy prawns. Another crowd-pleaser is the oven-roasted and brandy-flambéd chorizo.

Lunch Specials

Zama also offers lunch specials from 12 pm to 4 pm on Monday to Friday. Guests can order a prego chicken or beef roll, beer-battered hake, or fresh kingklip and receive complimentary wine or 330ml beer. It’s an excellent option for a quick lunch break or catching up with friends during the week.

Friendly Staff and Welcoming Atmosphere

The staff at Zama pride themselves on providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all guests. They are always happy to help you choose the perfect dish or cocktail.

A Must-Visit Destination

In conclusion, Zama Restaurant & Prohibition Bar is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to taste Mozambique in the heart of Cape Town. The vibrant decor, delicious food, and extensive cocktail list make it a unique and enjoyable experience. So why take a trip to Shortmarket St and immerse yourself in Mozambique’s rich culture and traditions?

Thabo Sebata

Thabo Sebata is a Cape Town-based journalist who covers the intersection of politics and daily life in South Africa's legislative capital, bringing grassroots perspectives to parliamentary reporting from his upbringing in Gugulethu. When not tracking policy shifts or community responses, he finds inspiration hiking Table Mountain's trails and documenting the city's evolving food scene in Khayelitsha and Bo-Kaap. His work has appeared in leading South African publications, where his distinctive voice captures the complexities of a nation rebuilding itself.