Arusha, Tanzania, May 20, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Following the successful 2nd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, which reinforced Africa’s commitment to making gastronomy tourism a key driver for social and economic development, TOP25 Restaurants International announces the launch of the 1st Pan-African Restaurant Guide.

The new guide builds on the achievements of the UN Tourism Forum, opened by His Excellency Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania, who called for greater visibility of Africa’s diverse food cultures, stronger regional branding, and enhanced collaboration with local producers to drive sustainable tourism and empower communities.

, a trusted name and, since 2018, publisher of acclaimed restaurant guides across Asia, . The restaurant guide list already over 250 restaurants in 18 African countries, from Morocco to Nigeria and Zambia. The publisher invites all African restaurants to submit their establishments online at no costs.

Bernard Metzger, Founder of TOP25 Restaurants International, described the expansion as a major milestone: “Since 2018, our platform uses advanced AI, enhanced by human expertise, not only to streamline user decision-making and connect diners, but also to promote gastronomy tourism as a catalyst for cultural exchange and economic development that strengthens regional cohesion. With the Pan-African Restaurant Guide, we are responding directly to the aspirations voiced by African government and industry leaders for greater culinary visibility and Pan-African collaboration.”

TOP25 Restaurants Africa goes beyond conventional ratings and rankings and explore gastronomy’s role as a catalyst for cultural exchange and economic development by highlighting the synergies between tourism and agriculture. The platform maximizes strategic communication and branding to promote African gastronomy and elevate destinations on the global stage by demonstrating the potential of local food systems to enrich visitor experiences and support sustainable development.

The guide features global gastronomy cities in Africa and around the world, as well as African recipes from Safari Cuisine along recipes from France, Italy, China and Thailand. In the acclaimed Chef’s Talk section, chefs share their background, experience and knowledge in culinary arts, tips and tricks on food preparation and how to select the best ingredients.

Recent Travelindex data highlights a rising demand for premium dining among African travelers, with over half opting for fine dining during cross-border journeys in 2024. During the 2024 festive season, 84% of African consumers researched restaurants online ahead of travel, underscoring the need for a trusted, continent-wide dining reference.

Restaurants in Africa can submit their listings to the TOP25 Restaurants Guide by visiting the official website for Africa at top25restaurants.com/africa. The site encourages restaurants to submit their details online for free nomination and publication in the guide. There are no fees associated with listing a restaurant in the TOP25 Restaurants Guide. Restaurants in Africa can submit their details and be published on the site for free. This makes it accessible for all restaurants on the continent to participate and gain visibility without any cost barriers.

African chefs benefit from the TOP25 Restaurants Guide through increased global visibility and prestige, as the guide serves as a trusted reference for the best dining experiences, helping chefs showcase their talents and local cuisines to a global audience, attract more diners, and gain recognition that can drive business growth and professional opportunities.

The launch of the Pan-African Restaurant Guide aligns with the UN Tourism Forum’s vision to position gastronomy as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism across Africa.

TOP25 Restaurants is the World’s First AI-Powered restaurant guide. It is the only independent, global rating system based on artificial intelligence enhanced by human expertise and discernment. This dynamic synergy not only ensures unparalleled accuracy but enriches the curation process with a depth of understanding and nuance unparalleled elsewhere. The annual TOP25 Restaurants Awards celebrates the most outstanding restaurants and showcases the ultimate collection of dining venues in each destination. TOP25 Restaurants is owned by Travelindex Group, a content-driven ecosystem for the travel and tourism sectors. The media group operates an open and free digital platform, connecting millions of travelers worldwide and providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers and tourists.

To submit a restaurant in Africa, go to:
www.top25world.com/restaurant-submission-form/