The cost of dining out in restaurants plays a significant role in shaping social and economic dynamics in many African cities. For many people, eating out is a luxury rather than a regular option, especially when restaurant prices are high.
In several African cities, dining out is less accessible for low-income earners, students, and busy professionals due to the high cost of restaurant meals. This limits their ability to enjoy quick and affordable meals. When restaurant prices are excessively high, people tend to eat out less, which reduces demand for restaurant services and affects the local economy, particularly the hospitality industry.
Moreover, when dining experiences are financially out of reach for many, public spaces meant for community interaction become less inclusive, making it harder for people from different social and economic backgrounds to connect.
High restaurant prices also discourage food entrepreneurs from trying new ideas. Instead of fostering a vibrant culinary scene with a mix of traditional African foods, street food, and international cuisines, high costs lead to a market dominated by expensive dining options.
Based on data from Numbeo, here are the major African cities where eating out is particularly expensive:
Top 5 African cities where eating out is expensive:
- Harare, Zimbabwe – Restaurant index: 37.2 (Global rank: 208th)
- Johannesburg, South Africa – Restaurant index: 34.4 (Global rank: 222nd)
- Cape Town, South Africa – Restaurant index: 31.7 (Global rank: 230th)
- Accra, Ghana – Restaurant index: 31.2 (Global rank: 231st)
- Pretoria, South Africa – Restaurant index: 28.4 (Global rank: 251st)