Dontmissmyplate reviewed it in Sep 2026
A relaxed outdoor spot for traditional Zimbabwean food eaten by hand, with live music at weekends. A good introduction and good for feeding a group, though she notes there are more authentic places.
Read the full review →Summaries are ours. Follow the links for each writer's full review.
What to Expect
Sadza with stew or grilled meat is the standing order at Gavas, inside Belgravia Sports Club, and reviewers keep coming back for the portions. Penelope (October 2021) wrote “Amazing generous food portions we even left with leftovers” after trying the Mutongi Gava platter, and Lara (March 2026) praised “the best fried potatoes I’ve had in a long time” alongside the traditional sides.
Staff get thanked by name across visits. Dicil (June 2026) gave “a special thank you to Shantel, who provided exceptional service throughout our visit”, and other reviewers name Shylet, Millicent and Tinashe for similar attentiveness. Sunday lunches bring a live band, and diners generally report short waits even then.
Weekends get busy enough to test the room. Pavel found it “Way too loud” and overcrowded in a 2025 visit, though staff stayed “very friendly and helpful” despite a packed Friday. Gavas is open daily from 11:30 to 22:00.
Quotes are from Google reviews, credited by first name and month.
The Menu
Menu photos
Prices change, so confirm when you order.
What Diners Say
from 2,679 Google reviews
★★★★★
Amazing generous food portions we even left with leftovers..a beautiful african cuisine experience had "Mutongi Gava" plate with assorted meats and chips.. My 3 mothers enjoyed their meals too and our waiter Tinashe was exceptionally friendly !!
★★★★★
“We had a wonderful dining experience at Gava’s Restaurant. The food was delicious, well-prepared, and full of authentic Zimbabwean flavor. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with family or friends.
★★★★☆
Spacious outdoor seating with a warm vibe, generous portions of traditional Zimbabwean food- including the best fried potatoes I’ve had in a long time- and attentive and prompt service from Millicent.
★★★★★
One of the best places to eat in Harare, hands down✨. The food here is really good, and true to the various traditional dishes one would expect to eat when in Zimbabwe.
★★★★☆
Way too loud, food was ok, but could be more fresh, but no surprise due to the volume of customers. Overcrowded even is such a huge venue. Staff very friendly and helpful, but could be more of them as the Friday was extremely busy. Overall ok experience, nothing wrong.
