I arrived a bit too early at Arena – according to my friends, it’s currently the best nightlife spot in Bujumbura. Things don’t really get going until around 11 p.m. You can play pool, watch sports, grab a drink, or have dinner. On Sundays, they have live music starting at 10 p.m.
Overview
Located in the heart of Bujumbura, Burundi, Arena Restaurant Lounge Bar offers an experience that combines the vibrancy of local culture with the sophisticated ambiance of a lounge setting. Situated at 6, Avenue de la R.D. Congo, the restaurant is easily accessible for both locals and visitors seeking a delightful culinary escape. Known for its cozy and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal, sip on a refreshing drink, or spend an evening out with friends or colleagues.
The menu at Arena Restaurant Lounge Bar is a blend of international and local flavors, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meat dish, a lighter salad, or an indulgent dessert, the options here won’t disappoint. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, ensuring that each meal is as delicious as it is authentic. From the famous Burundian fish dishes to Western favorites like grilled steaks and burgers, you’ll find a variety of choices to suit your taste.
One of the standout features of Arena Restaurant Lounge Bar is its versatile setting. Whether you're looking to have a casual meal with family, a business lunch, or a lively dinner with friends, the restaurant provides the perfect environment. The lounge area is especially popular for those who wish to enjoy a drink or two while listening to live music or relaxing after a long day. The bar is stocked with a wide range of beverages, from locally brewed beers to expertly crafted cocktails, ensuring that guests can unwind in style.
The ambiance is another key element that sets Arena Restaurant Lounge Bar apart. With its modern decor and ambient lighting, the venue strikes the perfect balance between a laid-back hangout spot and an upscale dining experience. The seating arrangements cater to different group sizes, making it ideal for intimate dinners, group celebrations, or casual gatherings. Whether you're enjoying the comfort of plush chairs or sitting at the bar for a more social experience, you’ll feel right at home.
When it comes to customer service, Arena Restaurant Lounge Bar doesn’t miss a beat. The staff are friendly, professional, and attentive, always going the extra mile to ensure that guests have a pleasant experience. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to recommend dishes makes the dining experience even more enjoyable. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular patron, you'll always feel welcomed.
If you're planning a visit, you'll be pleased to know that the restaurant is located in an area that offers easy access to local attractions and accommodations. For those staying in nearby hotels, Arena Restaurant Lounge Bar provides a convenient and memorable dining option. It’s also a great place to stop by if you're exploring the city, offering a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of Bujumbura.
For those looking for a restaurant with a bit of everything-great food, a lively atmosphere, and impeccable service-Arena Restaurant Lounge Bar is the place to be. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another delicious meal, it’s sure to be an experience you’ll want to repeat.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Great wine list ✓ Live music ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ All you can eat ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 191 reviews
Must go place for anyone visiting Bujumbura. Great shows, great food, great ambience
2023: Had a great meal, very good service. Food presentation is great. Food is very tasty, though on the high side price wise. I do feel like it is pretty fair for the quality. Do not use the menu photos to judge the food. It’s not the same. The chips soleil (fried slices of Courgette and Aubergine) appetizer was great, though better with salt added. Our children loved it! Looks nothing like the menu photos, but nothing does. The filet de boeuf maison was PERFECTLY cooked! One of the few places to perfectly cook steak in buja. The pepper cream sauce was good. Highly recommend the chicken Shawarma! And definitely order the side of hummus, though it would be nice if it came with a small bowl on the side. The French fries that came on the side were super crispy! Thin, smaller and perfectly cooked. So good. The Capitaine en Papillote was very tender and came on a bed of veggies inside. Not most favorite, but good. The 1/2 of a Chicken was not impressive size wise. The flavor was very good, but the amount of chicken was SO TINY for the price! But chicken is pricy in town. Our kids really liked it and of course had an extra order of the amazing fries, but the 1/4 of a chicken option would definitely not be enough for an adult, in my opinion. Everyone was very happy (always a miracle with kids) and we will definitely be returning. Might try the pizzas, looks like they have nice pizza ovens. Would go back just for the fries and shawarma only! I know it’s a bar and usually only used at night, but in the day light it looked rundown and the pool desperately needs a deep cleaning. It doesn’t match the quality and presentation of the food, which is excellent. Also, the pathways to the gym is in bad shape and there is junk by the entrance to the gym entrance. Not very inviting to new clients. 2021: Enjoyed dinner, good burger. The wraps were tasty and and beef brochette amazingly flavored, but order medium/medium rare for best in Buja. Pizza was average quality for Buja. Warning the photos are not of the actual product, which was a little disappointing. Fun atmosphere with a pool in the middle. The Mojito was super small and a little disappointing. The drink rum and coke was nice.
Has got to be one of the most upmarket places to eat and enjoy an evening out in Bujumbura. Was there during a special presentation of Burundian drums and dance (see vids). If you want to escape the daily hustle and bustle of Bujumbura in style. This is it.
One of the most beautiful place to visit if you are in Bujumbura, bit for night runners only. Nice and classy customer service. Thanks to Solange for making the evening worth it.
Very nice laid back pub and restaurants with friendly waiters. What surprised me is that the bar has a water feature like a shallow swimming pool smack in the middle and no one falls in. The Burundian night crowd is very disciplined they don't overindulge . Music is basically Afro beats like samba mapangala, the great Madilu, Sam Fan Thomas and some Burundian beats. This is a laid back place with a decent crowd. Pay a visit next time you are in the beautiful Bujumbura.
It's a great place to hang out; cool trending music of all genres. The giant screen there makes it more thrilling, especially for sports lovers. The ambience, seat arrangement, and visuals all make a statement. But, if you do not smoke or take Shisha, ask for a more convenient spot - the dedicated shisha bar here attracts lots of smokers who sit randomly around the place.