Developed in the 1950s, Rhodes Park boasts a rich history as one of Lusaka’s oldest suburbs.

Seeing the lively neighbourhood teeming with a variety of business and leisure activities today, it is difficult to imagine that this was once a large fenced camp that housed Polish refugees who had fled from German and Russian Armies by escaping through the Middle East after World War II.

Rhodes Park was named after British Imperialist, Cecil Rhodes, and is conveniently located in the heart of Lusaka with access to any place in the City within twenty minutes by car.

The neighbourhood is imbued with cultural diversity, as is evident in its impressive variety of eateries - each with its own special menu inspired by local and international cuisines alike. The cultural richness of Rhodes Park is complemented by the Lechwe art gallery and Alymer May Cemetery

The neighbourhood is known for its quiet, tree-lined streets and large, spacious homes. It is primarily a residential area, with a mix of expatriates and affluent Zambians living in the area. Many of the homes in Rhodespark have large gardens and swimming pools, making it a popular neighbourhood for families. It is also a desirable neighbourhood for commercial properties because of its central location.

Rhodespark is conveniently located near several amenities, including shopping centres, restaurants, and private schools. The Arcades Shopping Center, Manda Hill Mall, and East Park Mall some of the largest shopping centres in Lusaka, are located just a short drive away.

The neighbourhood is relatively safe, and security is provided by private guards and neighbourhood watch groups. However, visitors are advised to take basic safety precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight.

Overall, Rhodespark is a desirable neighbourhood in Lusaka, offering a high standard of living and easy access to amenities and services.

Rhodes Park Lusaka: Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore in One of Lusaka's Best Neighborhoods

You know that neighborhood where everything just works? Where you can grab amazing coffee, wander through an art gallery, eat your way through three continents, and stumble upon a historic chapel – all before lunch? That's Rhodes Park, Lusaka.

Tucked between the Great East Road, Church Road, and Addis Ababa Drive, this leafy suburb is what happens when heritage meets Lusaka's best food scene. And honestly? It's where locals go when they want to treat themselves. Whether you're looking for the best restaurants in Rhodes Park or exploring Lusaka attractions off the beaten path, this neighborhood delivers.

Best restaurants and cafes in RhodesPark lusaka

Three Trees Cafe - Healthy Eating in Rhodes Park 2 Nkanchibaya Road, Rhodes Park, Lusaka +260 978 728652 @3treescafezm

The food here is so good you'll keep going back. This bistro-style cafe in Rhodes Park offers healthy breakfast and lunch options wrapped in greenery with a kids' play area. Open 7:30am to 5pm daily. The vibe is "healthy but make it delicious."

Spacious enough for work meetings but cozy enough for solo treats. Added bonus: it's quiet, which is gold in Lusaka.

Meraki Cafe - Best Coffee in Lusaka 26 Chaholi Road, Rhodes Park (also at Centro Mall & Eastpark) +260 978 063799 @merakicentrolimited

"Taste the Joy in every bite" – and they mean it. Meraki does cakes, catering, and cafe food across multiple Lusaka locations. Their coffee rivals Starbucks (locals actually say this).

The outdoor seating at their Rhodes Park location is surrounded by greenery, perfect for lazy Sundays. Yes, service can be slow when they're busy – bring a friend and settle in. Just... maybe don't go when you're in a rush.

Mpoto Yathu - Authentic Zambian Cuisine in Lusaka 21 Omelo Mumba Road, Rhodes Park, Lusaka +260 77 6466545 Opens noon daily | Fridays are THE day

Listen. If you want authentic Zambian food in Lusaka – the real deal – this is your spot. "Mpoto Yathu" means "Our Pot," and it's run by a mother-daughter duo who've made traditional matebeto feasts cool again.

We're talking cassava nshima, millet nshima, grilled bream, village chicken, beef oxtail, ifisashi (pumpkin leaves with groundnuts)... and if you're feeling adventurous? Deep-fried caterpillars. Don't knock it till you try it.

Indoor and outdoor seating. Live music on Fridays. And the portions? Generous doesn't even cover it. Pro tip: arrive before noon on weekends or you'll be waiting for a table. Everyone knows about this place.

Onoma - Best Greek Restaurant in Lusaka 23 Lagos Road, Rhodes Park, Lusaka +260 960 360328 @onoma.lsk Tuesday-Sunday 11am-11pm

Close your eyes. Now imagine you're on a Greek island. Open them – you're in Lusaka, but Onoma has you convinced otherwise.

Mediterranean-inspired decor, an open kitchen with a wood-burning hearth, rustic island vibes, and that golden Greek light (somehow). The food? Authentic Greek cuisine made with local Zambian ingredients.

Order the mezze set menu. Large portions, incredible flavors, and the vibe is "as if you're at Santorini" (actual review). Weekend nights bring live bands, DJs, and table-side mixology. It's energetic, it's delicious, it's date-night perfection.

Eataly Restaurant & Pizzeria - Best Italian Restaurant in Rhodes Park Lusaka Medland Road, Rhodes Park (also Makeni Mall & Crossroads) +260 973 871985 @eataly_zambia Daily 10am-10pm (9pm Sundays)

Finally – proper Neapolitan pizza in Lusaka! Wood-fired, thin-crusted, the real deal. This is currently (and I quote) "the best pizza place in Lusaka without a doubt."

The garden terrace at their Rhodes Park location is lovely, there's a fish pond for the kids, and the decor recently got a beautiful facelift. Weekday lunch specials make it affordable. Just know that parking is tight when they're busy. It's worth circling the block.

The Garden Cafe & Buddha Bar - Restaurant with Garden Seating in Lusaka Rhodes Park, Lusaka

One person called it "literally a garden and it's beautiful and peaceful" and honestly, that's exactly it. This Rhodes Park restaurant wraps you in green and feeds you well.

Great for families in Lusaka, the service is friendly, and the mixologist knows what they're doing. It's the kind of place you go for a lazy lunch and accidentally stay for three hours because you're too comfortable to leave.

Rhodes Park Cafe - Best Quiz Night in Lusaka 8 Lunzua Road, Rhodes Park, Lusaka +260 211 253539 @rhodesparkcafe Monday-Friday 7am-3pm (weekend closed)

They apparently have "the world's best barista" (their words, but people agree). Fresh sandwiches, healthy salads, excellent coffee, and beautiful local artwork for sale on the walls.

Outdoor seating, peaceful vibes, perfect for a quick breakfast or lunch in Lusaka that doesn't feel rushed. And here's the thing – they host the most popular quiz night in Lusaka. Just plan accordingly – they're closed on weekends.

Things to do in Rhodespark Lusaka: arts and culture

Lechwe Trust Art Gallery - Best Art Gallery in Lusaka The Gallery Office Park, Plot 4015, Lagos Road, Rhodes Park, Lusaka Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm Free entry

This is one of the most important art spaces in Zambia, full stop. Over 420 artworks – paintings, prints, ceramics, sculptures – from the 1970s to now. It's Zambia's visual arts history in one building.

Founded in 1986 by Cynthia Zukas MBE (legend), ceramist Bente Lorenz, and the iconic Henry Tayali. They've been supporting Zambian artists for decades – scholarships, exhibitions, the works. The rotating shows are always thoughtful. Recent highlights: "50 Years of Zambian Sculpture" and the bi-annual Emerging Artist Award.

And it's free. So really, there's no excuse not to visit this Lusaka art gallery.

St. Ignatius Catholic Church - Historic Church in Lusaka Plot 5 Beit Road, Rhodes Park, Lusaka +260 975 469984 stignatiuschurch.org.zm

Built in 1937, this Jesuit-run church is one of Lusaka's originals and a must-see for those interested in Lusaka's religious history. Beautiful stained glass, gorgeous architecture, and a choir that people genuinely rave about ("the best I have heard" is a common refrain).

The late President Michael Sata worshipped here. Mass times are super flexible: Saturday 5:30pm; Sunday at 7am, 8:15am (vernacular), 10am, 11:30am, and 5pm. Weekday masses at 6:30am and 5pm. Even if you're not religious, the building itself is worth seeing – it's peaceful, beautiful, and a little slice of Lusaka history.

Aylmer May Cemetery & Murray Memorial Chapel - Historical Site in Lusaka Lagos Road, Rhodes Park, Lusaka Tuesday-Sunday 7am-5pm (Closed Mondays) National Heritage Site

Okay, hear me out – this Lusaka cemetery is actually fascinating. Opened in 1922, named after Zambia's first Chief Medical Officer, and filled with over 1,000 graves that tell the story of early Lusaka.

The Murray Memorial Chapel is the star – built in 1927 by Captain Thomas Henderson Murray for his wife Audrey, who died at 25 just three months after arriving in Northern Rhodesia. It's heartbreaking and beautiful. Red brick, red-tiled roof, iron cross on top.

The Aylmer May Cemetery Restoration Trust keeps it maintained, and it's genuinely peaceful. Great for quiet reflection, understanding Lusaka's colonial history, or just walking somewhere green and contemplative.

Getting to Rhodes Park Lusaka: Rhodes Park is centrally located in Lusaka – about 20 minutes from anywhere in the city. Close to Arcades Shopping Centre, Manda Hill Mall, and East Park Mall. Easy to access from Great East Road.