Gaborone has a reasonable range of restaurants for an African capital. The hotel restaurants remain the safest bet for consistent quality — the Bull and Bush near the Gaborone Dam is the most established spot, known for steaks and a pleasant outdoor setting. Along the Main Mall and in the Riverwalk and Game City shopping centres, you'll find a mix of local and international options including South African chains, Indian restaurants, and fast food.
Botswana beef is among the best in Africa — the country's cattle industry is the pride of the economy, and a good steak here should be on your agenda. Look for restaurants serving seswaa (slow-cooked beef or goat pounded with a wooden stick) which is the national dish, often served with pap (maize porridge) and morogo (wild spinach).
For cheaper local food, the area around the bus station and the older parts of town has small restaurants and food stalls serving simple Tswana food at low prices.