Blue Marlin
Nestled along the picturesque coastline, the Blue Marlin offers guests a memorable culinary experience paired with stunning ocean views. Specialising in seafood cuisine, Blue Marlin serves an array of freshly caught dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. From succulent grilled fish to flavorful seafood pasta, the menu caters to seafood lovers and discerning palates alike. Additionally, the restaurant offers a selection of non-seafood options, including grilled meats, salads, and vegetarian dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The restaurant is inviting and relaxed, with an open-air layout that allows diners to enjoy the gentle sea breeze and panoramic vistas of the Indian Ocean. Whether you’re dining for lunch, dinner, or sunset cocktails, Blue Marlin provides a tranquil setting to unwind and savour delicious food in the company of friends and family. With its combination of delectable cuisine, scenic location, and warm hospitality, Blue Marlin Restaurant is a favourite dining destination for both locals and visitors.
The Salty Squid
The Salty Squid is a charming beachfront restaurant known for its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, it offers guests the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy delicious food while soaking in breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of seafood delicacies, including freshly caught fish, prawns, calamari, and lobster, prepared with local flavours and spices to tantalise your taste buds. Additionally, there are options for those who prefer meat or vegetarian dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The Salty Squid’s beachfront location allows guests to dine with their toes in the sand, creating a truly memorable and immersive dining experience. Whether enjoying a romantic dinner for two, a family gathering, or simply catching up with friends over drinks, The Salty Squid provides the perfect ambience for any occasion.
Fine Dining
Fine dining in Mombasa offers a refreshing journey through a fusion of flavours, drawing inspiration from diverse culinary traditions and fresh local ingredients. From elegant seafood restaurants overlooking the Indian Ocean to sophisticated eateries showcasing international cuisine, Mombasa’s dining scene caters to discerning palates. Visitors can indulge in gourmet dishes crafted with precision and creativity, accompanied by impeccable service and exquisite ambience. Whether savouring succulent grilled seafood, aromatic Swahili delicacies, or innovative fusion cuisine, each dining experience promises to be a feast for the senses. Many fine dining establishments in Mombasa such as Tamarind also offer carefully curated wine lists, featuring selections from around the world to complement the flavours of each dish.
Street Food
Mombasa is a paradise for street food enthusiasts, with its bustling markets and vibrant street corners offering a diverse array of flavours and culinary delights. One popular destination for street food is the Old Town area, where visitors can sample Swahili specialities such as mahamri (sweet fried bread), viazi karai (spicy fried potatoes), and mishkaki (grilled meat skewers). Another must-visit spot is Mama Ngina Drive, a waterfront promenade lined with food stalls serving fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local snacks like cassava crisps and bhajias (spiced potato fritters). For those seeking a taste of East African cuisine, the Mwembe Tayari area is famous for its chapati (flatbread), samosas, and nyama choma (grilled meat). Whether you’re exploring the city’s markets or strolling along its bustling streets, Mombasa’s street food restaurants promise a flavorful and authentic culinary experience that reflects the vibrant culture of the region.
Indian BBQ
In Mombasa, Indian BBQ restaurants offer a fusion of aromatic spices and grilled flavours, creating a tantalising dining experience. One popular destination is Shaam E Bahaar, renowned for its BBQ stations serving succulent kebabs and tandoori specialities. Another favourite is Bollywood Bites, where diners can indulge in a variety of vegetarian dishes infused with Indian spices and flavours. These restaurants often feature an extensive menu showcasing a range of meats, seafood, and vegetarian options, all cooked to perfection on open flames or traditional tandoor ovens. With their vibrant ambience and flavorful dishes, Indian BBQ restaurants in Mombasa provide a delightful culinary journey for those craving the rich and diverse flavours of Indian cuisine.
Swahili Dishes
Swahili restaurants in Mombasa offer a delightful culinary journey through the rich and diverse flavours of coastal East Africa. One popular spot is Jahazi Coffee House, known for its authentic Swahili dishes such as biryani, and pilau, and seafood specialties like grilled fish and coconut-infused curries. For a taste of traditional Swahili cuisine in a vibrant setting, diners can visit Nawal Centre, where they can enjoy classic dishes like mahamri (sweet fried bread), viazi karai (spicy fried potatoes), and mishkaki (grilled meat skewers). These restaurants use fresh ingredients and spices to create dishes that reflect the region’s cultural heritage and culinary traditions. With their warm hospitality and flavorful offerings, Swahili restaurants in Mombasa provide an immersive dining experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of flavours found along the Swahili Coast.
The Alchemist
One of the most popular nightlife spots in Nairobi is The Alchemist, located in Westlands. It’s popular for its eclectic and vibrant atmosphere, offering a unique blend of entertainment, dining, art, and culture. The venue aims to provide a creative space where people can come together to socialise, relax, and enjoy a diverse range of experiences. They host multiple events, performances, and activities throughout the week, catering to different tastes and interests. These include live music concerts, DJ sets, comedy shows, spoken word performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural festivals. The club includes multiple food spots including the popular Mama Rocks, as well as multiple bars, ensuring that whatever side you’re on, a drink is never too far away.
Geco Cafe
Geco Cafe has quickly become one of the most popular night spots in Nairobi, specifically live music, bar bites and great drinks. The cafe hosts some of the best artists in Nairobi and is the perfect pick for people who want to listen to music and carry on a conversation without too much work. Almost every day at Geco Cafe is scheduled for a themed night such as Jazz Fridays and Urbane Tuesdays. They also host multiple events such as album launches and their decor provides the ideal vibes for all ages. Geco Cafe aims to create a space for artists regardless of their background, the only shared love needed is the love of music.
Blankets & Wine
Blankets and Wine is one of the most popular music and arts festivals in Nairobi. It is an outdoor festival that celebrates music, art, fashion, and culture. The event aims to provide a platform for both local and international artists to showcase their talent while offering attendees a unique and immersive cultural experience. The festival is usually hosted in popular outdoor venues such as parks, gardens, or open-air spaces that can accommodate large crowds and provide a scenic backdrop for the festival. The festival features a diverse lineup of musical performances spanning various genres, including afro-pop, reggae, soul, jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music. Attendees can expect to enjoy live performances by both established and up-and-coming artists, as well as DJ sets and collaborative jam sessions. Tickets to Blankets and Wine events in Nairobi can be purchased online or at designated ticket outlets leading up to the festival date. The event is open to people of all ages, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, picnic baskets, and chairs to relax and enjoy the festivities in comfort.
Nairobi Jazz Festival
Kenya is home to some of the best jazz minds and musicians out here and The Nairobi International Jazz Festival hosts the best of the best yearly. Started by the late Bob Collymore, The Nairobi Jazz Festival is one of the big musical events of the year, bringing in the love of music, dancing and food all in one place. The festival is aimed toward raising funds for the Bob Collymore Foundation and other charities, depending on the year.