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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sails Beach Bar and Restaurant
Located on the beachfront within Almanara Villas, this breathtaking piece of architecture is both stunning and unique. The sweeping sails and curving beams create an ambience unparalleled on the east coast of Africa. The Sails Beach Bar and Restaurant is a popular seaside destination and offers a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere where guests can enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and stunning ocean views. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of culinary delights, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, salads, sandwiches, and more. Diners can savour their meals while feeling the gentle sea breeze and soaking in the breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean. It’s also known for its vibrant and welcoming ambience, making it the perfect spot for casual gatherings, sunset drinks, or romantic dinners by the beach.
Ali Barbour’s Cave
Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant provides a magical dining experience in Diani. Set within a natural coral cave, the restaurant offers guests a one-of-a-kind ambience that blends nature with culinary excellence. The cave itself creates an intimate and atmospheric setting, with soft lighting illuminating the ancient rock formations and creating a sense of enchantment.
Boho Eatery
Boho Eatery is well known for healthy living and clean eating, inspired by the bohemian lifestyle, combining elements of creativity, freedom, and self-expression. The restaurant aims to create a welcoming space where guests can relax, socialise, and enjoy delicious food in a laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant is particularly passionate about sustainability and they have created their menu with this in mind. The dishes are designed to celebrate ingredients and find new and creative ways to make things taste and even look better. Other than the restaurant, Boho also has its very own food market and it regularly hosts events.
Bush Dining in Mara
There’s regular dining and then there’s bush dining -Eating in the wild, surrounded by nature. A must-do for all travellers!