Top 5 Places to Eat in Diani Beach

Written by Andreas Keller, Harry Mboya
09/08/2025
A tranquil sunset at Diani Beach, Kenya, with a bird silhouetted against the orange sky.
Oscar Esibi, Pexels

Diani Beach offers a diverse culinary scene, presenting options from unique fine dining experiences to relaxed beachfront casual eats, with a strong focus on fresh seafood.

1. Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant

Cuisine: International, Seafood

Nestled within an ancient coral cave, this restaurant provides a truly enchanting and romantic atmosphere with candlelit tables and an open ceiling revealing the night sky. One experiences a menu focused on fresh seafood and expertly grilled meats. Booking ahead is highly recommended for this unique experience.

Price: Estimated cost per person: KES 4,000 - 8,000+ (approx. USD 30 - 60+)

Getting There: Located inland from Diani Beach Road. A taxi or tuk-tuk is advisable from most accommodations in Diani.

2. Sails Beach Bar & Restaurant

Cuisine: Italian, Thai, Seafood

Set directly on the beach at Almanara Resort, Sails offers a serene and elegant dining experience under a sweeping white canopy with breathtaking ocean views. It is renowned for its fresh, locally sourced seafood, prepared with Italian and Thai influences, including items like lobster, prawns, tuna, and snapper. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity.

Price: Estimated cost per person: KES 3,500 - 7,000+ (approx. USD 25 - 50+)

Getting There: Situated within Almanara Luxury Villas. Access is typically by taxi or hotel transfer.

3. The Salty Squid Beach Bar & Restaurant

Cuisine: Modern European with global twists, Seafood

This lively and casual beachfront bar and restaurant is directly on Diani Beach, offering stunning Indian Ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for any time of day. One can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood, along with popular dishes like burgers and tacos, complemented by a selection of cocktails. It is ideal for a laid-back meal or sundowners.

Price: Estimated cost per person: KES 2,000 - 4,000 (approx. USD 15 - 30)

Getting There: Located directly on the beach, easily accessible by walking from many beachfront resorts or via a short tuk-tuk ride from Diani Beach Road.

4. Colobus Shade

Cuisine: African, Seafood

A true local gem, Colobus Shade offers an authentic and budget-friendly seafood experience in a super casual setting. It is known for its excellent value for money, with options like seafood platters featuring lobster, crab, prawns, and various fish fillets. It's a great spot to try fresh local catches without breaking the bank.

Price: Estimated cost per person: KES 1,000 - 2,000 (approx. USD 7 - 15)

Getting There: Found near Tequila Sunrise and the KFI store in Galu. Easily reachable by a short tuk-tuk ride from Diani Beach Road, or walking if staying nearby.

5. Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant

Cuisine: Fusion, Seafood, International

Perched on Diani's white sands, Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant offers a dynamic dining experience with picturesque ocean views. Its extensive menu includes a fusion of international dishes, fresh seafood, pizzas, and even sushi. The atmosphere is vibrant, often hosting events, and it also features 'Indulge,' a dedicated fine dining space with an impressive wine cellar.

Price: Estimated cost per person: KES 2,500 - 5,000 (approx. USD 20 - 40)

Getting There: Located directly on Diani Beach. It is accessible by taxi or tuk-tuk from various points along Diani Beach Road.

Check out our other pages on Diani Beach

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