Top 5 Places to Eat in Mombasa

Written by Andreas Keller, Harry Mboya
09/08/2025
Relax at a tropical beachfront paradise in Mombasa, Kenya.
Ben Iwara, Pexels

Mombasa offers a diverse culinary landscape, blending fresh coastal flavors with influences from its rich trading history, ensuring dining experiences for every preference and budget.

1. Tamarind Restaurant & Dhow

Cuisine: Seafood, International, African, French, Asian

Perched on a cliff overlooking the picturesque Tudor Creek, Tamarind Restaurant provides an elegant waterfront setting with Moorish-style architecture and panoramic ocean views, ideal for a refined dining experience. Guests can also opt for the unique Tamarind Dhow cruise, sailing leisurely along the creek past Fort Jesus while enjoying a four-course seafood or non-seafood dinner with live entertainment. Signature dishes include Prawns Peri Peri, Tamarind Fish Masala, and a variety of grilled seafood platters. A pre-dinner 'dawa' cocktail is a popular choice to begin the evening. The ambiance is romantic and sophisticated, making it perfect for special occasions. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the popular dhow cruise.

Price: Restaurant: KSh 6,000 - 10,000 (approx. $44 - $74) for two. Dhow Dinner Cruise: KSh 8,250 (approx. $61) per person.

Getting There: Located in Nyali, the restaurant is a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride from Mombasa city center, typically costing KSh 150-500 depending on negotiation and traffic. For the dhow cruise, embarkation is directly from the jetty below the restaurant.

2. Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant

Cuisine: International, Seafood, Traditional

Nestled within an ancient coral cave dating back over 120,000 years, this restaurant offers an incredibly unique and romantic underground dining experience, lit by warm candlelight under an open-to-the-sky ceiling. The menu features fresh catches of the day, including an extensive seafood platter that serves two people, as well as succulent options like Moroccan chicken and dry-aged beef fillet. The atmosphere is intimate and serene, making it an exceptional choice for couples or special celebrations. A smart casual dress code is observed, and children under 6 are not permitted for dinner. It operates on two sittings.

Price: KSh 3,500 - 9,500 (approx. $26 - $70) per person for dinner (excluding drinks); Seafood platter for two around KSh 6,750 (approx. $50). A minimum order of two courses with a mandatory main course applies.

Getting There: Situated in Diani Beach, south of Mombasa, it is not within the city itself. The restaurant provides complimentary pick-up and drop-off services from hotels along Diani Beach. Reaching Diani from Mombasa typically involves a taxi (which can be costly, KSh 2,500-4,000+ depending on negotiation and distance) or a short flight to Ukunda Airstrip followed by a local transfer.

3. Char-Choma Restaurant

Cuisine: African, International (Grilled Meats)

Char-Choma provides a vibrant, family-friendly beachfront dining experience with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Known for its 'choma' (grilled meats), the restaurant offers a wide selection of flame-grilled pork ribs, chicken, and other African and international dishes. The open-air seating allows for a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal by the sea. They also serve seafood, burgers, and hand-cut fries. It can get lively on weekends with music, making it suitable for both casual lunches and dynamic dinners.

Price: Meals start from KSh 1,000 (approx. $7.50) per person, with an average budget around KSh 2,000 (approx. $15) per person.

Getting There: Located off Malindi Road in the Bamburi Beach area, Char-Choma is accessible by taxi or tuk-tuk from central Mombasa or Nyali. A tuk-tuk might cost KSh 200-400 from Nyali, while a taxi would be higher.

4. Forodhani Restaurant

Cuisine: Authentic Swahili, Seafood, Indian

Found within Mombasa's historic Old Town, Forodhani Restaurant offers an authentic culinary journey with its traditional Swahili dishes and fresh seafood. The restaurant boasts a prime location overlooking Mombasa harbor and the Indian Ocean, providing a quiet, breezy setting with terraced seating. It is especially charming in the evenings, with a vibrant atmosphere near the picturesque Forodhani Gardens. Must-try items include local fish in coconut sauce, mutton pilau, and traditional biryani.

Price: Very reasonable prices; a budget-friendly option for authentic local cuisine.

Getting There: Situated in Old Town, Forodhani is just a five-minute walk from Fort Jesus. The narrow streets of Old Town are best explored on foot, though taxis or tuk-tuks can drop visitors nearby.

5. Cafesserie

Cuisine: French, Italian, European

Cafesserie is a popular and relaxed European-style eatery located within City Mall, serving as a central meeting point for both locals and international visitors. It is well-regarded for its freshly baked breads, pastries, and expertly roasted coffee. The menu offers a variety of European-inspired dishes, including delicious burgers and eggs Benedict, making it a versatile spot for breakfast, lunch, or casual dinners. Its cozy ambiance is ideal for unwinding with friends or family.

Price: Mid-range, approximately KSh 2,000 (approx. $15) for two people for a meal, or KSh 2,500 (approx. $18.50) including drinks.

Getting There: Located inside City Mall in Nyali. It is easily accessible by taxi or tuk-tuk from hotels in Nyali or central Mombasa, with fares typically ranging from KSh 150-500 depending on starting point and vehicle type.

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