As among the best locations to go to in Kenya, Malindi has loads to supply, together with museums, historic websites, pristine seashores, and well-known landmarks. Other than these sights, many eating places in Malindi present loads of selections for numerous tastes and events.
So, should you’re planning a visit to Malindi and are looking for eating suggestions, you’re in the best place. On this article, I’ll information you thru a culinary journey on this small city nestled alongside the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Malindi is residence to various native and worldwide cultures and due to this fact affords numerous cuisines. You’ll be able to look forward to finding modest joints serving genuine Swahili dishes and seaside bars promoting tasty grilled meats. Along with the native delicacies, you may take pleasure in Italian meals, recent seafood, and a collection of pure juices, wines, cocktails, and beers.
As an area who enjoys exploring totally different elements of my residence nation, I’ve all the time been drawn to Malindi due to its historical past, vacationer sights, and scrumptious meals. I’ve shared an inventory of the very best issues to see and do in this earlier weblog put up, and now I invite you to discover among the prime eating places in Malindi with me.
15 Finest Eating places in Malindi
Whether or not you wish to pattern totally different native dishes or feast on acquainted worldwide meals, beneath, are the very best locations to eat in Malindi.
The record relies on buyer opinions on platforms like Google and private analysis of meals high quality, location, ambiance, and repair degree. I’ve dined at quite a few eateries within the coronary heart of Malindi city and alongside its seashores, and I’ve chosen the best 15 venues utilizing these standards:
1. Rosada (Finest Restaurant in Malindi Total)
Kicking off this record of the very best eating places in Malindi is Rosada. This charming beachfront institution is a incredible spot for distinctive eating and a assured good time. It’s certainly one of my prime picks among the many seaside eating places in Malindi and alongside the Kenyan coast.
Rosada’s menu boasts a wide range of Italian dishes like pizza, spaghetti carbonara, and lasagna. You’ll additionally discover recent seafood together with prawns, fish fillet, and crabs, and attractive native selections like grilled rooster and beef with chips. To accompany your meal, they’ve a wide range of cocktails and wines.
Along with the scrumptious meals served, Rosada Seashore Bar and Restaurant affords snug sunbeds the place you may chill out whereas taking within the lovely views of the Indian Ocean. In addition they host energetic seaside events each Monday and Friday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. – an expertise I extremely suggest to everybody visiting Malindi.
Rosada Seashore Restaurant Data
Deal with: Q46F+FX Casuarina Rd, Malindi
Cellphone: +254 700 501 813
Working Hours: Each day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Should-Attempt Meals: Grilled rooster or fish, prawns, cocktails
Common Value: $8-$15 per principal, $4-$6 for desserts, $3-$8 for cocktails
Web site: @rosadabeachmalindi
2. Seafront (Finest for Swahili Dishes)
Seafront is among the greatest conventional eating places in Malindi. This native joint is legendary for its reasonably priced and delicious African breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes. It’s additionally conveniently situated close to vacationer sights in Malindi, such because the Portuguese Chapel and Vasco da Gama Pillar.
Their menu options Swahili dishes like samaki wa kupaka, pilau, biryani, and wali wa nazi. As well as, they serve numerous different Kenyan dishes, together with ugali, karanga, liver curry, and grilled rooster, with a aspect of native inexperienced greens. Seafood lovers may take pleasure in their collection of recent prawns and fried fish.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Should-Attempt Dishes in Kenya
Seafront Swahili Dishes Data
Deal with: Q4GG+WP Silversand Street, Malindi
Cellphone: +254 793 717 333
Working Hours: Each day from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Should-Attempt Meals: Biryani rooster, karanga (beef stew), beef fry with ugali
Common Value: $3-$10 per principal dish, $2-$3 for greens
Web site: @seafrontrestaurant
3. Bar Bar (Finest for Pub Meals in Malindi)
If you happen to’re looking for a spot in Malindi to take pleasure in an amazing meal, have some drinks, watch sports activities, and hearken to great music, Bar Bar is the place to be. Along with providing scrumptious meals and drinks, Bar Bar is well-known for its Tuesday night dwell music periods by numerous bands.
Their menu has a wide range of selections, together with principal dishes, sandwiches, salads, sizzling drinks, pastries, and desserts. In addition to their tasty meals, you may discover their wine record and bar menu that includes cocktails and beers. Make sure to attempt the Bar Bar blended grilled seafood, a tasty mixture of squid, fish fillet, prawns, and lobster.
Bar Bar Restaurant Data
Deal with: Q4V8+8J Sabaki Centre, Malindi
Cellphone: +254 743 898 575
Working Hours: Each day from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Should-Attempt Meals: Grilled beef fillet, blended grilled seafood, pork ribs
Common Value: $4-$7 per starter, $9-$22 per principal, $4 for desserts
Web site: barbarmalindi.com
4. Savana (Finest for Nice Eating in Malindi)
Savana by Sandies Tropical Village is the epitome of nice eating in Malindi. The restaurant affords a wealthy buffet that includes Kenyan dishes, Italian meals, and different worldwide delicacies. It’s additionally my most popular outside restaurant in Malindi, due to its beautiful ambiance, inexperienced backyard, swaying palm timber, and luxurious ocean views.
Aside from the inviting Savana, the beachfront resort options three bars that completely complement the restaurant’s scrumptious meals. After a satisfying meal of pizza, seafood, or grilled beef steak, you may proceed to benefit from the expertise with a collection of refreshing cocktails, freshly squeezed juices, and native beers at a bar of your selection.
Savana Restaurant by Sandies Tropical Village
Deal with: Q46G+V5 Casuarina Street, Malindi
Cellphone: +254 720 607 075
Working Hours: Breakfast (7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.), Lunch (1 p.m. to three p.m.), Dinner (8 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
Should-Attempt Meals: Grilled prawns, beef steak
Common Value: $2-$4 per starter, $9-$20 per principal, $3-$7 for desserts
Web site: sandies-resorts.com
5. Child Marrow (Finest for Italian Meals in Malindi)
Though you gained’t discover Michelin-star eating places in Malindi, the city has a number of eating places that rank extremely for meals high quality, concord of flavors, worth for cash, and nice service. One such restaurant is Child Marrow – an Italian pizzeria and restaurant situated alongside Silversands Street.
That is the most well-liked place for Italian meals favorites in Malindi resembling pizza, pasta, and risotto. In addition they serve native dishes like barbecued meat with ugali and mouthwatering samosas. Seafood lovers will discover recent choices resembling smoked sailfish, crab salad, tuna carpaccio, and grilled prawns.
Child Marrow Restaurant Malindi Data
Deal with: Q4GG+GH Silversand Street, Malindi
Cellphone: +254 700 766 704
Working Hours: Each day from midday to midnight
Should-Attempt Meals: Risotto with prawns, pizza, panzerotti, samosa
Common Value: $7-$12 per principal, $3-$6 for desserts
Web site: babymarrowrestaurant.com
6. T&T (One of many Finest Native Eating places in Malindi)
Conveniently situated alongside the Mombasa-Lamu Street, T&T Restaurant is understood for having the very best lunch in Malindi. This eatery has a spacious seating space and pleasant workers are all the time obtainable to serve you.
If you happen to occur to be exploring the vacationer sights in Malindi, cease by for among the most scrumptious meals on the town. They serve Swahili dishes like pilau, biryani, and different native delicacies resembling beef stew with chapati and greens. Their espresso and recent juices are additionally value making an attempt.
T&T Malindi Restaurant Data
Deal with: Q4G6+QM Malindi
Cellphone: +254 20 266 3322
Working Hours: Each day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Should-Attempt Meals: Biryani rooster, pilau beef, chips masala
Common Value: $3-$9 per principal, $3-$5 for espresso and juices
7. Billionaire Grill & Bar (Finest for Brunch)
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a restaurant in Malindi with a stupendous sea view, I extremely recommend testing the Billionaire Grill & Bar. Apart from its spectacular beachfront location, it affords a relaxed ambiance, quick service, and glorious meals.
The restaurant offers an out of doors eating expertise with a various menu that includes the best Italian and native dishes. Don’t miss their scrumptious pepper beef steak, which will be loved with both ugali or chips.
I ceaselessly go to Billionaire Resort, (the place the restaurant relies), in Malindi due to its proximity to Marine Park Seashore. From there, you may chill out on the pristine white sands, go swimming and snorkeling, or discover the coral gardens beneath the floor by scuba diving.
Billionaire Grill & Bar Data
Deal with: P4VJ+FJ Marine Street, Malindi
Cellphone: +254 705 437 307
Working Hours: Each day from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Should-Attempt Meals: Pepper steak beef fillet, grilled jumbo prawns, Caprese salad
Common Value: $6-$9 per starter, $16-$42 per principal, $7-$11 for desserts
Web site: billionaireresort.com
8. Pizza O (Finest Restaurant in Malindi with a View)
Beforehand named ‘Osteria’, Pizza O stays one of many prime eating places for nice Italian meals in Malindi. Its lovely view of the ocean, coupled with scrumptious Italian delicacies and some native dishes, has made it widespread for a very long time.
The menu consists of pizza, spaghetti, grilled prawns, calamari, and vegetarian choices. With lights hanging from timber, wonderful pool views, and a well-lit beachfront house, Pizza O is the right restaurant for a romantic night or special day.
Pizza O Restaurant Data
Deal with: Q43G+WJ Malindi
Cellphone: +254 711 480 046
Working Hours: Each day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Should-Attempt Meals: Hawaiian pizza, seafood platter, calamari in pili sauce
Common Value: $3-$5 per starter, $11-$29 per principal, $3-$7 for desserts
9. Che Shale (Finest for Lobster and Crab)
Che Shale, a small boutique resort within the northern a part of Malindi, is residence to the very best eating spot within the space. The restaurant affords al fresco eating with a direct view of the seaside and the Indian Ocean. For a singular and memorable eating expertise, you may request a desk to be arrange on the magnificent golden-sand seaside.
This beautiful setting lets you chill out with a cocktail or native beer earlier than sampling among the greatest seafood in Malindi. Their signature dishes embody lobster and soft-shell crab, ready to your style and enriched with recent spices resembling turmeric, ginger, and coriander.
Che Shale Restaurant Data
Deal with: W5PF+93 Lamu Street, Malindi
Cellphone: +254 722 230 931
Working Hours: Each day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Should-Attempt Meals: Lobster, soft-shell crab, Che Shale breakfast wrap
Common Value: $8-$17 per principal, $4-$6 for desserts
Web site: cheshale.com
10. Simba Dishes (Finest for Road Meals in Malindi)
If you happen to’re in Malindi and craving genuine coastal dishes, be sure to head over to Simba Dishes. This restaurant is widespread, particularly with locals and adventurous guests, due to its cleanliness, immediate providers, and beneficiant servings of native delicacies at nice costs.
Simba Dishes is certainly one of my favourite eating places for Swahili delicacies, like biryani rooster and pilau. In addition they provide a few of Malindi’s greatest road meals, together with mshikaki (beef skewers), barbecued rooster, and native pastries like mahamri and mandazi. Whereas right here, attempt the refreshing tamarind juice (ukwaju).
Simba Dishes Restaurant Data
Deal with: Q4M9+4F Malindi
Cellphone: +254 703 454 123
Working Hours: Mon-Fri (6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), Sat-Solar (7 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
Should-Attempt Meals: Pilau, biryani, barbecued rooster, mshikaki
Common Value: $3-$7 per principal
11. Mayungu (Finest for Contemporary Seafood)
Situated alongside a picturesque white sand seaside close to an area fishing village, Mayungu is among the greatest locations to eat in Malindi. The restaurant affords seafood grilled to perfection, recent fruit salads, fried rooster, kachumbari, and different delectable dishes.
Furthermore, it boasts an amazing beachfront location for having fun with sunny afternoons with a chilly beer or cocktail. Head right here for sundown and watch because the sky places on a present.
On my current go to right here, I took a seaside stroll and had the possibility to watch the supply of the recent seafood. I watched a number of fishermen coming back from the ocean of their canoes laden with the day’s catch. On the fish market, native patrons had been eagerly awaiting their arrival.
Mayungu Seashore Restaurant Data
Deal with: P448+54 Malindi
Cellphone: +254 738 124 538
Working Hours: Each day from 8 a.m. to five:30 p.m.
Should-Attempt Meals: Fried rooster with rice and veggies, fruit salad, grilled octopus
Common Value: $3-$7 per starter, $8-$19 per principal
Web site: flamingovillasresorts.com
12. Malaika Estro (Finest for Lunch)
Set in opposition to the backdrop of the gorgeous Mayungu Seashore, this restaurant affords a beautiful ambiance and hospitable workers. Their menu consists of a wide range of dishes based mostly on the season, complemented by a selection of recent juices, cocktails, and native beers.
This makes it a super vacation spot for lunch throughout your keep in Malindi. It additionally boasts a number of cabanas going through the huge ocean, the place you may chill out all through the day. Whereas right here, I like to recommend making an attempt their pizza, tagliolini with crab, or blended grilled seafood.
Malaika Estro Seashore Restaurant Data
Deal with: M4W3+JV Mayungu Street, Malindi
Cellphone: +254 796 035 766
Working Hours: Each day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Should-Attempt Meals: Combine grilled seafood, octopus salad, tagliolini with crab
Common Value: $4-$7 per starter, $9-$17 per principal, $3-6 for desserts
Web site: malaikabeachvillas.com
13. Coco Seashore (Finest for Seafood and Cocktails)
This restaurant on the northern fringe of Silversands Seashore offers a incredible eating expertise. It options an elevated deck that gives breathtaking views of the ocean. Choose to unwind on sunbeds or below seaside shades whereas having fun with a chilly beer.
Like many different beachside eateries in Malindi, Coco Seashore’s menu consists of recent seafood, Italian specialties, and a spread of native dishes. Throughout my final journey to Malindi, I went to this restaurant within the night to relish the soothing ocean breeze and revel in their scrumptious crumbed calamari rings with a aspect of chips.
Coco Seashore Restaurant Data
Deal with: Q4FH+9GJ, Malindi
Cellphone: +254 727 159 615
Working Hours: Each day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Should-Attempt Meals: Crumbed calamari rings, grilled seafood platter, pizza marinara
Common Value: $8-$15 per principal (pizzas, grilled meats, and seafood)
14. Olimpia Membership (Finest for Households)
If you happen to’re in Malindi and are on the lookout for reasonably priced eating choices, romantic venues, or family-friendly eating places, Olimpia Membership is the place to go. This seaside restaurant serves scrumptious meals in a serene setting with magical ocean views. Moreover, Olimpia Membership includes a youngsters’ playground and a swimming pool.
The restaurant affords a recent and attractive mixture of Italian delicacies, seafood, and different surprises. You’ll discover nice choices on the menu like pizza and pasta, fried fish with chips or ugali, prawns and lobsters, and grilled beef – all obtainable at budget-friendly costs.
Olimpia Membership Restaurant Data
Deal with: Q42F+RP9, Malindi
Cellphone: +254 113 248 801
Working Hours: Each day from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Should-Attempt Meals: Fried fish with chips, pizza, blended meat grill
Common Value: $6-$9 per starter, $8-$25 per principal, $3 for aspect dishes
15. Kilili Baharini (Finest for a Quiet Environment)
This restaurant on the Kilili Baharini Resort is one other great place for scrumptious meals in Malindi. It’s set in an open-air, Swahili-style constructing that includes an expertly thatched roof, lovely artwork items and artifacts, cozy couches, and rustic chairs. It additionally overlooks a clear swimming pool and a well-maintained backyard.
The menu is various, boasting native flavors, Italian delicacies, and vegetarian-friendly choices. Check out the buffet, which incorporates salads, blended seafood, grilled greens, meatballs, and recent tropical fruits. After dinner, you may proceed into the night, having fun with a collection of beers and cocktails at their bar.
Kilili Baharini Restaurant Data
Deal with: Q45G+P3 Malindi
Cellphone: +254 702 999 566
Working Hours: Each day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Should-Attempt Meals: Grilled lobster, potato gnocchi, banana ice cream
Common Value: $10-$25 per principal, $5-$8 for desserts
Web site: kililibaharini.com
Should-Attempt Meals in Malindi
Listed below are among the dishes it’s essential to attempt in Malindi, Kenya:
Grilled Seafood
Whereas strolling alongside Malindi’s lovely seashores, cease at one of many beachside eating places to take pleasure in grilled seafood. You’ll discover numerous choices of recent fish, lobsters, crabs, and octopus, usually accompanied by a aspect of chips.
Biryani and Pilau
Swahili rice dishes are a typical meal alongside the Kenyan coast. Amongst my favorites are biryani and pilau, that includes spiced rice cooked with rooster, beef, or mutton.
Native Snacks
For a extra genuine native culinary expertise, discover the standard Swahili breakfast. It options delectable pastries like samosa, mandazi, and mahamri, that are greatest loved with tea or espresso.
Chapati and Beans
This pleasant dish consists of stewed beans served alongside chapati. Some eating places would possibly add inexperienced greens resembling sukuma wiki (collard greens sautéed with onions and tomatoes).
Italian Pizza
Malindi is usually referred to as “Little Italy” attributable to its sizable Italian inhabitants, comprising each residents and vacationers. Consequently, you may look forward to finding quite a few eating places serving Italian delicacies, together with my favourite – wood-fired pizza.
Samaki wa Nazi
This Swahili dish is widespread in all coastal cities in East Africa. It usually options fried fish in a wealthy coconut curry, typically loved with a aspect of rice or ugali.
Malindi Eating places: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to widespread questions on the very best eating places in Malindi, Kenya:
A number of the greatest locations to eat in Malindi are Seafront for Swahili dishes, Child Marrow for Italian delicacies, Mayungu Seashore for seafood, and Billionaire for grilled meats and drinks.
Dinner in Malindi is often served between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Lunch in Malindi is often from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., particularly throughout weekdays. These hours are usually versatile throughout weekends and public holidays.
In Malindi and different elements of Kenya, breakfast is served between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Sure. Tipping in Malindi is appreciated however non-obligatory. Nevertheless, it’s customary to tip 10%-15% of the invoice in eating places to understand good meals and repair.
One of the best eating places in Malindi are situated within the city heart and alongside Silversands Seashore. You’ll additionally discover nice choices at Marine Park Seashore and Mayungu Seashore.
For drinks and the very best pub meals in Malindi, I like to recommend Bar Bar Restaurant and Billionaire Grill.
Seashore eating places like Rosada, Olimpia, Mayungu, and Malaika provide incredible ocean views.
Seafront Swahili Dishes, Child Marrow, Pizza O (previously Osteria), Malaika Estro Seashore, and Rosada are among the hottest eating places in Malindi.
Nearly all of folks in Malindi communicate Swahili. Nevertheless, a large quantity communicate native dialects, English and Italian.
In Conclusion
I hope you’ve loved studying this text on the very best eating places in Malindi and that it’s given you some concepts on the place to eat throughout your subsequent go to. The coastal vacation spot boasts a various meals scene influenced by Swahili, Italian, and different flavors.
Eating places alongside its shoreline are widespread for seafood, particularly fish, prawns, crabs, and calamari. Within the city heart and at prime motels and resorts, you may take pleasure in native dishes like biryani, pilau, fried rooster, and grilled beef steak. Don’t neglect to discover the city’s Italian delicacies, that includes choices like pizza, pasta, lasagna, and gelatos.
Along with this record of eating places, keep in mind to take a look at my suggestions for the very best seashores and prime issues to do in Malindi. You’ll uncover many sights and actions, which, when mixed with good meals, assure a memorable Malindi expertise.