Mombasa is a high journey vacation spot in Kenya due to its historic websites, beautiful vacation resorts, and exquisite seashores. It’s additionally a superb place for nightlife and life-changing culinary adventures. As a neighborhood who’s extensively explored its meals scene, I’m delighted to share the most effective eating places in Mombasa.
I’ve visited Mombasa quite a few occasions for holidays. The coastal vacation spot attracts many vacationers and is residence to numerous native and expatriate communities. This makes its meals scene numerous, starting from delicious Swahili dishes to worldwide meals.
When you’re planning a visit to Mombasa and questioning the place to eat, learn on. On this foodie’s information, you’ll uncover the most effective eating places in Mombasa. They embrace locations with the most effective pizza, seafood, biryani, espresso, and extra.
15 Finest Eating places in Mombasa
After revisiting Mombasa and consuming round its neighborhoods, I’ve compiled the next record of my favourite eating places within the metropolis. The compilation is a combination of my private opinion and buyer opinions on-line – based mostly on elements resembling meals high quality, service, ambiance, views, worth, and placement.
I’ve dined at many extra eating places than talked about, however I’ve narrowed this record right down to my high 15 based mostly on the above standards.
1. Mombasa Tamarind (Finest Restaurant in Mombasa General)
The Mombasa Tamarind is a jewel alongside the Kenyan coast and top-of-the-line eating places in Mombasa. I’ve visited this lovely eatery many occasions and at all times sit up for indulging my style buds of their palatable meals.
Moreover native Swahili dishes like biryani, it serves pleasant prawns, lobster, and fish in essentially the most serene ambiance, making it one among Mombasa’s finest seafood eating places.
Along with the elegant restaurant that instructions wonderful views of the ocean, Mombasa Tamarind operates two dhows (Babulkher and Nawalilkher). Guests to this eatery are handled to a culinary journey onboard these conventional boats.
When you’d prefer to take a lunch or dinner cruise on one of many dhows, be a part of this thrilling tour. Moreover having fun with palatable seafood and cocktails, you’ll be entertained by a reside band. Be sure you strive the Tamarind fish soup, mangrove oysters, and seafood platter (should you’re in a bunch).
Mombasa Tamarind Info
Deal with: Alongside Cement Silos Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 722 205 160
Working Hours: Day by day from 12 pm to 4 pm (lunch) and 6 pm to 11 pm (dinner)
Should-Strive Meals: Tamarind fish soup, mangrove oysters, sundown crab
Common Price: $4-$7 per starter, $19-$50 per most important, $4-$11 for desserts
Web site: tamarind.co.ke
2. Char-Choma (Finest for Nyama Choma and Ocean Views)
Char-Choma Restaurant is a gem and it’s one among my favourite locations to eat in Mombasa. Its high quality of companies, scrumptious meals, and alluring temper make it a spot you’ll cherish. The restaurant excels in African and worldwide cuisines, with must-try dishes like nyama choma (barbecued meat) served with spicy chips or potato wedges.
One other factor that units Char-Choma aside is its pleasant setting. Its raised deck lets you dine and sip your drinks whereas gazing on the lovely ocean. For households with young children, there’s even a playground the place the little ones can have their enjoyable.
So, whether or not you’re a household in search of a healthful meal, a pair searching for a romantic dinner, a solo traveler exploring native flavors, or a meals fanatic looking for the best dishes, this beachfront eatery has one thing for everybody.
Char-Choma Restaurant Info
Deal with: Aga Khan Seaside Cottages, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 794 673 598
Working Hours: Day by day from 6 am to midnight
Should-Strive Meals: Nyama choma, African breakfast, black forest cake – click on right here to see the total menu
Common Price: $3-$8 per starter, $16-$27 per most important, $4-$13 for desserts
Web site: charchoma.com
3. Java Home (Finest for Burgers and Takeaway Espresso)
With greater than 20 places within the nation, together with Nairobi and Mombasa, Java Home is one among Kenya’s finest eating places and cafes. The restaurant chain is fashionable amongst households, {couples}, and people in search of a spot to dine and work from their laptops. It has an intensive menu filled with breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices.
There are three Java Home eating places in Mombasa, however the Nyali Middle department is my favourite. I’ve visited this outlet a number of occasions due to their juicy beef bacon burgers, home espresso, and basic lemonade. Additionally they produce other incredible meals, snacks, and drinks to fit your tastes. Earlier than you permit, ensure to order your favourite Kenyan espresso to remove.
Java Home Nyali Info
Deal with: Nyali Middle, alongside Hyperlinks Street
Telephone: +254 718 543 579
Working Hours: 7 am to 10 pm (Mon-Thu), 7 am to 11 pm (Fri), 8 am to 11 pm (Sat), 8 am to 10 pm (Solar)
Should-Strive Meals: Swahili coconut fish curry, burgers, home espresso – click on right here to see the total menu
Common Price: $2-$4 for espresso, $9-$29 per most important, $4-$8 for desserts
Web site: javahouseafrica.com
4. Jahazi Espresso Home (Finest for Espresso and Native Meals)
Jahazi Espresso Home within the coronary heart of the outdated city is likely one of the high eating places in Mombasa for anybody searching for an genuine style of Swahili dishes. Except for scrumptious meals, it has elegant furnishings, decor, and a few charming work.
Its heat aura and rustic appeal transport you right into a world that superbly displays the heritage of Mombasa’s present and former inhabitants – Swahili folks, Indians, Arabs, and Portuguese.
After savoring their meals, resembling my private favourite, the biryani hen, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a cup of Kenyan tea or espresso. For individuals who love historical past, be a part of this guided historic strolling tour of Mombasa Previous City and go to iconic websites resembling Fort Jesus and Pembe Za Ndovu (elephant tusks).
Jahazi Espresso Home Info
Deal with: Off Ndia Kuu Street, Mombasa Previous City
Telephone: +254 113 585 755
Working Hours: Day by day from 9 am to five pm
Should-Strive Meals: Hen biryani, home espresso, samaki wa nazi (coconut fish curry)
Common Price: $2-$5 per espresso, $6-$11 per most important
Web site: @jahazicoffeehouse
5. Blue Room (Finest for Reasonably priced Meals in Mombasa CBD)
Established in 1952, Blue Room is likely one of the most well-known landmarks and eating places in Mombasa CBD, with an extra outlet at Likoni Mall. Identified for its cleanliness, heat workers, scrumptious meals, and nice costs, this restaurant gives a superb escape from the town’s warmth. It’s excellent for breakfast, lunch, and low-cost eats in Mombasa.
When you’re in search of good eating places in Mombasa, cease at Blue Room. Its round-out menu consists of breakfast choices, burgers, rice and curries, desserts, and recent juices. My favourite dish right here is the grilled steak with mashed potatoes. You’ll additionally love their ice lotions and milkshakes.
Blue Room Restaurant Info
Deal with: Haile Selassie Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 797 272 727
Working Hours: Day by day from 7 am to 9:30 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Grilled steak, hen burger, vegetable fried rice – click on right here to see the total menu
Common Price: $2-$4 per starter, $5-$11 per most important, $3-$6 for desserts
Web site: blueroom.co.ke
6. Barka (One of many Finest Conventional Eating places in Mombasa)
Barka is likely one of the finest conventional eating places in Mombasa, attracting native households and vacationers. Owing to its high quality companies, genuine meals, and beautiful ambiance, Barka has attracted VIPs, together with Uhuru Kenyatta (former president of Kenya). It opens early for breakfast and stays open late for dinner.
This restaurant within the outdated city is known for its inexpensive Swahili dishes resembling biryani, pilau, and grilled fish in coconut sauce (samaki wa nazi). You may as well take pleasure in Kenyan tea and Swahili snacks like viazi karai (spiced fried potatoes) and muhogo wa nazi (cassava in coconut). Be sure you strive their hen shawarma.
Barka Restaurant Info
Deal with: Mji wa Kale, alongside Makadara Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 722 881 009
Working Hours: Day by day from 7 am to 10 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Biryani, samaki wa nazi, hen shawarma – click on right here to view the total menu
Common Price: $1-$4 for breakfast, $3-$9 per most important, $2-$3 for drinks
Web site: barkarestaurant.co.ke
7. Forodhani (Finest for Genuine Swahili Delicacies)
Forodhani is a captivating seafront restaurant in Mombasa Previous City by the outdated port. It gives ample seating with gorgeous ocean views and is well liked by households and guests to the town. Its proximity to historic Fort Jesus, a brief stroll away, makes it a handy selection for historical past lovers.
Having dined at Forodhani twice, I eagerly sit up for returning every time I’m subsequent in Mombasa. The restaurant gives an gratifying environment, pleasant service, and genuine Swahili delicacies, together with seafood and vegan choices. I like to recommend making an attempt their spicy jumbo prawns, hen biryani, pilau, and ukwanju (tamarind juice).
Forodhani Restaurant Info
Deal with: Sir Mbarak Hinawy Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 724 401 551
Working Hours: Day by day from 9 am to 11 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Hen biryani, seafood platter, fish in coconut curry
Common Price: $2-$4 per starter, $9-$16 per most important
Web site: @forodhani.msa
8. Sundown Lounge (Finest for Drinks and Sundown Views)
Lodge English Level Marina is an expensive property located on the mouth of Tudor Creek. It gives breathtaking views of the ocean, Mombasa Previous City, and Fort Jesus. This 5-star lodging facility in Mombasa boasts a lodge, flats, a spa, and a marina. It additionally options 5 eating places catering to each in-house and outdoors company.
When you’re looking for the most effective Indian restaurant in Mombasa, look no additional than Karahi. For delicious teppanyaki, sushi, and sashimi choices, Masa is your preferrred selection, and should you’re craving pasta and pizza, Margherita received’t disappoint. Arabica is ideal for espresso and pastry lovers.
My favourite spot at this lodge is Sundown Lounge, identified for its nice ambiance and vibrant setting. Right here, you’ll be able to benefit from the newest reside sports activities over a beer or watch the glow of the setting solar whereas sipping on a cocktail. After the sundown, you’ll be able to bask in a tasty meal like nyama choma served with ugali.
Sundown Lounge Info
Deal with: Lodge English Level Mombasa, alongside Silos Street
Telephone: +254 730 930 107
Working Hours: Day by day from 3 pm to midnight
Should-Strive Meals: Nyama choma, cocktails
Common Price: $9-$16 per most important, $3-$9 for drinks
Web site: hotelenglishpoint.com
9. Tapas Cielo (One of many Finest Bars in Mombasa)
Tapas Cielo Bar & Restaurant, positioned within the Nyali neighborhood of Mombasa, is a perfect spot for professionals and vacationers. This versatile institution isn’t only a restaurant; it’s additionally a cocktail bar, lounge, and whisky bar catering to a mature crowd (over 25 years). It has a contemporary decor, with cool blue lighting that creates a cushty and relaxed environment.
Right here, you’ll be able to count on nice service, incredible music, and wonderful vibes. With a full vary of drinks, together with wine and cocktails, and a menu that covers every little thing from most important meals to tapas and desserts, there’s one thing for everybody. Check out their tasty choices, like veggie burgers, fried calamari rings, lemon prawns, and indulgent flavors of Italian gelato.
Tapas Cielo Bar & Restaurant Info
Deal with: Nyali Centre, Hyperlinks Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 739 888 888
Working Hours: 12 pm to three am (Solar-Thu), 12 pm to five am (Fri-Sat)
Should-Strive Meals: Margherita pizza, tapas, grilled T-bone steak – click on right here to see the total menu
Common Price: $2-$4 per starter, $8-$14 per most important, $3-$5 for desserts
Web site: tapascielo.com
10. Cafesserie (Finest for Burgers, Espresso, and Pastries)
Cafesserie is likely one of the finest locations to eat in Mombasa for any event. Whether or not planning a espresso date, a romantic dinner, or only a fast cease for pastries, this cafe, bakery, and restaurant has you lined. It additionally prides itself on having the best espresso beans in Mombasa.
French and Italian cultures affect its numerous menu. From freshly baked bread and pastries to scrumptious dishes like beef burgers, pizza, grilled salmon, and pasta, there’s one thing to fulfill each style. They even supply vegan choices for these with dietary preferences.
The cafe caters effectively to digital nomads, offering quick WiFi, energy socket shops, and cozy seating – making it a superb selection for getting some work executed after a day of seaside strolling and enjoyable actions. So, whether or not it’s breakfast, lunch, brunch, or late-night eating, Cafesserie has all of your eating wants lined in a welcoming house.
Cafesserie Mombasa Info
Deal with: Metropolis Mall Nyali alongside Mombasa-Malindi Street
Telephone: +254 712 011 011
Working Hours: Day by day from 7 am to midnight
Should-Strive Meals: Burgers, grilled salmon, Italian espresso – click on right here to view the total menu
Common Price: $2-$5 for espresso, $7-$16 per most important, $3-$7 for desserts
Web site: cafesserie.com
11. Floating Island (Finest for Fantastic Eating in Mombasa)
The Floating Island Restaurant, one of many high eating places in Mombasa, gives a various menu that caters to numerous tastes. Whether or not you’re a seafood lover, a pizza or sushi fan, otherwise you’re after some espresso and pastries, they’ve acquired you lined.
Impressed by native tradition and conventional dhows, the restaurant’s lovely design and decor create a heat and alluring environment.
Along with its scrumptious meals, this restaurant has distinctive customer support. There’s each indoor and outside seating, and so they also have a swimming pool for the children. With ample parking and free WiFi, Floating Island gives a superb superb eating expertise in Mombasa for households, teams of associates, and {couples}.
The Floating Island Restaurant Info
Deal with: New Nyali Bridge, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 100 466 060
Working Hours: Day by day from 11 am to 11 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Seafood platter, pizza, grilled steak
Common Price: $4-$7 per starter, $22-$49 per most important, $3-$8 for desserts
Web site: @floating_island_restaurant
12. Yul’s (Finest for Seafood and Watersports)
Located near Bamburi Seaside, Yul’s is undoubtedly one of many high seaside eating places in Mombasa, providing good meals and leisure. Their menu is understood for seafood resembling lobster, prawns, fish, burgers, pizza, and tropical cocktails. One standout dish (my go-to) is their deep-fried calamari rings in batter served with curry rice.
Except for delectable meals, Yul’s gives varied actions. You’ll be able to take pleasure in watersports like banana boat using and jet snowboarding, and may moreover store for garments, souvenirs, swimwear, and handmade leather-based items at Heike’s Escape Boutique. For the extra adventurous, you’ll be able to even experience ATV motorbikes at their racecourse.
Yul’s Restaurant Info
Deal with: Mkomani, alongside Nyali Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 715 012 311
Working Hours: Day by day from 12 pm to 11 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Seafood platter, pizza, tropical cocktails – click on right here to see the total menu
Common Price: $3-$5 per starter, $10-$29 per most important, $3-$9 for desserts
Web site: aquadrom-yuls.com
13. Maasai Seaside Bar (Finest for Meals and Sea Views)
Located alongside Mombasa Seaside in Nyali neighborhood, Maasai Seaside Bar and Restaurant gives high quality meals and reside leisure. Their menu consists of nyama choma, pizza, seafood, and different scrumptious dishes accompanied by an intensive collection of wines, beers, and cocktails.
My favourite options about this restaurant are its ample parking (for comfort) and gorgeous sea views. It offers an incredible chill spot to observe the sundown, benefit from the sound of breaking waves, and watch sea actions. When you’re in search of a restaurant in Mombasa with a sea view that caters to each traveler, head to Maasai.
Maasai Seaside Bar and Restaurant Info
Deal with: Alongside Mount Kenya Street, subsequent to Reef Lodge
Telephone: +254 717 310 902
Working Hours: Day by day from 11 am to 11 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Pizza, nyama choma, native beer (like Tusker)
Common Price: $2-$5 per starter, $9-$16 per most important, $4 for beers
Web site: @maasai_bars_and_restaurant
14. Safari Inn (One of many Most Reasonably priced Eating places in Mombasa)
When you plan to discover Shanzu, top-of-the-line neighborhoods in Mombasa, cease at Safari Inn Bar & Restaurant. This lovely restaurant is ready in a peaceful atmosphere close to Shanzu Seaside and has an unmatched ambiance. It gives good meals and drinks paired with wonderful music and video games (playing cards, billiards, and darts).
Right here, you’ll be able to count on native and European delicacies with favourite dishes resembling fillet steak skewers, roast hen, and Swiss rosti. For drinks, they serve native beers (like Tusker and White Cap), whiskeys (Safari whiskey and Glenfiddich), and varied wine choices. Additionally they have reside music by native bands each Tuesday and Friday from 7:30 pm.
Safari Inn Bar & Restaurant Info
Deal with: Off Serena, reverse Mombasa Continental Resort
Telephone: +254 722 671 475
Working Hours: Day by day 10 am to 1 am
Should-Strive Meals: Swiss rosti, shrimp cocktail, seafood platter – click on right here to see the total menu
Common Price: $2-$4 per starter, $6-$13 per most important
Web site: safariinn-mombasa.com
15. La Casa Di Nico (Finest for Sushi and Pizza in Mombasa)
When you’re questioning the place to eat Italian meals in Mombasa, go to La Casa Di Nico. This beachfront restaurant within the Bamburi neighborhood gives indoor and al fresco eating with lovely ocean views. It additionally has parking areas, a surprising seating space, and a welcoming workers.
Their menu consists of recent meals, drinks, and desserts. You’ll be able to count on recent fish carpaccio, Italian wooden oven pizza, pasta, and home made gelato. Additionally they have a collection of beers, cocktails, and superb wine.
☞ SEE ALSO: The place to Keep in Mombasa in 2023 (Finest Areas and Locations)
La Casa Di Nico Info
Deal with: Subsequent to Kenya Bay Lodge, Bamburi, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 723 289 908
Working Hours: Day by day from 12 pm to 10 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Caprese, pizza Napoli, vegetable lasagna – click on right here to view the total menu
Common Price: $3-$7 per starter, $10-$23 per most important, $3-$5 for desserts
Web site: lacasadinicoristorante.com
Should-Strive Meals in Mombasa
Along with its vacationer sights, Mombasa is known for its vibrant meals tradition, the place varied flavors (Swahili, Arab, Indian, and African) harmoniously mix. From fragrant biryanis to recent seafood, listed below are some must-try meals in Mombasa:
Biryani
Mombasa is understood for its scrumptious Swahili dish, biryani. This aromatic rice meal is cooked with greens, spices, and meat (typically hen, beef, or seafood). You will discover variations like mutton biryani, prawn biryani, and hen biryani (my favourite).
Pilau
Like biryani, pilau is a staple in Mombasa and cities alongside the Kenyan coast. The dish is normally spiced rice cooked with meat or seafood, typically served with a aspect of kachumbari – a vegetable salad.
Samaki wa Nazi
Samaki wa nazi is a pleasant dish among the many coastal Swahili folks. It’s normally an entire fish marinated in a wealthy, fragrant coconut sauce. The flavorful dish is fashionable in Mombasa and different locations alongside the East African coast.
Swahili Breakfast
There isn’t a higher approach to begin your day in Mombasa than with a standard Swahili breakfast. It consists of espresso or Kenyan chai (milk tea), served with mahamri (candy, deep-fried bread), mandazi (deep-fried dough), and samosa (fried pastry with a savory filling).
Seafood
Mombasa’s location alongside the shores of the Indian Ocean means you’ll be able to take pleasure in recent seafood to your coronary heart’s content material. You’ll be able to strive prawns, fried fish, crab, or lobsters right here at native seafood eating places resembling Floating Island.
Ugali and Nyama Choma
When in Mombasa, ensure you strive ugali and nyama choma. The delicate, hearty ugali (a staple meal produced from maize flour and water) paired with completely grilled meat (nyama choma) creates a taste explosion that embodies the essence of Kenyan delicacies.
☞ SEE ALSO: Meals in Kenya (15 Should-Strive Dishes in Kenya)
Mombasa Eating places: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on the most effective eating places in Mombasa, Kenya:
Mombasa has many locations to eat, however a few of the finest eating places to contemplate are Mombasa Tamarind, Char-Choma, and Jahazi Espresso Home.
Dinner in Mombasa sometimes begins round 7 pm and may prolong till 10 pm. This will depend on the restaurant and private preferences.
Lunchtime in Mombasa normally begins round midday and lasts till 2 pm, permitting you to savor scrumptious noon meals.
Like most locations in Kenya, breakfast in Mombasa is normally served from early morning, round 6:30 am to 10 am, in varied cafes and eateries.
Certainly. It’s a standard follow in Mombasa to point out appreciation for good meals and repair by leaving a tip, sometimes 10% to fifteen% of the whole invoice.
The Mombasa Island and Nyali areas are identified for internet hosting a few of the finest eating places in Mombasa, providing a mix of Swahili, Indian, and worldwide delicacies.
For a picturesque view of the Indian Ocean, go to the Mombasa Tamarind, Floating Island, and Char-Choma.
The price of dinner in Mombasa can fluctuate broadly, however on common, you’ll be able to count on to spend from $8 to $25 per particular person at mid-range eating places.
Mombasa is famend for its numerous culinary heritage, with a fusion of Swahili, Indian, Arab, and British influences. A number of the most common dishes embrace Swahili biriani, nyama choma (barbecued meat), and seafood like prawns and lobster.
Now You Know The place to Eat in Mombasa
Meals delights and unites us, nourishes our souls, and gives life-enriching experiences. It exposes us to the historical past, tradition, and traditions of the folks and locations we go to. As well as, it provides us reminiscences of style, scent, texture, and look, seldom gained from indulging in different vacationer actions.
As you may have seen, there are many nice locations to eat in Mombasa. Whether or not you’re looking for romantic eating places, the most effective lunch, superb eating, or low-cost eats in Mombasa, the Kenyan port metropolis has an eatery for each traveler and style.
Hopefully, this record has given you concepts of the place to eat the following time you go to Mombasa. When you’re staying within the outdated city neighborhood, ensure you strive biryani hen at Jahazi Espresso Home. For individuals who fancy eating places with good meals and a sea view, Char-Choma is the proper selection.
