Top 10 Restaurants In Mombasa You Must Try

Mombasa city, on Kenya's south coast, is one of the best places to unwind and enjoy yourself. Mombasa is not only a vacation resort with a blue shoreline, but it also has the best cuisine.

Mombasa’s cuisine, influenced by Middle Eastern and Indian flavors, offers a wide range of spicy, flavorful, and fresh dishes. If you're looking to explore local food or enjoy well-known international delicacies, you’ll find some of the best beach restaurants in Mombasa to satisfy your culinary cravings.

So if you're planning a vacation to Mombasa and wondering where to eat, keep reading on. In this foodie guide, you’ll explore the top 10 restaurants in Mombasa. They include the best places for pizza, seafood, biryani, coffee, and other foods.

Discover the best restaurants and dining spots on Mombasa

Best Restaurants In Mombasa For An Unforgettable Meal

To discover Mombasa restaurants and enjoy the greatest dining experience possible, check out our list of the best restaurants in Mombasa, Kenyan Coast.

Mombasa Tamarind Restaurant & Dhow

The Mombasa Tamarind Restaurant & Dhow is a great place to begin the list of the best seafood restaurants in Mombasa. The Mombasa Tamarind, as its name suggests, has two facets: a restaurant with a view of Nyali Creek and a well-known traditional Dhow that sails the waters.

The Tamarind Mombasa was founded in the early 1970s to produce the best seafood restaurant and is now considered one of the top 10 restaurants in Mombasa. Due to its personalized service, meticulous attention to detail, and distinctive presentation of its visitors, Tamarind Restaurant has established a reputation as Africa's best restaurant.

Its menu offers the best to its patrons by creatively combining the best French, African, and Asian cuisines. Visit Mombasa Tamarind Restaurant & Dhow for the greatest dining experience, whether you are dining with big groups of friends or just your significant other.

Jahazi Coffee House

Located in the heart of the Old Town, Jahazi Coffee House is among the best Swahili restaurants in Mombasa. Aside from the authentic taste of Swahili dishes with the coffees, snacks, and Swahili teas, it has tasteful furnishings, décor, and some striking paintings.

You are transported into a world that exquisitely depicts the heritage of Mombasa's present and past residents, including the Swahili people, Indians, Arabs, and Portuguese, by its cozy atmosphere and rustic appeal.

Jahazi Coffee House is one of the best Swahili restaurants in Mombasa

La Marina

La Marina serves deliciously prepared seafood right on the beach. With the opportunity to leave the beach and board the restaurant's dhow, a traditional Arab sailing vessel, this Mombasa restaurant exudes romanticism.

When the La Marina dhow sails out at dusk, diners can have pan-fried fresh prawns seasoned with garlic or grilled swordfish paired with fine vegetables, all while taking in the stunning, dramatic scenery of Kenya's vast coastline. For an added bit of luxury, plan a champagne cruise for you and a loved one or have a lavish anniversary party with a group of friends.

La Marina is a popular seafood restaurant that offers a delightful dining experience by the sea

Shehnai Restaurant

Shehnai Restaurant is one of the affordable restaurants in Mombasa

With its assortment of fine spices and sustainably sourced ingredients, Shehnai Restaurant in Mombasa offers a cultural journey that evokes the bygone era of the East African-Indian spice trade.

Shehnai, named for an Indian instrument, delivers delicacies like delicious prawns cooked in coconut cream and stir-fried minced mutton with oriental spices. The restaurant's interior is simple without losing the quality of authentic and spicy Indian cuisine prepared with seafood and fresh vegetables. For those seeking affordable restaurants in Mombasa without compromising on flavor, Shehnai is a top choice.

Yul’s

Yul's, which is conveniently located near Bamburi Beach and provides excellent cuisine and entertainment, is without a doubt one of the best beach restaurants in Mombasa. In addition to spaghetti and pizzas with Italian influences, the menu offers a selection of prepared seafood dishes like lobster, prawns, fish, and calamari rings, coupled with curry rice.

Besides delectable food, Yul's provides a variety of activities. You can shop for clothing, trinkets, swimwear, and handcrafted leather goods, as well as engage in water sports like jet skiing and banana boat riding. At their racecourse, ATV motorbikes are even available for the more adventurous.

Yuls restaurant is one of best restaurants in Mombasa, Kenya

Misono Japanese Restaurant

Misono Japanese Restaurant is the penultimate Japanese dining experience in Mombasa, both authentic & localized

In the center of Mombasa, Misono Japanese Restaurant provides an amazing and realistic Japanese eating experience. The traditional gong welcomes visitors, who are then taken to a calm area with hibachi tables and décor inspired by Kabuki. 

Your palette will be refreshed by the delicate yet rich oriental dining experience that is created from fresh and superior choices and catches. The menu offers masterfully rolled sushi and impeccably prepared seafood, with the chili prawns, being a must-try item.

Tarboush Restaurant

When mentioning the best Swahili restaurants in Mombasa or affordable restaurants in Mombasa, one cannot help but mention Tarboush. Located in the Central Business District area, Tarboush is a well-liked restaurant for both locals and tourists. Reputably serving up mouthwatering Swahili fare like Pilau, Biryani, coconut-sauced beans, and the legendary Shawarma, this eatery provides an exceptional Mombasa experience at affordable costs.

Tourists – both international and local – are widely recommended not to leave Mombasa without experiencing the delicious food at Tarboush.

Cafesserie

The restaurant has been set to create an exquisite dining experience in a recreation atmosphere

If you’re searching for romantic restaurants in Mombasa, look no further than Cafesserie. Whether you're planning a coffee date, a romantic dinner, or just a quick stop for a pastry, this bakery, cafe, and restaurant can cater to your needs. It also boasts the best coffee beans in Mombasa.

Its varied food is influenced by Italian and French cultures. There is something to suit every taste, from freshly made bread and pastries to mouthwatering meals like pizza, grilled fish, pasta, and beef burgers. For those with dietary restrictions, they also provide vegan options.

Forodhani

Forodhani Restaurant remains one of the best restaurants in Mombasa to dine at

The popular dining Forodhani Restaurant is situated in Mombasa's Old Town and features breathtaking views of the Old Mombasa Port and the ocean. With flavors influenced by Arabic, Indian, and Pakistani cuisines, the restaurant serves a set menu that includes appetizers such as kebabs, grilled seafood platters, and chicken tikka. While admiring the gorgeous waterfront environment, guests can savor fresh seafood and authentic Swahili cuisine.

Barka

Barka is a well-known traditional restaurant in Mombasa that draws both tourists and local families. Barka's unique food, welcoming atmosphere, and high caliber of services have drawn VIPs including former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. For breakfast, it opens early, and for dinner, it stays open late.

This old-town restaurant is famous for its reasonably priced Swahili cuisine, including pilau, grilled fish in coconut sauce (samaki wa nazi), and biryani. Additionally, you can savor Swahili foods like muhogo wa nazi (cassava in coconut) and viazi karai (spicy fried potatoes). You can also sample Kenyan tea. Do not forget to try their chicken shawarma.

FAQs About Best Restaurants In Mombasa

The following are some answers to frequently asked question about the best restaurants in Mombasa:

What time is breakfast in Mombasa?

Mombasa, as in most of Kenya, breakfast is typically offered in a variety of cafes and restaurants starting early in the morning, from 6:30 am until 10 am.

What time is lunch in Mombasa?

In Mombasa, lunch normally starts at noon and lasts until 2:00 pm, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy hearty midday meals.

What time is dinner in Mombasa?

Dinner in Mombasa usually begins around 7 pm and can continue until 10 pm. This can vary based on the restaurant and individual preferences.

Do I tip in Mombasa?

Yes, in fact. In Mombasa, it is customary to tip 10% to 15% of the whole bill as a way of saying thanks for excellent food and service.

Which food is Mombasa famous for?

Mombasa is renowned for its varied culinary history, which combines Indian, Arab, Indian, and Swahili flavors. Swahili biriani, nyama choma (barbecued meat), and seafood like prawns and lobster are among of the most popular dishes.

The best restaurants in Mombasa are hidden gems, find them in alley ways and on white sand beaches

Ready To Explore These Top 10 Restaurants In Mombasa?

This energetic seaside city, known for its rich cuisine and vivid culture, makes it simple to find delicious dining options. The best restaurants in Mombasa have something to offer everyone's taste buds, whether you are a budget-conscious tourist or a native searching for delectable cuisine.

Get ready for a gastronomic journey that will satisfy your cravings for everything from traditional Swahili food to modern cuisines with a Kenyan twist.

Before you embark on your culinary adventure, remember that travelers to Kenya need a visa. You can easily apply for a Kenya eVisa via our website. Our streamlined application process ensures you get your visa quickly and hassle-free, without visiting the Embassy or Consulate.