Mombasa is a prime journey vacation spot in Kenya because of its historic websites, beautiful vacation resorts, and delightful seashores. It’s additionally a wonderful place for nightlife and life-changing culinary adventures. As a neighborhood who’s extensively explored its meals scene, I’m delighted to share one of the best eating places in Mombasa.
I’ve visited Mombasa quite a few occasions for holidays. The coastal vacation spot attracts many vacationers and is house to varied native and expatriate communities. This makes its meals scene various, starting from delicious Swahili dishes to worldwide meals.
In case you’re planning a visit to Mombasa and questioning the place to eat, learn on. On this foodie’s information, you’ll uncover one of the best eating places in Mombasa. They embody locations with one of the best 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 evaluations on-line – based mostly on elements resembling meals high quality, service, ambiance, views, value, and site.
I’ve dined at many extra eating places than talked about, however I’ve narrowed this record right down to my prime 15 based mostly on the above standards.
1. Mombasa Tamarind (Finest Restaurant in Mombasa Total)
The Mombasa Tamarind is a jewel alongside the Kenyan coast and among the finest 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 probably the most serene ambiance, making it considered one of Mombasa’s greatest 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.
In case you’d prefer to take a lunch or dinner cruise on one of many dhows, be part of this thrilling tour. Moreover having fun with palatable seafood and cocktails, you’ll be entertained by a reside band. Be sure to strive the Tamarind fish soup, mangrove oysters, and seafood platter (in case you’re in a gaggle).
Mombasa Tamarind Info
Handle: 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-Attempt Meals: Tamarind fish soup, mangrove oysters, sundown crab
Common Value: $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 considered one of 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 permits you to 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 on the lookout for 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
Handle: Aga Khan Seashore Cottages, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 794 673 598
Working Hours: Day by day from 6 am to midnight
Should-Attempt Meals: Nyama choma, African breakfast, black forest cake – click on right here to see the complete menu
Common Value: $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 areas within the nation, together with Nairobi and Mombasa, Java Home is considered one of Kenya’s greatest eating places and cafes. The restaurant chain is well-liked amongst households, {couples}, and people on the lookout for a spot to dine and work from their laptops. It has an intensive menu stuffed 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. In addition they produce other implausible 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
Handle: 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-Attempt Meals: Swahili coconut fish curry, burgers, home espresso – click on right here to see the complete menu
Common Value: $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 prime eating places in Mombasa for anybody searching for an genuine style of Swahili dishes. Apart from scrumptious meals, it has elegant furnishings, decor, and a few fascinating work.
Its heat aura and rustic attraction transport you right into a world that superbly displays the heritage of Mombasa’s present and former inhabitants – Swahili individuals, Indians, Arabs, and Portuguese.
After savoring their meals, resembling my private favourite, the biryani hen, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a cup of Kenyan tea or espresso. For many who love historical past, be part of this guided historic strolling tour of Mombasa Outdated City and go to iconic websites resembling Fort Jesus and Pembe Za Ndovu (elephant tusks).
Jahazi Espresso Home Info
Handle: Off Ndia Kuu Street, Mombasa Outdated City
Telephone: +254 113 585 755
Working Hours: Day by day from 9 am to five pm
Should-Attempt Meals: Rooster biryani, home espresso, samaki wa nazi (coconut fish curry)
Common Value: $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 employees, scrumptious meals, and nice costs, this restaurant gives a wonderful escape from town’s warmth. It’s good for breakfast, lunch, and low cost eats in Mombasa.
In case you’re on the lookout for good eating places in Mombasa, cease at Blue Room. Its round-out menu contains 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
Handle: Haile Selassie Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 797 272 727
Working Hours: Day by day from 7 am to 9:30 pm
Should-Attempt Meals: Grilled steak, hen burger, vegetable fried rice – click on right here to see the complete menu
Common Value: $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 greatest 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 legendary for its inexpensive Swahili dishes resembling biryani, pilau, and grilled fish in coconut sauce (samaki wa nazi). You may also get pleasure from Kenyan tea and Swahili snacks like viazi karai (spiced fried potatoes) and muhogo wa nazi (cassava in coconut). Be sure to strive their hen shawarma.
Barka Restaurant Info
Handle: Mji wa Kale, alongside Makadara Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 722 881 009
Working Hours: Day by day from 7 am to 10 pm
Should-Attempt Meals: Biryani, samaki wa nazi, hen shawarma – click on right here to view the complete menu
Common Value: $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 an enthralling seafront restaurant in Mombasa Outdated City by the outdated port. It gives ample seating with beautiful ocean views and is well liked by households and guests to town. Its proximity to historic Fort Jesus, a brief stroll away, makes it a handy selection for historical past fanatics.
Having dined at Forodhani twice, I eagerly sit up for returning at any time when I’m subsequent in Mombasa. The restaurant gives an pleasing ambiance, pleasant service, and genuine Swahili delicacies, together with seafood and vegan choices. I like to recommend attempting their spicy jumbo prawns, hen biryani, pilau, and ukwanju (tamarind juice).
Forodhani Restaurant Info
Handle: Sir Mbarak Hinawy Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 724 401 551
Working Hours: Day by day from 9 am to 11 pm
Should-Attempt Meals: Rooster biryani, seafood platter, fish in coconut curry
Common Value: $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 Outdated City, and Fort Jesus. This 5-star lodging facility in Mombasa boasts a resort, flats, a spa, and a marina. It additionally options 5 eating places catering to each in-house and out of doors friends.
In case you’re looking for one of the best Indian restaurant in Mombasa, look no additional than Karahi. For delicious teppanyaki, sushi, and sashimi choices, Masa is your supreme selection, and in case you’re craving pasta and pizza, Margherita gained’t disappoint. Arabica is ideal for espresso and pastry lovers.
My favourite spot at this resort is Sundown Lounge, recognized 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
Handle: Lodge English Level Mombasa, alongside Silos Street
Telephone: +254 730 930 107
Working Hours: Day by day from 3 pm to midnight
Should-Attempt Meals: Nyama choma, cocktails
Common Value: $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, situated 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 ambiance.
Right here, you’ll be able to count on nice service, implausible music, and wonderful vibes. With a full vary of drinks, together with wine and cocktails, and a menu that covers all the things 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
Handle: 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-Attempt Meals: Margherita pizza, tapas, grilled T-bone steak – click on right here to see the complete menu
Common Value: $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 greatest 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 various 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 properly to digital nomads, offering quick WiFi, energy socket retailers, and cozy seating – making it a wonderful selection for getting some work finished 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
Handle: Metropolis Mall Nyali alongside Mombasa-Malindi Street
Telephone: +254 712 011 011
Working Hours: Day by day from 7 am to midnight
Should-Attempt Meals: Burgers, grilled salmon, Italian espresso – click on right here to view the complete menu
Common Value: $2-$5 for espresso, $7-$16 per most important, $3-$7 for desserts
Web site: cafesserie.com
11. Floating Island (Finest for Superb Eating in Mombasa)
The Floating Island Restaurant, one of many prime eating places in Mombasa, gives a various menu that caters to varied tastes. Whether or not you’re a seafood lover, a pizza or sushi fan, otherwise you’re after some espresso and pastries, they’ve obtained you lined.
Impressed by native tradition and conventional dhows, the restaurant’s lovely design and decor create a heat and alluring ambiance.
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 youngsters. With ample parking and free WiFi, Floating Island gives a wonderful high quality eating expertise in Mombasa for households, teams of pals, and {couples}.
The Floating Island Restaurant Info
Handle: New Nyali Bridge, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 100 466 060
Working Hours: Day by day from 11 am to 11 pm
Should-Attempt Meals: Seafood platter, pizza, grilled steak
Common Value: $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 Seashore, Yul’s is undoubtedly one of many prime seaside eating places in Mombasa, providing good meals and leisure. Their menu is thought 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.
Apart from delectable meals, Yul’s gives numerous actions. You possibly can get pleasure from 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 journey ATV motorbikes at their racecourse.
Yul’s Restaurant Info
Handle: Mkomani, alongside Nyali Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 715 012 311
Working Hours: Day by day from 12 pm to 11 pm
Should-Attempt Meals: Seafood platter, pizza, tropical cocktails – click on right here to see the complete menu
Common Value: $3-$5 per starter, $10-$29 per most important, $3-$9 for desserts
Web site: aquadrom-yuls.com
13. Maasai Seashore Bar (Finest for Meals and Sea Views)
Located alongside Mombasa Seashore in Nyali neighborhood, Maasai Seashore Bar and Restaurant gives high quality meals and reside leisure. Their menu contains nyama choma, pizza, seafood, and different scrumptious dishes accompanied by an intensive number of wines, beers, and cocktails.
My favourite options about this restaurant are its ample parking (for comfort) and beautiful sea views. It offers an incredible chill spot to look at the sundown, benefit from the sound of breaking waves, and watch sea actions. In case you’re on the lookout for a restaurant in Mombasa with a sea view that caters to each traveler, head to Maasai.
Maasai Seashore Bar and Restaurant Info
Handle: 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-Attempt Meals: Pizza, nyama choma, native beer (like Tusker)
Common Value: $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)
In case you plan to discover Shanzu, among the finest neighborhoods in Mombasa, cease at Safari Inn Bar & Restaurant. This lovely restaurant is ready in a peaceful setting close to Shanzu Seashore 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 numerous wine choices. In addition they have reside music by native bands each Tuesday and Friday from 7:30 pm.
Safari Inn Bar & Restaurant Info
Handle: Off Serena, reverse Mombasa Continental Resort
Telephone: +254 722 671 475
Working Hours: Day by day 10 am to 1 am
Should-Attempt Meals: Swiss rosti, shrimp cocktail, seafood platter – click on right here to see the complete menu
Common Value: $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)
In case 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 employees.
Their menu contains recent meals, drinks, and desserts. You possibly can count on recent fish carpaccio, Italian wooden oven pizza, pasta, and home made gelato. In addition they have a number of beers, cocktails, and high quality wine.
☞ SEE ALSO: The place to Keep in Mombasa in 2023 (Finest Areas and Locations)
La Casa Di Nico Info
Handle: Subsequent to Kenya Bay Lodge, Bamburi, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 723 289 908
Working Hours: Day by day from 12 pm to 10 pm
Should-Attempt Meals: Caprese, pizza Napoli, vegetable lasagna – click on right here to view the complete menu
Common Value: $3-$7 per starter, $10-$23 per most important, $3-$5 for desserts
Web site: lacasadinicoristorante.com
Should-Attempt Meals in Mombasa
Along with its vacationer points of interest, Mombasa is legendary for its vibrant meals tradition, the place numerous 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 thought for its scrumptious Swahili dish, biryani. This aromatic rice meal is cooked with greens, spices, and meat (typically hen, beef, or seafood). Yow 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 often 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 individuals. It’s often a complete fish marinated in a wealthy, fragrant coconut sauce. The flavorful dish is well-liked 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 get pleasure from recent seafood to your coronary heart’s content material. You possibly can strive prawns, fried fish, crab, or lobsters right here at native seafood eating places resembling Floating Island.
Ugali and Nyama Choma
When in Mombasa, be sure you strive ugali and nyama choma. The comfortable, hearty ugali (a staple meal created 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-Attempt Dishes in Kenya)
Mombasa Eating places: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on one of the best eating places in Mombasa, Kenya:
Mombasa has many locations to eat, however a number of the greatest eating places to think about are Mombasa Tamarind, Char-Choma, and Jahazi Espresso Home.
Dinner in Mombasa usually begins round 7 pm and may lengthen till 10 pm. This depends upon the restaurant and private preferences.
Lunchtime in Mombasa often begins round midday and lasts till 2 pm, permitting you to savor scrumptious noon meals.
Like most locations in Kenya, breakfast in Mombasa is often served from early morning, round 6:30 am to 10 am, in numerous cafes and eateries.
Certainly. It’s a standard follow in Mombasa to point out appreciation for good meals and repair by leaving a tip, usually 10% to fifteen% of the overall invoice.
The Mombasa Island and Nyali areas are recognized for internet hosting a number of the greatest 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 range 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 various culinary heritage, with a fusion of Swahili, Indian, Arab, and British influences. Among the commonest dishes embody 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 individuals and locations we go to. As well as, it offers us recollections of style, odor, 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, one of the best lunch, high quality 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. In case you’re staying within the outdated city neighborhood, be sure you strive biryani hen at Jahazi Espresso Home. For many who fancy eating places with good meals and a sea view, Char-Choma is the proper selection.
