Mombasa is a prime 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 an area 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.
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 the most effective eating places in Mombasa. They embody locations with the most effective pizza, seafood, biryani, espresso, and extra.
15 Greatest 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 mix of my private opinion and buyer evaluations on-line – based mostly on elements corresponding to meals high quality, service, ambiance, views, value, and placement.
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 (Greatest Restaurant in Mombasa Total)
The Mombasa Tamarind is a jewel alongside the Kenyan coast and among the best eating places in Mombasa. I’ve visited this stunning eatery many occasions and all the time stay up for indulging my style buds of their palatable meals.
Apart from native Swahili dishes like biryani, it serves pleasant prawns, lobster, and fish in essentially the most serene ambiance, making it one in all Mombasa’s finest seafood eating places.
Along with the elegant restaurant that instructions glorious 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 wish to take a lunch or dinner cruise on one of many dhows, be a part of this thrilling tour. Apart from 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 (in the event you’re in a gaggle).
Mombasa Tamarind Data
Tackle: Alongside Cement Silos Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 722 205 160
Working Hours: Each 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 important, $4-$11 for desserts
Web site: tamarind.co.ke
2. Char-Choma (Greatest for Nyama Choma and Ocean Views)
Char-Choma Restaurant is a gem and it’s one in all my favourite locations to eat in Mombasa. Its high quality of companies, scrumptious meals, and welcoming 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 stunning 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 Data
Tackle: Aga Khan Seaside Cottages, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 794 673 598
Working Hours: Each 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 important, $4-$13 for desserts
Web site: charchoma.com
3. Java Home (Greatest for Burgers and Takeaway Espresso)
With greater than 20 places within the nation, together with Nairobi and Mombasa, Java Home is one in all Kenya’s finest eating places and cafes. The restaurant chain is fashionable amongst households, {couples}, and people on the lookout for a spot to dine and work from their laptops. It has an in depth 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. Additionally they produce other implausible meals, snacks, and drinks to fit your tastes. Earlier than you allow, be sure to order your favourite Kenyan espresso to remove.
Java Home Nyali Data
Tackle: 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 important, $4-$8 for desserts
Web site: javahouseafrica.com
4. Jahazi Espresso Home (Greatest for Espresso and Native Meals)
Jahazi Espresso Home within the coronary heart of the previous city is among 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 allure transport you right into a world that fantastically displays the heritage of Mombasa’s present and former inhabitants – Swahili folks, Indians, Arabs, and Portuguese.
After savoring their meals, corresponding to my private favourite, the biryani hen, you possibly can get pleasure from a cup of Kenyan tea or espresso. For many who love historical past, be a part of this guided historic strolling tour of Mombasa Previous City and go to iconic websites corresponding to Fort Jesus and Pembe Za Ndovu (elephant tusks).
Jahazi Espresso Home Data
Tackle: Off Ndia Kuu Street, Mombasa Previous City
Telephone: +254 113 585 755
Working Hours: Each 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 important
Web site: @jahazicoffeehouse
5. Blue Room (Greatest for Reasonably priced Meals in Mombasa CBD)
Established in 1952, Blue Room is among the most well-known landmarks and eating places in Mombasa CBD, with a further outlet at Likoni Mall. Identified for its cleanliness, heat workers, scrumptious meals, and nice costs, this restaurant provides a superb 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 contemporary 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 Data
Tackle: Haile Selassie Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 797 272 727
Working Hours: Each 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 important, $3-$6 for desserts
Web site: blueroom.co.ke
6. Barka (One of many Greatest Conventional Eating places in Mombasa)
Barka is among 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 previous city is known for its reasonably priced Swahili dishes corresponding to 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 you strive their hen shawarma.
Barka Restaurant Data
Tackle: Mji wa Kale, alongside Makadara Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 722 881 009
Working Hours: Each 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 important, $2-$3 for drinks
Web site: barkarestaurant.co.ke
7. Forodhani (Greatest for Genuine Swahili Delicacies)
Forodhani is an enthralling seafront restaurant in Mombasa Previous City by the previous port. It provides ample seating with gorgeous ocean views and is popular with 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 stay up for returning every time I’m subsequent in Mombasa. The restaurant provides an fulfilling 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 Data
Tackle: Sir Mbarak Hinawy Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 724 401 551
Working Hours: Each 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 important
Web site: @forodhani.msa
8. Sundown Lounge (Greatest for Drinks and Sundown Views)
Resort English Level Marina is an expensive property located on the mouth of Tudor Creek. It provides breathtaking views of the ocean, Mombasa Previous City, and Fort Jesus. This 5-star lodging facility in Mombasa boasts a resort, residences, a spa, and a marina. It additionally options 5 eating places catering to each in-house and out of doors company.
In case 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 in the event 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, identified for its nice ambiance and vibrant setting. Right here, you possibly can 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 possibly can take pleasure in a tasty meal like nyama choma served with ugali.
Sundown Lounge Data
Tackle: Resort English Level Mombasa, alongside Silos Street
Telephone: +254 730 930 107
Working Hours: Each day from 3 pm to midnight
Should-Strive Meals: Nyama choma, cocktails
Common Price: $9-$16 per important, $3-$9 for drinks
Web site: hotelenglishpoint.com
9. Tapas Cielo (One of many Greatest 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 snug and relaxed ambiance.
Right here, you possibly can anticipate nice service, implausible music, and glorious vibes. With a full vary of drinks, together with wine and cocktails, and a menu that covers all the things from 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 Data
Tackle: 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 important, $3-$5 for desserts
Web site: tapascielo.com
10. Cafesserie (Greatest for Burgers, Espresso, and Pastries)
Cafesserie is among 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 nicely to digital nomads, offering quick WiFi, energy socket retailers, and comfy seating – making it a superb 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 area.
Cafesserie Mombasa Data
Tackle: Metropolis Mall Nyali alongside Mombasa-Malindi Street
Telephone: +254 712 011 011
Working Hours: Each 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 important, $3-$7 for desserts
Web site: cafesserie.com
11. Floating Island (Greatest for Fantastic Eating in Mombasa)
The Floating Island Restaurant, one of many prime eating places in Mombasa, provides 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 stunning design and decor create a heat and welcoming ambiance.
Along with its scrumptious meals, this restaurant has distinctive customer support. There’s each indoor and out of doors seating, and so they actually have a swimming pool for the children. With ample parking and free WiFi, Floating Island provides a superb wonderful eating expertise in Mombasa for households, teams of pals, and {couples}.
The Floating Island Restaurant Data
Tackle: New Nyali Bridge, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 100 466 060
Working Hours: Each day from 11 am to 11 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Seafood platter, pizza, grilled steak
Common Price: $4-$7 per starter, $22-$49 per important, $3-$8 for desserts
Web site: @floating_island_restaurant
12. Yul’s (Greatest for Seafood and Watersports)
Located near Bamburi Seaside, Yul’s is undoubtedly one of many prime seaside eating places in Mombasa, providing good meals and leisure. Their menu is understood for seafood corresponding to 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 provides varied actions. You’ll be able to 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 possibly can even journey ATV motorbikes at their racecourse.
Yul’s Restaurant Data
Tackle: Mkomani, alongside Nyali Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 715 012 311
Working Hours: Each 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 important, $3-$9 for desserts
Web site: aquadrom-yuls.com
13. Maasai Seaside Bar (Greatest for Meals and Sea Views)
Located alongside Mombasa Seaside in Nyali neighborhood, Maasai Seaside Bar and Restaurant provides high quality meals and reside leisure. Their menu contains nyama choma, pizza, seafood, and different scrumptious dishes accompanied by an in depth 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 amazing chill spot to observe 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 Seaside Bar and Restaurant Data
Tackle: Alongside Mount Kenya Street, subsequent to Reef Resort
Telephone: +254 717 310 902
Working Hours: Each 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 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 best neighborhoods in Mombasa, cease at Safari Inn Bar & Restaurant. This stunning restaurant is about in a peaceful setting close to Shanzu Seaside and has an unmatched ambiance. It provides good meals and drinks paired with glorious music and video games (playing cards, billiards, and darts).
Right here, you possibly can anticipate native and European delicacies with favourite dishes corresponding to 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 Data
Tackle: Off Serena, reverse Mombasa Continental Resort
Telephone: +254 722 671 475
Working Hours: Each 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 important
Web site: safariinn-mombasa.com
15. La Casa Di Nico (Greatest 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 provides indoor and al fresco eating with stunning ocean views. It additionally has parking areas, a shocking seating space, and a welcoming workers.
Their menu contains contemporary meals, drinks, and desserts. You’ll be able to anticipate contemporary fish carpaccio, Italian wooden oven pizza, pasta, and do-it-yourself gelato. Additionally they have a collection of beers, cocktails, and wonderful wine.
☞ SEE ALSO: The place to Keep in Mombasa in 2023 (Greatest Areas and Locations)
La Casa Di Nico Data
Tackle: Subsequent to Kenya Bay Resort, Bamburi, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 723 289 908
Working Hours: Each 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 important, $3-$5 for desserts
Web site: lacasadinicoristorante.com
Should-Strive Meals in Mombasa
Along with its vacationer points of interest, Mombasa is known for its vibrant meals tradition, the place varied flavors (Swahili, Arab, Indian, and African) harmoniously mix. From fragrant biryanis to contemporary seafood, listed here 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’ll find 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 facet of kachumbari – a vegetable salad.
Samaki wa Nazi
Samaki wa nazi is a pleasant dish among the many coastal Swahili folks. It’s normally a complete 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 is no such thing as a higher strategy to begin your day in Mombasa than with a conventional 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 possibly can get pleasure from contemporary 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 corresponding to Floating Island.
Ugali and Nyama Choma
When in Mombasa, ensure you strive ugali and nyama choma. The gentle, hearty ugali (a staple meal comprised of 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 here 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 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 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 observe in Mombasa to point out appreciation for good meals and repair by leaving a tip, usually 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 range extensively, however on common, you possibly can anticipate 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. 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 provides 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, odor, texture, and look, seldom gained from indulging in different vacationer actions.
As you’ve gotten seen, there are many nice locations to eat in Mombasa. Whether or not you’re looking for romantic eating places, the most effective lunch, wonderful 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 previous city neighborhood, ensure 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.