Mombasa is a prime journey vacation spot in Kenya due to its historic websites, beautiful vacation resorts, and delightful seashores. It’s additionally a wonderful place for nightlife and life-changing culinary adventures. As an area who’s extensively explored its meals scene, I’m delighted to share the perfect 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 various, 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 perfect eating places in Mombasa. They embody locations with the perfect 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 listing of my favourite eating places within the metropolis. The compilation is a mix of my private opinion and buyer critiques on-line – based mostly on components corresponding to meals high quality, service, ambiance, views, worth, and site.
I’ve dined at many extra eating places than talked about, however I’ve narrowed this listing all the way down to my prime 15 based mostly on the above standards.
1. Mombasa Tamarind (Greatest Restaurant in Mombasa General)
The Mombasa Tamarind is a jewel alongside the Kenyan coast and probably the greatest eating places in Mombasa. I’ve visited this lovely eatery many occasions and all the time 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 one in all Mombasa’s greatest 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.
When 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 stay band. Be sure you strive the Tamarind fish soup, mangrove oysters, and seafood platter (should you’re in a gaggle).
Mombasa Tamarind Info
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-Attempt Meals: Tamarind fish soup, mangrove oysters, sundown crab
Common Value: $4-$7 per starter, $19-$50 per major, $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 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 babies, there’s even a playground the place the little ones can have their enjoyable.
So, whether or not you’re a household searching for a healthful meal, a pair searching for a romantic dinner, a solo traveler exploring native flavors, or a meals fanatic trying to find the best dishes, this beachfront eatery has one thing for everybody.
Char-Choma Restaurant Info
Tackle: Aga Khan Seashore Cottages, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 794 673 598
Working Hours: Each day from 6 am to midnight
Should-Attempt Meals: Nyama choma, African breakfast, black forest cake – click on right here to see the total menu
Common Value: $3-$8 per starter, $16-$27 per major, $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 greatest eating places and cafes. The restaurant chain is well-liked amongst households, {couples}, and people searching 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 allow, make certain to order your favourite Kenyan espresso to remove.
Java Home Nyali Info
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-Attempt Meals: Swahili coconut fish curry, burgers, home espresso – click on right here to see the total menu
Common Value: $2-$4 for espresso, $9-$29 per major, $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 likely one of the prime 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 allure 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, corresponding to my private favourite, the biryani hen, you may take pleasure in a cup of Kenyan tea or espresso. For individuals who love historical past, be 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 Info
Tackle: Off Ndia Kuu Street, Mombasa Previous City
Telephone: +254 113 585 755
Working Hours: Each day from 9 am to five pm
Should-Attempt Meals: Hen biryani, home espresso, samaki wa nazi (coconut fish curry)
Common Value: $2-$5 per espresso, $6-$11 per major
Web site: @jahazicoffeehouse
5. Blue Room (Greatest 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 the town’s warmth. It’s good for breakfast, lunch, and low-cost eats in Mombasa.
When you’re searching 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 Info
Tackle: Haile Selassie Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 797 272 727
Working Hours: Each 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 total menu
Common Value: $2-$4 per starter, $5-$11 per major, $3-$6 for desserts
Web site: blueroom.co.ke
6. Barka (One of many Greatest 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 wonderful 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 legendary for its inexpensive Swahili dishes corresponding to biryani, pilau, and grilled fish in coconut sauce (samaki wa nazi). You may also 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
Tackle: Mji wa Kale, alongside Makadara Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 722 881 009
Working Hours: Each day from 7 am to 10 pm
Should-Attempt Meals: Biryani, samaki wa nazi, hen shawarma – click on right here to view the total menu
Common Value: $1-$4 for breakfast, $3-$9 per major, $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 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 alternative 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 pleasant environment, 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
Tackle: Sir Mbarak Hinawy Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 724 401 551
Working Hours: Each day from 9 am to 11 pm
Should-Attempt Meals: Hen biryani, seafood platter, fish in coconut curry
Common Value: $2-$4 per starter, $9-$16 per major
Web site: @forodhani.msa
8. Sundown Lounge (Greatest for Drinks and Sundown Views)
Resort English Level Marina is an opulent 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, residences, a spa, and a marina. It additionally options 5 eating places catering to each in-house and out of doors visitors.
When you’re trying to find the perfect Indian restaurant in Mombasa, look no additional than Karahi. For delicious teppanyaki, sushi, and sashimi choices, Masa is your supreme alternative, 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 may benefit from the newest stay sports activities over a beer or watch the glow of the setting solar whereas sipping on a cocktail. After the sundown, you may bask in a tasty meal like nyama choma served with ugali.
Sundown Lounge Info
Tackle: Resort English Level Mombasa, alongside Silos Street
Telephone: +254 730 930 107
Working Hours: Each day from 3 pm to midnight
Should-Attempt Meals: Nyama choma, cocktails
Common Value: $9-$16 per major, $3-$9 for drinks
Web site: hotelenglishpoint.com
9. Tapas Cielo (One of many Greatest 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 may count on nice service, implausible music, and glorious vibes. With a full vary of drinks, together with wine and cocktails, and a menu that covers the whole lot from major 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
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-Attempt Meals: Margherita pizza, tapas, grilled T-bone steak – click on right here to see the total menu
Common Value: $2-$4 per starter, $8-$14 per major, $3-$5 for desserts
Web site: tapascielo.com
10. Cafesserie (Greatest 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 shops, and cozy seating – making it a wonderful alternative for getting some work completed 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 Info
Tackle: Metropolis Mall Nyali alongside Mombasa-Malindi Street
Telephone: +254 712 011 011
Working Hours: Each day from 7 am to midnight
Should-Attempt Meals: Burgers, grilled salmon, Italian espresso – click on right here to view the total menu
Common Value: $2-$5 for espresso, $7-$16 per major, $3-$7 for desserts
Web site: cafesserie.com
11. Floating Island (Greatest for Tremendous Eating in Mombasa)
The Floating Island Restaurant, one of many prime 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 out of doors seating, and so they actually have a swimming pool for the youngsters. With ample parking and free WiFi, Floating Island gives a wonderful superb eating expertise in Mombasa for households, teams of mates, and {couples}.
The Floating Island Restaurant Info
Tackle: New Nyali Bridge, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 100 466 060
Working Hours: Each day from 11 am to 11 pm
Should-Attempt Meals: Seafood platter, pizza, grilled steak
Common Value: $4-$7 per starter, $22-$49 per major, $3-$8 for desserts
Web site: @floating_island_restaurant
12. Yul’s (Greatest 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 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.
Except for delectable meals, Yul’s gives numerous actions. You may take pleasure in watersports like banana boat using and jet snowboarding, and might moreover store for garments, souvenirs, swimwear, and handmade leather-based items at Heike’s Escape Boutique. For the extra adventurous, you may even experience ATV motorbikes at their racecourse.
Yul’s Restaurant Info
Tackle: Mkomani, alongside Nyali Street, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 715 012 311
Working Hours: Each day from 12 pm to 11 pm
Should-Attempt Meals: Seafood platter, pizza, tropical cocktails – click on right here to see the total menu
Common Value: $3-$5 per starter, $10-$29 per major, $3-$9 for desserts
Web site: aquadrom-yuls.com
13. Maasai Seashore Bar (Greatest for Meals and Sea Views)
Located alongside Mombasa Seashore in Nyali neighborhood, Maasai Seashore Bar and Restaurant gives high quality meals and stay 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 gorgeous sea views. It gives an amazing chill spot to look at the sundown, benefit from the sound of breaking waves, and watch sea actions. When you’re searching for a restaurant in Mombasa with a sea view that caters to each traveler, head to Maasai.
Maasai Seashore Bar and Restaurant Info
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-Attempt Meals: Pizza, nyama choma, native beer (like Tusker)
Common Value: $2-$5 per starter, $9-$16 per major, $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, probably the greatest neighborhoods in Mombasa, cease at Safari Inn Bar & Restaurant. This lovely restaurant is about in a peaceful surroundings close to Shanzu Seashore and has an unmatched ambiance. It gives good meals and drinks paired with glorious music and video games (playing cards, billiards, and darts).
Right here, you may count on 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 numerous wine choices. In addition they have stay music by native bands each Tuesday and Friday from 7:30 pm.
Safari Inn Bar & Restaurant Info
Tackle: Off Serena, reverse Mombasa Continental Resort
Telephone: +254 722 671 475
Working Hours: Each day 10 am to 1 am
Should-Attempt Meals: Swiss rosti, shrimp cocktail, seafood platter – click on right here to see the total menu
Common Value: $2-$4 per starter, $6-$13 per major
Web site: safariinn-mombasa.com
15. La Casa Di Nico (Greatest 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 employees.
Their menu contains contemporary meals, drinks, and desserts. You may count on contemporary fish carpaccio, Italian wooden oven pizza, pasta, and home made gelato. In addition they have a number of beers, cocktails, and superb wine.
☞ SEE ALSO: The place to Keep in Mombasa in 2023 (Greatest Areas and Locations)
La Casa Di Nico Info
Tackle: Subsequent to Kenya Bay Resort, Bamburi, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 723 289 908
Working Hours: Each day from 12 pm to 10 pm
Should-Attempt Meals: Caprese, pizza Napoli, vegetable lasagna – click on right here to view the total menu
Common Value: $3-$7 per starter, $10-$23 per major, $3-$5 for desserts
Web site: lacasadinicoristorante.com
Should-Attempt Meals in Mombasa
Along with its vacationer sights, Mombasa is legendary for its vibrant meals tradition, the place numerous 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 thought for its scrumptious Swahili dish, biryani. This aromatic rice meal is cooked with greens, spices, and meat (typically hen, beef, or seafood). You could 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 aspect of kachumbari – a vegetable salad.
Samaki wa Nazi
Samaki wa nazi is a pleasant dish among the many coastal Swahili individuals. It’s normally 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 is no such thing as a higher method 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 may take pleasure in contemporary seafood to your coronary heart’s content material. You may 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, be sure to strive ugali and nyama choma. The smooth, 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-Attempt Dishes in Kenya)
Mombasa Eating places: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on the perfect 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 sometimes begins round 7 pm and might 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 numerous cafes and eateries.
Certainly. It’s a typical apply in Mombasa to indicate 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 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 fluctuate broadly, however on common, you may 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. A number of the most common 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 reminiscences of style, scent, texture, and look, seldom gained from indulging in different vacationer actions.
As you’ve got seen, there are many nice locations to eat in Mombasa. Whether or not you’re trying to find romantic eating places, the perfect lunch, superb eating, or low-cost eats in Mombasa, the Kenyan port metropolis has an eatery for each traveler and style.
Hopefully, this listing has given you concepts of the place to eat the following time you go to Mombasa. When you’re staying within the previous city neighborhood, be sure to strive biryani hen at Jahazi Espresso Home. For individuals who fancy eating places with good meals and a sea view, Char-Choma is the right alternative.
