If you are looking for the best restaurant options in the stunning city of Mombasa, this is the guide for you!
Do you know about Mombasa? It’s Kenya’s second-largest city, set on the coast overlooking the historic port waters of the Indian Ocean. It was on these ramparts that many groups, tribes, and nationalities – Arab, Asian, Indian, Swahili, and English – battled for centuries to control this gateway to the East.
This polyglot mix of cultures and nations has left its mark on Mombasa’s culture, its architecture, and most certainly its cuisine. Take a walk through the city’s “Old Town” today and you’ll find a colorful bazaar of spices, authentic Kenyan food, goods, and languages.
This international epicurean potpourri is our good luck when it comes to Mombasa’s dining scene, for here you’ll find all kinds of tastes reflecting the city’s history and foreign influences.
So take a tour with us as we explore our favorite dining spots in this fascinating Swahili city by the sea…
5 of the Best Restaurants in Mombasa
Sea Haven Restaurant, Shanzu
We’ll head to Old Town Mombasa first for a stop at this popular coastal spot with perfect views of the Indian Ocean. Specialties include great seafood platters, local fish, and steaks. And in a nod to Asian influences, a delicious choice of curries.
Sit back and enjoy the views of the beach and beyond at the restaurant’s various levels of sea-view terraces.
Forodhani Restaurant
Also located in Old Town, near the old port, come here for the fish dishes, stay for the views. Forodhani serves up authentic Swahili cuisine such as local fish in coconut sauce and mutton pilau. Also not to be missed, try the authentic Indian entrees while enjoying the cozy dining space with lovely views of the calm waters beyond.
Tamarind Mombasa
Overlooking the old harbor, Tamarind’s high arches reflect a classical Arab style while offering seafood dishes in a fine dining style. With a menu reflecting French, Asian, and African cuisines, the prawns, chili crab, and lobster have drawn praise from the likes of Gourmet, The London Times, and The Herald Tribune.
Known for personalized service and inventive presentation, Tamarind has come to be regarded as one of Africa’s finest.
Imani Dhow Restaurant
Here’s another way to dine in Mombasa with a nod to its cultural past. Enjoy seafood and international cuisine aboard an authentic Arab ship, or Dhow. In its heyday, Imani’s dhow moved cotton and corn between the ports of Zanzibar, Dar-es-Saalem, Tana, and Mombasa.
Today you can enjoy a sunset sail while dining on seafood platters, red snapper, lobster, crab, prawns, and rack of lamb while skimming the smooth waters off Mombasa’s coast.
Pavilions
Sprawling and elegant, Pavilions offers its guests large buffet spreads at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Choose from a wide variety of African, Asian, Arabic, Mediterranean, and continental cuisines dramatically presented at its cooking stations.
Enjoy Pavilions’ live music while dining on Kenyan, Pan Asian, Indian, and global fusion dishes. The chefs specialize in a variety of cooking styles from Jiko to sous vide to molecular gastronomy!
What food can you expect in Mombasa?
Mombasa offers a unique blend of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and Portuguese flavors. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets or dining at a beachfront restaurant, there are plenty of delicious local dishes to try.
Swahili rice dishes
Among the most popular Swahili rice dishes is pilau, a fragrant and spiced rice cooked with meat such as chicken, beef, or goat, infused with aromatic seasonings. Biryani is another flavorful option, made with marinated meat, a rich blend of spices, and coconut milk for a distinctive taste.
Street food
Street food is an essential part of Mombasa’s culinary scene. One of the favorites is viazi karai, deep-fried potatoes coated in a spicy batter and served with tangy chutney. Another beloved snack is bhajia, crispy chickpea flour fritters that are perfect as an appetizer. For those who enjoy grilled dishes, mishkaki, a Swahili-style skewered meat similar to kebabs, is a must-try. Samosas, with their crunchy golden crust and savory spiced meat or vegetable filling, are also commonly found in local markets. To satisfy a sweet tooth, mahamri, a slightly sweet, deep-fried Swahili bread, pairs beautifully with a cup of chai, while kaimati, sugar-coated deep-fried dough balls, make for a delightful treat.
Fresh seafood dishes
Mombasa’s coastal location makes it an ideal destination for seafood lovers. Freshly grilled lobster, prawns, and crab are commonly served in beachfront restaurants, often cooked in rich coconut sauce for extra flavor. Another local specialty is samaki wa kupaka, a dish where fish is marinated with aromatic spices, grilled, and then coated in a thick and creamy coconut sauce.
Traditional drinks and desserts
No visit to Mombasa is complete without trying its refreshing beverages and traditional desserts. Tamarind juice, a sweet-and-sour drink made from tamarind pulp, is a local favorite, while madafu, or fresh coconut water straight from the young coconut, is a natural and hydrating tropical refreshment. For dessert, mkate wa sinia, a soft and spongy Swahili rice cake flavored with cardamom, offers a unique taste, while halwa, a rich and sticky sweet treat made with ghee, sugar, and spices, is a must-try for those who love indulgent flavors.
For an authentic taste of Mombasa’s food, visitors should explore local markets, Swahili restaurants, and beachfront eateries. Whether you’re searching for delicious street food in Old Town or fine dining experiences at Nyali Beach, Mombasa has something to satisfy every palate. Looking for the best places to eat? Stay tuned for our top restaurant recommendations!
We hope we’ve piqued your appetite. Let us help you find the perfect dining experience when you are in Mombasa. And, any other requests you may have to make your Kenyan coastal vacation no less than perfect. Looking to making a day of it? You can also check out our top places to visit in Mombasa.
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