In Mombasa City, where dining facilities crop up faster than you can knock back a tequila, it’s easy to get caught up in the “hot-right-now” hype. But there’s a lot more depth to the city’s food scene. And, with the beautiful beaches on our doorstep, we’re spoilt for even more choice – its magnificent vistas elevating an already-epic gastronomic outing to dizzying heights. Here are our tried-and-tested favourites for a consistently excellent day or night out.

Tarboush Café

This streetside café by the park, on Makadara Road, offers perfect insight into the Indian and Arabic influences on cuisine, in Mombasa.

With a menu featuring BBQ items such as chicken tikka, mishkaki (skewered meat), kebabs, naan bread along with biryani and shawarma, this restaurant is almost perpetually busy and a local favorite. Wash down your meal with a sweet and tart Mabungo juice – made from the Bungo fruit of the rubber vine

Chop it Express

The newest addition in Mombasa’s restaurant empire is not “just another” experience. Chop it promises culinary adventure, as expected, but with a prime location and experienced chefs its knack for coaxing the best flavours from the finest local produce. The set-up oozes a modern funky style with mural art welcoming you to the well-lit facility. It’s the first restaurant to adopt the fast-rising in-car dining experience with a full setup similar to five-star hotels in Mombasa

Blue Room Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor

As you wander off the main land, you’ll come upon Blue room, set in the new Likoni mall, Haile Selassie Rd and offering traditional Swahili dishes. It’s famous for their traditional popular pastry Swahili snacks such as mahamri, halwa (a sweet confection), samosas and bhajia’s accompaning the list of traditionally prepared kahawa (coffee) and tea. For a more substantial meal, biryani’s and pilaus are available on the menu. You can also enjoy ensemble of Swahili dishes including a decent dessert table or full dinner spreads

Kijani Kitchen + Market

Set on Petrocity, Nyali Road, kijani Kitchen + Market is modern swahili food restaurant, renowned for its delicious healthy dishes and vibrant food. The green, serene and well-lit ambience is a breath of fresh air for those craving to dine in a relaxing ambience.

The restaurant’s menu is a creative blend of the best of Swahili, Asian and Coastal cuisines. Personalised service, original presentations and meticulous attention to detail have cemented Kijani as one of the finest restaurants in Mombasa.

Karahi Restaurant

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Located at the Hotel EnglishPoint & Spa, the waterfront restaurant brings the essence and flavour of authentic Awadhi cuisine known for their love of the finest things in life in Mombasa. They recreate the luster of the bygone Nawabi era (Indian culinary experience) with the confluence of rich ingredients, unique cooking styles and age-old recipes. Their expertly prepared menu is enjoyed along the banks of the open creek. The restaurant is perfect for a casual lunch or that romantic dinner.

Forodhani Restaurant

This perennially buzzed-about restaurant, suspended above the ocean creek, offers a set menu of 5-star calibre delivered with glorious views and casual finesse. Close to the Old Port of Mombasa, this seafront restaurant offers spectacular ocean view and a lovely view of the Old Mombasa Port.

Its menu is centered on Pakistani, Indian and Arabic influences, with dishes such as chicken tikka, kebabs and a range of grilled items. All dishes are served straight from a pan dish, and you can enjoy local historical sights and a great selection of drinks too. Their signature Egg chapatti, is an infamous street food dish, that one must try.