In this article, we will discuss the best restaurants in Mombasa CBD. Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city with a population of approximately 1.2 million. It is a top travel destination in Kenya, known for its historical sites, exquisite holiday resorts, and beautiful beaches. Mombasa is also an excellent place for nightlife and offers life-changing culinary adventures.
If you’re planning a trip to Mombasa and wondering where to eat, this guide will help you discover the best restaurants in Mombasa. These include places with the best pizza, seafood, biryani, coffee, and more.
List Of Best Restaurants In Mombasa CBD
1. Barka Restaurant
Barka is one of the best traditional restaurants in Mombasa, attracting local families and tourists. The hotel is located in Old Town, a few metres from the Central Police Station. Owing to its quality services, authentic food, and lovely ambience, Barka has attracted VIPs, including the former president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta. It opens early for breakfast and stays open late for dinner.
The eatery has three lounges: a common lounge, a VIP lounge, and a VVIP lounge. Barka is one of the few places serving the majority, not all, of Swahili dishes. Though the hotel is famous for its biryani and pilau, visitors can taste other dishes rarely found in restaurants. The dishes include viazi karai, mahamri, matobosha, muhogo wa nazi (cassava in coconut), viazi tamu (sweet potatoes dipped in coconut cream), and mabokoboko (bananas in coconut and sugar), among others.
The hotel is also popular for its shawarma, grilled meat on skewers, which is attractively displayed outside the restaurant to attract more guests.
Location: Mji wa Kale, along Makadara Road, Mombasa
Contact: +254 722 881 009
Opening Hours: Daily from 7 am to 10 pm
2. BlueRoom Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlour
Established in 1952, Blue Room is one of the most famous landmarks and restaurants in Mombasa CBD, with an additional outlet at Likoni Mall. Known for its cleanliness, warm staff, delicious food, and great prices, this restaurant offers an excellent escape from the city’s heat. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, and cheap eats in Mombasa.
Popular dishes include chicken poussin, grilled fish, and beef burgers. In addition to its delicious menu, Blue Room is a dessert paradise, with a mouthwatering selection of ice creams and other sweets to satiate any sweet tooth. The hotel features a high roof, good-sized rooms, WiFi, a work area, and helpful staff.
Location: Haile Selassie Road, Mombasa
Contact: +254 797 272 727
Opening Hours: Daily from 7 am to 9:30 pm
3. The Fort Restaurant and Pizzeria
It is directly opposite Fort Jesus, right at the entrance of Mombasa Old Town, and two or so minutes from the city centre. The interior decor will impress anyone with a keen eye for detail and simplicity. Nice wall hangings telling the story of Mombasa Old Town, wooden dining tables and chairs immaculately covered by white cotton tablecloths, rustic vintage lanterns dotting the different tables, stylish chandeliers, and a raised ceiling made of wooden planks painted black give a sharp contrast to the Snow White silk emulsion-painted walls. They have a diverse menu and tasty food.
Location: Nkrumah Road Opposite Fort Jesus Mombasa
Contact: 0722 776399
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun (10 am-10 pm)
4. Forodhani Restaurant
Forodhani is a charming seafront restaurant in Mombasa Old Town, by the old port. It offers ample seating with stunning ocean views and is well-liked by families and visitors to the city. Its proximity to historic Fort Jesus, a short walk away, makes it a convenient choice for history enthusiasts.
From succulent grilled seafood to tantalising street food-inspired snacks, each dish here is a celebration of local ingredients and traditional recipes.
Location: Sir Mbarak Hinawy Road, Mombasa
Contact: +254 724 401 551
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 am to 11 pm
5. Tarboush Restaurant
Located along Makadara Road, Tarboush Café is among the best local restaurants in the heart of Mombasa Town. Being a StreetSide café by the park, Tarboush Café offers perfect insight into the Indian and Arabic influences on cuisine in Mombasa.
The restaurant offers delicious African cooking, including Biryani, Pilau, Kebabs, and many more. Their menu features BBQ items such as chicken tikka and “mishkaki” (skewered meat), and eat it with lovely soft naan bread, rice, or fries. Enjoy a good range of Swahili stapes, curries, and drinks at the Tarboush Café.
Location: Makadara Rd, Mombasa
Contact: 0113 204671
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 am to 10:30 pm
6. KFC Mombasa Town Branch
This branch is located in Mombasa town’s Ambalal building along Nkrumah Road, opposite the Kenya Power building. You can walk in to have a taste of all your KFC favourites, including the hot and crispy wings, zinger wings, chips, ice lollies, and so much more.
Location: Nkurumah Rd, Mombasa
Contact: 0730 748 000
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
7. Chicken Inn – Haile Selassie
Chicken Inn Haile Selassie is famous for its mouthwatering fried chicken and spicy wings, Chicken Inn has mastered preparing chicken in various forms. Each dish in this fast-food restaurant tells a story of flavour and culinary expertise.
The menu extends beyond chicken, featuring tasty ice creams, milkshakes, and pizza. Further, the restaurant’s interior reflects a blend of modernity and tradition, providing a comfortable space for patrons. Exceptional customer service further enhances the overall experience, making Chicken Inn a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Location: Haile Selasie Rd, Mombasa
Contact: 0700 323323
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm
8. Al Yusra Palm Tree Hotel
Stepping into Al Yusra is like embarking on a journey through Arabian flavours. It’s one of the newest restaurants in Mombasa CBD and specialises in authentic Arabic, Somali, and continental cuisines. The restaurant’s ambience reflects the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality. From the decor to the service, Al Yusra creates an immersive experience for diners seeking genuine flavours.
Location: Nkurumah Rd, Mombasa
Contact: 0711 530000
Opening Hours: Daily from 6 am to 10 pm
9. Qaffee Point
Qaffee Point, one of the top family-friendly restaurants in Mombasa CBD, distinguishes itself through its diverse menu and captivating ambience. As you step inside, you are greeted by a harmonious fusion of contemporary design and local aesthetics. The warm, earthy tones, complemented by the soft hum of background music, create an inviting atmosphere perfect for various. Whether you are here for Swahili cuisine or a cup of coffee, come prepared to savour the richness of flavours and the warmth of Kenyan hospitality.
Location: Ralli House, Nyerere Ave, Mombasa
Contact: 0758 222222
Opening Hours: Daily from 7 am to 11 pm
10. Camels Joint
For a fusion of international and local tastes, Camels Joint emerges as a unique culinary destination. The menu is a testament to the diverse influences that shape Mombasa’s food scene. Shawarma, biryani, and fried fish are some of the delicacies served here. This eatery also has an outdoor seating area where guests can have their meals.
Location: Haile Selasie Road, Mombasa
Contact: 0727 112021
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 am to 9 pm
11. Crave Restaurant – Downtown
Here’s a trendy restaurant combining innovation and tradition to create a unique culinary destination in Mombasa CBD. This eatery boasts a stylish interior, featuring modern lighting and indoor plants. Their food menu comprises pizza, burgers, fish, and sandwiches. What’s more, this Halal-certified eatery serves tasty milkshakes, waffles, ice creams, and cakes.
Location: City mall nyali, Mombasa
Contact: 0705 000275
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 am to 10 pm
