From Brunch to Sundowners: Discover the 13 Best Restaurants in Kilifi for a Taste of Coastal Kenya

Kilifi is a beautiful seaside town in Kenya, known for its relaxed atmosphere, scenic ocean views, and rich Swahili culture. In addition to its beaches and waterways, Kilifi has developed a growing food scene that blends local traditions with international influences. From the local seafood restaurants offering freshly caught seafood to the smaller cafes and family-owned restaurants offering genuine Kenyan and Swahili cuisine, the town provides a wide range of dining options for all types of travelers.

Kilifi has it all, whether you are looking for fine dining by the Indian Ocean, a casual beachfront meal, or a hidden local favorite. This guide highlights the 13 best restaurants in Kilifi, selected for their diverse flavors, inviting ambiance, and overall dining experience.

Kilifi, Kenya, ticks all the boxes for a paradise holiday, including white sand beaches, warm Indian Ocean, quirky bars and restaurants, and a laid-back vibe.

Savor the Coast: Top 13 Restaurants in Kilifi for Fresh Seafood and Swahili Flavors

Located along the green waters of Kilifi Creek and the white sands of Bofa Beach, Kilifi offers a culinary scene shaped by fresh Indian Ocean seafood, Swahili spices, and contemporary international influences.

When you visit this tropical paradise, the following list highlights the top 13 restaurants that best represent Kilifi’s culinary identity.

The Twisted Fig

The Twisted Fig is a popular restaurant in Kilifi, known for its innovative menu and relaxed atmosphere. It frequently appears on lists of the best restaurants in Kilifi and provides a combination of international and modern cuisine that is cooked using fresh and locally available products. The restaurant is especially popular for its brunch dishes, handcrafted breads, and flavorful seafood.

The Twisted Fig is located in a serene garden environment where locals and visitors will find a comfortable and stylish environment. The Twisted Fig is a highly recommended restaurant in Kilifi, whether you want to have a leisurely breakfast, a casual lunch, or a fancy dinner.

Address: Beneath the Baobabs, Kilifi, Kenya

A high-quality and unique restaurant in Kilifi, Kenya - The Twisted Fig is an al fresco culinary experience, beneath an ancient Baobab tree.

Kilifi Boatyard

Kilifi Boatyard Restaurant is a well-established waterfront restaurant situated along Kilifi Creek, offering a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views. The restaurant focuses on fresh seafood and grilled meats, and offers Swahili and international cuisines, which are made of locally sourced foodstuffs. Tourists like having a meal outside as they observe boats and sunsets across the creek. Kilifi Boatyard Restaurant enjoys a large following due to its relaxed atmosphere and warm customer service. It is an excellent spot for a casual lunch, sunset drinks, or a relaxed dinner by the water.

Address: Mnarani, Masha Road, Kilifi, Kenya

 

A charming restaurant at the Mnarani boatyard, Kilifi Boatyard, with fresh seafood and scenic creek views in a relaxed, nautical atmosphere

Tiki Bar Kilifi

Tiki Bar Kilifi is a vibrant and easy-going restaurant and bar that is situated on the stunning coastline of Kilifi. Being a casual beach restaurant, it is also frequently cited as one of the top restaurants in Kilifi, where tourists will find good food and ocean views. The food includes seafood, grill, and traditional bar favorites with refreshing cocktails and cold beverages. Tiki Bar Kilifi is particularly frequented during evenings, where customers relax and observe the sunset, live music, or a lively social environment. It is an ideal place for anyone looking for a fun and relaxed dining experience in Kilifi.

Saltys on the Creek

Saltys on the Creek is one of the most distinctive dining spots in Kilifi and is best known as a memorable floating restaurant experience. The restaurant is located on the tranquil shores of Kilifi Creek, where guests can enjoy their meals surrounded by scenic mangroves and gentle ocean breezes.

Saltys on the Creek specializes in fresh seafood, including prawns, crab, and grilled fish, prepared with a distinct coastal Kenyan influence. Its relaxed ambience and stunning views of the sunset make it a popular choice for romantic dinners and special occasions. For visitors seeking something unique, Saltys on the Creek offers excellent food as well as a memorable waterfront experience.

Each plate is designed to let natural flavours lead, shaped by the tide, the season, and the quiet rhythm of the creek

Milano Backyard and Grill

Milano Backyard and Grill is a popular restaurant in Kilifi, known for its casual outdoor setting and flavorful cuisine. The restaurant serves a combination of grilled meats, burgers, pizzas, and local dishes, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends and family.

Milano Backyard and Grill is well-liked for its generous portions, friendly service, and relaxed backyard atmosphere. It attracts both visitors and locals looking for a comfortable place to eat without any formality. With its tasty menu and reliable service, Milano Backyard and Grill is a dependable choice for those exploring Kilifi’s growing food scene.

Address: Sokoni, Kilifi, Kenya

The Food Movement

The Food Movement is a trendy casual restaurant that is based in Kilifi, well known for its fresh, healthy, and thoughtfully prepared meals. It is often regarded as one of the most affordable restaurants in Kilifi, attracting both locals and tourists. The menu centers on healthy dishes that are prepared using locally obtained products, such as salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and baked goods.

The Food Movement is a perfect restaurant to have breakfast or lunch because of its relaxed and community-friendly vibe. Its friendly service and commitment to sustainability make it a strong choice for travelers seeking quality meals at reasonable prices.

Address: 8VF6+VMP, Kilifi, Kenya

The Food Movement is hidden away within the Kilifi plantation, but it is well worth seeking out if in the area

Salt and Smoke

Salt and Smoke is a well-known restaurant in Kilifi, which offers strong flavours and the cool atmosphere of the beach. It is often mentioned among Kilifi’s notable dining spots for smoked meats and grilled dishes inspired by global barbecue traditions.

The restaurant also employs quality ingredients and low cooking methods to come up with rich and fulfilling flavors that will attract both the locals and the tourists. The restaurant features a casual outdoor setting, ideal for relaxed meals with friends or family. If you want to eat a nice rib, have smoked chicken, or you want to enjoy some solid comfort food, Salt and Smoke is a unique dietary experience in Kilifi.

Address: Salt and Smoke, Bofa Rd, Kilifi, Kenya

Rasta Restaurant Kilifi

Rasta Restaurant Kilifi is a local restaurant that is popular due to its relaxed ambience, large meals, and affordable prices. Rasta Restaurant Kilifi is often listed among the best affordable restaurants in Kilifi, it has numerous visitors and locals who want to find some good food without spending lots of money.

The menu of the restaurant includes Kenyan and Swahili-inspired dishes, such as grilled meat, seafood, rice, and fresh vegetables. Its relaxed atmosphere, warm service, and vibrant local atmosphere make it a comfortable place to have daily meals. In particular, Rasta Restaurant Kilifi is highly rated for its value for money and authentic local flavors, and thus it has been rated as a perfect place to visit, have a good meal with good prices, when exploring the Kilifi region.

Address: Fumbini village, Seahorse Road, Kenya

African Pavilion

African Pavilion is a charming beach restaurant that reflects Kilifi’s relaxed seaside lifestyle. It is often regarded as one of the top beach restaurants in Kilifi and has beautiful ocean views and a serene environment, and this is only a few steps away on the beach. The restaurant is also recognized due to its delicious African-flavored food, fresh seafood, and well-cooked international cuisines using locally available foodstuffs.

Guests can enjoy their meals in an open-air setting, accompanied by ocean sounds and sea breezes. African Pavilion is a very good destination that a traveler can choose to enjoy the delicious flavors and beachfront dinners in Kilifi with its warm service, scenic location, and delicious cuisine.

Address: Old Ferry Rd, Kilifi, Kenya

African Pavilion Beach Restaurant offers a beautiful view of the Kilifi creek, with a relaxed atmosphere and great food options like grilled crocodile meat

Vegan Basket

Vegan Basket is a well-regarded plant-based restaurant and is commonly considered one of the best vegan restaurants in Kilifi. It is a warm and welcoming dining space that specialises in healthy and wholesome food using locally sourced foods. The menu includes a selection of vegan bowls, smoothies, wraps, salads, and freshly pressed juices, all of which will be healthy and delicious. Vegan Basket is especially appreciated for its relaxed atmosphere and welcoming service, making it popular with both locals and visitors. Vegan Basket is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy satisfying, clean, and sustainable vegan food in Kilifi.

Address: Naivas, Kilifi, Kenya

Salty's Cafe-Beach bar and Restaurant

Salty’s Cafe – Beach Bar and Restaurant is a casual dining spot that offers quality food alongside beautiful ocean views. Known as a popular beach restaurant in Kilifi, it provides a relaxed ambiance to both locals and visitors interested in having a light meal by the coast. 

Fresh seafood, grilled meat, light snacks, and refreshing beverages are included in the menu, which makes it appropriate at any time of the day. The restaurant is able to offer guests the opportunity to dine in an outdoor environment and to enjoy the sea breeze and peaceful beachfront atmosphere. Salty’s Cafe – Beach Bar and Restaurant is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable beachside dining experience in Kilifi.

Whitestar Restaurant

Whitestar Restaurant is a popular dining spot in Kilifi, valued for its warm ambiance and flavorful Italian cuisine. It offers a range of Italian favorites, including wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and fresh salads. The restaurant focuses on high-quality ingredients and classic Italian flavors that appeal to both locals and tourists.

Whitestar Restaurant has seating both indoors and outdoors, where it is possible to have both casual meals and evening dinners. Whitestar Restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Italian cooking while visiting the coastal town of Kilifi.

Address: Old Ferry, Kilifi, Kenya

A popular spot in the Kilifi Creek, the White Star Restaurant is known for its tasty local dishes and lively, social environment

The Beach Bar

The Beach Bar is a relaxed seaside restaurant in Kilifi that offers a beach-resort atmosphere with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. It is commonly referred to by visitors as the best Italian restaurant in Kilifi, and particularly, its wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and fresh seafood dishes made with Italian influences.

The restaurant is situated directly on the sea, so the customers can have their meal and listen to the waves and witness the marvelous sunsets. Its cordial service, relaxed outdoor seats, and well-designed menu make The Beach Bar a favorite among locals as well as travelers. It is an ideal location for a relaxed lunch, sunset drinks, or a memorable dinner by the ocean.

Address: Plot 22 Kuruwitu, Kilifi 80119 Kenya

What to Eat in Kilifi: From Street Food to Beachside Dining

Kilifi is one of the beautiful coastal towns in Kenya, known for its Swahili cuisine, fresh seafood, and tropical flavors influenced by African, Arab, and Indian cultures. Local food is an essential part of the travel experience when visiting Kilifi. Below are some of the must-try dishes and foods to consider while in Kilifi.

1. Fresh Grilled Fish and Seafood

Kilifi is located along the coast, which means seafood is exceptionally fresh. The common dishes are grilled snapper, kingfish, prawns, crab, and lobster, usually cooked with coconut, lime, and Swahili spices. These food items are normally accompanied by rice, chapati, or cassava.

2. Swahili Coconut Curries

Swahili coconut curries are a hallmark of coastal cuisine in Kilifi. Fish, chicken, or vegetables are gently simmered in thick coconut milk and blended with spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The outcome is a creamy, fragrant meal that reflects the strong Swahili and Indian influence along the Kenyan coast.

Swahili curries are defined by the creaminess of fresh coconut milk, the tang of tamarind, and the use of aromatic whole spices.

3. Pilau and Biryani

Pilau and biryani are popular spiced rice dishes commonly enjoyed in Kilifi. Pilau is mildly spiced and typically prepared with beef or chicken, whereas biryani is more opulent and fragrant and is made by piling meat, herbs, fried onions, and aromatic spices, and is served during occasions and celebrations.

4. Chapati and Mandazi

Chapati is a flat, layered soft bread that is consumed in Kilifi and on the Kenyan coast. It is traditionally eaten with meat stews, bean preparations, or with curries made of coconuts. Mandazi is a lightly sweet fried dough made with coconut milk and cardamom, usually enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack with tea.

5. Viazi Karai

The viazi karai is a fried potato that is coated with spiced gram (chickpea) and is therefore crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. This is a famous coastal street food, which is usually sold during the evenings and is accompanied by tangy chili sauce or coconut chutney with a flavor and spice added.

6. Samaki wa Kupaka

The Swahili dish known as Samaki wa Kupaka is prepared using grilled fish and is cooked in a coconut sauce that is combined with spices, garlic, and lime. It is one of the most popular traditional seafood dishes in the region, which is usually cooked using snapper or kingfish, and has been commonly accompanied by rice, chapati, or ugali.

7. Tropical Fruits and Fresh Juices

Mangoes, pineapples, coconuts, bananas, and papayas are all found in Kilifi. Fruit juices and coconut water are easily available and very suitable for hot coastal weather.

Kilifi offers a pleasant and diverse food experience with beach restaurants and small food kiosks, as well as an expression of its coastal roots and colorful culture.

Conclusion

Dining at the top 13 local restaurants in Kilifi is not only a food adventure but also an opportunity to enjoy the laid-back coastal living of the town, its Swahili culture, and sea delicacies. Kilifi is a great destination for food with beachside cafes, floating restaurants, and local secrets in between. If you are having fresh seafood along the creek, a relaxed beach lunch at sunset, or imaginative international cuisine, these restaurants will provide the added flavor and depth to any trip on the Kenyan coast.

International travelers are also encouraged to apply for a Kenya ETA online before planning their food adventure so that they can have a hassle-free entry. The quickest and surest way is to apply using the Kenya Immigration Services, which provides a clear direction, a safe way of processing, and approvals to be met. By applying for your ETA in advance, you can fully enjoy Kilifi’s excellent restaurants and stunning coastal experiences without travel-related stress.