Savor the Coast: The 12 Best Restaurants You Must Try in Malindi

Malindi is a lovely small town situated on the Indian Ocean coastline of Kenya and with its perfect beaches and historical sites, it is also known for its colorful food culture. A culinary experience in Malindi is more of a voyage through cultures with a voyage through African, Italian, Arabic, and Indian influences. The town has a number of beachfront restaurants where fresh seafood can be found, as well as a good number of trattorias with authentic Italian cuisine to satisfy every appetite. 

Tourists can take time to savor traditional Swahili cuisine that are full of spices and the modern fine dining meals with the modern touch. Malindi is a great place to find a romantic dinner by the sea, a family friendly restaurant, and a casual cafe after a day of sightseeing in the town. In this guide, we highlight the 12 best restaurants in Malindi, each promising unforgettable flavors and warm hospitality.

Malindi is famous for its laid-back beach vibes, warm hospitality, and rich historical influences

Top 12 Restaurants in Malindi for an Authentic Experience

As one of Kenya’s most attractive tourist destinations, there is much to offer, in the form of museums, historical sites, clean beaches and landmarks in the country. Besides these attractions, there are numerous restaurants in Malindi that offer numerous options in terms of flavor and events.

Baby Marrow

Baby Marrow is considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Malindi, known for its delicacies. It is situated at the center of this seaside town and provides the visitor with a perfect combination of the Italian tradition and the relaxed seaside ambience of Kenya. The restaurant has a reputation of freshly made pasta, pizzas made in a wood fire and well prepared seafood which are made by using fresh ingredients in the area. 

In addition to the food, Baby Marrow provides a warm and cozy atmosphere that is ideal in terms of having lunches and romantic dinners. The guests tend to compliment the quality of the dishes, as well as the helpful service and homely atmosphere that make any visit a special occasion. To a traveler who wants to have a taste of Italy and still appreciates the modernity of the Kenyan coast, Baby Marrow is highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience authentic Italian cuisine in Malindi’s dining scene.

Address: Silversands Road (also listed as Mama Ngina Road on some maps), Malindi, Kenya

The Baby Marrow is a unique, sophisticated, elegant but casual Restaurant with an extensive menu varying from Italian to international cuisine

Simba Dishes

Simba Dishes is well known as one of the top restaurants in Malindi, which is fiercely popular due to its combination of the local authenticity and hospitality simplicity, which appeal to both locals and tourists. With generous portions, authentic coastal flavors, and warm hospitality, this restaurant is the ideal destination where one gets to taste Swahili-inspired food and a host of Kenyan staples. 

The menu typically contains a range of the staple grilled fish, pilau rice, chicken curry, and chapati, which are cooked in abundant spices that are a representation of the cultural diversity of Malindi. Unlike the special atmosphere of the restaurant, the setting is rather casual and unpretentious, and the flavors speak for themselves, providing a good dining experience each time. Several tourists love the casual atmosphere, fast food, and the opportunity to eat as a native. To any individual who wants to have the taste of real Kenyan food in a social place, Simba Dishes is definitely a place to visit in Malindi.

Address : Box 5845Jamhuri St, Malindi, Kenya

Simba Dishes is a highly regarded establishment for Swahili cuisine , offering delectable dishes like biryani chicken and pilau

Rosada Beach & Restaurant

Rosada Beach & Restaurant is one of the most famous beachfront restaurants in Malindi that has a vibrant mood and amazing Indian Ocean scenery. It is also a well-known establishment with a pink interior and an energetic beach location that is popular among locals and international tourists to have a unique dining and recreation experience. During the day, Rosada serves fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and Mediterranean-style cuisine that is served directly on the beach sand, hence it is the ideal spot to have a lovely lunch in the sun. 

In the evening, the restaurant turns into a vibrant location, and it is known that the restaurant has weekly beach parties where it hosts a cosmopolitan crowd. Cocktails, music, and an unique seaside ambience are not the only ingredients of Rosada Beach and Restaurant because it is not only about food, but also a vital part of the Malindi experience, a mixture of leisure, entertainment, and memorable sea view.

Address : Casuarina Rd, Malindi, Kenya

Rosada Beach & Restaurant is a charming beachfront establishment that offers exceptional dining and a great atmosphere

Billionaire Grill & Bar 

Billionaire Grill and Bar is one of the notable upscale restaurants along Malindi’s coastline, offering a blend of elegant dining and a lively evening atmosphere. The restaurant has an elaborate but casual atmosphere and boasts a brilliant menu comprising freshly caught seafood, excellent grilled meat and international cuisine that is offered creatively. 

As the guests can have their meals by overlooking the Indian Ocean, this is the best place to have romantic dinner, celebration or even relaxation with friends. The service is considerate, the cocktails are highly sophisticated, and the whole atmosphere is the combination of the ideal mix of sophistication and the sea-side mood. The Billionaire Grill & Bar is a well-known seaside venue in Malindi that attracts visitors looking for an upscale dining and nightlife experience

Address: Marine Road, Malindi, Kenya

Seafront Swahili Dishes

Seafront Swahili Dishes is one of the famous restaurants in Malindi that specializes in preparing the traditional coastal dishes and relaxed environment with the Indian Ocean. This is a great place to experience the Swahili taste as it serves the meals made with traditional spices and fresh local foods. The guests can enjoy delicacies like biryani, pilau, coconut fish curry, grilled prawns and chapati which are served in large quantities at affordable prices. 

This restaurant offers an authentic taste of Swahili culture, where the aroma of spices and the sea breeze create a memorable dining experience. Having its fans among the locals and tourists alike, Seafront Swahili Dishes is rightly considered a restaurant that offering guests a taste of Swahili hospitality along Kenya’s coast. It is an indispensable destination when passing through a food tour in Malindi.

Address: Seafront, Silversand Road, Malindi, Kenya

The restaurant specializes in traditional Swahili cuisine, serving a variety of dishes deeply rooted in Kenya's coastal culinary traditions.

Malaika Malindi Restaurant

Malaika Malindi Restaurant is one of the most beloved dining spots on Kenya’s coast welcoming guests with beautiful beachside views and exquisite food. It is situated close to the beach, offering a relaxing setting and a relaxing environment in which the meal is complemented by the waves and the cool sea breeze. Freshly made seafood is especially renowned in the restaurant for grilled lobster and prawns, as well as the restaurant’s special fish dishes with Swahili spices. 

The menu also includes a range of international options, in addition to seafood; thus, there’s something for everyone. The cozy ambience and the friendly service contribute to the casual yet sophisticated atmosphere making it perfect for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or a relaxed lunch with friends. Malaika Malindi Restaurant perfectly captures the essence of coastal dining and combines fresh, local ingredients with memorable seaside views.

Address: Silver sand Road, Malindi, Kenya

Malaika Malindi Restaurant offers a diverse menu that combines fresh seafood with a selection of international dishes

Mayungu Rasta Beach & Restaurant

Mayungu Rasta Beach and Restaurant is one of the most relaxed and distinctive beachside spots in Malindi which provides customers with an ideal combination of food, music and beach relaxation. Hiding on the beautiful Mayungu Beach, this rustic restaurant is known to be in love with the relaxed “rasta" vibe in which the reggae songs offered the ambience and the ocean offered a beautiful scenery. The menu includes freshly made seafood, including grilled lobster, prawns, calamari, and traditional Swahili cuisine made with spices available in the area. 

Visitors are allowed to have their meals in thatched umbrellas or using sand as it is a true beach experience. The pleasant food is matched by friendly staff and warm hospitality which make one feel part of the community. Mayungu Rasta Beach and Restaurant is a place to visit when one wants to have a memorable mix of local culture, seafood and a relaxed ambiance.

Address: Off Casuarina Road, Mayungu, Malindi, Kenya

Surahi restaurant

Surahi Restaurant has established a good business name as one of the best Indian restaurants in Malindi as a restaurant that has attracted both residents and tourists around Malindi by its real flavours and hospitality. Surahi is known for having a rich menu based on traditional Indian food and it serves all those foods including aromatic curries, baked naan, sizzling tandoori and also has tasty vegetarian food. 

The chefs are very keen on the use of the correct combination of spices, where each food reflects the flavor of India but in accordance with the local preferences. The relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant also makes it ideal both on daily family dinners and occasions out. The attentive service and large portions are always appreciated by the guests, and make the experience in this restaurant really fulfilling. Surahi is one of the restaurants that one should not miss in Malindi as a culinary treat in the coast of Kenya, which offers a taste of India.

Address : Matangani Rd, Malindi, Kenya

Surahi Restaurant-Malindi stands out as a vibrant culinary destination in the heart of Malindi, Kenya, renowned for its authentic Indian and Mughlai cuisine.

Bar Bar Restaurant & Pizzeria

Bar Bar Restaurant & Pizzeria has emerged to be a popular eating joint in Malindi with its relaxed environment, friendly service and mouthwatering food that residents and tourists alike have found appealing. It is one of the top pizza restaurants in Malindi and can be distinguished by the perfectly baked thin-crust pizzas that are made using fresh ingredients and that are served with numerous toppings that suit every taste. It will also not only be a pizzeria but a good choice in pasta, seafood, and refreshing beverages is available in the menu.

 The guests especially love the large garden ambience that offers a laid back atmosphere which is suitable during casual lunches or evening parties with friends. Be it that you feel like having genuine Italian-style pizza or you just feel like having a comfortable place to relax after sightseeing Malindi, Bar Bar Restaurant and Pizzeria is one of the restaurants that will leave a lasting impression that will keep you coming back

Address: The Malindi Casino, Sabaki Centre, Lamu Road, Malindi, Kenya

The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring delicious Italian dishes , with standout pizzas and seafood options that consistently impress diners

The House Malindi

The house Malindi is a cool and friendly restaurant which quickly gained recognition for its fusion of cuisines and easy-going relaxed style modernist ambience. This place is in the centre of Malindi and it is the favourite of both residents and tourists who visit there to get good food in a good environment. The cuisine is a blend of fresh seafood, grilled meats, Italian classics and Swahili-inspired cuisine, so that everyone will find something to love. 

The warm inner design and the good service offered by the restaurant are pointed to by the guests and make it a place to have a home-like and a classy meal. Whether you begin your day with a good breakfast, have a quick bite at lunch time or have a romantic dinner date, The House Malindi is there to serve you with the same consistency. It has been a favorite place of people who like to eat, have a warm reception, and an experience to eat in Malindi.

Address: Lamu Road opposite Kcb bank, Malindi, Kenya

Coco Beach

The restaurants in Coco Beach are one of the best places to eat in Malindi to have meals since they provide a special mix of beach, fresh seafood, and the relaxed beach atmosphere. These restaurants are situated immediately by the shore, and the guests will be able to listen to the calming waves and have a tasty meal. Menus tend to feature grilled fish, prawns and lobster among other seafood delicacies which are cooked with local spices to give out local Swahili flavors. 

In addition to seafood, international cuisine, tropical fruit juices, and cocktails are also available, which are the best accompaniments with the beach. Coco Beach is particularly one of the favored beach locations in relation to sunset dinners; the golden tinges of the sky form an enchanted background to an enjoyable time to enjoy a meal. Coco beach restaurants are the place to be whether you are a tourist and want to have a local touch or you are a local person and just want to have a relaxing place to eat both in the local Malindi flavor.

Address: Q4FH+9GJ, Malindi, Kenya

Coco Beach is a coastal restaurant in Malindi offering a delightful dining experience with fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.

Lost Beach Club

Lost Beach Club is not just a restaurant but a full experience that combines dining, music, and the laid-back coastal lifestyle of Malindi. Located right by the ocean, it offers stunning views and a trendy, bohemian-inspired setting that attracts both locals and international travelers. As one of the unique places to eat in Malindi, Lost Beach Club is well-known for its fresh seafood dishes, creative cocktails, and a menu that blends international flavors with a Swahili touch. 

Guests can relax on the beachside lounge chairs during the day or enjoy vibrant evenings with live music and DJ sets. The atmosphere is stylish yet welcoming, making it perfect for social gatherings, romantic dinners, or simply enjoying a chilled drink by the sea. Lost Beach Club reflects the laid-back coastal charm of Malindi and offers a relaxed yet memorable dining experience.

Your Guide to Malindi's Dining Scene: How to Choose a Great Restaurant

Before deciding on a restaurant in Malindi, you should focus on a few key points to make the most of your dining experience. The mixture of Swahili and Italian influences in town gives diners a wide variety of options

When choosing a restaurant in Malindi, you'll want to consider a few key factors to ensure you have a great experience

1. Location and Atmosphere 

Malindi offers a wide range of dining settings, including beachfront locations with breathtaking oceanic views, and less fancy restaurants in the town. Imagine the type of experience you want. Do you want to have a romantic dinner by the sound of waves, or do you want to have a place with music? The Billionaire Grill and Bar or Rosada Beach and Restaurant are the right places to find a beach environment. Somewhere like Bar Bar Restaurant is a better option if you prefer a more relaxed, local atmosphere

2. Type of Cuisine 

There is also a high level of Italian influence and thus you will get the best Italian food, mainly pizza and fresh seafood pasta. Good places include Baby Marrow and Il Covo Restaurant. When you wish to have the local tastes, you can find restaurants that serve Swahili cuisine, such as Seafront Swahili Dishes. Most of the restaurants also offer a combination of international and local food hence you will always find something to please everyone.

3. Fresh Seafood 

As a seaside town, Malindi is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood. Most five-star restaurants including Mayungu Rasta Beach & Restaurant have reputations of serving the day catch. They don’t hesitate to ask about the daily specials or the freshest catch or whether they have any specials of the day. An excellent seafood restaurant will tend to feature their fresh catches.

4. Check Reviews and Recommendations

Although you can never rely on all the reviews, by reading some of the more current reviews on websites such as TripAdvisor or Google Maps, you do have a rough idea of the quality of the restaurant at that moment. Look at the reviews that refer to certain dishes, the quality of the service and the overall atmosphere. This helps you discover hidden gems and avoid places where quality has declined

5. Consider Your Budget 

Malindi has options for all budgets. There are a few luxury locations such as the Billionaire Grill and Bar which is a luxurious experience at a premium. One can also find cheap places that offer good and healthy portions. Simba Dishes, as an example, is popular due to the affordable local meals.

Conclusion

These 12 restaurants in Malindi showcase the diversity of coastal Kenyan cuisine, blending Swahili traditions, Italian influences, and fresh seafood for an unforgettable experience along its coast, combining Swahili traditions, Italian influences, and freshly-harvested seafood into an unforgettable taste. Malindi has the laid-back beach cafes and fine dining restaurants, which cater to all kinds of tourists in need of the taste of the authentic Malindi and good hospitality. You feel like grilling fish at the ocean, wood-fired pizza or spiced Swahili curries, each of the restaurants contributes its flair to the local colorful food industry. 

But on the other hand, get your travel papers ready before you can enjoy the food of Malindi. Most international visitors are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival, though exemptions apply to certain nationalities. The process is online and usually quick, so applying in advance ensures a smooth entry. The application is quick and online, and applying in advance ensures smooth entry so you can focus on enjoying Malindi’s vibrant food scene stress-free.