Malindi is one of the top destinations in Kenya with a lot to offer including museums, historical sites, pristine beaches, and landmark attractions. On top of these, the town boasts numerous restaurants catering to various tastes and occasions.
If you’re planning a trip to Malindi and need dining recommendations, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a culinary journey through this beautiful town along the Indian Ocean.
Malindi’s diverse local and international cultures mean you can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines. From modest joints serving authentic Swahili dishes to beach bars grilling delicious meats, there’s something for everyone. You can also find fantastic Italian food, fresh seafood, and a selection of natural juices, wines, cocktails, and beers.
I love exploring different parts of Kenya, and Malindi is one of my favorite spots due to its unique history, tourist attractions, and mouthwatering food. In a previous blog, I listed the best things to see and do in Malindi. Now, let’s take a look at some of the top restaurants you must visit.
Whether you’re craving local dishes or international flavors, here are the best places to eat in Malindi. This list is based on customer reviews and my personal evaluation of food quality, location, ambiance, and service:
1. Rosada
Located right on the beach, Rosada is a great place for an exceptional dining experience and fun vibes. Their menu features Italian dishes like pizza, spaghetti carbonara, and lasagna, alongside fresh seafood and local favorites like grilled chicken and beef with chips. They also offer a variety of cocktails and wines. They host vibrant beach parties every Monday and Friday night.
– Address: Q46F+FX Casuarina Rd, Malindi
– Operating Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
– Must-Try Meals: Grilled chicken, fish, prawns, cocktails
2. Seafront
This traditional restaurant is known for its affordable African breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find Swahili cuisine such as samaki wa kupaka, pilau, biryani, and wali wa nazi, along with Kenyan dishes like ugali, karanga, and grilled chicken.
– Address: Q4GG+WP Silversand Road, Malindi
– Operating Hours: Daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
– Must-Try Meals: Biryani chicken, karanga (beef stew), beef fry with ugali
3. Bar Bar
Perfect for those who enjoy good food, drinks, sports, and music. Known for their Tuesday live music sessions, Bar Bar offers a wide range of dishes from sandwiches and salads to main courses and desserts. Their mixed grilled seafood platter is a crowd favorite.
– Address: Q4V8+8J Sabaki Centre, Malindi
– Operating Hours: Daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
– Must-Try Meals: Grilled beef fillet, mixed grilled seafood, pork ribs
4. Savana by Sandies Tropical Village
This fine dining spot offers a rich buffet featuring Kenyan and international cuisines. Set in a lush garden with ocean views, it’s my favorite outdoor restaurant in Malindi. Enjoy meals like pizza, seafood, and grilled beef steak paired with cocktails and local beers.
– Address: Q46G+V5 Casuarina Road, Malindi
– Operating Hours: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
– Must-Try Meals: Grilled prawns, beef steak
5. Baby Marrow
Located on Silversands Road, this Italian pizzeria is perfect for enjoying pizza, pasta, risotto, and fresh seafood dishes like smoked sailfish and crab salad.
– Address: Q4GG+GH Silversand Road, Malindi
– Operating Hours: Daily from noon to midnight
– Must-Try Meals: Risotto with prawns, pizza, panzerotti, samosa
6. T&T Restaurant
Known for the best lunch in Malindi, this spot offers Swahili dishes like pilau and biryani along with local delicacies like beef stew with chapati. Their coffee and fresh juices are also worth a try.
– Address: Q4G6+QM Malindi
– Operating Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
– Must-Try Meals: Biryani chicken, pilau beef, chips masala
7. Billionaire Grill & Bar
With its beautiful sea view, relaxed atmosphere, quick service, and excellent food, this spot is perfect. Enjoy dishes like pepper beef steak and grilled prawns while soaking in the beachfront vibe.
– Address: P4VJ+FJ Marine Road, Malindi
– Operating Hours: Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
– Must-Try Meals: Pepper steak beef fillet, grilled jumbo prawns, Caprese salad
8. Pizza O
Formerly known as ‘Osteria,’ this Italian spot offers mouthwatering dishes like pizza, spaghetti, and seafood. It’s a perfect venue for a romantic evening.
– Address: Q43G+WJ Malindi
– Operating Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
– Must-Try Meals: Hawaiian pizza, seafood platter, calamari in pili sauce
9. Che Shale
This boutique hotel’s restaurant offers al fresco dining with stunning beach views. Enjoy their signature dishes like lobster and soft-shell crab seasoned with fresh spices.
– Address: W5PF+93 Lamu Road, Malindi
– Operating Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
– Must-Try Meals: Lobster, soft-shell crab, Che Shale breakfast wrap
10. Simba Dishes
Known for its Swahili cuisine, this spot offers biryani chicken, pilau, and street food like mshikaki and barbecued chicken. Try the refreshing tamarind juice while you’re there.
– Address: Q4M9+4F Malindi
– Operating Hours: Mon-Fri (6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), Sat-Sun (7 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
– Must-Try Meals: Pilau, biryani, barbecued chicken, mshikaki
11. Mayungu
Located along a scenic white sand beach, this restaurant specializes in seafood and grilled dishes. It’s a great spot to enjoy fresh fish, fruit salads, and cocktails while watching the sunset.
– Address: P448+54 Malindi
– Operating Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
– Must-Try Meals: Fried chicken with rice and veggies, fruit salad, grilled octopus
12. Malaika
Situated on Mayungu Beach, this restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere with cabanas and ocean views. Their menu features seasonal dishes, fresh juices, and cocktails.
– Address: M4W3+JV Mayungu Road, Malindi
– Operating Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
– Must-Try Meals: Mix grilled seafood, octopus salad, tagliolini with crab
13. Coco Beach
Enjoy the fresh seafood and Italian dishes at this restaurant set on Silversands Beach with elevated deck views of the ocean. Their crumbed calamari rings are a must-try.
– Address: Q4FH+9GJ, Malindi
– Operating Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
– Must-Try Meals: Crumbed calamari rings, grilled seafood platter, pizza marinara
14. Olimpia Club
Perfect for families and couples, this spot offers Italian cuisine, seafood, and local dishes at reasonable prices. Enjoy the playground and pool while you dine.
– Address: Q42F+RP9, Malindi
– Operating Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
– Must-Try Meals: Fried fish with chips, pizza, mixed meat grill
15. Kilili Baharini Resort Restaurant
This Swahili-style open-air restaurant is perfect for enjoying local flavors, Italian dishes, and vegetarian options. Do try the buffet, which includes mixed seafood and grilled vegetables.
– Address: Q45G+P3 Malindi
– Operating Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
– Must-Try Meals: Grilled lobster, potato gnocchi, banana ice cream
Some dishes you must try in Malindi include grilled seafood at beachside restaurants, Swahili rice dishes like biryani and pilau, traditional Swahili breakfast pastries, stewed beans with chapati, and wood-fired pizza. Also, don’t miss samaki wa kupaka, a coconut curry fish dish.
The best places to eat in Malindi include Seafront, Baby Marrow, Mayungu Beach, and Billionaire Grill. Dinner is typically served between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., lunch from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and breakfast from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tipping is appreciated but optional, typically 10%-15% of the bill for good service.
Most top restaurants are located in the town center and along Silversands Beach, Marine Park Beach, and Mayungu Beach. For drinks and pub food, Bar Bar and Billionaire Grill are top choices. Beach restaurants like Rosada, Olimpia, and Malaika offer stunning ocean views.
In Malindi, the main language is Swahili but many also speak English and Italian. I hope this guide helps you find the best dining options during your visit to Malindi. Enjoy exploring the rich food scene influenced by Swahili, Italian, and other flavors, and make sure to check out the best beaches and activities for a memorable trip.