Whereas pristine white sand seashores, coral gardens, and luxurious resorts are its major points of interest, don’t miss the possibility to discover eating places in Watamu for a very memorable culinary expertise.
The small city on the northern coast of Kenya is residence to varied communities, primarily locals and Italian expatriates and residents. It’s additionally a well-known place to go to in Kenya amongst vacationers, making its delicacies numerous and catering to everybody who stops by.
In consequence, you’ll uncover varied eating choices, from native eateries and seaside bars to seafood spots and quite a few pizzerias.
With its beautiful seashores excellent for leisure, a Marine Park for watersports, nice lodging choices, and welcoming locals, Watamu is one in all my favourite vacation destinations in Kenya. I not too long ago returned for every week and found extra issues to do and locations to eat on this coastal paradise.
So, for those who’re planning a go to and questioning what food to try or the place to eat in Watamu, you’re in the best place. On this article, I’ll introduce you to a few of the most interesting eating places in Watamu; detailing what they provide and their places.
15 Greatest Eating places in Watamu
Listed here are a few of the finest locations to eat in Watamu. You’ll discover quite a lot of cuisines at these eating places, together with Swahili dishes, Italian meals, and contemporary seafood.
The listing is predicated on my private experiences and critiques shared by different vacationers on platforms similar to Journey Advisor and Google Enterprise.
1. Crab Shack Dabaso (Greatest Restaurant in Watamu General)
Crab Shack Dabaso is a singular seafood restaurant set amongst thick mangroves, providing a memorable eating expertise. This restaurant is community-run and was established by a local conservation group to supply delicious meals and promote eco-activities within the Mida Creek ecosystem.
It’s among the finest native eating places in Watamu, because of its pleasant workers and nice location overlooking the attractive creek. You possibly can count on a menu that options an array of choices, together with fish, octopus, oysters, lobster, crabs, and prawns, together with an assortment of contemporary juices, bottled beers, cocktails, and wines.
I extremely suggest attempting the enormous Mida crab, the combined seafood grill, and the crab samosa. Moreover, Crab Shack is a perfect spot for birdwatching, taking strolls alongside a mangrove boardwalk, and catching breathtaking sunsets. It’s also possible to hire a canoe or join a tour to discover the creek and close by islands.
Crab Shack Dabaso Info
Deal with: MX3Q+VH Crab Shack, Dabaso, Watamu
Cellphone: +254 725 315 562
Working Hours: Every day from 8 am to 9 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Grilled seafood, Jumbo prawns, crab samosa – click here to see the full menu
Common Value: $2-$5 per starter, $11-$44 per major, $2-$4 for desserts
Web site: dabasocreek.wixsite.com
2. Amandina (Greatest for Positive Eating in Watamu)
Situated on the Median Palms Hotel alongside the alluring Turtle Bay Seaside, Amandina Restaurant presents reasonably priced eating matched with distinctive service and a stunning ambiance. Their menu contains African, European, and Mediterranean cuisines in addition to vegan choices.
When you’re in search of a comfy spot excellent for romantic, high-quality eating in Watamu, I like to recommend Amandina. The restaurant offers a relaxed environment with outside seating providing breathtaking ocean views. Right here, you may take pleasure in varied meals and beverage choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
My favourite dishes at Amandina embody the combined grilled seafood platter and hen biryani. In addition they supply a scrumptious number of major programs together with pizzas, steaks, and pasta, and welcoming desserts similar to ice lotions and cheesecakes – ensure you go away room for these!
Their wine listing options spectacular selections, together with Pecan Stream Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa and La Bollina Gavi from Italy.
Amandina Restaurant Info
Deal with: Medina Palms Hotel, off Turtle Bay Road, Watamu
Cellphone: +254 114 128 477
Working Hours: Every day from 7 am to 9 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Beef tenderloin, combined grill seafood platter, Swahili hen biryani
Common Value: $3-$7 per starter, $11-$19 per major, $3-$5 for desserts
Web site: medinapalms.com
3. Sundown Seaside (Greatest for Pizza and Cocktails in Watamu)
Sunset Seaside stands out as one of many most interesting locations for pizzas and cocktails in Watamu. Located alongside Watamu Beach, it boasts a barely elevated deck, offering the right setting to take pleasure in occasional reside music, spectacular sunsets, and night seaside actions.
Whereas they provide various dishes like roast hen and chips, their specialty is the traditional wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza. My favourite amongst their choices is the Diavola pizza, comprising mozzarella, tomato sauce, spicy salami, aromatic basil, and oil.
Sundown Seaside Restaurant Info
Deal with: J2VC+C3 Watamu
Cellphone: +254 793 858 165
Working Hours: Wed-Mon (12:30 pm to 11 pm), Tue (closed)
Should-Strive Meals: Pizzas – click here to see the full menu
Common Value: $11-$14 per pizza, $5-$9 for cocktails
Web site: sunsetbeachwatamu.com
4. Pilipan (Greatest for Seafood and Gorgeous Sunsets)
Pilipan ranks among the many high eating places in Watamu offering delicious delicacies, a pleasing environment, distinctive service, and a tempting number of cocktails.
The menu options quite a lot of dishes together with prawns, fish, and hen in coconut curry, barbecue snapper, seafood skewers, chili paneer, and prawn cocktails.
Plan your go to round their Saturday glad hour from 5 pm to 7 pm. It’s the right alternative to take pleasure in one in all their cocktails whereas taking within the scenic view of the mangrove bushes and the enchanting sundown over Turtle Bay Creek.
Pilipan Restaurant Info
Deal with: JXHV+WW, Turtle Bay Road, Watamu
Cellphone: +254 713 993 776
Working Hours: Every day from 11 am to 10 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Hen curry, barbecued snapper, tuna carpaccio
Common Value: $2-$5 per starter, $8-$11 per major, $3-$5 for cocktails
Web site: @pilipanwatamu
5. Lichthaus by Temple Level (Greatest for Pub Meals in Watamu)
Lichthaus by Temple Point Resort is likely one of the finest bars and eating places in Watamu with a view. It incorporates a raised terrace and cozy hammocks the place you may unwind with a chilly beer or cocktail, all whereas having fun with lovely views of Mida Creek.
The bar boasts welcoming workers, a comfy ambiance, and serves scrumptious meals. Their major course dishes embody choices like pineapple octopus, garlic-grilled beef, succulent pork leg skewers, and quite a lot of contemporary fish plates. Moreover, they provide refreshing salads ready with tomatoes, cucumbers, guacamole, and contemporary greens.
Lichthaus by Temple Level Info
Deal with: JX7C+X7, Mida Creek, Watamu
Cellphone: +254 740 768 412
Working Hours: Every day from 12 pm to 10 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Grilled garlic beef, pineapple octopus, home salad
Common Value: $3-$5 per starter, $11-$18 per major
Web site: templepointresort.com
6. Gede Espresso Gardens (Greatest for Lunch and Dinner in Watamu)
Gede Espresso Gardens at Hemingways Hotel is the final word outside eating expertise in Watamu. I’ve had dinner there many instances and it’s a magical spot with ocean views, a cool breeze, and starry skies. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ready utilizing contemporary produce from close by markets and seafood sourced from native fishermen.
Their numerous menu options quite a lot of choices together with Italian pizzas, grilled seafood, Karoo lamb, beef steaks, sandwiches, wraps, and engaging pastries and gelatos. To cap off your night, the Hemingways Bar awaits, providing a beneficiant number of wines, spirits, and tropical cocktails for a calming post-dinner expertise.
Gede Espresso Gardens Info
Deal with: J2P3+G2Q Watamu
Cellphone: +254 709 188 000
Working Hours: Every day from 10 am to 9 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Jumbo prawns, beef fillet, pizza – click here to see the full menu
Common Value: $3-$8 per starter, $11-$59 per major, $4-$6 for desserts
Web site: hemingways-collection.com
7. Kokomo Seaside Bar (Greatest for Lebanese Meals in Watamu)
Kokomo Seaside Bar and Restaurant, situated on the fringe of Mapango Bay (Watamu Beach), is my go-to alternative for a memorable night. Right here, you may relish breathtaking ocean views because the solar units whereas having fun with a refreshing tropical cocktail or a chilly native beer.
Their numerous menu contains lamb kebabs, Lebanese mezze, connoisseur and vegetarian burgers, grilled hen, beef fillet, and fish. It’s also possible to bask in pleasant desserts like tarts and cheesecakes and discover quite a lot of salads, similar to tabouleh and fattoush, together with appetizers together with seared tuna and shrimp provençal.
Kokomo Seaside Bar & Restaurant Info
Deal with: J2VC+37 Mapango Beach, Watamu
Cellphone: +254 759 954 462
Working Hours: Every day from midday to midnight
Should-Strive Meals: Lebanese mezze, vegetarian burgers, grilled beef fillet
Common Value: $13-$25 per major, $7-$14 for cocktails, $6-$11 for desserts
Web site: @kokomobeachbarandrestaurant
8. Hosteria Romana (Greatest for Italian Meals in Watamu)
Hosteria Romana is a modest and charming restaurant in Watamu village, only a stone’s throw from the seaside. The restaurant is known for its genuine Italian dishes, which embody pizza, pasta, spaghetti, and gnocchi.
Whereas their specialty is Italian delicacies, their menu additionally caters to different tastes together with seafood and vegetarian-friendly worldwide choices, that includes contemporary fish catches, crabs, lobsters, and prawns.
In case you are visiting or staying close to Watamu Seaside, don’t miss the chance to dine at this restaurant. Check out their contemporary salmon carpaccio or carbonara (spaghetti, eggs, bacon, pecorino cheese, olive oil), and savor it with a glass of home wine.
Hosteria Romana Info
Deal with: J2VC+G9, Watamu Beach Road
Cellphone: +254 711 867 275
Working Hours: Every day from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Pizza Margherita, pasta, spaghetti with tuna
Common Value: $2-$4 per starter, $7-$13 per major, $2-$5 for desserts
Web site: @hosteriaromanawatamu
9. Tamu (One of many Most Romantic Eating places in Watamu)
Tamu Seaside Bar and Restaurant, conveniently situated close to Papa Remo Beach, presents wonderful service, pleasant workers, and scrumptious meals. Whether or not you’re in search of a comfy indoor eating expertise surrounded by rustic white interiors, very best for a romantic dinner, or a beachfront setting for household outings, Tamu has you coated.
Their major menu options quite a lot of delectable choices similar to carpaccios, salads, queen prawns, vegetable fajitas, lobster medallion, and sushi sashimi. In the meantime, the children’ menu contains favorites like tomato spaghetti, fried fish fingers, and fried hen with spiral chips. Save area to bask in pleasant desserts, wines, fruit juices, and smoothies.
Tamu Seaside Bar & Restaurant Info
Deal with: M22G+48 Watamu Beach Road
Cellphone: +254 703 707 038
Working Hours: Tue-Solar (10 am to 10 pm), Mon (closed)
Should-Strive Meals: Octopus carpaccio, prawns salad – click here to see the full menu
Common Value: $3-$5 per starter, $9-$16 per major, $2-$4 for desserts
Web site: tamurestaurant.com
10. Willy Seaside (Greatest for Seafood and Low cost Eats in Watamu)
When you’re in search of an reasonably priced beachfront spot to dine and loosen up in Watamu, head to Willy Seaside Restaurant. Situated on the southern finish of Papa Remo Beach (Love Bay), this eatery serves grilled seafood similar to lobsters, shrimp, crab, and octopus. It additionally presents native dishes similar to pilau, hen, and beef stew with ugali and kachumbari.
Along with the meals, Willy Seaside Restaurant has a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. These embody juices, tea, espresso, beers, wines, photographs, and cocktails. Check out the prickly pineapple or the vodka lemon cocktails.
Willy Seaside Watamu Info
Deal with: J2XF+8P Watamu
Cellphone: +254 705 959 994
Working Hours: Every day from 8:30 am to 10 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Seafood platter, linguini with combined greens, calamari salad
Common Value: $4-$7 per starter, $10-$15 per major, $2-$3 for desserts
Web site: @willybeachwatamu
11. Papa Remo (Greatest for Lunch and Partying in Watamu)
Papa Remo is one in all my favourite seaside eating places in Watamu for leisure, nice meals, and a full of life environment. It offers indoor and outside eating choices with a multi-cuisine menu together with Italian pizzas, grilled beef and hen, seafood, and varied refreshing drinks.
The restaurant is located alongside Love Bay, a surprising beach in Watamu with solar loungers providing unbelievable views of the Indian Ocean and close by islets (seven islands). Each Saturday from 11 pm, they host a seaside celebration that includes unbelievable music by native DJs – an expertise I cherish and eagerly await on my subsequent Watamu go to.
Papa Remo Seaside Restaurant Info
Deal with: M23J+9X Jacaranda Road, Watamu
Cellphone: +254 707 010 527
Working Hours: Every day from 9 am to 10 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Recent seafood, pizza, grilled hen with chips
Common Value: $2-$5 per starter, $9-$16 per major, $3-$9 for drinks
Web site: paparemobeach.com
12. Marafiki (One of many Greatest Seaside Eating places in Watamu)
Marafiki, which suggests “pals” in Swahili, is an enthralling seaside bar and restaurant on Watamu’s northern facet alongside Jacaranda Bay Beach. You possibly can relish delectable meals and drinks right here whereas having fun with spectacular ocean views.
Their numerous menu boasts quite a lot of choices together with seafood, Swahili, and Italian dishes similar to grilled calamari, pizzas, nyama choma (grilled or roast meat), samaki wa nazi (conventional fish curry with coconut cream), and gelatos.
Marafiki Seaside Bar & Restaurant Info
Deal with: M3MP+Q2V Jacaranda Road, Watamu
Cellphone: +254 711 738 524
Working Hours: Every day from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
Should-Strive Meals: Beef fillet, squid fish, samosa – click to see the full menu
Common Value: $3-$5 per starter, $9-$14 per major
Web site: marafikibeachrestaurant.com
13. Safina Seaside Bar (Restaurant in Watamu with a Sea View)
This seaside bar and restaurant is located alongside the magnificent Jacaranda Bay Beach. Moreover providing scrumptious meals, it offers a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and offers superb views of the Indian Ocean.
Like many seaside bars in Watamu, Safina’s menu options native dishes, pizzas, panini, grilled meats, seafood, beers, and cocktails. Following your meal, you may unwind on solar loungers and swing beds beneath gazebos, take a seaside stroll, or go kitesurfing.
For these in search of aquatic adventures, the clear waters supply alternatives for swimming and snorkeling, the place you may observe colourful fish and different marine species beneath the floor.
Safina Seaside Bar & Restaurant Info
Deal with: M3MP+V5, Spiaggia Jacaranda, Kanani Road, Watamu
Cellphone: +254 719 214 521
Working Hours: Every day from 8 am to 9 am
Should-Strive Meals: Grilled hen with ugali – click to see the full menu
Common Value: $3-$5 per starter, $7-$13 per major
Web site: safinabeachrestaurant.com
14. Mamiy’s Pizza (Greatest for Pizza and Piadina in Watamu)
At any time when I go to Watamu, Mamiy’s is my best choice for pizza. This charming pizzeria, located on Watamu-Gede Street, presents a heat environment and fast service.
Their pizza choice is numerous, that includes varied types and toppings together with choices like Mamiy’s particular, Margherita, Napoli, Hawaii, Vegetariana, and my private favourite, Italia (topped with contemporary mozzarella, tomatoes, onion, olives, and oregano).
Moreover the pizzas, Mamiy’s additionally serves a few of the most interesting piadinas (flatbread) in Watamu. You possibly can indulge of their piadina romagnola, which might be full of quite a lot of scrumptious substances similar to mozzarella, ham, tomato, hen cubes, and grilled zucchini. Alongside these choices, you may order a variety of drinks, desserts, and snacks.
Mamiy’s Pizza Info
Deal with: J2X7+R8C, Gede Watamu Rd, Watamu
Cellphone: +254 795 214 014
Working Hours: Wed-Sat (12 to 2 pm), Mon-Tue (closed), Solar (5 pm to 10:30 pm)
Should-Strive Meals: Pizzas – click here to see the full menu
Common Value: $6-$10 per pizza, $2-$5 for desserts
Web site: @mamiyspizza
15. Non Solo Gelato (Greatest for Gelatos and Desserts)
When you’ve got a candy tooth, your culinary journey in Watamu would solely be full by exploring its gelatos, ice cream parlors, and pastry retailers.
To verify off the entire above, I extremely suggest a go to to Non Solo Gelato, an Italian restaurant common for its number of candy treats, espresso, and sandwiches. Right here, you may take pleasure in contemporary juices, croissants, gelatos, muffins, and varied dessert choices.
Non Solo Gelato is a wonderful alternative for breakfast, brunch, or lunch in Watamu. Aside from their candy choices, additionally they serve genuine Italian delicacies, that includes dishes like lasagna, pasta, and panini. Personally, I can’t get sufficient of their cannoli full of almonds and Nutella.
Non Solo Gelato Restaurant Info
Deal with: J2V6+F9 Watamu
Cellphone: +254 794 600 128
Working Hours: Mon-Sat (7 am to eight pm), Solar (closed)
Should-Strive Meals: Roche ice cream, black cherry, piadina sandwich
Common Value: $3-$9 for ice lotions/gelatos, $3-$6 for desserts
Web site: @nonsologelatobyanna
Should-Strive Meals in Watamu
Once you’re in Watamu, you may’t miss the possibility to bask in its culinary delights. To provide you some concepts, listed here are my favourite must-try meals in Watamu, together with contemporary grilled seafood, tasty Italian dishes, and scrumptious Swahili meals:
Swahili Rice Dishes
Rice dishes are widespread in Watamu and different cities alongside the Swahili coast. These dishes usually embody fragrant rice cooked with spices, greens, and meat (beef, hen, or mutton). My favorites are biryani hen and beef pilau.
Native Breakfast
Earlier than you begin your day’s adventures in Watamu, ensure you benefit from the Swahili breakfast. It often contains Kenyan chai or espresso, together with samosas, boiled or fried eggs, and pastries like mahamri (a dough flavored with coconut milk and deep-fried right into a triangular, golden-brown pastry).
Wooden-Fired Pizza
Watamu’s Italian affect shines via in its wood-fired pizzas. There are a number of seaside eating places and pizzerias to take pleasure in a crispy, thin-crust pizza topped with contemporary substances and native flavors. I like to recommend attempting Mamiy’s Marinara, Margherita, or Napoli pizzas.
Recent Seafood Platter
Being a coastal city, Watamu is likely one of the finest locations for contemporary seafood. Whereas right here, strive a seafood platter with grilled prawns, lobster, crabs, and octopus, all expertly ready and seasoned. Fried fish with ugali can also be a must-try.
Samaki wa Nazi
Fish in Swahili is samaki, whereas nazi means coconut. Samaki wa nazi interprets to “fish in a coconut curry,” a well-liked Swahili dish alongside the East African coast. This flavorful dish is often created with contemporary fish cooked in a creamy coconut sauce, seasoned with spices like garlic, turmeric, ginger, and chili, and is ceaselessly served with ugali or rice (wali).
☞ SEE ALSO: Food in Kenya – 15 Must-Try Dishes in Kenya
Watamu Eating places: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to ceaselessly requested questions on the very best locations to eat in Watamu:
Watamu eating places are distinctive, and every presents one thing for various tastes and preferences. My favorites embody Mamiy’s for pizza, Crab Shack for seafood and sunsets, Amandina for an ocean view, Tamu for native dishes, Kokomo for a seaside expertise, and Non Solo Gelato for ice lotions.
Dinner hours in Watamu are usually noticed between 7 pm and 9 pm. Nonetheless, some locations might have prolonged lunch hours, so you need to affirm with the restaurant of your alternative earlier than visiting.
Lunchtime in Watamu often begins round midday and lasts till 2 pm or later. Once more, checking with particular person eating places for his or her particular lunch hours is suggested.
As in most of Kenya, breakfast in Watamu is often served from 7 am to 10 am, though this will differ relying on every eatery, resort, or resort.
Tipping in Watamu isn’t a should, however is actually appreciated. Tipping round 10-15% of the invoice is mostly advisable for those who’re happy with the restaurant’s service, meals high quality, and total ambiance.
Though Watamu isn’t well-known for conventional pub meals, you could find informal pub-style dishes at many beachfront bars and eating places. These might embody choices like nyama choma, burgers, beef fry, and seafood. To expertise such dishes, think about visiting eating places similar to Tamu, Papa Remo, Kokomo, Sundown, Safina, and Marafiki.
Eating places with the very best views in Watamu embody Lichthaus by Temple Level, Kokomo Seaside Restaurant, Crab Shack Dabaso, and the Amandina Restaurant.
In Conclusion
There are numerous eating places in Watamu, however the above are only a handful that can assist you determine the place to eat. This coastal haven’s numerous eating selections and choices cater to the tastes of locals and guests alike.
So, whether or not you crave the wealthy aroma of Swahili biryani, some mouthwatering seafood choices like grilled octopus, or the familiarity of Italian pizzas and international delicacies, Watamu has the right eating spot to please your preferences.
As you discover this coastal paradise, I like to recommend in search of further locations to eat. You’ll be pleasantly stunned by the abundance of elegant cafes, tempting gelaterias, charming eating places, and breezy seaside bars that grace Watamu – my favourite journey vacation spot alongside Kenya’s beautiful shoreline.
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