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Guy Arnold shares his favorite places to grab a bite to eat in the Kenyan city of Mombasa.

Lying just on the Indian Ocean, Kenya’s eastern city of Mombasa is the second largest in the country. During a visit, I was lucky enough to get a taste (sorry) of the local cuisine in some quality Kenya restaurants. Here are five of my favourites:

Yuls Aquadrome Restaurant

I noticed this place on a stroll along the glorious Bamburi Beach. There was a steady flow of people both buying and eating food, and others hopping on jet skis and surf boards. Turns out, the restaurant provides both great food and the chance to partake in a spot of water-sporting. So, after a humungous burger and a glance at their tantalising XXL pizzas, for which the place is renowned, I straddled a jet ski and bombed over the waves before returning to Yuls for an Irish coffee and some delicious homemade cake in the shade.

Hunters Steak House

Situated across the river from Old Town, Mombasa, is Mkomani. It was here that I found a place which served up the best steak (among plenty of other dishes) I’ve ever had. It was the size of a breeze-block and as soft as a sponge, bursting with juice and laced with such tenderness it needed only four chews before it was ready to be swallowed. The ambience in Hunters was welcoming; the staff were calm, friendly and provided a quick service.

Sea Food Haven

Sitting along the north coast in Shanzu, the chefs at this restaurant know how to cook seafood. Their platters included oysters and lobster and all was cooked to perfection. The scenery was fantastic. I dined atop a dramatic cliff-lined beach. There’s nothing quite like enjoying fine seafood, cooked professionally, in the balmy Kenyan climate, watching a blood-red sunset over the coast.

Tamarind

This restaurant was, for me, the most exciting. The atmosphere was vibrant, the food choice was never-ending, the staff were all in great spirits; they clearly enjoy their job. With a huge selection of seafood dishes including prawns, crab, calamari, salmon, red snapper, lobster and tuna (the list does go on) I was spoiled for choice. In Mombasa, this Tamarind restaurant is said to be one of the most popular places to eat out. I saw why: a pristine white building overlooking the old harbour, whose terrace is lit up with fairy lights is reason enough to gain huge popularity in my books.

Shehnai

As well as steak and seafood, I love Indian food. Shehnai serves the best in Mombasa, apparently, so I had to visit it. It didn’t disappoint. It welcomed me with a pleasant atmosphere and very friendly staff. The menu was expansive offering a choice of every curry I could think of. If, like me, you’re partial to curry, this place is not to be missed when visiting Mombasa.

Guy Arnold, from leafy Hertfordshire, England, is currently studying for an MA in Creative Writing. Specialising in poetry, and travel writing being a new passion!