"A 1970s Indian Ocean seafood institution above Tudor Creek — lobster thermidor on an Arab-styled terrace, for a proposal or milestone dinner in Mombasa."
About Tamarind Mombasa
Tamarind Mombasa is the seafood institution on Cement Silos Road in Nyali, set on the bluff above Tudor Creek in Mombasa. It opened in the early 1970s and is the flagship of the Tamarind Group, occupying a white, Arab-styled building with high arches and a crenellated roofline that looks out over the creek and the harbour beyond. The terrace, lit at night with the dark water reflecting below, is among the most photographed dining settings on the Kenyan coast, and the room seats around 160.
The cooking is Indian Ocean seafood handled with French and Asian technique. For more of the coast's tables, compare the beachfront seafood at Sea Haven, the Italian-run cooking at Monsoons and the waterfront menu at The Moorings. For the category, see our seafood guide.
The Kitchen
The menu leans into the catch that Mombasa's position on the Indian Ocean provides. Oysters arrive fresh on ice; there are prawns piri piri, Mama Regina prawns masala, chilli crab and a mixed seafood platter. The signature is the lobster thermidor, the rich, cream-and-mustard French preparation applied to local crustacean, and it is the dish most often cited by returning diners. The wine programme draws on South African producers alongside French and international labels, and the sunset cocktail list is built to make use of the terrace before the kitchen takes over. This is a special-occasion seafood kitchen rather than an everyday one, with prices to match the setting and the lobster.
The Room
The room is the reason to book as much as the food: an open, Arab-styled terrace of carved arches set above the creek, where the lights of the harbour reflect on the water after dark. Service is formal and used to celebrations, and the kitchen runs a complimentary boat or shuttle arrangement for some guests. It sits on Cement Silos Road in Nyali, a short drive across the creek from the old town, and the sunset hour is the one to aim for. Reservations are recommended, especially for the terrace edge and at weekends.
Best for a Proposal
The arched terrace above the creek, the harbour lights and the lobster thermidor make Tamarind a memorable proposal or birthday dinner, and the most impressive room on the coast in which to impress clients in Mombasa.
Not for
Not for a quick, casual or budget meal — this is a formal special-occasion seafood institution built around the terrace and the lobster, and the bill reflects it.
Frequently Asked
What is Tamarind Mombasa known for?
Tamarind Mombasa is known for Indian Ocean seafood served on an Arab-styled terrace above Tudor Creek. The signature dish is lobster thermidor, alongside prawns piri piri, chilli crab, oysters and a mixed seafood platter, cooked with French and Asian technique.
Where is Tamarind Mombasa?
Tamarind Mombasa is on Cement Silos Road in Nyali, on the bluff above Tudor Creek, a short drive across the creek from the old town. The white, arched building looks out over the creek and harbour, with the terrace as its centrepiece.
How much does Tamarind Mombasa cost?
Tamarind sits at the top of the Mombasa market. It is a special-occasion seafood restaurant, and the lobster thermidor and seafood platters carry premium prices, so expect a full dinner with wine to be one of the more expensive meals on the coast.
Do I need a reservation at Tamarind Mombasa?
Reservations are recommended, particularly for a table at the edge of the terrace and on weekend evenings. The restaurant seats around 160 and handles celebrations, corporate dinners and receptions, so the prime sunset slots book up ahead.
When did Tamarind Mombasa open?
Tamarind Mombasa was established in the early 1970s and is the flagship of the Tamarind Group. It has been a reference point for fine seafood dining on the Kenyan coast for half a century, in its distinctive Arab-styled building above the creek.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Tamarind Mombasa
Reservations are recommended, especially for the terrace edge and at weekends; Tamarind is on Cement Silos Road in Nyali, above Tudor Creek.
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Practical Information
AddressCement Silos Road, Nyali, above Tudor Creek, Mombasa
NeighbourhoodNyali (above Tudor Creek)
CuisineSeafood
PricePremium; lobster thermidor and seafood platters at the top of the Mombasa market
Dress CodeSmart
SeatingOpen Arab-styled terrace above the creek, around 160 covers
ReservationRecommended
