Malindi Food & Drink: Top 5 Must-Try Spots & Local Favs

Malindi, that beautiful coastal town in Kenya, it’s not just about the beaches and the history; it’s also, basically, a total haven for food lovers. You will discover, there’s this fantastic mix of flavors that comes from Swahili traditions, coastal ingredients, and a touch of international influence, you know? That said, this spot is ideal for any foody looking for some spice. I mean, who would’ve thunk it?! Well, that’s not to say other places don’t either but this one is pretty impressive too, as a matter of fact. With that, let’s have a bit of a gander at five must-visit places to satisfy your taste buds.

1. Baby Marrow: Italian with a Kenyan Twist

Baby Marrow, it sounds a little strange maybe, it’s this cool restaurant that, apparently, gives you Italian food but with this really interesting Kenyan twist, and stuff. So, the vibe here, it’s very chill. It seems like they put a lot of work in with the atmosphere and everything. That’s one aspect that I love as well. Now, the cool thing, you know, that you can expect, it’s things like handmade pasta with, you know, locally sourced seafood, or grilled fish with a Swahili-inspired sauce, alright? Their pizzas are quite great, as well. With wood-fired crusts and super fresh toppings, they’re definitely quite delicious. You will find it to be an absolutely sensational spot, too. I honestly do hope that you get to love it the same way I did.

What you have to try there, it is the seafood risotto. It’s very flavorful, creamy, and they usually, pretty much, load it with fresh catches from the day, alright? If you’re like your meals with some punch, I might mention that their chili prawns are a great pick, actually. Baby Marrow, you know, it blends, in a way, Kenyan ingredients and Italian techniques to bring forth an experience that’s pretty unique, at the end of the day.

Read our full review: Baby Marrow Restaurant Malindi Full Review and Details

2. Baracuda Restaurant: Oceanfront Dining

Alright, Baracuda Restaurant, you’ll find, it’s positioned right on the beach, offering up views that, like your average restaurant, simply don’t. It’s absolutely a great spot if you wanna just kick back, relax, and soak in those vibes while chomping down on yummy food. Obviously, you came for a view but you stay because you are hungry, basically. Now, it focuses so, too it’s almost all about, seafood here, with a big selection of fish, prawns, lobster, that you can have prepared how you’d like, and stuff. The seafood platter is quite a crowd-pleaser, you know? If you are stuck on choosing, I’d lean towards that if I were you.

It really makes sense that the atmosphere, actually, is super laid-back and romantic, that is, if you are there with someone. A lot of people do come here on their honeymoon but hey, who am I to judge? But that really isn’t to say it’s just for the honeymoons. Families are welcomed as well, if they wish to dine at that restaurant. At dusk, that lighting kinda softens things a bit as you will view those waters shimmer on the horizon, basically. As a recommendation, the grilled lobster with garlic butter is seriously good, it makes me drool. You know? It will quite tantalize your taste buds.

Read our full review: Baracuda Restaurant Malindi Full Review and Details

3. The Old Man and the Sea: A Seafood Haven

The Old Man and the Sea, you could say it offers up pretty incredible views of the Indian Ocean. Its proximity to the sea does make this one stand out even more, and stuff. With that, it provides guests with views that are stunning for just about any kind of occassion that is possible. Actually, if I could go back to a spot it might be that, right there, actually! You will find their menu rather impressive in how much seafood they have, apparently, all freshly caught. Is that it only has seafood options? Well, that’s definitely not the case. It’s all on the seafood but they offer others too.

Grilled seafood, Swahili-style curries, and all types of vegetarian plates are what you should expect, actually. What do I like? What do I adore from the rest? You should taste their Pweza wa Nazi. It’s that octopus cooked in coconut milk, alright? Pretty tasty indeed. In the same way, this one’s definitely a great pick for both seafood buffs and peeps, actually, who are looking to get a taste of classic Swahili cooking.

Read our full review: The Old Man and the Sea Malindi Full Review and Details

4. Osteria Italiana: Authentic Italian Flavors

Now, Osteria Italiana, basically, it is just about giving diners true-blue Italian flavors in Malindi. With their traditional decor to the recipes they have for the food, they aim to immerse you completely. With that, their ingredients? Quite authentic I tell ya, coming from all around. They don’t slack when it comes to the preparation either. Osteria Italiana provides both classics from back then plus unique items you didn’t know existed until you walked in, and stuff.

Pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and yummy seafood dishes, are among them. The atmosphere here, it’s very relaxing and very welcoming, which, you know, might come as a surprise considering their main focus. I think you will find the staff really adds the experience as well. If you can, basically, don’t miss their spaghetti alle vongole, super yummy, basically! You see, for an honest Italian meal, there’s arguably nowhere better in town.

Read our full review: Osteria Italiana Malindi Full Review and Details

5. La Griglia Restaurant & Cafe: For a Relaxed Outing

La Griglia Restaurant & Cafe, basically, it gives this nice, relaxing place where you just kind of take things slow. They are usually jam-packed and their bar tends to be the star of the show with tons of amazing drinks you can mix, mix and mix! What I noticed about their service staff is how quickly they work. Which makes them extremely efficient at what they do. This allows you to spend as much as you want. Which can be good for any time-crunched visitor. Also, what they serve, you will appreciate!

The eatery’s offerings feature a delightful selection of items. From pasta to salads to fresh grills. From snacks, sandwiches, pizzas, and burgers to their fresh seafood options, that is. Do you like steaks, beef fillet, seafood risotto, as well? Now, as mentioned before, it’s cool when you wish to relax. Also, if you wish to recharge, I would totally vouch for it. Try their cocktails out while sitting outside. Read our full review: La Griglia Restaurant Cafe Malindi Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Reserve a Table)