Forodhani Restaurant — Restaurant in Makadara/Mji Wa Kale ward

Forodhani Restaurant is a hidden gem by the sea that delivers an unforgettable dining experience. With its serene ambiance, fresh à la carte menu, and stunning seaside views, it is a must-visit for anyone seeking a combination of great food and relaxation.

The restaurant is thoughtfully designed with two levels, offering diners a variety of seating options to suit their preferences. Whether you choose the ground floor for a closer connection to the ocean or the upper level for panoramic views, each space has its charm. This flexibility makes Forodhani an excellent choice for both individuals and groups, accommodating everything from quiet moments of solitude to lively gatherings with friends or family.

One of the standout features of Forodhani is its fresh, expertly prepared food. The à la carte menu offers a wide selection of dishes, each crafted with care to highlight the flavors of the region. Whether you’re indulging in seafood, traditional Swahili dishes, or other delicacies, every bite speaks to the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chefs.

The drinks menu is equally impressive, with a variety of refreshing halal beverages that complement the food perfectly. From freshly squeezed juices to unique mocktails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The serene seaside environment is the perfect backdrop for a meal at Forodhani. The gentle sound of the waves and the calming sea breeze create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Forodhani Restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a destination for relaxation, great food, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a casual meal with friends, or some time to unwind, this spot delivers...

Amazing scenery, good food!

Set in the heart of Mombasa's magical old town, Forodhani Restaurant is the latest addition to the bevy of eating joints crowding this small city.

What sets it apart is the location, for one. "Forodha" is the Kiswahili word for "customs," and this location points to the old customs warehouses next to three old port. The area is breathtakingly beautiful; set right next to the Indian ocean, facing off the English Point Marina, you simply couldn't ask for a better location.

I passed by on whim, having seen the place under construction some time back. Glad to see them up and running, the crowd wasn't too bad for a new restaurant at lunch time on a weekday. I ordered a shawarma with fries, all of which were served in less than five minutes, which was very impressive.

Coupled with the magnificent view, it all made for a very pleasant lunch. Can't wait to try out their evening fare some day soon.

Prices are in the mid range, expect about $8 - $10 per person.

Update on my review: took my family to Forodhani for dinner. Must say that I was more than disappointed. They have a social hall which they had rented out for a wedding. The noise was simply incredible, what with loudspeakers blaring away. That aside, most items on the menu weren't available, forcing us to go for other entrées. The shawarmas were good as ever, as were the fish fingers and fries. I do not recommend their masala chips, though. All in all, I think a three star rating suffices. Improvement is needed before foodies...

Food, views, ambience and value for money is all Forodhani is all about and much more. The location at Old town for those not based in Mombasa, gives a glimpse on the history of Mombasa with emphasis on architectural details and design of houses heavily influenced by the Arabs, Omanis and probably Portuguese. I would highly recommend taking a walk right from Fort Jesus to Forodhani if possible. It is around 15 minutes Max (when the weather is not stifling hot). The restaurant itself is next to an old harbour with nice dhows. The open space allows ocean breeze to come in nicely especially at the lower floor. From there you can view English point Marina and the expansive Indian Ocean with occasional fishermen passing by. With the ocean right next it gives a nice background for that fancy dinner (I visited during the corona period and curfew so dinner was not possible but sit ins for lunch and late lunch were possible). The staff were quick to take our orders and being famed for their seafood I went with their seafood platter for two. The orders were quick which is a plus even though it wasn't crowded. The food itself is worth the price although the lobster for me was quite underwhelming but The chilli prawns and calamari were super delicious. Would I come back? Definitely YES. Does it offer value for money? 100%.I will have to try their other offerings. Please note they dont serve alcohol in the establishment but they have...