Experience The Magic of Ali Barbours cave restaurant Diani

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The evening Diani sun unveils the beauty of Ali Barbours Cave Restaurant, a local treasure that has made Diani Beach a go-to place for lovebirds. Diners enter through a plain whitewashed exterior before descending down to eat their meals in an ancient coral cave with a large mouth above for an unmatched night ambience. This makes it stand out as one of the best restaurants in Mombasa.

This one-of-a-kind cave-turned restaurant boasts interconnecting chambers, original cave tunnels that let in natural light, and interlaced palm fronds that soar over the cocktail bar and reception area. This historic establishment, which specializes in international cuisines, particularly seafood, is ideal for an intimate and elegant gathering of any kind!

What makes Ali Barbours cave restaurant stand out?

The Heritage

The age of Ali Barbours Cave restaurant is estimated to be somewhere between 120,000 and 180,000 years. Approximately 30 kilometres south of Mombasa, and 200 meters back from the high watermark.

The owners, George and Jackie Barbour, chose 30 years ago to turn the cave into this unusual restaurant. Except for the room holding the kitchen and lavatories, everything is precisely as it was discovered.

Only the stone floor, furniture and fittings, lighting, and sound effects have been added to the restaurant. It, therefore, ensures you experience a pinch of modern vibes in a sophisticated setting.

Mouth-Watering Delicacies

Their food is always created with the finest, freshest seasonal ingredients, cooked to perfection, beautifully presented, and delicious.

An overview of their menu: Starters include Ali Drunken Prawns, Beef Carpaccio, and Kilifi Fresh Oysters. The main courses are either seafood or highland meats, or vegetarian options; the seafood platter includes fresh calamari, mangrove crab, lobster, king prawns, red snapper, and oysters.

Fruits are flambéed at your table for dessert, and the Coupe Barbour is one of the most popular. To round out your meal, there’s a wide wine list as well as a refreshing cocktail list. It’s what we’re passionate about. It’s what we’re good at!

Affordability

For everything that Ali Barbours cave restaurant offers, the majestic vertical view, class Swahili cuisine, five-star service, and ambience, their food is quite affordable.

From their expansive menu, it can be seen that their price ranges from between 750 shillings to about 1,400 shillings.

Aura

If you’re looking for a picturesque restaurant, (not just for the food but also the aesthetics) then you don’t have any better option in and around Diani beach other than the Ali Barbour’s cave restaurant.

Down the stone-carved stairs into the lantern-lit depths, the plump-stocked bar begs you to while away time sipping cocktails before dinner. Adjoining the bar is the restaurant whose carefully curated atmosphere makes eating here feel like dinner on a starlit beach thanks to the wide-open roof (cave hole) above.

The menu is packed with enough dishes to satisfy meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. The grilled prawns are some of the best in town and come in huge portions (it’s a good idea to share) while those looking for something lighter can stick with one of their delicious seafood curries or opt for one of their homemade flatbreads.

The bar is well stocked with fine wines and spirits that can be enjoyed alongside a selection of tasty snacks and starters.

It is also good to note that the management is strict on dressing in beach attire disallowed. You can however dress casually but smartly. The restaurant also opens every day at 7 PM and children below six years old aren’t allowed in.

Also, a reservation is required before making your way there.

Your trip to Diani is deemed incomplete if you don’t make a stopover at this majestic restaurant. Planning a romantic dinner or a pleasant surprise for a loved one? Place your bet on Ali Barbours cave restaurant.