Marina Seaside Restaurant Mtwapa
About Marina Seaside Restaurant Mtwapa
Marina Seaside Restaurant, traditionally known as La Marina Restaurant, is one of the most iconic waterfront dining spots on Mtwapa Creek, just north of Mombasa. Set against a tranquil, palm-lined backdrop with views of docked yachts and the ocean gateway, it's built a name for itself as a top spot for fresh seafood and a proper dining experience by the water. Whether you're planning a lunch date, a romantic dinner, or just want to catch a great coastal sunset, it strikes a nice balance between relaxed seaside dining and upscale coastal charm. The open-air wooden deck stretches right out over the water, giving you a front-row view of the tides, passing dhows, and cool creek breezes while you eat. The kitchen leans heavily on high-quality local seafood, and the standouts are the massive seafood platter, the Greek-style seafood mezze, and a rich lobster or crab thermidor. If seafood isn't your thing, there are also great stone-oven pizzas, grilled meats like chateaubriand and lamb chops, and a mix of central-Italian dishes to choose from. Drinks-wise, expect a solid selection of craft cocktails and cold beers, and on certain evenings, live music and bands play right by the water for added atmosphere. What really sets this place apart, though, is its own jetty and boatyard. You can turn a simple dinner into a full coastal outing by hopping onto a traditional Arabic sailing dhow straight from the restaurant for a sunset cruise up Mtwapa Creek, passing mangrove forests, huge baobab trees, and luxury villas as the sun goes down. Many of these cruises wrap up back on shore at dusk, where you're welcomed with torch-lit entertainment, acrobats, limbo dancers, and Maasai welcoming rituals, before settling in for a candlelit dinner.
