Sample the variety of cuisines and locations on offer in Watamu

Watamu has a range of options for eating out. Here you’ll find Treehouse’s recommended favourites. Our guests often work up an appetite by arriving via kayak, paddleboard or a long walk!

KoKoMo

Located on the North Side of Watamu at the end of Mapango bay, this hip spot is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. The only place to get Lebanese food in Watamu, extensive list of refreshing cocktails, and a choice between standard dining chairs, bean bags right on the beach or comfortable day beds suspended out over the white sand.

MANGROVE MASALA

Watamu’s newest restaurant. Family run with high-quality food where the customer is treated as divine! Indian food made fresh and spicy. Curries, Naans, Desserts. A really good night out, and very popular so advance booking is recommended. Closed Tuesdays.

NON SOLO GELATO

Part of a well-balanced life is the occasional sweet treat, and if you’re going to do it you might as well do it right! Anna makes what we think is the Kenya’s best gelato, as well as scrumptious cakes, pastries and Italian desserts. You can also can enjoy Non Solo’s Gelato at Medina Palms, Hosteria Romana and other places in Watamu.

MEDINA PALMS

Medina Palms has a restaurant, bar and lounge housed in an extravagant structure. A place to dress up and enjoy. Medina serves a mixture of Mediterranean, Moroccan, European and African cuisine, and on Saturdays it is sushi night. Sunday has Curry Lunch.

Medina’s lush coffee garden is one of our favourite places in Watamu.

OCEAN SPORTS

One of the oldest venues on Watamu Beach, Ocean Sports is a hotel, restaurant and a central meet-up location for many Watamu residents. During high season they organize discos, fishing competitions, weekly hockey matches, and the annual Christmas fair. Throughout the year they offer a standard menu. It’s a great venue for children and pets are welcome.
Their ‘square pizzas’ are very popular in Watamu.

ANDREA’S BAHATI GELATERIA

The original Watamu gelateria, located in the heart of Watamu village. Andrea’s is another great place to get homemade gelato, coffee and smoothies, brioches and a range of other desserts. Every Monday night, you can book for a wonderful Ethiopian supper. And Addis makes great breakfasts and pasta lunches. Closed Tuesdays.

CRAB SHACK

Built on stilts in the mangrove forest, the Crab Shack Restaurant is community project where you get to enjoy the freshest treasures the creek has to offer, and all the proceeds go to helping the surrounding community flourish. Enjoy the sunset with a cold drink and the famous crab samosas.

TAMU RESTAURANT

Tamu is another of our favourite places to go. It has a great mixed menu, including seafood and pizza in a smart restaurant with a view. It also has a beach bar and beds you can rent for the day. It sits on the same ‘7 Islands’ beach as Visiwa and Papa Remo, and when the tide is low you can have an adventure walking and exploring.

PILI PAN

With comfortable lounge chairs on an open-air deck, fairy lights wrapped around palm trees, and delicious cocktails (the passion fruit mojito is a must!), Pili Pan is THE place to go for evening drinks – happy hour is Saturday 17:00-19:00). The venue also offers a food menu, featuring international cuisine, although not many options for vegetarians.

HOSTERIA ROMANA

Hosteria Romana Watamu is an Italian restaurant in the heart of Watamu, known for its pizzas, homemade pasta, seafood and Italian dishes. It has rooftop seating and tiramisu and gelato, and is a favourite among locals and visitors looking for a little taste of Italy on the Kenyan coast.

KOBE RESORT

Kobe restaurant is the ultimate beach dining location It has a serene monochromatic colour scheme, view of the turquoise ocean and relaxed beach-bar vibe. It’s understandably popular, especially in high season, so book a table in advance.

KIREPWE ECO CAMP

Kirepwe Island is a peaceful, little-known gem in the heart of Mida Creek, surrounded by mangrove forests, rich birdlife and traditional coastal villages, offering a glimpse into a slower, more natural way of life. Accessible only by boat from Dabaso (Crab Shack) or kayak from Treehouse, Kirepwe Eco Camp is a great base to explore Kirepwe, and you can eat, swim and arrange walks. Highly recommended.

PAPA REMO'S

A place to go for the day, get a lounge bed, relax, and enjoy the unique beach, pizza and pasta.

ROCK AND SEA

One of Watamu’s newest venues and the most unique. Located on the other side of Mida Creek and accessible by boat, Rock and Sea offers fine dining with an unmatched view.

LICHTHAUS

A beautiful sunset view over Mida Creek, with simple but tasty food and craft beers. We recommend going in the day-time before the crowds. Great location, although it can be quite loud and busy at sunset.

Note - if you want a net you need to book in advance.

VISIWA

Visiwa used to be located at Mawimbi and known as Amici Mei. It has now moved to the north side of Watamu and located in a beautiful location on a cliff. It has great views and Italian Food

F Café and Juice Bar

Good for people and good for the planet’ is the motto of this women-led café and juice bar. As a learning lab and the creative green hub for @gogreenwatamu, this spot not only dishes out fresh, plant-based fare, but also works to up-skill the local community. Closed on Mondays and the first Tuesday of every month.