Lamu Restaurants

  1. Bosnian Café

    One of several dirt-cheap local canteens at the far end of the main street that set up takeaway stalls in the evening, selling samosas, chapatis, mishkaki (kebabs), chips and the like.

    Read more about Bosnian Café

  2. Bush Gardens Restaurant

    The Bush Gardens is the template for a whole set of restaurants along the waterfront, offering breakfasts, seafood - excellent fish, top-value 'monster crab' and the inevitable lobster in Swahili sauce - and superb juices and shakes mixed up in panelled British pint mugs. Somehow just about every traveller on Lamu ends up here at some point, and it remains a great meeting point and a firm favourite with repeat visitors. We hear the samosas are quite good, with a squeeze of lime of course.

    Read more about Bush Gardens Restaurant

  3. Mangrove Centre

    Facing the main jetty, you'll find a video store and an informal cinema behind the eating area here, though sadly you can't watch the films as you eat. The restaurant does a lively trade at lunchtime, and it's handy for a juice while you wait for a boat, or while you find your feet on arrival.

    Read more about Mangrove Centre

  4. New Minaa Café

    On the road towards the Riyadha Mosque, this busy, clean rooftop café serves Swahili favourites such as beef kebabs, maharagwe (beans in coconut milk), chicken tikka and samaki (fried fish). It's cheap and popular with both locals and travellers.

    Read more about New Minaa Café

  5. Olympic Restaurant

    Further south near the waterfront woodyards, the Olympic serves the usual favourites. It's less popular than its more central rivals, but no worse off for that. The owners are very friendly and it's a favourite with a slightly older crowd.

    Read more about Olympic Restaurant

  7. Stone House Hotel

    A fine rooftop restaurant that really catches the breeze. The wonderful panorama of the town and seafront is matched by the quality of the food. There are usually several choices for lunch or dinner, and menus often feature crab and grilled barracuda. Only soft drinks are available.

    Read more about Stone House Hotel

  8. Whispers Coffeeshop

    In the same building as the posh Baraka Gallery, this is a great place for an upmarket meal, a freshly baked cake or a real cappuccino. There's a lovely palm-shaded courtyard and simple meals such as pasta, fish and chips and pizza are available even during Ramadan, though it closes in low season.

    Read more about Whispers Coffeeshop