Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant image

Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant

Restaurant

๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ it is truly iconic! The restaurant get busy in the weekend, make sure you book ahead of time! We had a drink at the bar while waiting for the table, and the service is very nice. The whole place holds about 20 table, and it still looks quite spacious. Sitting next to the coral walls feels very uniqu... People often mention restaurant, good, recommend, experience, cave, worth, great, nice, visit,


Address

Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant Ground N/A Beach Road, Mombasa, Kenya

Website

www.alibarbours.com

Contact

+254 714 456131

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (1.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 5:30 to 11โ€ฏpm
  • Sunday: 5:30 to 11โ€ฏpm
  • Monday: 5:30 to 11โ€ฏpm
  • Tuesday: 5:30 to 11โ€ฏpm
  • Wednesday: 5:30 to 11โ€ฏpm
  • Thursday: 5:30 to 11โ€ฏpm
  • Friday: 5:30 to 11โ€ฏpm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: restaurant (12) good (11) recommend (11) experience (11) cave (10) worth (9) great (8) nice (7) visit (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Nannan S. 2 years ago on Google
    it is truly iconic! The restaurant get busy in the weekend, make sure you book ahead of time! We had a drink at the bar while waiting for the table, and the service is very nice. The whole place holds about 20 table, and it still looks quite spacious. Sitting next to the coral walls feels very unique! And the hole above the ceiling gives you really good sky view! In a unique setting like this, I wasn't expecting too much on the food, however the food turned out to be really reasonably priced (15-20 euros for the main dish) and tasty! We had the fish - very fresh, and the rare fillet very succulent. I'd totally recommend it.
    11 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Michaela G. 9 months ago on Google โ€ข 206 reviews
    We had a great experience. The service was great! Very polite, professional and attentive! Beautiful atmosphere. Enjoyed our food as well. The sauce on the sea bass really made the dish. Our friends' first experience with beef tartar and we all thought it was great. They sang for our friend's birthday and gave a little desert treat. My only critique is the vanilla custard texture was gritty. Highly recommend. Overall a wonderful experience ๐Ÿ™‚
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Debby A. 1 year ago on Google
    I visited this place for dinner with a friend while on vacation in Diani. The ambience is spectacular;quite out of the usual considering the restaurant is set up in a cave.I liked the fact that the restaurant organised for a driver to pick us up from our hotel (and drop us back after dinner) all at no extra cost.It counted for something even though the hotel was just within the vicinity.We ordered a seafood platter and I enjoyed every bit.While it may be a bit pricey,it was worth every coin.I would definitely visit again and would recommend. PS:Book a reservation before you visit
    8 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 wanjiru m. 2 years ago on Google
    They offer transport to and fro to all guest residing in the beach front hotels which was very convenient. The cave is mindblowing especially at night giving a very romantic set up. Their cocktails are definitely worth it...
    7 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Marco M. 3 months ago on Google โ€ข 268 reviews New
    Food is good quality but nothing more, presentation is certainly appreciated although there is a bit more work to be done, on a negative note, please stop serving ice cream on a plate, use the proper serving ice cream bowls. Service is well-captured and attentive, all waiters were super nice, thank you for making us feel welcomed. Dining inside a cave is certainly a new experience, but lighting could be improved, when the roof gets closed its dark beyond romantic. Nevertheless interesting place to visit. Can't comment on prices as I was a guest, cocktails were nice. Enjoy your visit.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Emma H. 6 months ago on Google โ€ข 192 reviews
    THE most amazing meal on the last day of our holiday. Had the 5.30 to 8.30 slot, so we could see the sky in both daylight, dusk and the starry night, was fabulous! Food was lovely, my steak cooked to perfection & my Mum loved her duck main course, The staff were attentive but not intrusive. It's not cheap, but it's so worth it. HIGHLY recommend.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Nisita R. 5 months ago on Google โ€ข 33 reviews
    As vegetarians we were apprehensive about trying out Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant. We heard good reviews about the food and atmosphere but looking at the menu we saw we woukd be limited in options as vegetarians. We ordered the smoked beetroot for starters, and all 3 vegetarian options for mains - vegetable and cheese risotto, tofu and linguine with roasted aubergine. The beetroot, risotto and tofu were to die for. We literally had a party in our mouth from the burst of flavours. The linguine had a strong herb that wasn't to our taste that didn't work for us. For dessert we shared the vanilla custard and could almost swear we got a taste of heaven from the first bite. We would highly recommend Ali Barbour Cave Restaurant. The concept and ambience is beautiful and unique in Kenya.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Marcin J. 5 months ago on Google โ€ข 73 reviews
    Very nice experience in Ali Barbour. This place definitely has a romantic atmosphere. Service was very good and polite. All dishes especially lobster were very good. I must say chocolate dessert did not meet my expectations, probably should have went with cheesecake. Of course it is on pricier side for Diani Beach but it's definitely worth going and experiencing dinner in the cave. It's superb that they offer a ride back to hotel or ab&b stay.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 1/5 Sabrina L. 8 months ago on Google
    The absolute worst dining experience of my life! The food is mediocre - I ordered a vegetarian linguine, it was not bad but nothing special. The service however was utterly disappointing. We waited 30 mins AFTER finishing our starter before our main dish (linguine) arrived. One of the chef (maybe he was head chef) walked around outside asking diners if they were enjoying the food and I took this chance to politely tell him that I was a little upset that the linguine took almost 30 mins to arrive, and he immediately got extremely defensive and told me this was normal in a restaurant, and a lot more reasons. When I told him then I must have not been to too many restaurant since I donโ€™t find itโ€™s too normal, he told me โ€œpls donโ€™t talk to me like thatโ€. There was zero apology from him. Why go around asking diners if they are enjoying if he is not receptive to feedback??? His attitude ruined my dining experience, and really ruined Mombasa for me. I unconditionally do not recommend this restaurant . Even without the bad attitude, the food is not worth the price. Please do better.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 3/5 Anayawa N. 2 years ago on Google
    Had dinner here with friends on my first night in Mombasa. We loved the cave. The ambiance was great. We enjoyed the garlic bread. The food in general though, is a bit pricey so be prepared.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jรฉssica M. 1 year ago on Google
    Unique experience on dining inside a cave. Highly recommend to come and have dinner. Plus, the food it great. We had the fish of thebday, Madagascar meat and appetizers prawn in whisky and chicken leave pate.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Ludovica A. 5 months ago on Google โ€ข 94 reviews
    Amazing atmosphere, very good location. I recommend to go at 18 so you can enjoy the place even with the light. I am vegetarian and I found very good good choices. The risotto was incredible!!! Really recommended also the lime cheese cake. Prices are definitely higher than any other restaurants in diani but itโ€™s really worth it. The staff super helpful and the quality of the food was great!

  • 3/5 CWH K. 4 months ago on Google โ€ข 33 reviews
    Food could really be better. Had the prawns which were good, but the rice on the side was plain and bland. Would have expected more flavor for the price. Cave setting was nice (gets better in the dark), but quite warm. Staff was friendly, but bill came a bit rushed.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Ren_ D. 1 year ago on Google
    Ali Barbour's cave restaurant is a must have experience. The ambience, the service, the food it is all exemplary! I was worried about vegetarian options before visiting the place. However they had really great options this was an absolute plus. They even offered pick up and drop off which was really nice. I definitely recommend a visit if you are ever in Diani. Absolutely worth it
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 3/5 Babycandance B. 2 years ago on Google
    Legendary restaurant 30 years old if I get it right from menuโ€™s memo. Location is breathtaking. We were up to Vasco da Gama Sea Food Platter which was nice. Prices I think most expensive along Diani coast. There were few bizarre things which you canโ€™t match with proclaimed level of restaurant. Wine glasses were scratched with horizontal stripes in order to facilitate exact dosing of wine for Barmen. They were also basic quality as well as cutlery. Some wine from the menu was unreasonably high priced. For example Clear Water Cove Sauvignon was + 10$ more expensive than in Almanara Sails Restaurant which is in my opinion more high standard restaurant along Diani area. So I think itโ€™s definitely worth to visit once. Otherwise you have other places more reasonably priced.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Lebogang R. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is exactly what dreams are made of. The waiter was absolutely amazing while the food exceeded our expectations. Loved it and would recommend it for anyone who loves good food with good scenery inside the cave.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Shantell M. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is magical. The food was delicious. It was a a bit hot in the cave but it didn't bother me. I suggest you go at night. It's more beautiful to eat under the stars.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 cheryl g. 6 months ago on Google
    Beautiful restaurant, the atmosphere is fantastic. The quality of the food did not disappoint. Wonderful experience and would definitely recommend if you are in Dani. I would suggest a reservation as the restaurant was quite full.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Roln C. 3 months ago on Google โ€ข 8 reviews New
    I'm sure it would be really impossible to find a more romantic place to dine. The food is exquisite and you can tell the chef is a master. A must visit if you wish to impress your lady!

  • 4/5 M N. 1 year ago on Google
    Its a very unique place with great ambiance in the caves. Some food portions can be very small and very pricy. We liked the place though and the owner is super friendly.

  • 5/5 Alexandru I. 1 year ago on Google
    This place itโ€™s special for 2 reasons. One itโ€™s the owner with his vision in creating a fine dining experience, and second is the amazing a setup in a cave thousands of years old. Itโ€™s unique and worth booking a table in advance . The staff is friendly, well trained and competent. Youโ€™ll most likely meet the man behind all of this and heโ€™ll make sure youโ€™ll have the best time.


Call +254 714 456131 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • โœ“๏ธ Free parking lot
    • โœ“๏ธ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • โœ“๏ธ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • โœ“๏ธ Beer
    • โœ“๏ธ Wine
    • โœ“๏ธ Coffee
    • โœ“๏ธ Alcohol
    • โœ“๏ธ Spirits
    • โœ“๏ธ Cocktails
    • โœ“๏ธ Small plates
    • โœ“๏ธ Vegan options
    • โœ“๏ธ Late-night food
    • โœ“๏ธ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • โœ— Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • โœ— Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • โœ“๏ธ Dinner
    • โœ“๏ธ Dessert
    • โœ“๏ธ Catering
  • Service options
    • โœ“๏ธ Dine-in
    • โœ“๏ธ Takeaway

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