Sails Beach Bar & Restaurant

You see the white canvas sails long before you arrive — billowing above the treeline like a ship run aground on the beach. Sails is Diani's architectural landmark restaurant: a striking open-air pavilion of steel beams and sail-cloth canopies, set directly on the white sand at Almanara Luxury Villas. The design alone would make it worth visiting, but the food — led by Chef Anthony Huth — matches the ambition of the setting.

The Menu

Seafood is the star. The daily catch arrives each morning from local fishermen in traditional dhows — it doesn't get fresher than this. The Tuna Carpaccio is paper-thin and dressed with citrus and capers. The Crispy Calamari is perfectly golden without being heavy. But the signature dish is the Ginger Crab: whole crab slow-cooked in a fragrant ginger sauce that locals drive from Mombasa to eat. The Seafood Platter for two is a showstopper — lobster, prawns, calamari, and catch of the day arranged over crushed ice. The kitchen also grows its own herbs in a coastal organic garden.

The Setting

The open-air design means ocean breezes flow through constantly. Tables range from beachside loungers for casual cocktails to formal dining settings under the main canopy. At sunset, the white sails catch the golden light and the whole structure glows — it's one of Diani's most photographed spots. The cocktail bar turns out excellent drinks, and the wine list is carefully selected.

Good to Know

Open Wednesday to Monday, 10 AM to 9 PM. Closed Tuesdays. Reservations required — especially for weekend dinners and the seafood platter. The restaurant is also available for private events and beach weddings. Budget KES 2,500–5,000 per person. Smart casual dress code. Located inside Almanara Luxury Villas but open to the public.