The Salty Squid Beach Bar & Restaurant

The Salty Squid has carved out its own niche on Diani's beach dining scene: stylish without being pretentious, excellent food without the fine-dining price tag, and genuinely one of the best bars on the Kenyan coast. Located inside Kenyaways Kite Village — the hub of Diani's kitesurfing community — the restaurant sits directly on white sand with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Whether you're coming off the water after a kite session or dressing up for a sunset dinner, it fits.

The Menu

Modern European cooking with strong Kenyan coastal influences. The seafood is the highlight — fresh calamari, grilled prawns, catch of the day, and their signature squid dishes. But what sets Salty Squid apart is the range: the vegan and vegetarian options are genuinely creative (not an afterthought), and there's a solid gluten-free selection. The brunch menu is excellent — think açaí bowls, eggs Benedict, and fresh juice. The kitchen uses local ingredients wherever possible.

The Bar

This is where The Salty Squid really shines. They hold the largest gin collection on Kenya's coast — dozens of bottles from around the world, served with premium tonics and creative garnishes. The cocktail list is inventive and well-executed, and the bartenders know their craft. The Salty Squid Spritz and the Diani G&T (with local botanicals) are standouts. An international wine selection rounds out the drinks menu.

Good to Know

Breakfast from 7:30 AM, lunch and dinner until 10 PM (last food orders 9 PM, bar closes 9:30 PM). Reservations recommended — especially for Saturday sunset. The kite village setting means the crowd is active and international — kitesurfers, digital nomads, young families, and seasoned travellers mixing at the bar. Budget KES 1,500–3,500 per person with drinks. Professional, friendly service. One of the best all-round dining experiences in Diani.