Kilifi Boatyard

Kilifi Boatyard is one of those places that locals will tell you about with a knowing smile. Tucked away on the south side of Kilifi Creek inside an actual working boatyard, this restaurant has zero pretension and some of the best seafood on the Kenya coast. The setting is unusual and completely charming. You eat surrounded by boats in various stages of repair, with the creek stretching out in front of you and a breeze that makes everything feel right.

The crab samosas here are famous for good reason. Crispy, packed with real crab meat, and gone before you know it. The piri piri prawns are another standout, perfectly spiced and generous in portion. Fresh oysters appear regularly, and on Saturdays they are served free of charge, which alone is worth planning your week around. The menu changes daily based on what comes in from the fishermen, written up on a blackboard that you check when you arrive. Mains typically run between seven and sixteen dollars, making this one of the best value seafood meals in the area.