Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant
Restaurant · Kwale ·

Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant

Restaurant · Kwale ·

Candlelit cave dining under the stars specializing in seafood

Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by joshuacarlon (Atlas Obscura User)
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by Ursula (Atlas Obscura User)
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by African Beads Safari/used with permission
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by Mark Anthony Bellen/Used with permission
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by Ursula (Atlas Obscura User)
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by joshuacarlon (Atlas Obscura User)
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by African Beads Safari/used with permission
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by Mark Anthony Bellen/Used with permission
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by Mark Anthony Bellen/Used with permission
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by travel_girl73/used with permission
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by joshuacarlon (Atlas Obscura User)
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by travel_girl73/used with permission
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant by null

Information

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

KES 5,000+

See Menu
reservations required

Information

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

+254 714 456131
alibarbours.com
@alibarbours

KES 5,000+ · Menu

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reservations
reservations required

Last updated

Dec 6, 2025

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@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

13 Places to Eat and Drink That Are Literally Underground

"Visitors flock to Kenya’s Diani Beach for the white sands and ritzy resorts, but the setting sun reveals the splendor of another local gem, Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant. Diners enter through an unassuming, whitewashed facade, then descend 33 feet underground to enjoy their meals in an ancient coral cave with a wide mouth overhead for excellent stargazing. Located in a cave thought to be between 120,000 and 180,000 years old, Ali Barbour’s takes dining al fresco to a whole other dimension. In the evenings, the restaurant glows in the muted light of candles, and diners’ eyes are naturally drawn to the twinkling stars above. (Sliding covers are drawn to create a makeshift roof in inclement weather.) Founded by George and Jackie Barbour in the 1980s and named as a play on “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” the restaurant is designed to keep the natural elements of the cave intact, with only the kitchen and bathrooms modified for modern uses. Though the menu is international, seafood is the specialty. You can dine on a meal caught in the Indian Ocean, mere feet from your table, and possibly at the same sea level." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/underground-restaurants-bars
Mark Anthony Bellen/Used with permission
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"This romantic and quirky restaurant, set in a cave on the beach in Diani, is definitely splurge-worthy.The menuis a little pricey but includesa tasty range of dishes, from crepes and pasta to seafood.Booka table at the mouth of the cave so you can see the stars overhead and the candles flickering insideamong the cave's spiny stalagmites. Diani, a popular resort on the Kenyan coast, has an expansive white sandy beach, boutique hotels, and cozy vacation cottages. After dinner, wander next door for a nightcap atForty Thieves, a beach bar with pool tables and seating out on the sand."

The Best Restaurants in Nairobi
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant
@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant – Diani Beach, Kenya - Gastro Obscura

"Visitors flock to Kenya’s Diani Beach for the white sands and ritzy resorts, but the setting sun reveals the splendor of another local gem, Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant. Diners enter through an unassuming, whitewashed facade, then descend 33 feet underground to enjoy their meals in an ancient coral cave with a wide mouth overhead for excellent stargazing. Located in a cave thought to be between 120,000 and 180,000 years old, Ali Barbour’s takes dining al fresco to a whole other dimension. In the evenings, the restaurant glows in the muted light of candles, and diners’ eyes are naturally drawn to the twinkling stars above. (Sliding covers are drawn to create a makeshift roof in inclement weather.) Founded by George and Jackie Barbour in the 1980s and named as a play on “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” the restaurant is designed to keep the natural elements of the cave intact, with only the kitchen and bathrooms modified for modern uses. Though the menu is international, seafood is the specialty. You can dine on a meal caught in the Indian Ocean, mere feet from your table, and possibly at the same sea level. Know Before You Go The restaurant opens daily at 6:30 p.m. and has a "smart/casual" dress code (i.e., no beachwear). Reservations are recommended." - Ursula, joshuacarlon

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ali-barbours-cave-restaurant
Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant

Nora G.

Google
My bestie and I went to celebrate her birthday here and chose the 5:30 pm dinner. I’d definitely recommend the 8:30 pm seating next time, the atmosphere is even more magical then. The service from the waiters and waitresses was wonderful, and the view was stunning, you could see the stars. I loved how beautifully the place was decorated with lights. Be sure to sit in the corner for that cozy, cave like feeling. The food was delicious and the portions were generous. I’ll definitely be coming back.

Nicole S.

Google
WHERE DO I BEGIN?? What an incredible experience! We had an amazing time. The food is exquisite, I can’t believe the price for the quality and portions you receive. The staff are lovely, going all out for special occasions, it was my brothers birthday on the day we visited and we received a beautiful homemade chocolate cake - it was the best cake I’ve ever eaten in my life! If you’re visiting Mombasa you absolutely have to go to Ali Barbours - and get the lobster bisque!🦞

SONOVMI / E.

Google
I booked a table here around 1 year ago. We ate there on Wednesday 17th September 2025 (for reference). Now, I've seen videos of this place and I've seen photos. It looked wonderful. That's why I booked. Nothing prepared me for how awesome this place is! It's so cozy, comfortable and beautiful. To be honest they could serve McDonald's there and it'd still be amazing. Onto the food.. I'm sure the menu is inspired by French cuisine. We ordered 3 courses each (2 minimum are required). We both enjoyed the food very much and the chef is absolutely talented. The waiter too actually as my girlfriend had flambe crepe suzette and so the night was set on 🔥. Sitting in a candle lit cave with open roof to the stars. What a treat! We had a great time. Promised ourselves we'd return. All of the staff were great and we even received free pick up and drop off to and from hotel! A nice touch by the restaurant. For a couple who had 3 courses each, 2 glasses of red wine and 2 cocktails - $154 Please see my photos but remember they won't do it justice. You HAVE to go! Simply fantastic.

Karina M.

Google
The cave set up was quite lovely,especially at night;making that time perfect for couples. It gets quite hot though and the fan that was on our side wasn’t working. Most of the wait staff is friendly but there’s a particular guy who dismissed us most of the time and even switched tables with his colleague. It seemed like he didn’t want to serve locals (my sisters and I) He was probably hoping for a tip. But we thank God that he did this because we actually ended up getting such a good waiter who made the experience better As for food,it was okay,nothing special. The desserts were good,apart from the crepe one. It tasted like it hadn’t cooked through well. Over-ally okay experience with okay food.

Rodas M.

Google
I came here to celebrate my birthday and had the best experience! The food was amazing, the atmosphere was perfect, and our server Virginia made everything even better. She was so friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed the entire time. Every detail was just right from the service to the presentation. Definitely one of the best dining experiences I’ve had. Highly recommend! 💫

Patrick Y.

Google
Great experience! Virginia was an amazing server. The only concern was the ABSURD amount of flies that came into our food when it was brought out. The staff brought rosemary and made it better. We enjoyed it and would recommend!

GetFound A.

Google
I have been a loyal guest at Ali Baba Cave Restaurant for many years, and it is remarkable how the quality of both service and cuisine has remained consistently excellent for over 15 years. On my most recent visit, I had the pleasure of bringing friends along, and once again, we were impressed. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the flambéed pancakes – a true culinary delight and among the finest I have ever experienced

Grace S.

Google
We love this place for special occasions! The food is always spot on, service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is so unique! Don’t miss it, whether you’re celebrating with friends or family, you’ll be glad you went. Do be prepared to spend more for the experience than you’d spend on the same food items elsewhere, but know that your steak will be cooked perfectly, and your food will be perfectly seasoned!