Tucked away on the outskirts of Nyali, off the Malindi Mombasa highway, is the Moorings floating restaurant: a place that has become a landmark of Mtwapa, and which has been around a bit longer than some of us. The restaurant first opened its doors in 1994 and has been floating and providing wonderful hospitality ever since. It is one of the oldest if not the oldest restaurant in the Mombasa region. This wonderful bar and restaurant is just a kilometre down towards the creek.
Initially, the restaurant could hold up to 100 guests but due to the Covid-19 restriction, the seating capacity has been reduced to just 60. Which led to the birth of the Gym club that is located just at the end of the stairs leading in from the car park. The gym bar overlooks the floating restaurant and the moorings, the walls are adorned in colourful graffiti, with seats made of “khanga” giving it a very cozy African feel. There’s a big 65 Inch on the wall screening various sports for the sports heads, a full bar, and plenty of space in the middle with plans for having disco nights when the Covid-19 restrictions ease up. There’s also a fully stocked bar and you can still order from the same restaurant
menu. The Gym club is more suited for the younger at heart who want to socialize and enjoy a bit of loud music.
For the more seasoned souls, or those looking for something different, head over to the Moorings bar and restaurant which is just is just a few meters down towards the creek.The bar has got both indoor and outdoor seating areas with two decks outside. One overlooking the Mtwapa bridge and the other one is at the rear from where you can catch uninterrupted sunset views. The menu has plenty of options including; seafood, pasta dishes, chicken, beef, choma, and pizza. Entertainment in the form of Karaoke nights occur every Saturday from 3:45pm to 8:45pm and are hosted by Stanley the vocalist.
For those chasing the sunset views, you can hop on the mermaid cruise for a slow sunset cruise on the Mtwapa creek that’ll set you back 500 shillings each but must be in a group of four, as the solo pleasure will cost you the whole price of 2000 shillings for a 30 minutes ride . If you don’t have anyone to bring along, just wait at the restaurant for other solo travelers seeking the sunset thrill.
Opening hours of the entire establishment is from 10 AM to 9 PM Monday to Saturday and from 10 AM to 9 PM on Sundays
What we loved most about The Moorings Floating Restaurant
a) The colourful twin deck chairs that are made at the back make the whole experience so much more romantic for the lucky ones.
b) The African theme at the Gym bar.
c) The magnificent food, and stunning views.
Overall verdict:-
Francis the manager was very professional and welcoming and happy to answer all of my questions about the restaurant’s history, though keeping an eye on everything happening around.
The waiters were all super polite and very fast!
I decided on a pizza having earlier walked past a brick Pizza oven that was all fired up. Upon ordering, the most awaited Seafood pizza did not disappoint; the crust was perfectly browned, light and crisp, the toppings were generously distributed, the whole thing just righteously cracked when sliced and had a nice crunch on the teeth without being hard. The toppings were fresh and well cooked. I also ordered a glass of fresh juice that was badly needed to wash down the pizza.
The whole evening cost me about 1000 shilling, 850 on the pizza and 150 on the fresh juice.
I Would definitely go back again to enjoy the views and sample other dishes and of course the aforementioned wonderful hospitality.
How to get to Moorings Floating Restaurant
Public means- Take a matatu heading to Mtwapa ask to alight at bahnhof (opposite Casurina Nomads).
Private means- Take the Mombasa – Malindi highway towads Malindi drive past Shimo La Tewa prison, Mtwapa bridge, Mtwapa Police Station .Turn left at bahnhof matatu stop (opposite Casurina Nomads) and proceed down for a kilometer. The moorings will be on your left.
