Hotel service
Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant Diani
Diani Beach in Kenya is known for its white sands and ritzy resorts. This unique cave in Diani, estimated to be 120, 000 – 180, 000 years old draws the attention of many worldwide. Older than the Croesus, the cave-turned-restaurant was carved beneath the coral cliffs by the crashing waves and wind.
The waves later receded, leaving the cave landlocked.
It was founded in the 1980s by George and Jackie Barbour, who named the restaurant after a play “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves”.
The entrance, a beautiful art-filled, makuti-thatched hall sits at the ground level. However, past the entrance hall, you are walking into a rabbit hole.
Descending down the stone carved stairs, through the lantern-lit depths for about 33 feet, you get to the well-stocked bar, where you can’t help yourself but pass time supping cocktails before dinner.
Deep underground and adjoining the bar is the restaurant. Its carefully curated atmosphere will make you feel as if you are having dinner on a starlit beach. There is a wide mouth overhead, where sunshine filters by day and the moon and stars twinkle at night.
There are many chambers that interlink, 10 meters below sea level, one of them being the kitchen.
Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant is designed to keep the natural cave intact, just as it was discovered by George and Jackie. Some modifications have been done, such as a stone floor, carved steps and lanterns hung in a haphazard manner. A kitchen and bathrooms have also been modified to accommodate the modern user. Otherwise, everything else remains intact, just as it was discovered.
The restaurant, as you would expect, specializes in seafood though the menu is international. The seafood is mainly from the Indian Ocean, which is only a few meters from the restaurant. The food is fresh from the sea, well-cooked and wholesome. The prices are also very reasonable, especially if you are used to European foods or have visited some cities in the country such as Nairobi.
This is a place you can visit with your friends, family, and loved ones. I would recommend this restaurant if you are planning for the most romantic date. Imagine an evening with candle lights, and a wide open roof to reveal the beautiful twinkling stars above while sipping ice-cold wine with your date, not forgetting the refreshing smell of the ocean.
The restaurant is open every day from 5.30 pm – 11.00 pm. The dress code is “smart/casual”. Avoid shorts, hats, or beachwear. Children below the age of 6 years are not allowed.
Reservations are recommended.
At Kaaribu Experiences can make your Alibabours restaurant dining experience memorable. reservations on your behalf. Our experience will include the below
Making reservations as per the menu
Negotiate the best group package on your behalf
Reserving your table
Picking you up from the hotel
Dropping you off after the dinner
Email us at: support@kaaribu.com or +245732905343
