How is Monsoons Restaurant rated?

I've visited Monsoon sometimes now, and I've never been disappointed. In fact I've never even been able to point out anything I would like to change or improve. And that's seldom. I started working in restaurant kitchens more than 40 years ago, and had passion...for food since my mama stopped her milk supply... Working, eating and explored my passion for food over major parts of the world, for my entire life. I visited Moonson first time more or less by coincidence. Recommended by someone who "had heard it was a food place". So I didn't have any more expections than to get a decent meal. Little did I know... Instead I got the most perfect calamari I've ever tasted. In fact I never got it close to this one. It was prepared, at least that was my impression from the plate, very simple. No fancy dining tricks or wow presentation. In fact most average restaurants might have more impressive presentation. It was just calamari on plate with a small salad and fries. Until I tasted it❣ It was a revelation. The best first bite of any food I ever had. Absolute perfectly prepared. So tender that I couldn't belive it. Only grilled with a hint of smoke from the charcoal, that lifted the flavours upto a new level. I've spent years at the grill-line, in acknowledged restaurants, but never ever have I tasted like this. I think my best description will be "simplicity turned into perfection". With a hint of magic. After eating I went over to the outdoor kitchen, that basically consists of some charcoal grills. I spotted the chef, thanked her for the amazing meal, and suddenly found myself kissing the hands behind this perfection. Until an elderly Italian man some tables away shouted "that woman you're kissing, she's my wife" 😅 That was my first encounter with Attilo and the introduction to this amazing couples dedication and passion for what they are doing. The restaurant could so easily had been another of the many "burger & wannabe Italian" that you'll find along the coast. Instead they've made it into a seafood gem, that's unique. As with the food, the restaurant follows the same ideas of; "Keep it simple. Make the simplicity perfect!" A simple concrete platform with a traditional "makuti" (palm leaves roof) and a very basic kitchen. But in a stunning setting, where you passing trough some old ruins until you arrive at the beach. The scenery is as it tries to compete with the food. After this first visit I always try to get to Monsoon, when I visit Kenya. It not often I've given a restaurant a great review, but Monsoon deserves it better than any other place I've eaten. It's not just worth a visit. It's worth going to the coast for! And the best of all; If you ask nice and polite, they might even find some good grappa for you 😉More

Date of visit: September 2021

Helpful?1

Smiley2001

75 reviews

Reviewed 21 June 2021 via mobile

Food paradise in Kenya 🇰🇪

This restaurant is not only the best restaurant from Kenia ‚ it is the best restaurant l ever eat before in my life. The food is just amazing fresh fish and ouster ‚ pasta and wonderful at the Beach.Even the President from Kenya enjoy eating...in this restaurant. Tank you Attilo and the best chef cook Aziza for your wonderful food and very friendly place with a great staff. Can’t wait to be with you again to enjoy every minute at your restaurant.More

Date of visit: February 2021

Helpful?1

Alina B

2 reviews

Reviewed 19 February 2021 via mobile

Great food and company!

We had a fantastic evening with the best sea food platter I have ever ordered and the staff and owners were really friendly. It was the best evening we have spent in Kenya!

Date of visit: February 2021

Helpful?1

Greville D

45 reviews

Reviewed 4 February 2021

ONE OF THE BEST BEACH RESTAURANTS IN EAST AFRICA

It is most friendly and any suggestion otherwise is clearly delusional and not to be taken seriously. The setting is sumptuous and without equal. The view unparalleled. The food is to die for. The owners will go out of their way to accommodate your wishes;...furthermore the staff are most attentive and professional. I commend it.More

Date of visit: February 2021

Helpful?2

Vladimir I

80 reviews

Reviewed 13 October 2020 via mobile

Very not friendly

Hello guys, I visited the italian restaurant moonsun in jumbo ruins today, there were my friends who ordered expensive food, when I said that, I just want only coffee, the owner of the restaurant came running, started shouting that this place was only for expensive...food and I mast to leave his place , also if I want to take pictures of the ocean and beautiful views, he forbids me to do it, since this is his beach. if I want to take pictures I have to go 3 kilometers. that's been so crazy. I do not recommend visiting this Italian restaurantMore

Date of visit: October 2020

Helpful?1

CorinnesMom

1 review

Reviewed 17 September 2020 via mobile

Great food great service on the beach

I have been here twice so far with my 3 year old daughter and both times my experience was top notch. The hostess is extremely attentive and kind and the owner is kind with a welcoming smile. Most important, the food is delicious and filling....My daughter is a picky eater and does not eat fish, but she eats fish at Monsoon (fried fish fingers but they count too) she also ate a large portion of my seafood spaghetti which was delicious. Both times we visited we were the only customer there (it was early in the day and I am sure Covid played a part) we didn’t have to wait long for food and we had the beach to ourselves. I really like this place. It’s a special treat for us.More

Date of visit: September 2020

Helpful?2

DebbieB575

396 reviews

Reviewed 12 September 2020 via mobile

Absolutely FABULOUS

A real hidden gem. Location, location, location. Off the beaten track, and you must book in advance to avoid disappointment. An amazing welcome, superb friendly staff, a beautiful menu of all fresh seafood and fish, served right on the Indian Ocean. Tasty wine served wonderfully...chilled. We had salted and pepper prawns, with octopus salad to start. Then grilled lobster, ginger crab, and grilled fish. Topped with chocolate mousse, tiramisu, and cream Carmel, with special REAL Italian cappuccino. What a gastro experience. Absolutely recommend, we will be back from Kilifi over and over again. The Owner and his wife are just simply amazing. Thank you Monsoon for a fantastic afternoon.More

Date of visit: September 2020

Helpful?4

CFEIII

2,239 reviews

Reviewed 15 August 2020

the best beach restaurant I found around Mtwapa

Things were a bit tough during the first part of 2020, due to the Covid 19 virus. This place was my refuge in Mtwapa, I ate here multiple times per week for almost 6 months! It is perfect to spend time on the beach, great...Italian food and great folks. It can get a bit windy here, but the outdoor dining was perfect. Most of the seafood is caught right out in front and you can see the fishermen bringing fresh catch to the kitchen. My favorite foods were the Italian Octopus Salad and the Tagliatelle with zucchini and prawns. but the catch of the day, seafood spaghetti marinara, crab and lobster are all excellent. The restaurant isn't huge and can get crowded on weekends, but is usually pretty calm through the week. Closed Mondays. I highly recommend! Salud, Paz, Amor, y Suerte with a shot of Grappa!.More

Date of visit: August 2020

Helpful?1

CFEIII

2,239 reviews

Reviewed 5 March 2020

Great food, great venue, nice folks

We have eaten here twice during the week. Excellent! We plan to return on Sunday when they feature fresh oysters! Really nice place to have an afternoon meal (they close early), Nice beach, great rocky reef to watch the fishermen, all in all, a very...good experience. They feature Italian food, so if that is your fancy, you need to try this place! To get here, go to the Rumba monument and walk thru the ruins to find the restaurant at the beach.More