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Know Before You Go
Quick IntelEstimated Cost
Mid-range; meal prices typically range from KSH 500 to KSH 1,500 depending on the catch of the day.
Best For
Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, laid-back Lamu dining experience where fresh seafood and local vibes take priority over speed.
Access & Logistics
Located in Lamu Town; accessible only by foot, donkey, or boat. Cash and M-Pesa are the standard payment methods.
Operating Hours
Daily, generally from late morning through late night.
Editor's Review
Sailors Joint is a quintessential Lamu institution, tucked away in the heart of the historic town where motorbikes and donkeys rule the narrow, sandy alleyways. It is not a place for those who demand quick service or luxury amenities; rather, it is a bustling, authentic spot where the atmosphere is defined by the aroma of charcoal smoke and the sound of the local community. Because it is located in the pedestrian-only zone of Lamu, visitors should be prepared to navigate the sandy, unpaved paths of the town to find this local gem.
For a budget-friendly experience, stick to the daily specials like the fish curry or the signature BBQ skewers, which offer incredible value compared to the more tourist-heavy waterfront establishments. If you find the main menu overwhelming, ask the staff for the 'catch of the day' to ensure you are getting the freshest ingredients available at the most competitive price.
The Cost: Meals are very well-priced for the quality provided. You can expect to spend between KSH 500 and KSH 1,500 per person depending on whether you order simple grilled fish, pizza, or a full seafood platter with sides. No entry fee is required.
The Experience: Visiting Sailors Joint is a casual, sensory affair. You will be navigating the historic, unpaved, and often narrow streets of Lamu Town to reach the venue. The seating is modest and the environment is relaxed, often requiring a wait of 30 to 45 minutes for your food to be prepared fresh. It is a place to sit, enjoy a fresh juice, and soak in the slow-paced rhythm of island life.
What you can get: The menu features a rotating selection of fresh-caught seafood such as Rabbit fish, red mullet, prawns, and lobster. Other highlights include their surprisingly authentic stone-oven pizzas, flavorful fish curries, masala fries, and fresh fruit juices. Don't miss the traditional Biriyani, which is typically served on Fridays.
Final Verdict: Sailors Joint is the heartbeat of local Lamu dining. If you prioritize fresh, honest food over speed and fancy service, this is undoubtedly one of the best value spots on the island.
More Details

Explorer Ken's Advice
"Follow the smoke outside to catch the fresh BBQ skewers, and aim to place your order by 7:00 PM to beat the 8:00 PM dinner rush."
Things to Consider
Service is famously slow and informal; do not visit if you are in a hurry or expect high-end, rapid restaurant pacing.
Feedback
Top Google Reviews
Tim Layton
this simple little restaurant will surprise you with its rather delicious pizza, that is better than a “Pizza Hut” or “Domino’s “ any day. The authenticity of the pizza is excellent, especially considering it’s being created in a tiny little town, With just motorbikes, donkeys and Tuk tuks, tucked away along the coastline….recommended! GOOD VALUE!
Justin Lui
The food — curry fish — with rice was pretty great. I rounded up to 5 star overall despite rating everything a 4-4.5 star bc I think it would be better had I tried other food (only have 2 nights in the town). Fish curry felt like a home cooked meal. Curry was different than Indian and Chinese style, which includes places in Nairobi. Different but like a “tomato” based style (no potatoes). It’s still very good @ 4.5 star. I also ordered the avocado milkshake and pretty good as well, 4 star, with a little sugar. Portion was enough for 1.5 people with plenty of rice. Value is there. My host considers this place his favorite for value and taste.
Samim Khan
I have visited this restaurant several times — it’s one of the good places in Lamu Town. Their grilled chicken and prawns are delicious and highly recommended. They also serve pizza and other tasty dishes. However, the restaurant needs a bit more attention to cleanliness. Overall, a nice place to dine.
Jay Singh
The quality of the fresh food is as hyped as the reviews. Very well priced and don't rush, they do things slowly and we waited about 35mind for our meal. Juices are also fresh. Only advice to staff, write down the order so you remember. Some of the orders were forgotten. I wouldn't recommend the pizza so keep it authentic. Biriyani is only served on Friday which would be good to know on the menu.
Evgenia Douka
This is a must place to eat if you're in Lamu and not just once but as many times as you can. The food is sensational. We stayed in Lamu four days so we got to try ALL the restaurants but we kept gravitating towards Sailors Joint. If you're in a rush this is not the right place for you. They take their time... ... but what ends up in front of you is worth the wait for sure! They do great BBQ outside so just follow the smoke. The place is buzzing around 20.00, but go and grab a table and give your order around 19.00. Soon you'll see hordes of people in front of the bbq waiting for their takeaway skewers. The first time we had a grilled whole Rabbit fish with garlic, prawn curry with rice and massala fries!! The second time we had again the whole grilled fish and a red mullet curry. Fantastic! Better than the first. You'll notice they'll serve you only today's catch so the range of fish changes daily, make sure to ask what they have on the day. Many people were getting grilled lobster which smelled and looked amazing and of course so many meaty skewers to choose from and you can have them wrapped,shawarma style. We also saw locals getting pizza takeaways so of course we had to try it one late night. Baked in their traditional stone oven it didn't disappoint!! Nice selection of juices too. What a fantastic spot that is!
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