Address: P.O. Box 53, Ali Barbour
Phone: +254 714 456 131

https://www.alibarbours.com/cave_restaurant.html

Traveler Reviews

Great loaction, great staff, poor management, poor food
Reviewed by sc100 on Feb 20, 2011


We visited Ali Barbour's during a recent visit to Diani Beach. Having read several reviews before we left we were really looking forward to visiting this restaurant. We found the cave itself to be stunning and the staff very friendly (apart from the owner/manager). Having ordered drinks upon arrival we were seated at a lovely table under the stars. The staff were fantastic even if the food was below par. Upon leaving the restaurant we asked the manageress/owner (I am not sure which she was) to order us a taxi back to our hotel. She proved to be very rude not only to us but also to the staff. This restaurant could be fantastic with exceptional waiting staff and ambiance, but the management need to not only take a look at themselves but also the food served within the establishment.

Interesting atmosphere spoiled by poor service
Reviewed by coffeebot on Feb 13, 2011


We went here with about 11 people. The car picked us up in good time and took us directly there. When you step into the restaurant it is immediately impressive. Stone walls, moody lighting and a nice layout. The first thing you notice is the large, open roof with an impressive view of the stars. The second thing you realize is that since it's open, you're left sitting in whatever temperature it is outside. In January, it was probably around 30 degrees Celsius in the cave. A few of us also got a few mosquito bites on our legs. Make sure you wear some repellent if you go. Also, bring a small flashlight. It was so dark we used our cell phones to read the menu. For such a high profile restaurant, the service was up to par. We spent a lot of time waiting for staff to notice us. When the first waiter came to tell us the specials, he spoke so quietly my sister ended up just repeating everything for us. The food is hit or miss. I'd say on average, the main dishes were pretty good, and a good value. The appetizers were just ok. Considering the signature appetizer is a shrimp cocktail named after the restaurant, I'd expect it to be outstanding. It was rather plain though. Desserts were all quite good, especially the crepe suzette. However, the Italian ice cream was horrid. I don't know how to describe it, except that you should not order it. Overall, if you have a small group of people and steer clear of the terrible Italian ice, it is an interesting place. Price-wise it can't be beat. Just don't expect a "World Top 10" dining experience.

What a lovely setting
Reviewed by daveandelaineG on Jan 31, 2011


A really nice place to visit ,in a very different setting. The food and wine we found excellent, staff attentive, when needed and Gemma, who runs it, very friendly and helpful.Shame we were only there a week in Diani, as would have gone back , despite being all inclusive.

Great Restaurant in unusual setting
Reviewed by malaikascotland on Jan 24, 2011


This is a lovely restaurant carved out of a coral cavern. Very atmospheric. Food excellent especially local delicacies such as ostrich or impala. The roof is open and can slide shut if it rains but lovely to look at the stars while eating.

Lovely setting, but lousy food
Reviewed by Missymarsbar on Jan 21, 2011


The setting is wonderful. Great atmoshphere and the service is very good. Unfortunately, the night that we went, the food wasn't good. We both had fish that evening. I can't understand that you can get fish so wrong when there's a huge fish tank called the Indian Ocean right outside the restaurant! Maybe that's a bit mean, so I'm hoping that the chef had a night off. I hope that I'm proved wrong, as it's such a great setting.