Leonardo's Restaurant

Leonardo's is a family affair. Founded over twenty years ago by Mario Scianna, an Italian who brought his hometown cooking to the Kenyan coast, the restaurant is now run by his son Roberto. That continuity shows — in the handmade pasta, the wood-fired pizzas, and the kind of hospitality that remembers what you ordered last time. It sits in the Colliers Centre on Diani Beach Road, ranked #7 of 80 restaurants in Diani on TripAdvisor, and on any given night you'll find a mix of long-term residents, honeymooners, and families who've been told by three different people that this is where they should eat.

The Food

The menu is Italian without apology. The pasta is made in-house — their signature Linguine Indian Ocean with fresh seafood, tomato, and herbs is the dish most tables seem to order. The wood-fired pizzas have that genuine char and chew, and the Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di Latte, and basil from their garden is listed as a signature dish for good reason. Beyond the classics, the menu covers antipasti, salads, grilled meats (the beef fillet and tagliata are on the higher end at KES 2,100–2,200), and fresh seafood.

Wine & Gelato

Leonardo's introduced the first authentic Italian gelato to Diani — crafted using techniques from Mario Scianna's hometown. It remains one of the few places on the coast where the gelato is made on-site. The wine list features Italian selections that pair with the food. The Tiramisu della Casa — espresso-soaked savoiardi with mascarpone cream — is the other dessert worth saving room for.

Practical Details

Open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM (kitchen closes at 10:30 PM, last food order at 10:15 PM). Main courses range from KES 1,200 for pasta and pizza to KES 3,100 for premium grill items — expect to spend around KES 2,000–4,000 per person for a full meal. The candle-lit garden setting is the best seating. Reservations are recommended for dinner, particularly during high season (December–March and July–August). Located in the Colliers Centre on Diani Beach Road — well-signposted, with parking available.