Papa Remo

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

From a Tent on the Beach to a Recognized Destination

Papa Remo Beach has one of the more honest origin stories on the Kenyan coast. In 1997, Italian Remo Lenzi arrived in Watamu, fell in love with its beaches and community, and — with uncommon commitment — lived in a tent for a year to fully understand the place before building anything. That grounding in respect for the local environment and culture became the foundation everything else was built on.

What started as a simple family hut gradually grew into a restaurant, beach club, and event venue. When Remo returned to Italy, the next generation took over, carrying forward the memories and the spirit while expanding what Papa Remo could offer. By 2019, the venue was hosting the Seven Islands Festival, cementing its reputation as one of the coast's premier gathering places.

Italian Roots, Kenyan Soul

The philosophy at Papa Remo is straightforward: connect people with nature, good food and drinks, and each other. The blend of Italian and Kenyan influences runs through everything — from the atmosphere to the table — creating something that feels neither imported nor generic, but genuinely of this place.

That authenticity has not gone unnoticed. Gambero Rosso, the authoritative Italian food and wine guide, awarded Papa Remo a Fork in its 2026 edition — a meaningful recognition for a beachfront restaurant operating far from the traditional circuits of Italian fine dining.

Saturday Nights and Special Occasions

The famous Saturday beach parties, with local DJs drawing together residents and visitors, have become a fixture of life in Watamu. Beyond those evenings, Papa Remo hosts weddings and private events, with outdoor seating and a beachfront setting that needs little decoration. Fine dining here doesn't mean stiff formality — it means quality, care, and a setting that stays with you.