When I visited Kenya early this year, the first thing I did was research the best restaurants in Nairobi and create a list of the top 30 I wanted to try during my trip. Nairobi is a food lover’s paradise, and while exploring the city, I made sure to try out as many spots as I could.
Whether you are looking for a fancy restaurant in a garden or a casual local eatery, Nairobi has a lot of great restaurants to offer. Of the 30 restaurants that I tried, some were incredible, while others could do much better.
While on your African safari tours in Kenya with Adequate Safaris, it is important to know all the best restaurants to try in Nairobi City, which is the country’s capital. To ensure your experience is unmatched, let’s delve into 30 of the best restaurants in Nairobi, based on my personal experience.
Carnivore Restaurant
Verdict: I Loved It!
Carnivore is one of the most popular restaurants in Nairobi, and I can see why. The menu includes a “Beast of a Feast” in which waiters roam around with skewers of various grilled meats and cut the meat onto your plate as you watch. The experience at Carnivore Restaurant felt more like a celebration of the Kenyan “Nyama Choma” or barbecue culture. I particularly liked the lamb and beef, which were juicy and delicious. The outdoor environment and vibrant ambience added to the fun.
Location: Lang’ata Road
Mama Oliech Restaurant
Verdict: I Loved It!
To experience Kenyan local food, Mama Oliech is one of the best affordable restaurants in Nairobi. I tried the popular fried tilapia with ugali and sukuma wiki, which was delicious. The fish was super fresh, and the portions were large. The place is simple and always packed, so that’s a sign that the food there is consistently delicious. It’s a great place to go for the food, rather than the fancy decor.
Location: Kilimani
About Thyme Restaurant
Verdict: I Liked It!
About Thyme Restaurant offers the most serene ambience in Nairobi. The restaurant is located within a beautiful garden, which provides a tranquil and peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city. I was lucky enough to dine there and had a seafood dish while sitting outdoors. The food was delicious and nicely served, but my favourite part was sitting in the quiet garden. It’s the ideal spot for a leisurely brunch or dinner.
Location: Lavington
Talisman Restaurant
Verdict: Loved It!
Talisman quickly became one of my go-to restaurants in Nairobi. The menu is a mixture of African, European, and Asian cuisine. I enjoyed their sushi and seafood. It is also a very romantic dinner spot, with an outdoor seating area. I found Talisman Restaurant to be the perfect spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
Location: Karen
Nyama Mama
Verdict: Loved It!
Nyama Mama is a contemporary spin on comfort Kenyan food. The colours and menu were fun and playful. I tried out their chapati wrap stuffed with meat and vegetables, and I found it absolutely delicious. The dish was a fresh twist on traditional Kenyan cuisine. This is one of the most popular restaurants Nairobi locals recommend for a fun time and for a modern twist on local food.
Location: Multiple Locations
Hero Restaurant
Verdict: Loved It!
Hero Restaurant is one of the trendiest Asian-inspired restaurants in Nairobi. It’s fashionably decorated and has a laid-back feel. I had ramen when I visited, and the broth was delicious. The presentation of the food was very impressive, for lack of a better word. Hero Restaurant is a great choice if you are a fan of Japanese or Asian food.
Location: Village Market
INTI- A Nikkei Experience
Verdict: Loved It!
INTI is a rooftop eatery with a view of Nairobi’s skyline. The cuisine is Nikkei, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian. My favourite experience involved enjoying delicious plates of sushi as we watched the sunset, making it one of my favourite dining experiences in Nairobi. It is definitely one of the best restaurants in Nairobi.
Location: One Africa Place, Westlands
Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant
Verdict: Loved It!
If you are a seafood lover, Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant is a must-visit restaurant in Nairobi. It is a sophisticated fine dining restaurant with beautifully served seafood. While there, I had a grilled seafood dish that was cooked to perfection and deliciously flavoursome. The staff at Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant were also very attentive, adding to the overall exceptional experience.
Location: Kijabe Street
CJ’s Restaurant
Verdict: Liked It!
CJ’s is one of the busiest casual restaurants in Nairobi, and after visiting, I can clearly see why. They have a vast menu, including burgers, pasta, and desserts. I had a burger and a milkshake (which was creamy and delicious). I also found CJ’s to be a perfect choice for a casual lunch with friends.
Location: Multiple Locations
Trattoria Restaurant
Verdict: Liked It!
Trattoria is one of the most iconic Italian restaurants in Nairobi, located in the CBD. The restaurant has been serving food for a long time and is famous for its pasta and pizza. During my visit there, I ordered pasta, and it was delicious and authentic. Trattoria restaurant is a comfortable, cozy restaurant and would make a wonderful lunch spot in Nairobi’s CBD.
Location: Nairobi CBD
La Terrazza Restaurant
Verdict: Loved It!
La Terrazza is another great Italian restaurant in Nairobi. I loved the pasta and atmosphere of the restaurant. I found the service at La Terrazza Restaurant to be great and the food authentic. If you are craving Italian cuisine, La Terrazza Restaurant is definitely one of the best restaurants in Nairobi to try.
Location: Westlands
Nairobi Street Kitchen
Verdict: Loved It!
Nairobi Street Kitchen is a chic food hall with a variety of cuisines. My favourite thing about this restaurant was that there was a lot to choose from. You can sample different cuisines in one sitting, including Asian cuisine, local Kenyan food, and even burgers. Nairobi Street Kitchen is a fun restaurant and great for dinner with friends.
Location: Westlands
Oyster Bay
Verdict: Liked It!
Oyster Bay is a laid-back restaurant that offers international and seafood cuisine. At Oyster Bay, I had a seafood dish, which was delicious and worth the money. If you are looking for a casual restaurant with a relaxed environment, Oyster Bay is the place for you.
The Lord Erroll
Verdict: Loved It!
The Lord Erroll provides a beautiful fine dining experience in Gigiri. The restaurant has a traditional and sophisticated ambiance, and the food is well prepared. The Lord Erroll is the kind of restaurant where you can savor a leisurely meal.
Location: Gigiri
Tatu Restaurant
Verdict: Loved It!
Tatu Restaurant, located inside the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel, offers a refined dining experience with contemporary African flavors. I mainly enjoyed the presentation and creativity of the food at the Tatu Restaurant.
Location: Nairobi CBD
The View Restaurant
Verdict: Loved It!
The View at the Mövenpick Hotel truly lives up to its name. This is a rooftop restaurant that offers stunning views of the city. For me, it was truly magical eating here while watching the city lights at night. I would visit this restaurant again and again.
Location: Westlands
Samaki Samaki
Verdict: Loved It!
Samaki Samaki is one of the most vibrant seafood restaurants in Nairobi, and it turned out to be among the best restaurants for me in Nairobi. On my visit, I had a grilled fish dish, which was very delicious as it was well seasoned and excellently cooked. Apart from that, what fascinated me at this restaurant was its atmosphere, that is, how lively and colourful its environment was, reminding me of a social dining area rather than a restaurant.
In general, Samaki Samaki is an excellent place to have fun with friends while enjoying delicious meals and good music, making it more enjoyable than other fine dining places. Additionally, among Nairobi’s fine dining restaurants, I found it to be among the more affordable restaurants in Nairobi.
Location: Westlands and other locations
Cover Ivy
Verdict: Loved It!
Copper Ivy Restaurant is quite stylish and modern, and it is one of those places in Nairobi that gives an impression of elegance without being too formal. During my visit, I loved how everything was balanced. From the presentation of the food and the service to the ambience of the restaurant.
The food was well presented and delicious. Copper Ivy Restaurant is indeed the place where you can enjoy a relaxed dinner or a special occasion, you name it. It is definitely one of those restaurants where I would go back to if I wanted something a bit more refined but still comfortable.
Location: Westlands
Red Ginger
Verdict: Love It!
Red Ginger is one of my favorite restaurants in Nairobi whenever I want to have Asian food in Nairobi. I remember having chicken curry and some vegetable rice, all of which was full of flavor. The restaurant is also very relaxed with a somewhat upscale ambience, making it a good place to go during casual dinners as well as date nights. If you love Asian cuisine, Red Ginger is certainly one of the best restaurants in Nairobi.
Location: Westlands
Alloy Restaurant
Verdict: Liked It!
I was pleasantly surprised by Alloy Restaurant at Sarit Centre. At a mall restaurant, I found the food and presentation to be of better quality than I expected. The menu is a combination of international foods, and everything felt so thought out. It is a convenient place to visit when you are in Westlands, and you can get something better than typical mall food.
Location: Sarit Centre, Westlands
15 Rooftop
Verdict: Loved It!
15 Rooftop is all about the experience. The scenery of Nairobi is unbelievably beautiful from the tops of buildings, particularly in the evening. I visited the restaurant at sunset, and the city scenery, music, and delicious food made it one of the most memorable dining experiences I have ever had. The 15 Rooftop is a more social restaurant, and I would highly recommend it to friends.
Location: The Curve Westlands
The Location
Verdict: Liked It!
The Location is among those places that are trendy on social media, and after visiting, I saw exactly why. The design of the restaurant is highly contemporary, and the food is well presented. Although there were dishes that were more impressive than others, the experience was pleasant. It is a nice brunch spot or a place to have casual meetings.
Location: Kilimani
Olive Restaurant at Dusit
Verdict: Loved It!
Eating at the Olive Restaurant was a fine-dining experience. The ambience at Olive Restaurant is elegant, and the service is highly attentive. At the restaurant, I was truly amazed to see the details in which the food was presented, and the flavor did not fall short of the presentation. It is certainly one of the more refined restaurants in Nairobi for special nights out.
Location: Dusit D2, Westlands
Pablo’s Mexobar
Verdict: Loved It!
Pablo’s Mexobar is among the most entertaining restaurants that Nairobi offers for casual meals. I had tacos and a cocktail, and they were very good. At Pablo’s, the atmosphere is colourful and vibrant, and it is a great place if you want something lively. It is also among the most affordable restaurants where you can have good food without incurring high costs.
Location: Westlands
Cheka Cafe
Verdict: Loved It!
Cheka Cafe stood out to me as a small and cozy spot for breakfast or brunch. The food at the cafe was fresh and simple, and the coffee was great. It is one of those places you can sit for a while, work, or simply catch up with friends.
Location: Riara Road, Nairobi
Eka Hotel Restaurant
Verdict: Liked It!
Dining at Eka Hotel offers you a blend of buffet and à la carte. I enjoyed the variety of dishes served at the hotel as I was able to try out several cuisines in one setting. The quality of the food was consistent, and Eka Hotel is a great choice when you are around the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) area.
Location: Along Mombasa Road
Ankole Grill
Verdict: Loved It!
Ankole Grill is undoubtedly among the best restaurants in Nairobi to get nyama choma. The meat was grilled to perfection, tender and juicy. The restaurant also features a contemporary and sleek environment, something that makes it stand out from typical Nyama Choma joints. Ankole Grill is a great choice if you are looking for a more refined Kenyan dining experience.
Location: Kitisuru and Kilimani
Beit e Selam
Verdict: Liked It!
Beit e Selam is among the best restaurants in Nairobi, which blends dining and nightlife perfectly. I visited the restaurant in the evening, and I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, along with the good food and drinks. I would particularly recommend Beit e Selam for dinner with friends, or a casual dinner when you want something a bit more stylish than the usual affordable restaurants in Nairobi, but still not overly expensive.
Location: Lavington
By the Garden
Verdict: Loved It!
Everything about By the Garden restaurant is perfect! By the Garden is by far one of the best restaurants in Nairobi that offers aesthetic appeal to the dining experience, particularly the outdoors. I was particularly impressed by the atmosphere, which was so relaxing and refreshing. The vegetation and open layout form a serene atmosphere, which is ideal for escaping the busy urban life. I had a brunch-type meal, and the food was fresh, well-presented, and light. By the Garden is also an excellent place to have coffee or a quick get-together with friends. What I found appealing about how it offers a blend of experience and affordability, making it one of the more underrated affordable restaurants in Nairobi to enjoy brunch and dine during the day.
Location: Jabavu Road, Hurlingham
Bambino
Verdict: Loved It!
Bambino is among the coziest restaurants in Nairobi, as it is warm and welcoming right from the moment you walk in. I visited Bambino restaurant for some comfort food, and it turned out to be an amazing decision. I tried out their pasta and dessert, which were really satisfying. The food was fresh and well-cooked, and the flavors were simple and just right. What impressed me most was the relaxed nature of the entire experience. The atmosphere at Bambino Restaurant is intimate without being too formal, and is ideal for casual dinners, small groups, or even a date night. Bambino is also one of the best restaurants in Nairobi for a top-notch experience of relaxed fine dining.
Location: Parklands, Nairobi
Other best restaurants in Nairobi that you can also try include:
- Caviar Restaurants, Westlands
- The Summer Loung, Westlands
- Kalamata Restaurant, Lavington
- Meko-Kwetu Nairobi Hotel, Kitisuru
- Zarafa Lounge, Kilimani
- Ora Cafe, Westlands
- Jiko- Tribe Hotel, Village Market, Gigiri
- Ginkgo, Sarit Centre, Westlands
- Onza, Westgate Mall, Westlands
- Fasic Chinese Restaurants, Westlands
- Troy Mediterranean Mezze and Rooftop Bar
- Enchante Bistro, Gem Forest Hotel
Final Thoughts: Why Trust Adequate Safaris to Ensure You Enjoy the Best Restaurants in Nairobi
Exploring the best restaurants in Nairobi is not just a matter of finding good food but also culture, the ambience, and the special stories of each restaurant. From fine dining on rooftops to local hidden gems with traditional Kenyan cuisine, Nairobi will give you an amazing culinary experience. From my experience, the most significant issue is knowing where to visit, what to sample, and what places are worth visiting and spending your time and money on. There is so much to choose from in Nairobi that one can easily overlook really great places or find ones that do not measure up to the hype.
Are you dreaming of visiting the best restaurants in Nairobi? This is where Adequate Safaris comes in. The professional tour consultants at Adequate Safaris have their vast local knowledge and ability to tailor experiences that exceed tourist expectations. Adequate Safaris is dedicated to ensuring that travellers enjoy a blend of:
- The best restaurants in Nairobi.
- Hidden local favorites.
- Affordable restaurants in Nairobi.
- Unique dining experiences that you may not find by yourself.
Whether you are going to Nairobi for the first time or you are a local citizen who wants to learn more about the city, having a guide who understands Nairobi’s food scene makes a great difference. For a well-planned experience and the chance to experience the best restaurants in Nairobi without guesswork, all you have to do is contact Adequate Safaris at de***@*************is.com. Let’s experience the best food spots in Nairobi together!
