Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, is a multicultural metropolis full of ex-pats from throughout Africa and the rest of the world. Its culinary scene reflects this diversity, with most cuisines represented by its ever-growing roster of restaurants, cafés, and pubs. From roadside diners that serve traditional Kenyan BBQ meals to upscale French restaurants, sushi bars, and Brazilian churrascarias, whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it in Nairobi. Here is our pick of the city’s top 12 eateries to suit every taste and budget.
1.Cultiva
Cultiva is an Ecuadorian-influenced, rustic, fine-dining restaurant that consistently leads the charts as one of the greatest restaurants in Nairobi. Chef Ariel takes the freshest ingredients and turns them into delectable works of art. Cultiva restaurant advertises itself as fine experimental dining, and Ariel’s Ecuadorian inspirations are felt throughout the menu. He provides fresh seafood ceviche, exquisite tiny beetroot and pulled pork tacos, and bao buns, all purchased from local sources with many of the ingredients grown on the Cultiva Farm Cultiva offers an excellent drink selection and a large wine list and is situated in a nice outdoorsy location in Karen.
2.Tamarind
Tamarind serves the greatest Kenyan seafood in Karen, home to the Kitengela glassblowers and wildlife park. The Continental menu includes seafood and meat dishes. Deep-fried crab claws and garlic prawns are local favorites. Elegant and calm, it’s great for sipping South African sauvignon blanc. Tamarind’s vegetarian and meat selections are equally as good as its seafood.
3.INTI – A Nikkei Experience
INTI in Westlands is Africa’s first Nikkei restaurant. Nikkei cuisine was established when Japanese sugar cane workers migrated to Peru in the 19th century. Sashimi, sushi, and robata are cooked with Peruvian ingredients and served on black coal plates at INTI. The beverages menu features playful variations on the Peruvian pisco sour and chilcano, along with international wines.
4.Talisman
Talisman is Nairobi’s social center, a place to eat, drink, and party. The Talisman building is packed with local artists’ works and Kitengela glass. Sumptuous chambers filled with coastal-style Kenyan craftworks surround a foliage-filled patio that glows with lighted fires and candlelight at night. The menu includes steaks, hog bellies, burgers, Zanzibari fish soup, poke bowls, and sushi. Delicious cocktails and friendly service. The Talisman’s welcoming atmosphere belies the attention put into each meal and employee training.
5La Terrazza Restaurant
La Terrazza serves delicious Italian meals. The rooftop patio of Greenhouse Mall on Ngong Road offers stunning views of Kilimani. The inside features Gian Paolo Tomasi’s famed African portraits. The proprietors and chief chefs are native Italians, and the cuisine features gourmet pasta, risotto, pizza, steak, and seafood. Choose lobster fettuccine or squid ink and prawn ravioli, then wash it down with Italian wine.
6.Hashmi BBQ
Nakumatt Ukay, Nairobi’s most popular mall, is home to this family-run Indian BBQ restaurant. With delicacies like the chooza chicken with sauce, the fish tikka served with hot poussin fries, and the khima chapatti stuffed with salad, Hashmi’s serves you a delectable Indian BBQ experience. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, this place isn’t for you! It’s no wonder Hashmi’s is often packed, with its modest decor and reasonably priced food.
7.Fogo Gaucho
Fogo Gaucho’s Brazilian chefs have been teaching the unique skill of churrasco grilling to Nairobi residents since 2007. For the time of this writing, it is the only all-inclusive churrascaria in the capital city, serving a buffet of 17 different kinds of meat at lunch and evening. Everything from chicken and beef to crocodile is available here, from the traditional to the exotic. In addition to the meat, you can choose from 25 different salads, sides, and desserts, all for a predetermined fee. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere and professional service are also well-received.
8.Misono
Sashimi, sushi, and teppanyaki are all house specialties at Misono in Nairobi. This family-run jewel in the heart of Ngong exudes a refined and opulent dining experience. Three teppanyaki tables may be found downstairs, while the à la carte tables on the upper level are exquisite and polished. The six-course teppanyaki menu includes local Lake Naivasha lobster, or you can order the dynamite and California rolls to your liking.
9.Open House Restaurant
Despite the restaurant’s pared-down appearance, the Open House in Nairobi serves up a wide variety of authentic Indian meals. Mughal-inspired meals, including fragrant curries, succulent biryanis, and a full selection of marinated tandoori, are all on the menu. Explore a variety of vegetarian and vegan choices as well as traditional fares like chicken or mutton. As a result, there is something for everyone’s taste buds in this world of flavor explosions! Mix and match different types of beverages with your meal.
10.Hero
At the Trademark Hotel’s Hero restaurant in Nairobi’s Village Market, diners may enjoy an unforgettable culinary adventure. Strictly for clients over the age of 18, it’s a mix of speakeasy and shrine, with decor and food paying homage to the best of Marvel and DC Comics. You won’t find sushi like this in Japan. When it comes to tapas, Hero has reimagined the age-old staple with new flavors and pairings. The Prohibition-style cocktail menu is equally adventurous for vegetarians and vegans.
11.Seven Seafood And Grill
There is no better seafood restaurant in Nairobi than Seven Seafood and Grill. With fresh fish flown in from the coast daily. Fish comes in all forms, stuffed into ravioli and squad, baked in its shell, and basted in a pan. Different basting sauces are available for the prawns and lobster, depending on how they are prepared. There are other ways to prepare the crab, including the traditional Masala, Ginger, and Chilli, or the larger seafood platter, which also includes calamari and octopus. There are even six different ways of ordering your oysters.
12.Zen Gardens
As evidenced by their sushi menu, Zen Gardens isn’t solely a Chinese restaurant, yet it’s the best Chinese restaurant in the city. This Spring Valley restaurant is surrounded by lush greenery and features both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a zen-like atmosphere. The atmosphere is serene, and the food is to die for. At the Jade restaurant, you’ll find your standard pub fare like hamburgers and pizza, as well as an extensive brunch menu.
13Tatu
Tatu Steakhouse specializes in Kenyan Angus beef and seafood caught off the coast of Mombasa, Kenya’s largest city. The Fairmont Norfolk Hotel in which it is located in lovely contrast to the open-plan kitchen and simple African decor that creates a contemporary stage for its meals. Tatu’s famous ostrich steak grilled medium rare with chunky potatoes and a cool Tusker beer is best enjoyed in the Kenyan sunshine on its recently opened patio. Instead, the cocktail is a wonderful drink to enjoy at any time of day.
14.Mercado Mexican Restaurant
Both the cocktails and the meals at Mercado have garnered several accolades. Mexico City-born chefs bring their Latino culinary expertise to Nairobi. You have a choice of dining in the large Mexican-themed dining room or on the rooftop deck with views of the downtown skyline. Cocktails are standard fare, but we’re more interested in the cuisine. Mercado never lets you down. There is a wide variety of traditional Mexican fares, such as ceviche, tostadas, quesadillas, burritos, mole, tacos, and fajitas, on the menu. Locally sourced ingredients are used to create inventive takes on traditional Mexican fares, such as aubergine and corn tortilla cones, mushroom tacos piled high with cheese, chili, and cheese, and Mayan chicken tamales.
15Mambo Italia
Located in a gorgeous Italian restaurant that makes its own gelato, this eatery is all about simple, delicious meals. Long wooden tables, colorful chairs, and an open-plan kitchen can be found in the Lavington Curve Mall. Classic Italian meals are given a Swahili twist on this restaurant’s menu. To complete the Swahili beach pizza, top it with fresh coriander and red onion, then drizzle it with coconut curry sauce. For dessert, try the chocolate and mint gelato if you’ve still got any room in your stomach.
16.Talisman
In Kenya, Talisman is highly regarded as one of the top restaurants. Elegant gastro-lounge serves European, Pan-Asia, and African cuisine; the quality and service are consistently excellent. Grilled filet of beef with spicy wasabi-mustard sauce or the warm feta and coriander masalas served with chili-ginger jam are two of the best dishes on the menu.
17.Mawimbi Seafood Restauran
Famous for its creative seafood, Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant is also known for its gourmet plating and top-notch service. There is a Crudo Bar for those who enjoy raw seafood like oysters and ceviche, as well as a fine dining menu of tempura lobster, panko-fried king prawns, and salmon Thai curry at this restaurant. For those who prefer red meat, there are a variety of steaks and burgers available, as well as ample sharing platters for larger groups.
18Wasp And Sprout
Almost tough to locate in Loresho are the Wasp and the Sprout. When you think of the expression “hidden gem,” you think of Tradewinds Antique Furniture, which is fronted by the magnificent Tradewinds Antique Furniture shop. There is a meal and drink menu that will leave you with goosebumps inside the modest boutique that sells purses, lamps, and the occasional piece of art. Cocktails made using Bloody Mary, including a Bloody Machete for breakfast? Eggs benedict, fried chicken, waffles, a breakfast parfait, and a sprout omelet are just a few of the things on the menu at this restaurant.
19.Boho Eatery
Boho Eatery is the best vegan restaurant in Nairobi, in my opinion. Boho Eatery aims to show that vegan food can be fun and flavorful, even if you don’t consume meat. Chef Sarah creates visually stunning dishes that are just as delicious. For a pop of color, avocado and lime are swirled into poke bowls, pumpkin seeds and a kale sail are draped over avocado toast, and pomegranate seeds and pickled ginger are strewn on black bean tacos. Tofu scramble, spinach pancakes, congee, and pannacotta are just a few of the unique breakfast options at Boho Eatery in Nairobi. For those who think that vegan food is dull and boring, Sarah’s menu is an aesthetic and sensory treat.
20.The River Cafe
Located in Karura Forest’s lush River Cafe, guests are sure to enjoy their time there. Whether you’re inside or out, you’ll be able to take in stunning views of the surrounding forest from the comfort of your own home. To start, the River Cafe offers a wide range of healthy and flavorful dishes from around the world. They also have a fantastic brunch menu that is available all day. Delicious, well-prepared cuisine served in generous servings. After a jog, this is exactly what you need.
