In this article, I’ll take you through some of the best dining spots in Nairobi, ranging from fine dining and romantic places to steakhouses and pizza joints—my top picks for eating in my hometown of Nairobi!
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Nairobi, the bustling capital of Kenya, offers a rich mix of urban life, wildlife centers, and historical attractions. Just a short distance from downtown, you can explore a national park, museums, and vibrant markets. The city also boasts a range of great clubs, cafes, and a lively nightlife scene. Plus, you’ll find plenty of excellent accommodations and remarkable restaurants that cater to all tastes and occasions.
Having lived in Nairobi for over a decade, I know the best spots to eat. Recently, I spent a week there, revisiting old favorites and discovering new gems. As a tour guide, I’m well-versed in both the famous and local hangouts.
So, if you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best times to visit or where to eat, this guide will help you navigate Nairobi’s dining scene.
My list of the best restaurants is based on food quality, service, location, personal opinion, and reviews on TripAdvisor and Google. While I’ve tried countless places, I’ve narrowed it down to 15 must-visits.
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K’Osewe Ranalo Foods is a top pick for traditional dishes and live music in the city center. It’s a fantastic place to experience local cuisine after a day of sightseeing. Try their goat meat, tilapia fish, or wet beef with ugali and kachumbari. And definitely stick around for some Tusker beers while enjoying a live band. The place has clean amenities and friendly staff, making it a go-to every time I’m in Nairobi.
For world-class coffee and a diverse menu, Java House is a favorite. With spacious interiors and a cozy ambiance, it’s perfect for affordable meals ranging from omelets and coffee to burgers and vegetarian options. My favorite branch is along Kimathi Street, where I often enjoy breakfast, pizzas, salads, and chicken wings.
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About Thyme offers a serene, romantic setting perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Located in a green garden, it has rustic benches and comfortable couches, creating a tranquil environment. I highly recommend their pepper steak, served with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Cafe Deli is another excellent spot, especially popular with young people and digital nomads. The Tumaini branch stands out for its friendly staff and delightful decor. Their cheeseburgers and spicy chips are a must-try.
For an Ethiopian dining experience, Abyssinia offers a range of vegetarian and meaty options in a relaxed setting. I recommend the Abyssinia Goulash served with Injera.
Kilimanjaro Jamia is known for its Somali and Swahili dishes, like pilau and camel meat. Their busteki (camel steak) is a unique and delectable dish worth trying.
Mama Oliech Restaurant is famed for its deep-fried fish with ugali and kachumbari. It’s a symbol of fresh food at affordable prices and was even visited by Mark Zuckerberg in 2016.
Mawimbi is a prime seafood spot, offering oysters, lobsters, prawns, and more in a fine dining setting close to the city center.
Carnivore is the go-to for the best steak in Nairobi. This all-you-can-eat restaurant offers various roasted meats and has options for vegetarians too. Their sirloin and local beer, Tusker, are highly recommended.
For Indian cuisine, The Mayura is a great choice with branches across Nairobi. Their mutton korma is a standout dish.
The Talisman merges African, European, and Pan-Asian cuisines in a beautiful setting, perfect for romantic dinners. Their beef massaman is a favorite.
Acacia Restaurant at the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel is ideal for romantic dinners and offers stunning views of Nairobi National Park. Try their T-Bone steak.
Mambo Italia is a lovely place for pizza and pasta. Their Lavington branch offers a cozy ambiance and a rooftop view.
Fogo Gaucho is renowned for its variety of meats. Their Kilimani branch is perfect for a churrascaria experience, with options like sirloin steak and crocodile meat.
Boho Eatery, located on a 10-acre estate, offers a serene dining experience with a mix of vegetarian and indulgent meals. It’s great for a healthy breakfast or lunch.
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Popular Nairobi dishes to try include roasted meat (nyama choma), deep-fried fish with ugali and kachumbari, and various seafood options at places like Mawimbi. Food tours in Nairobi allow you to explore local markets, learn traditional cooking methods, and sample a range of dishes.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
– The best restaurants in Nairobi include The Carnivore, Mawimbi Seafood, Cafe Deli, Java House, and Talisman.
– Dinner is typically between 8 pm and 10 pm, lunch from 12 pm to 2 pm, and breakfast between 6 am and 9 am.
– Tipping isn’t mandatory but 10% of the bill is customary.
– The best restaurants are in the city center, Westlands, Karen, and Kilimani.
– Popular dishes in Nairobi include ugali, nyama choma, fried fish, and kachumbari, with meals typically costing between $9 and $40.
– Safe and lovely neighborhoods include Karen, Kilimani, Loresho, and Lavington.
Nairobi is not only a wonderful destination for wildlife safaris and nature attractions but also a fantastic place for food lovers. The city boasts a growing food culture with a variety of cuisines to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in local dishes like nyama choma or international delicacies, Nairobi offers something for everyone.
I hope this guide helps you discover where to eat on your next visit to the “Green City Under the Sun.”