Top 5 Nairobi Restaurants

Top 5 Nairobi Restaurants

Continuing our series of where to eat in the major African cities, we look at the Kenyan capital Nairobi. There is no doubt that there has been a huge increase in both choice and quality of food and restaurants over the last ten years. As always, these lists are subjective but represent a good cross-section of what's on offer when you are looking for a good bite to eat.

Best Restaurants In Nairobi

In no particular order of preference, here are our Top 5:

  1. The Restaurant at HEMINGWAYS NAIROBI is undoubtedly one of the best fine dining experiences to be had in Nairobi and has raised the bar considerably for other upmarket restaurants. This newly opened hotel and restaurant in the suburb of Karen has set tongues wagging for its European cuisine pepped up with local ingredients. For a more relaxed meal, try the Brasserie with its indoor barbecue.
  2. HAANDI; In Nairobi, it would be amiss not to try the local Indian cuisine. HAANDI, located in the central suburb of Westlands, has now expanded internationally and is regularly recognised as one of the best restaurants in Nairobi with its speciality in North Indian Frontier cuisine. A glass-fronted kitchen is a nice touch for those nervous about how their food is prepared.
  3. The TALISMAN restaurant; Back in Karen, the TALISMAN restaurant is a traditional favourite with locals and ex-pats alike. Located in a colonial-era bungalow, this al fresco restaurant offers a mixed menu of international favourites with ingredients sourced both locally and abroad. This place has a good vibe and offers live music on the weekends.
  4. The SEVEN SEAFOOD & GRILL; Restaurant in Westlands is regularly in the top 10 list in Nairobi. With fresh fish brought in daily from Mombasa, the head chef describes the food as " Afro-Mediterranean fusion with a touch of the east to spice things up." Undoubtedly the best seafood restaurant in Nairobi combines well with uncompromising modern decor.
  5. SANKARA HOTEL RESTAURANTS; in the suburb of Westlands. One of the latest 5-star additions to the Nairobi hotel and dining scene. This hotel offers a variety of Afro Chic dining experiences. Not cheap, but it is very much of the highest international quality coupled with a relaxed local feel. Local ingredients are used extensively, and if you want to wash it down with a glass of Veuve Clicquot, this is the place for you. Numerous dining options are available.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST (I know we said five restaurants, but you really can't miss out on this institution). A stay in Kenya is not complete with a meal at the Carnivore Restaurant.

  • CARNIVORE RESTAURANT in Langata (near Wilson Airport.) This has been a Nairobi institution since 1980, offering choice cuts of meat from traditional lamb and beef to crocodile and ostrich. There are other offerings on the menu, even vegetarian, it has been said, but it defies the point of going there; meat is what it is all about. At night, people make a straight line to the popular nightclub of the Simba Saloon.

See Hotels options available in Nairobi.

Top 5 Nairobi Restaurants by the team at Uyaphi.com

Travel To Kenya Now
Best Kenya Lodges By Map
Popular Kenya Safari Lodges

  • Loisaba Tented Camp

    Twelve luxurious rooms at Loisaba Tented Camp overlook 60,000 acres of wilderness in a private conservancy.

    This stunning lodge clinging to the edge of a five hundred foot escarpment in Laikipia has unsurpassed views which defy description.

  • Tortilis Camp

    Elewana Tortilis Camp is a magical escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The safari camp is located just outside the Amboseli National Park in an unspoilt woodland.

    Elewana Tortilis Camp offers up views out across the plains with Mt Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.

  • Solio Lodge

    Solio Lodge is an exclusive wildlife destination located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains within the stunning and wildlife-rich Solio Conservancy. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations, spectacular wildlife sightings, sumptuous cuisine, and numerous safari activities.

    Solio Wildlife Sanctuary is the most successful private rhino breeding sanctuary in Africa. Experience the best of Solio Lodge and all that it has to offer for a truly unforgettable African safari experience.

  • Mara Bush Houses

    Mara Bush Houses are situated within the famed and wild Mara North Conservancy, surrounded by the best wildlife sightings that Kenya offers.

    Two exclusive use three bedroomed Masai Mara houses await, perfect for both families or a small group of friends.

  • Serian Camp

    Alex Walker's Serian Camp, a small and private safari camp option found deep in the heart of the famed Mara North Conservancy.

    Serian Camp, located within a forested area on the famous Mara River banks, has only five tented suites available, ensuring an intimate safari experience.

  • Mara Porini Camp

    The Mara Porini Camp has only 6 tented suites sited in the shade of Yellow-barked Acacia trees along the banks of the Laetoli, a permanent spring, the tents are spacious and each has an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet and safari shower.

    An exceptional Masai Mara tented camp awaits a superb option for nature lovers.

  • ol Donyo Lodge

    ol Donyo Lodge, a Relais & Chateaux property located in the heart of the 275 000 acre Mbirikani Ranch that borders Chyulu Hills National Park.

    ol Donyo Lodge is located within wilderness area between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks. A small luxurious safari lodge that offers it all.

  • Porini Rhino Camp

    Porini Rhino Camp is located in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, forming part of the Laikipia Plateau, boasting an astounding variety of wildlife, including all of the "Big Five" is situated between the foothills of the Aberdares and the magnificent snowcapped Mount Kenya.