
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:
- 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.
- Link; Hemingways Nairobi (The above image is courtesy of Hemingways Nairobi)
- 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.
- Link; Haandi Nairobi
- 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.
- Link; The Talisman
- 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.
- Link; Seven Seafood & Grill
- 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.
- Link; The Carnivore Restaurant
See Hotels options available in Nairobi.
Top 5 Nairobi Restaurants by the team at Uyaphi.com
Saruni Wild Tented Camp
Saruni Wild Tented Camp is positioned on the Masai Mara plains bordering the private Lemek and Mara North Conservancies, surrounded by pristine, untouched wilderness.
A small and intimate camp with only three tented suites available.
Sarova Panafric Hotel
Sarova Panafric Hotel is idyllically located 5 minutes drive from the Nairobi central business district, amidst beautifully landscaped gardens in a quiet suburb of Nairobi; 153 hotel rooms in a range of standard, superior, club and suites are all decorated in a vibrant style.
One of the better hotels in Nairobi if you are looking for a more city-based experience with a swimming pool.
Elewana Loisaba Star Beds
Elewana Loisaba Star Beds is located within the amazing Loisaba Conservancy and Laikipia Plateau that offers guests one of the finest wildlife and safari experiences on offer in Kenya today.
Loisaba Star Beds is poised on top of a kopje offering commanding views out over the plains and valleys of the Laikipia. One of the more unique and in-demand safari lodges in Kenya.
Cottars 1920s Camp
Cottars 1920s Camp is located far away from the maddening crowds of the Masai Mara.
Only 9 luxuriously appointed tented suites are available, including 2x honeymoon suites, 4x double tents and 3x family suites.
AndBeyond Bateleur Camp
AndBeyond Bateleur Camp offers the utmost in privacy and luxury for those interested in staying in and experiencing all that Kenya's famous Masai Mara region has to offer.
Incredible wildlife, birding, cultural activities, game drives, hot air balloon safari, service levels and cuisine awaits all that visit.
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.
Governors Camp
With its 37 tented suites, Governors' Camp is situated on the banks of the Mara River in the west of the Masai Mara; this is undoubtedly one of our most popular lodges in the Masai Mara for good reason, location, location, location.
Amboseli Serena Lodge
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge bordering that Amboseli National Park is framed against the glorious backdrop of Africa's highest mountain, the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro.
All 92 guest rooms at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge offer an uninterrupted view over the ever-changing vistas of the African plains.