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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Galdessa

    The riverside location of the lounge and dining room of Galdessa Camp ensure frequent wildlife sightings without the need to leave camp, as the game seeks relief from the heat of the day in the cool waters of the Galana River.

    Galdessa Camp, with its amazing swimming pool, is located in the Tsavo East National park on the banks of the Galana River.

  • Samburu Intrepids Camp

    Samburu Intrepids Camp with 30 tented rooms is located 345 kilometres north of Nairobi, each tent sits on a raised deck overlooking the river where the elephants make an appearance or the crocodiles come out onto the river's banks.

  • Porini Amboseli Camp

    Amboseli Porini Camp and her 10 rustic and authentic tented suites are located in the Selenkay Conservancy, which lies a few miles north of Amboseli National Park.

    Excellent guiding, fantastic wildlife sightings and an authentic safari camp experience awaits at Amboseli Porini Camp.

  • Mara Expedition Camp

    Mara Expedition Camp, a small, intimate and luxurious tented safari camp located in one of the best areas for wildlife in the Masai Mara region of Kenya.

    When staying here one has access to not only the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve but also the private 70 000-acre Mara North Conservancy.

  • Mara Serena Safari Lodge

    The Mara Serena is the ultimate safari destination, it stands centre-stage to one of Africa's most dramatic wildlife arenas and has a ringside seat for the greatest wildlife show on Earth, the legendary migration of the wildebeest.

    The astonishing views out of the plains of the Masai Mara from the main guest area are a must-see.

  • Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge

    Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience by means of game drives in the stunning Tsavo West National Park.

    The entire lodge is raised on high stilts above watering holes and feeding pastures, offering a spectacular view of the wildlife from above and all around.