Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is known for its diverse and delectable cuisine. Visitors and Nairobinas alike enjoy a delicious lunch at the city’s superb culinary venues, scattered all around the place. That is why we have compiled this list of the Best Restaurants in Nairobi so that you, too, may fall in love with the local up-and-coming food scene. We’ve selected 25 of the finest dining experiences for you to enjoy. We will also provide information about the establishments, such as their location, website and social media connections (where accessible), phone numbers, and the types of cuisine they serve. So check them out!
Best Restaurants in Nairobi
1. Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant & Cafè
Mawimbi is a fine-dining seafood restaurant in Nairobi, located at the intersection of Harry Thuku Drive and Kijabe Street. Whether for a lengthy lunch, an intimate supper, or a private party, you’ll discover the authentic flavor, character, and heritage of Nairobi’s finest seafood cuisine.
- Type of cuisine: Fine Dining Restaurant/Seafood
- Location: Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant & Cafè, Longonot Place, Kijabe St, Nairobi, Kenya
- Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant & Cafè Website
- Phone number: +254758956805
- Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant & Cafè Instagram Account
2. About Thyme Restaurant
Thyme serves a varied selection of inventive, well-prepared, and attractively presented foods from across the world. With a diverse selection of vegetarian cuisine, there is something for everyone. Their desserts are a wonderful delicacy that has grown in popularity over the years. They are perfect for work lunches and dinners, dating, girls’ nights out, Sunday brunch, family time, and small celebrations.
- Type of cuisine: General Restaurant
- Location: About Thyme Restaurant, Eldama Ravine Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
- About Thyme Restaurant Website
- Phone number: +254721850026
- About Thyme Restaurant Instagram Account
3. The Carnivore Restaurant
Carnivore is an open-air restaurant in Nairobi’s Langata neighborhood. Carnivore specializes in meat and offers an unlimited meat buffet. They sell a range of meat and are well-known for their excellent grills.
- Type of cuisine: Meat/Grill
- Location: The carnivore restaurant, Langata Rd, Nairobi West, Kenya
- The carnivore restaurant Website
- Phone number: +254205141300
- The carnivore restaurant Twitter Page
4. Talisman Restaurant
The Talisman combines exquisite cuisine with eclecticism, with carved wooden pillars from Pakistan, magnificent Afghan carpets, gorgeous fireplaces, spacious patios, and idyllic gardens. It’s a great atmosphere for those looking for a candle-lit romantic dinner, a relaxed evening drink with friends, an outdoor lunch with family, and everything in between. All of this is supplemented by exceptional service from the friendly staff.
- Type of cuisine: Fusion
- Location: Talisman Restaurant, Ngong Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
- Talisman Restaurant Website
- Phone number: +254705999997
- Talisman Restaurant Instagram Account
5. Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant
Book a table at Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant for a taste of traditional Ethiopian cuisine in Nairobi’s green suburbs.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant, Argwings Kodhek Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
- Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant Website
- Phone number: +254733730469
- Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant Facebook Page
6. Fogo Gaucho
Fogo Gaucho is a genuine Brazilian steakhouse that serves a scrumptious selection of 17 different charcoal grilled meat, as well as a full buffet of salads, sides, and desserts, all for a set fee per person, in an all-you-can-eat style.
- Type of cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse
- Location: Fogo Gaucho, Viking House, Ground Floor, Off Waiyaka Way, Nairobi, Kenya
- Fogo Gaucho Website
- Phone number: +254712123456
- Fogo Gaucho Instagram Account
7. Open House Restaurant Ltd
Open House Restaurant delivers delicious meals and provides excellent service. The menu includes thick creamy sauces, aromatic spices, and classic meals with distinct flavors in a variety of forms. The marinated tandoori items make an enticing snack or a perfect complement to the full main entrees.
- Type of cuisine: Indian
- Location: Open House Restaurant Ltd, Gallant mall, Parklands Road, Opposite Total Station, Nairobi, Kenya
- Open House Restaurant Ltd Website
- Phone number: +254727726345
- Open House Restaurant Ltd Facebook Page
8. INTI – A Nikkei Experience
The Nikkei Experience at Inti. INTI is a manifestation of the Japanese influence on Peruvian cuisine. Both civilizations’ elements complement each other as though they were meant to be together. It is a straightforward meal with distinct textures and tastes. The menu features Japanese-Peruvian or Nikkei-influenced food that includes fresh sashimi, handcrafted sushi, and tempuras steeped in tradition, as well as some variations like causa, tiradito, and ceviche.
- Type of cuisine: Japanese and Peruvian fusion
- Location: INTI – A Nikkei Experience, 20th Floor One Africa Place, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi, Kenya
- INTI – A Nikkei Experience Website
- Phone number: +254735065945
- INTI – A Nikkei Experience Instagram Account
9. Mercado – Mexican Kitchen and Bar
This Mexican restaurant offers classic and modern meals, as well as the greatest drink selection in town, direct from our tequila bar. Dine-in, take-out, and delivery are all available at this popular Nairobian spot.
- Type of cuisine: Mexican
- Location: Mercado – Mexican Kitchen and Bar, Kenrail Towers, Terrace (T) Floor, South Wing, Mkungu Close, Off Parklands Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
- Mercado – Mexican Kitchen and Bar Website
- Phone number: +254700245795
- Mercado – Mexican Kitchen and Bar Instagram Account
10. Urban Eatery
Urban Eatery is a restaurant with an entirely new idea of dining out, reinventing urban living in a communal setting that fits the speed of Nairobi’s urban lifestyle, with an assortment of Mexican, Italian, Indian, and Asian food developed and made with love.
- Type of cuisine: Mexican/Italian/Indian/Asian
- Location: Urban Eatery, PwC Tower, Ground Floor Delta Corner Estate, Chiromo Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
- Urban Eatery Website
- Phone number: +254790999149
- Urban Eatery Instagram Account
11. CJ’s
CJ’s welcomes you to its restaurant focusing on giving a calm and enjoyable eating experience.
It offers a distinct atmosphere with attractive décor and over 300 delectable menu options. Whatever your preferences are, they are properly accommodated. Their skilled staff will meet you at the door and guide you to your table, taking control of your dining experience.
- Type of cuisine: Halal
- Location: CJ’s, Koinange St, Nairobi, Kenya
- CJ’s Website
- Phone number: +254792000090
- CJ’s Instagram Account
12. Seven Seafood & Grill
Seven Seafood & Grill is regarded as Nairobi’s leading Seafood & Steak destination. It provides a delicious range of the finest Indian Ocean seafood and grass-fed Angus/Borana steaks in one of Nairobi’s most distinctive and innovatively constructed restaurants.
- Type of cuisine: Indian/Grill
- Location: Seven Seafood & Grill, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi, Kenya
- Seven Seafood & Grill Website
- Phone number: +254737776677
- Seven Seafood & Grill Instagram Account
13. Ankole Grill Kilimani
To create a memorable fusion dining experience, Ankole combines renowned Steakhouse classics with African-inspired flavors from around the continent. Inspired by traditional home-cooked African food, their enhanced African Classics meals are sure to please. Satisfy your meat cravings with their dry-aged steaks and selection of fine-grilled meats, or dig into one of their juicy gourmet burgers.
- Type of cuisine: African/Steakhouse
- Location: Ankole Grill Kilimani, Galana Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
- Ankole Grill Kilimani Website
- Phone number: +254710202020
- Ankole Grill Kilimani Instagram Account
14. Nairobi Street Kitchen
More than just a restaurant in the heart of Westlands, Nairobi Street Kitchen is a meticulously built venue to give you a really unforgettable experience, from the street-art murals to their natural furnishings and open-air terraces. Their dynamic crew is dedicated to providing you with great customer service, appealing food and drink selections, and a vibrant, modern atmosphere for the daring and free-spirited Nairobi residents.
- Type of cuisine: Kenyan
- Location: Nairobi Street Kitchen, Mpaka Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
- Nairobi Street Kitchen Website
- Phone number: +254707800800
- Nairobi Street Kitchen Instagram Account
15. La Terrazza Italian Restaurant Nairobi
La Terrazza Italian Restaurant is a place where you can enjoy real Italian cuisine and wines. For your lunch and supper, make sure to book via phone, as the place gets packed with locals and foreigners yearning for dishes from Italy.
- Type of cuisine: Italian
- Location: La Terrazza Italian Restaurant Nairobi, 4th Floor, Green House Mall, Ngong Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
- La Terrazza Italian Restaurant Nairobi Website
- Phone number: +254748101503
- La Terrazza Italian Restaurant Nairobi Instagram Account
16. Peppertree
Peppertree is a craft cocktail and world flavors concept that serves up a diverse menu of dishes and drinks in a design-forward setting. Peppertree employs the finest of local Kenyan products to produce a cuisine that is distinctive, and fresh, inspired by culinary traditions from throughout the world.
- Type of cuisine: Fusion
- Location: Peppertree, Delta Towers, 2nd floor Waiyaki Way, Nairobi, Kenya
- Peppertree Website
- Phone number: +254721172950
- Peppertree Instagram Account
17. Thai Chi Restaurant
Thai Chi, with its classic Thai design and exquisite Thai delicacies made by expert Thai cooks, has been regarded as one of the best Thai restaurants in East Africa. The dress code is formal wear or smart casual.
- Type of cuisine: Thai
- Location: Thai Chi Restaurant, Kimathi St, Nairobi City, Kenya
- Thai Chi Restaurant Website
- Phone number: +254719048000
- Instagram: N/A
18. Jiko Restaurant At Tribe Hotel
Jiko restaurant in Tribe Hotel has been completely redesigned with an African-inspired menu. Utilizing ingredients from around Africa to create familiar recipes with African flare, colors, and flavors.
- Type of cuisine: African
- Location: Jiko Restaurant At Tribe Hotel
- Jiko Restaurant At Tribe Hotel Website
- Phone number: +254207200601
- Jiko Restaurant At Tribe Hotel Instagram Account
19. Hero Restaurant
Hero is a restaurant with a modern concept that allows guests to be members of a hidden location. Built as a speakeasy with a concealed entrance and prohibition-style bar, the location and cuisine commemorate heroes from comic books and the community: thinking leaders, entrepreneurs, sports, authors, do-gooders, champions of humanity, and environmental guardians. The little plates are inspired by the superhero and their superpowers.
- Type of cuisine: Fusion
- Location: Hero Restaurant, 9th Floor, Trademark Hotel Village Market, Limuru Road, Nairobi, Kenya
- Hero Restaurant Website
- Phone number: +254732186666
- Hero Restaurant Instagram Account
20. Haandi Restaurant
Based on years of experience, Haandi’s mentality is to guarantee that every event, no matter how large or little, is meticulously planned and handled with care. They value attention to detail, no matter how trivial. When you eat at Haandi, everything is already planned.
- Type of cuisine: Indian
- Location: Haandi Restaurant, The Mall, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi, Kenya
- Haandi Restaurant Website
- Phone number: +254733648294
- Haandi Restaurant Facebook Page
21. Harvest Restaurant
Harvest is an open kitchen restaurant with a live charcoal barbecue. It pays homage to local farmers with crisp flavors and fresh organic ingredients. Executive Chef Ashish Ugal and his team’s creations.
- Type of cuisine: Charcoal Barbecue
- Location: Harvest Restaurant, Limuru Rd, Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya
- Harvest Restaurant Website
- Phone number: +254732186215
- Harvest Restaurant Instagram Account
22. 45 Degrees Kitchen
This restaurant serves dishes made up of sustainably and organically cultivated ingredients. The menu is based on American meals, although it is influenced by French and Italian regional cuisine.
- Type of cuisine: Organic
- Location: 45 Degrees Kitchen, Nairobi, Kenya
- 45 Degrees Kitchen Website
- Phone number: +254705151086
- 45 Degrees Kitchen Instagram Account
23. Abyssinia Restaurant
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Abyssinia Restaurant, #4 Muguga Green Off Brookside Grove &, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi, Kenya
- Abyssinia Restaurant Website
- Phone number: +254710203001
- Abyssinia Restaurant Facebook Page
24. The Collective Restaurant and Art Gallery
The Collective is a dynamic environment that combines a restaurant and a bar within a facility that is dedicated to art in all of its manifestations. The Collective offers a one-of-a-kind venue for clients with culinary and creative interests.
- Type of cuisine: Fusion
- Location: The Collective Restaurant and Art Gallery, Utalii St, Nairobi, Kenya
- The Collective Restaurant and Art Gallery Website
- Phone number: +254780000034
- The Collective Restaurant and Art Gallery Instagram Account
25. Tatu Restaurant by Fairmont
Tatu is the latest hotspot for modern contemporary Americano-Kenyan food. The restaurant defines the notion of fresh top quality food, warm timely service, and an energetic vibrant atmosphere, providing guests with an upgraded dining experience.
- Type of cuisine: American-Kenyan Fusion
- Location: Tatu Restaurant, Harry Thuku, Nairobi, Kenya
- Tatu Restaurant by Fairmont Website
- Phone number: +254202265555
- Tatu Restaurant by Fairmont Facebook Page
Closing Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Nairobi
As you can see, Nairobi boasts a plethora of excellent eateries for anybody to try. This important Kenyan city has something for everyone, so be sure to try as many as possible on the list. We are confident that after you have any of the restaurant‘s meals, you will understand why locals name them the best restaurants in Nairobi. As stated, Nairobi’s culinary scene is rather dynamic, so any opportunity to test out these places and indulge in their exquisite food is welcome.