10 Best Restaurants in Nairobi

10 Best Restaurants in Nairobi

When you are planning your vacation to Kenya, there are so many things to do in Nairobi, assuming that you will be spending a few days here before proceeding to other towns in the country.

While there are so many options of things you could do, one constant fact is that you must eat. So where to eat in Nairobi becomes one of your objectives.

I gave you the top 10 places to eat traditional Kenyan dishes in Nairobi and also a guide to the top traditional Kenyan foods. But what if you are looking for a wider variety of food options, an international cuisine, or simply a place to dine and wine with friends and family?

Let me make this decision easy for you by giving you a list of the 10 best restaurants in Nairobi, offering a variety of local and international delicacies, then you decide where to go.

So here are some of the 10 best restaurants in Nairobi.

Photo by AllEvents.in

1. Abyssinia

Out of all the great Ethiopian restaurants in Nairobi, this has got to be my favourite. Abyssinia is located in Brookside in the Westlands neighbourhood of Nairobi. It welcomes you with an outdoor seating with comfortable chairs that are shaded by large trees.

The restaurant is a favourite with many expats, locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some perfect injera (Ethiopian crepe-like bread) and a variety of many other varied dishes. Wash it down with Ethiopian beer or sparkling water, or even coffee. Make sure to also try out their spicy raw meat!

Photo by Nairobi Wire

2. Mama Oliech Restaurant

This is another popular restaurant in Nairobi, especially because they serve traditional Kenyan food. It is located in Kilimani, one of the top 10 best trendy neighbourhoods to stay in Nairobi.

Sample the restaurant’s popular dish, large whole deep-fried lake fish with Ugali and “Kachumbari”. If you love fresh fish, you will not be disappointed.

One of the famous people who have eaten here is Mark Zuckerberg in 2016.

Photo by Hangout

3. About Thyme

About Thyme is next in our list of the 10 best restaurants in Nairobi. Formerly a residential space, the quiet restaurant has a welcoming garden setting, and offers great varieties of international dishes including battered red snapper in tamarind sauce and pumpkin-and-amaretti tortellini.

The restaurant is also popular for its Sunday brunch (10am to 1pm). Other options include a lunch menu and a creative cocktail menu.

There’s also a comfortable couch outside where Shisha (hookah) is available for guests.

Photo by Mesozi

4. La Tasca

This is a small and intimate Spanish wine bar and restaurant with a sitting capacity of about 40 people. It is defined by exposed bulbs that hang from the ceiling, and wine bottles that double as decor on the floor-to-ceiling shelves.

The restaurant menu has among other things, a classic selection of Spanish tapas (I think the best in town), pizzas, bread, Spanish wine like Ribeira Del Duero.

All these are served by some very professional staff.

Photo by Lonely Planet

5. Boho Eatery

If you have a big appetite, then this is the restaurant to visit while in Nairobi. This is because you will be offered very large portions of some really good food.

The restaurant is located in Karen, one of the trendy neighbourhoods in Nairobi.

It was previously a home complete with domestic furnishings, a pool, and a large garden.

The restaurant specializes in vegan dishes, which are well prepared and presented beautifully.

It is out of the way, so you would never stumble upon it unless you knew where you were going. It is mostly frequented by expatriates, with few locals.

Photo by KenyaBuzz

6. Fonda NBO

Fonda is one of the newcomers in the Nairobi Restaurant scene.

Located at the Rosslyn Riviera Mall along Limuru Road, the restaurant is extremely busy, thanks to its devotion to authenticity. What’s more, it is a vegetarian friendly restaurant with vegan and gluten free food options.

All the menus are as per Mexican taste and presentation standards.

Be prepared to have your taste buds explode with flavor!

Photo by EatOut

7. Talisman

Talisman has been declared by the New York Times as Nairobi’s best restaurant. This is for a good reason. The restaurant offers a combination of African cuisine, Pan-Asian, and European.

Defined by elegant Afghan rugs, carved wooden pillars, charming fireplaces, beautiful gardens, and sprawling terraces, this restaurant is best for dining. Even the food is beautifully presented and is super delicious!

You can also visit Talisman if you just want to chill with a cup of coffee or a beer.

Photo by Makingfood

8. Burger Hut

This is another popular restaurant option both for the locals and tourists alike.

Burger Hut is located in the Westlands neighbourhood of Nairobi.

It has been in business since 1986, but is still as popular as ever. If you are looking for some of the greasiest, juiciest burgers while in Nairobi, then this church-run restaurant should be your destination.

Top up your meal with an ice-cold Coke and you are good to go!

Photo by TripAdvisor

9. Furusato Japanese Restaurant

This is one of the top Japanese restaurants in Nairobi.

It has been around since the ’90s. They serve fresh and tasty food including prawns and sushi platters, which are beautifully presented.

There is also an extensive wine list to compliment your food.

Photo by Kenya-info

10. Tamarind

The last restaurant in our 10 best restaurants in Nairobi is the Nairobi Tamarind. This is a great restaurant for the lovers of sea food.

Located at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden on Karen road, the restaurant is not only calm but also very elegant, with a variety of delicious food options served by professional staff.

They have a continental menu that offers en extensive selection of seafood and meat dishes. You can also enjoy a cold glass of South African sauvignon blanc.

Other popular restaurants in Nairobi include Brew Bistro & Lounge, Mama Ashanti, Taco, Sigiria cafe, Hashmi BBQ, Misono, Tatu, among others.

There you have it! Our 10 best restaurants in Nairobi. I hope you enjoyed this list and you now have an idea of where to eat when you visit Nairobi! Let us know which of these restaurants or any other in Nairobi, are your favourite.