Top 10 restaurants in Nairobi, Kenya

August 9, 2017 Stefan Strunk

Known as the safari capital of Africa, Nairobi is an energetic, modern city that serves as a fascinating introduction to both wildlife and nightlife. Music clubs pulse with life, shops and markets bustle, and a mélange of restaurants will tempt your palate in this former Maasai watering hole. Top sights include the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre and the black rhinos of Nairobi National Park. The compact city center is safe to walk in and taxis make other areas accessible.
Things to do in Nairobi

1. Haandi Restaurant

The Mall Shopping Centre | Ring Rd Westlands, Westlands, Nairobi 00800, Kenya Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +254 733 648294
Excellent
47%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 612 reviews

Haandi Restaurant

Haandi specialises in North Indian Frontier cuisine and true to the spirit of the original concept, the masalas are freshly-prepared daily, all the dishes are cooked to order and absolutely everything you eat is created on the premises. Our trademark glass fronted kitchens add an element of drama to each restaurant, allowing you, the diner, to watch the chefs as they create their own brand of magic. We have always insisted on the freshest, finest ingredients available and this policy has rewarded us with a reputation where quality is paramount and the satisfaction of you, the customer, always comes first. and of course the service is exemplary.

Reviewed By PrashantDokania - Casablanca, Morocco

The place is well located and the Indian food is very nice. Both veg and non-veg. Also the service is decent with nice waiter and waitresses. All-in-all a good experience!!

2. Hashmi`s Restaurant

Nakummat Ukay, Nairobi, Kenya Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible Indian, Barbecue, Asian, Halal Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +254 733 721786
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 341 reviews

Hashmi`s Restaurant

Reviewed By Denis G - Nakuru, Kenya

This is one place that is excellent for families and friends. The food is great. The interiors are pretty basic, but it is all about the food and the company. It gets really busy in the evenings and also noisy, so you might have to raise your voice just a little bit to communicate with the person opposite the table. The food is mainly Swahili dishes and also some Indian dishes.

3. The Talisman

320 Ngong Road | Karen, Nairobi, Kenya Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, Contemporary, Fusion, Italian, Sushi, European, Asian, British, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +254 705 999997
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

The Talisman

Featuring carved wooden pillars from Pakistan, elegant Afghan rugs, charming fireplaces, sprawling terraces and idyllic Gardens, The Talisman blends fine dining with unbridled eclecticism. We have made every effort to create the ideal ambience for those seeking a candle-lit romantic dinner, a casual evening drink with friends, an outdoor lunch with family and everything in between ~ And all this is complemented by distinguished service from our cordial staff.

Reviewed By Stanngure - Nairobi, Kenya

We stopped by on a Sunday afternoon as we have not been lucky with Reservations on Friday and Saturdays.
The food was ok. We had steak, quite delicious. The menu is limited at certain hours thus plan accordingly.
The price is comparatively on the higher side for similar meals in other establishments.
Overall, this is a nice restaurant, improvement areas would be in customer service.

4. Habesha

Argwings Kodhek Road near Elgeyo Mrakwet junction, Nairobi, Kenya Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available African, Ethiopian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +254 20 3755418
Excellent
41%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 351 reviews

Habesha

Reviewed By Marcus M - Port Talbot, United Kingdom

As we arrived at the restaurant, we didn't know what to expect as we drove up to the steel gates in our taxi. The gates opened and closed behind us and inside the compound was a very smart restaurant with plenty of outdoor tables.
We told our waiter we were rushed for time so he made a good effort to serve us quickly. I'm an English speaker and unfortunately there was a huge language barrier which resulted in only one dish being ordered instead of two. Maybe it was my Welsh accent which is stronger than when you forget to take your Kenyan tea bag out of your cup of tea before you start drinking it.
So when our food arrived, the quality was exceptional. I can't wait to visit again to try more things. The till broke as we were waiting for our bill so we had to calculate our own bill and leave the money with the waiter.
Next time I come I want to leave a five star review.

5. Thai Chi Restaurant - The Stanley Hotel

Kenyatta Avenue & Kimathi Street, Nairobi, Kenya Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Parking Available, Free Wifi Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Dinner, Lunch, Late Night HK$314 - HK$392 +254 20 2757000
Excellent
58%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 298 reviews

Thai Chi Restaurant - The Stanley Hotel

A small piece of Thailand in Nairobi, Thai Chi has been awarded as the most authentic Thai restaurant in East Africa. With its traditional Thai decor and delectable Thai specialties prepared by experienced chefs from Thailand, Thai Chi is one of Nairobi's most elegant dining establishments.

Reviewed By Madame_Trey - Nairobi, Kenya

We visited Thai Chi on a Saturday for lunch with our children. Children are not normally allowed in the restaurant except for lunch only on the weekends. I appreciated that families could be accommodated as my children have a sophisticated palette and I was anxious to expose them to Thai food.
We ordered a variety of starters and mains to share. The food came out beautifully presented and very quickly. I am a lover of Thai food and have visited the country severally, I view the offering at Thai Chi as excellent!
Notable dishes include the stir fried prawns (knuckle sized perfectly moist prawns in a delectable sauce), the glass noodle salad and the pepper beef. The pad thai, the pad thai....my mouth is salivating.
Heat level is indicated on the menu to ensure that you order as to your preference. I view the prices as fair, at between Ksh1200-2200 for mains.
The wait staff was attentive and the manager also checked in on our table. I would happily visit over and over.

6. Fogo Gaucho

Waiyaki Way | Viking Hse, Westlands, Nairobi 00100, Kenya Takeout, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Private Dining, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards Steakhouse, Brazilian, Barbecue, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$1,570 - HK$1,962 +254 712 123456
Excellent
51%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 911 reviews

Fogo Gaucho

Fogo Gaucho is Nairobi's Favourite Steakhouse set up in a beautiful ambience that gives a feel as though you are in a corner of South Brazil. If you are looking for a prime dining experience in a stylish, ambient environment either for a family outing, business lunch meeting or office party, Fogo Gaucho offers top class service to fit any occasion and a playground for children everyday.

Reviewed By Joshua M

Absolutely amazing ambience. I will definitely go back for some more meat. My friends and I had a good time.Dear Joshua Our pleasure is to make our customers happy and enjoy while here with us. We are grateful for your comment and welcome again. Cannot wait to host you again. Karibu tena. Regards Charity

7. Tamarind Restaurant

Karen Road | Karen, Nairobi 00200, Kenya Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Private Dining, Validated Parking, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards European, African, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Brunch HK$392 - HK$785 +254 719 346349
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 550 reviews

Tamarind Restaurant

Nairobi's iconic seafood restaurant which originally opened in August 1977, has recently moved from the Central Business District to the leafy suburbs of Karen at the Karen Blixen coffee Garden. The menu is a blend of the best of French, Asian and African cuisines with specialties such as the famous Prawns Piri Piri, and Chilli Crab which have earned the Tamarind worldwide fame.

Reviewed By WorldTravelerTampa - Tampa, Florida

Tamarind Restaurant Nairobi
The Best Fine Dinning Restaurant in the Best Neighborhood in Nairobi.
After extensive research online I’ve decided to try out this Fine Dinning Restaurant in Nairobi, since they’ve consistently ranked in the Top Three on multiple reviewing websites.
It turns out the night of our reservation for Dinner it was Valentines Day and I didn’t know they also Celebrate this Holiday in Kenya (According to our driver Only some people, in his tribe and culture it is not a Holiday). The reservation was made online after several emails back and forth. They initially requested for deposit for Dinner since it is Valentines Day, but decided to skip that part for us after I inquired about How to put down deposits with my AMX Card. ( I still not quit sure why).
We arrived at the restaurant over an Hour late due to long day on tour and busy Nairobi traffic jam.
The restaurant is located in the Karen area of Nairobi, the creme de la creme of neighborhood. According to our driver, the residents lives here are the Elites. (Politicians, Wealth Businessman, Ambassadors...)
The restaurant is located within a beautiful gardened compound. There are indoor Dinning room seatings and outdoor Patio seatings. There also a Lounge/Bar/Cafe next door with live entertainment and festive crowd.
It appeared to me most of the patrons here are the locals and we are the only tourist there that night.
Due to the Valentines Holiday they have a Special Set Menu and I think was around $140usd pp. The Food was very refined and excellent. The service was polished and attentive. The ambiance was Romantic and Posh. At the end we are so full that we told our server we were going to skip our dessert. But against our instructions they brought out our dessert any way! Which was a vey pleasant surprise - Each of us have our names decorated on the dessert plate with the wonderful Valentines cake. We enjoyed Everything Tremendously.
I would highly recommend this Posh Fine Dinning Restaurant. It is Expensive, but that is what Top restaurant in major cities commends.

8. Tamambo Karen Blixen

Karen Road, Nairobi 00200, Kenya Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi African, Bar, Seafood, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +254 719 346349
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 992 reviews

Tamambo Karen Blixen

Tamambo Karen Blixen Coffee Garden Restaurant is located in a beautiful peaceful garden setting on Karen Road, on the site of the original Blixen farmhouse property. The Restaurant is open for breakfast from 06.00Am through to 10.00Pm. Diners have a fine choice of different areas for lunch or dinner. There is the indoor restaurant with adjacent outdoor Terrace and garden, for a la carte dining. There are also a variety of functions areas such as the Grand Marquee Sultan style tent, available for 'royal style' wedding functions, dinners and conferences. The Grogan House is a lovely space for private dinners and exclusive functions For many Karen residents, the bar which opens out to a shisha lounge is a popular place to meet and mingle with delicious cocktails and bar snacks and satellite TV.

Reviewed By Cdn_Grl_Wanderluster

Came here for lunch on one visit and for dinner on another visit.
Lunch outside was nice. Loved the artwork on display along the walkway.
Dinner was lovely. It was indoors and the ambience was very nice. The request to put cell phones on vibrate or turn off was nice.
They provided a bbq eel and tuna appetizer which was delicious. I had a fish entree which was good.

9. Open House Restaurant

Ring Road Parklands, Opp The Mall | Centro House, Westlands, Nairobi 00800, Kenya Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$39 - HK$118 +254 727 726345
Excellent
53%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 539 reviews

Open House Restaurant

At Open House Restaurants, we believe that Fine Indian Cuisine comes from a delicate balance of succulent food, authentic ambiance and personalised service. So when you walk into our doors, be ready to experience a connucopia of indian flavours, whilst being transported into our traditionally set surroundings. Feel free to enquire about your taste preference or take suggestion from our experienced staff. Enjoy!

Reviewed By Honestperson1909 - Nairobi, Kenya

I live in Nairobi myself. The food is great when you go there to eat but take away, the food is pathetic.

10. Tatu Restaurant

Harry Thuku Road | Harry Thuku Rd, Nairobi 00100, Kenya Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, Contemporary, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Lunch +254 20 2265000
Excellent
65%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 233 reviews

Tatu Restaurant

Tatu, the signature restaurant, has won several awards for its exquisite cuisine and personalized attentive service. Located on the ground floor of the hotel with access from main hotel entrance, Tatu restaurant is the new trendsetter for modern contemporary Americano-Kenyan cuisine in Nairobi. The restaurant defines the conceptualization of Fresh top quality food, warm prompt service and active lively ambience, bringing guest an elevated dining experience.

Reviewed By Billy J

What a fabulous experience. Chef Joshua and his team were friendly, polite and amazing. The food was excellent! the flavors were “out of bounds” (to borrow a popular american chef’s rating scale)
Really a genuine gem! Started with a Lobster appetizer with a white sauce that was exquisite. ATM salad (avocado, tomato, mozzarella) was great. Then the “Lobster cappuccino” with a Lobster croquette. Followed by a seared duck with orange heaven!
the piece de resistance for me was the palate cleanser, the hand made Mango Sorbet!!
Finally to the main course: Beef Tenderloin! Amazing flavor, the meat alone was wildly good, when added to the sauces.....oh my!!
My highest recommendation for anyone in or near Nairobi!!

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