The Ten Best Places to Eat in Nairobi: A Culinary Adventure in Kenya’s Capital

Food happens to be one of the things that most travellers look forward to trying out when travelling and it is no different in Kenya for most of our guests when visiting this beautiful country.Nairobi in particular is a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and culinary artistry, making it a haven for food lovers seeking both local and international cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for a fine-dining experience, a cozy brunch spot, or a lively dinner setting, the city offers something for every palate. Whether you would like to indulge in some Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Italian, Mexican,African, Mediterranean or Michelin starred chefs, in Nairobi you will find your preferred restaurant. In this guide, we explore the ten best places to eat in Nairobi, delving into their inspiration, the masterminds behind their kitchens, the themes that define them, and the best times to visit.

1. Talisman – A Fusion of Cultures and Flavors

Inspiration:Originally an art gallery, this restaurant located in Karen, Nairobi happens to be one of the best places to eat in Nairobi. Originally occupied by the famous wildlife photographer and Author Alan Root in his youth when his family lived in Kenya. Talisman was created by Ian and Charlie Cameron as a small family friendly kitchen restaurant and today stands as one of Kenya's best restaurants! Talisman evolved into a fine-dining haven blending African, European, and Asian flavors. The owners sought to create a space that combines art, culture, and exceptional food.

Theme: Bohemian elegance with an emphasis on fusion cuisine.

Chef: While not Michelin-starred, the kitchen is helmed by award-winning chefs known for their innovation.

Best Time to Visit: Dinner, when the warm lighting and tranquil garden ambiance create a magical dining experience.

2. Hemingways Brasserie – A Touch of British Elegance

Inspiration: Located within Hemingways Nairobi, this brasserie reflects the sophistication of Ernest Hemingway’s adventures and the grandeur of colonial-era luxury in Kenya.Courtesy of the unmatched opulence and wide variety of food choices in the menu makes Hemingways to be without a doubt one of the best places to eat in Nairobi.

Theme: Classic European brasserie with a Kenyan twist.

Chef: Internationally trained chefs bring fine-dining precision to every plate.

Best Time to Visit: Breakfast, to enjoy a luxurious morning spread in a serene setting.

The Steak at the Hemingways Brasserie is a must try!

3. Cultiva Farm Table – Farm-to-Table Excellence

Inspiration: Established by Ecuadorian chef Ariel Moscardi, Cultiva was born out of a passion for sustainable, locally sourced cuisine with an international twist. Cultiva happens to be one of the best places to eat when you are in and around Nairobi.

Theme: Rustic farm-to-table dining with a focus on organic ingredients.

Chef: Chef Ariel Moscardi, renowned for his commitment to sustainability.

Best Time to Visit: Lunch, when the garden setting is at its most vibrant.

An overhead view of food spread out on a table at Cultiva

4. About Thyme – A Hidden Gem for Intimate Dining

Inspiration: Created as a tranquil escape from the city's hustle, About Thyme offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience with diverse global influences.

Theme: Cozy and romantic with a secret garden feel.

Chef: A talented team known for creating comforting yet sophisticated dishes.

Best Time to Visit: Dinner, for a candlelit experience under the Nairobi sky.

5. INTI – A Nikkei Experience

Inspiration: Inspired by the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines, INTI brings the unique Nikkei experience to East Africa.

Theme: Chic, modern, and artistic with breathtaking rooftop views.

Chef: While not Michelin-starred, the chef brings international expertise to Nairobi.

Best Time to Visit: Sunset for cocktails and ceviche with panoramic city views.

6. Seven Seafood & Grill – The Best Seafood in Town

Inspiration: Founded by seasoned restaurateur Kiran Jethwa, Seven Seafood and Grill is dedicated to providing the freshest seafood and prime cuts in an elegant setting.

Theme: Contemporary seafood and grill with a focus on premium ingredients.

Chef: Celebrity chef Kiran Jethwa, known for his culinary television appearances.

Best Time to Visit: Dinner, to savor expertly prepared seafood and signature cocktails.

7. Hero Restaurant – Comic Book-Inspired Gastronomy

Inspiration: Designed to celebrate the world of superheroes and storytelling, Hero offers a unique blend of Japanese-inspired cuisine in a comic book-themed setting. You have to try out the Avocado and Oyster roll (photo below) which is simply spectacular!

Theme: Futuristic, playful, and artistic.

Chef: An innovative team crafting sushi, robata, and creative cocktails.

Best Time to Visit: Evening, when the city lights complement the restaurant’s immersive experience.

The avocado and oyster roll at Hero Restaurant

8. The Carnivore Restaurant – A Meat Lover’s Paradise in Nairobi

Inspiration: The Carnivore Restaurant is a must-visit dining destination in Nairobi for the meat lovers! Famed for its unique 'Beast of a Feast' concept. With an open-air barbecue setting, the restaurant embraces an authentic African safari theme, complete with rustic decor and a lively atmosphere. Serving lamb, pork, chicken, goat and even crocodile meat the Carnivore is a meat lover's valhalla!

Theme: Traditional African barbecue with a focus on game meats.

Food Offered: A wide selection of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and exotic game meats such as crocodile and ostrich, all cooked over a traditional Maasai-style charcoal pit.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Carnivore is during lunch or dinner, especially on weekends when the ambiance is at its peak with live music and entertainment. For an immersive experience, visiting on a Thursday or Saturday evening is ideal, as guests can enjoy the vibrant energy of Nairobi’s dining scene.

9. Nairobi Street Kitchen – A Culinary Playground

Inspiration: Nairobi Street Kitchen was designed to create a vibrant, multi-restaurant experience that mirrors the dynamic street food scenes of major cities worldwide. More popular with Nairobi's youthful populace and those young at heart courtesy of it's lively and colorful ambiance it's quite likely that it's not the place for you if you are looking for a slow and quiet meal.

Hosting theme nights for bachata, salsa and kizomba tells you that this space is loved by dance enthusiasts and the growing latino influence in Nairobi.

Theme: Eclectic, street-food-inspired marketplace with multiple dining options.

Restaurants Available: The venue boasts an array of eateries serving everything from gourmet burgers and tacos to sushi and authentic Indian cuisine.

Best Time to Visit: Weekends, especially in the evening, when the atmosphere is liveliest with live music and an energetic crowd.

Nairobi’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its people, offering an array of dining experiences that cater to every taste and occasion. Whether you're indulging in a Michelin-star-worthy meal or enjoying a casual brunch, the city’s vibrant restaurant scene promises a memorable gastronomic adventure. Happy dining is simply a bonus on top of the energetic and lively crowd found here!

10. Ankole Grill – A Celebration of African Steakhouse Excellence

Saving our in-house favorite for last is Ankole Grill! Ankole Grill is a premier steakhouse in Nairobi, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of East Africa. Named after the majestic Ankole cattle known for their long, elegant horns, the restaurant focuses on delivering high-quality, flame-grilled meats infused with bold African flavors. With two branches in Nairobi, Kilimani and Kitisuru, we prefer the latter. The branch in Kitisuru has a beautiful outdoor in a forest like setting which provides a calming and peaceful environment with a bonfire pit to add for extra kick. It is always safe to make a reservation especially in the evenings as it is almost always jam packed full of jolly people eager to see their friends and family after a day busy at work.

Theme: Modern African steakhouse with a warm, rustic ambiance that pays homage to East African heritage.

Locations: Ankole Grill has multiple outlets, including Kilimani and Kitisuru with each offering the same high standards of service and cuisine.

Best Time to Visit:

• Weekdays (Lunch): Enjoy a quiet and relaxed meal with excellent service.

• Weekends (Dinner): Perfect for a lively night out with friends or family, featuring an energetic atmosphere.

• Sunday Brunch: A must-visit for those looking to indulge in a hearty feast with a variety of grilled delights and African-inspired sides.

Ankole Grill promises an unforgettable dining experience for meat lovers and food enthusiasts alike!

The Nairobi food scene is must try for anyone who wants to come into acquaintance with the Kenyan gastronomic safari experience. Quite often, a number of our guests have mentioned that the food was just as lovely as the Safari but there's only one way to find out!