20 Must-Try Restaurants in Nairobi

This charming cafe nestled in the peaceful neighborhood of Loresho has gained a loyal following for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere, and affordable prices. Stop by for breakfast or brunch to enjoy ricotta pancakes, eggs Benedict, and a selection of baked goods. Grab a book and settle in for a relaxing few hours.

About Thyme offers a diverse continental menu in a cozy, former home featuring a lovely garden. The venue is adorned with fairy lights and provides comfy couch seating where guests can enjoy shisha (hookah). Don’t miss the sticky date pudding, coconut-battered snapper, and pumpkin-amaretti tortellini.

Conceived by Ethiopian entrepreneur and musician Zelalem Teklewold, this transformed residence invites guests to experience the essence of the Kenyan coast with its high arches, whitewashed exteriors, and a courtyard adorned with climbing plants. Inside, Beit é Selam (which translates to 'house of peace' in Amharic) enchants diners with cozy corners featuring books, artwork, and antiques sourced from across Africa. The menu showcases a blend of Ethiopian fusion dishes, including kitfo tartare and berbere wings. The kitchen boldly embraces spices, with offerings like corn ribs that might even sway dedicated meat lovers to contemplate vegan options.

Founded by Kenyan entrepreneur Osumo Brad, this Mytoury originally began as a kibanda (makeshift roadside diner) that gained significant popularity on social media. Now, it has evolved into two locations favored by locals, celebrities, and politicians alike. The menu highlights traditional Kenyan cuisine, especially dishes from the lakeside Luo community in western Kenya. Don't miss the fish, which can be ordered either deep-fried or wet-fried on a rich base of fresh tomatoes, with an option to add coconut milk.

This vibrant food hall embodies a trendy atmosphere, featuring an array of vendors from a high-end Portuguese wine bar to a lively taco joint. It's a favorite on Instagram, adorned with urban Kenyan art and graffiti, including a striking mural that boldly states: “I licked it, so it’s mine.” Additionally, there's a shop showcasing local artisans, and the venue hosts dance events throughout the week, such as a lively Thursday Latino Night.

This industrial restaurant, brought to you by a local brewery, combines food, beer, and live music in a space adorned with exposed beams and vibrant murals. The menu features classic pub fare like chicken-topped fries and fish and chips; pair your meal with craft beers like the popular Sandtrap, known for its hoppy notes of mango, berries, and orange. Live bands perform several nights a week, making it a fantastic venue to discover both established and emerging local talent. You can also tour the main brewery in Kikuyu and enjoy beers on tap at the nearby gastrobar.

The French bakery Le Grenier à Pain launched its inaugural African branch right here in Nairobi. Originally a quaint bakery located in the basement of a corporate building since June 2016, it has transformed into a serene café. Here, you can indulge in traditional delicacies like croissants, quiches, and croque-madames, bringing a taste of France to this vibrant city.

This family-run Mytoury, established by chef Philip Shin, has been delighting patrons with authentic Japanese dishes since 2001. Enjoy pleasant outdoor seating, a classic sushi bar indoors, rooms adorned with tatami mats, and teppanyaki tables. Signature dishes include prawn tempura, ostrich teriyaki, and some of the finest sushi and sashimi in the city. Be sure to try the sake, too.

This beloved halal Mytoury, owned by Kenyan Somali entrepreneurs, boasts three locations throughout the city. The extensive menu offers affordable prices and generous portions—seriously, an order of goat leg may include an entire leg! The Banda Street branch, conveniently located across from Jamia Mosque, is a favorite among Muslims after Friday prayers. Signature dishes feature goat preparations like arosto (fried goat meat) and aleso (boiled goat meat), alongside pilau, injera, pizzas, and burgers. Don’t miss the sharing platter (often not on the menu), typically a large sinia filled with an array of the best offerings.

No discussion of Nairobi’s history is complete without Thorn Tree, an open-air café nestled within Sarova Stanley, the city’s oldest hotel. Named after a giant acacia tree that stands proudly in the center, this café has a rich past; in the 1950s, it served as a makeshift post office where patrons could pin their letters. Today, it remains a popular meeting spot, especially for business travelers and history enthusiasts eager to explore the hotel, which has welcomed notable guests like Ernest Hemingway and Franklin Roosevelt. Plan your visit to enjoy the hotel’s sumptuous Swahili breakfast buffet, featuring coastal delights such as mahamri (cardamom-spiced fried doughnut), mbaazi (pigeon peas in coconut milk), bhajia (spiced deep-fried potatoes), mkate wa sinia (rice bread), and kaimati (sweet fried dumplings).

The Arbor is a sustainable café nestled in a vibrant garden that also hosts a furniture store, a luxury cosmetics shop, and a cozy mani-pedi salon. With a diverse menu that features Southeast Asian and international dishes, this quaint spot is ideal for relaxation. Don’t miss out on the chicken wings and fried wontons!

This unique independent cinema doubles as a rooftop bar and restaurant, showcasing stunning views of the Kilimani area. After enjoying a screening of African indie films and documentaries at the thMytour, step onto the terrace for a complimentary cocktail with your movie ticket. The rhubarb gin fizz is a standout choice, perfectly complementing the restaurant’s pan-Asian menu featuring bao and Korean fried chicken.

Nestled in the Kilimani neighborhood, Mama Oliech is a true culinary treasure. Renowned for its whole deep-fried fish sourced from Lake Nakuru, it pairs perfectly with sides of ugali and kachumbari (a refreshing tomato and onion salad). This spot is especially popular among local office workers, who flock here for a satisfying Friday lunch.

This venue offers a Gen Z perspective on halal dining. With a sleek and minimal design featuring brown woods and rattan accents, it sets a contemporary tone. The menu boasts a delightful blend of international dishes; you can indulge in everything from Mexican tacos to a hearty English breakfast. However, the star dish is the crispy chicken drizzled with coconut honey butter served atop fluffy waffles. Its visually stunning presentation has made it a favorite on TikTok.

This bustling restaurant, brewery, and lounge ranks among the city's top destinations. The rooftop draws crowds with its German beer garden ambiance and a lineup of lively weekly events, from salsa nights to live performances. The brewery features five signature microbrews, including pilsners, stouts, and seasonal specialties. Pair your drinks with tasty bar snacks during happy hour while soaking in breathtaking city views. The rooftop bar at Fortis Tower in Westlands certainly lives up to its reputation.

This cozy café focused on organic fare is located within the vibrant Kenyatta Market, a favorite spot for Nairobi women visiting for hair braiding. Founded by Emmanuel Jal, a South Sudanese rapper and political activist who survived as a child soldier during the Sudanese Civil War, the café's name reflects his message of peace ('Gua' means 'peace' in Nuer, also the title of one of his songs). The menu features traditional African dishes served in calaes and gourds, like walwal, a beloved cornmeal porridge often enjoyed at breakfast. Every ingredient, from juices to spices, is fresh, emphasizing local superfoods as part of Jal's dedication to healthy eating after overcoming a serious health challenge.

This vibrant neighborhood wine bar offers a selection of bottles from renowned wine regions paired with global cuisine. For example, the slow-cooked pork belly might be complemented by a Chateau Simard Saint Emilion Grand Cru from Bordeaux or a Napa Cellars Pinot Noir from California. Other highlights on the menu include lemon herb chicken, calamari carbonara, and deep-fried Camembert. If you discover a wine you love, you can purchase a bottle at the nearby Cellar Door.

Renowned as one of the finest dining establishments in Kenya, Talisman lives up to its reputation. This stylish gastro-lounge offers a delightful blend of European, pan-Asian, and African cuisines, ensuring consistently high quality and service. Be sure to sample the warm feta and coriander samosas paired with chile-ginger jam, or the grilled filet accompanied by bhajia potatoes—a tasty vegetable-filled potato patty deep-fried—and wasabi-mustard sauce.

Perched on the 15th floor of a stylish luxury apartment-hotel overlooking Nairobi National Park and the city, Fifteen Rooftop offers breathtaking views that might make you feel like royalty. Conveniently located near the airport, the venue features three distinct areas, each with its own vibe. Sunset Lounge is ideal for enjoying a fine selection of wines paired with tapas and a variety of cigars from Honduras and the Dominican Republic. Generali Bar serves up delightful aperitifs, while Chef’s Table specializes in dinner with gourmet fusion creations like buttermilk chicken and Asian barbecue lollipops.

Cultiva began as an experimental pop-up but quickly gained popularity for its farm-to-table offerings, leading to its establishment as a permanent restaurant. The ambiance resembles a greenhouse, featuring upcycled furniture and an open kitchen where chef Ariel Moscardi, trained at Le Cordon Bleu, prepares a blend of Asian and South American dishes. His Ecuadorian heritage shines through in beautifully plated meals, often adorned with edible flowers or microgreens. The menu changes seasonally, but don't miss the beloved prawn aguachile.