Nairobi is Kenya's vibrant capital city and a major hub for East Africa, blending modern skyscrapers with abundant wildlife right at the city's edge. It is the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, where lions and giraffes roam against a backdrop of the urban skyline. Known as the 'Green City in the Sun,' Nairobi offers world-class dining, diverse culture, and serves as the gateway to Kenya's legendary safari destinations.
Nairobi's food scene reflects the city's cosmopolitan character, blending traditional Kenyan staples like nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali, sukuma wiki and tilapia with an exceptional range of international cuisines. The city has world-class Indian, Italian, Japanese, Ethiopian and Chinese restaurants, while a growing farm-to-table movement celebrates Kenya's incredible fresh produce. Kenyan coffee is among the world's best and forms the basis of a thriving café culture.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Nairobi.
Nyama Choma
Kenya's national dish — slow-grilled goat or beef over charcoal, served with kachumbari salsa and ugali
Where to try: Carnivore Restaurant or any local nyama choma joint
Price: $8-25
Ugali with Sukuma Wiki
White maize flour porridge served with braised kale — the quintessential Kenyan comfort food
Where to try: K'Osewe Ranalo Foods, Nyumba restaurant
Price: $2-5
Tilapia with Ugali
Fresh-water tilapia fried whole or grilled, a staple of Luo cuisine and beloved across Kenya
Where to try: Mama Oliech, Ranalo Foods
Price: $5-10
Kenyan Tea (Chai)
Strong spiced milk tea brewed together with black tea and a blend of cardamom, ginger and cinnamon
Where to try: Any local café, roadside stall or Java House
Price: $1-3
Mutura
Traditional Kenyan blood sausage stuffed with minced goat meat and spices — a street food classic
Where to try: Street food vendors in Westlands and CBD evenings
Price: $1-3
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Carnivore Restaurant
Nairobi's most iconic dining institution since 1980, Carnivore serves a rotating selection of meats including beef, lamb, chicken and seasonal game meats on traditional Maasai swords over an open charcoal pit. The all-you-can-eat format continues until you raise the white flag of surrender.
Known for: Famous for exotic meats and the all-you-can-eat concept
Langata Road, Nairobi
Tamarind Nairobi
One of Nairobi's most celebrated restaurants, Tamarind has been serving exceptional seafood and continental cuisine since 1969. The elegant venue on the 4th floor of the National Bank Building offers stunning views and impeccable service.
Known for: Finest seafood in Nairobi with excellent wine list
National Bank Building, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi CBD
Talisman Restaurant
A Karen institution beloved by Nairobi's expat community, Talisman serves beautifully crafted international cuisine in a gorgeous garden setting. The menu changes regularly to highlight seasonal ingredients and global culinary trends.
Known for: Garden dining with eclectic international menu
320 Ngong Road, Karen, Nairobi
Open House Indian Restaurant
Nairobi's most popular Indian restaurant in Westlands, Open House is renowned for its authentic Punjabi and South Indian cuisine. The extensive menu includes excellent biryanis, tandoori meats and vegetarian options at reasonable prices.
Known for: Authentic Indian curries and biryanis, excellent value
Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi
Java House
Nairobi's most beloved coffee shop chain, Java House serves excellent Kenyan coffee, fresh juices, all-day breakfasts, salads and grills. With multiple locations across the city, it's the go-to spot for a reliable, comfortable meal.
Known for: Best Kenyan coffee and reliable all-day dining
Multiple locations citywide (flagship at Adam's Arcade, Ngong Road)
Artcaffé
A popular upscale café and restaurant chain with several Nairobi locations, Artcaffé serves excellent coffee, wood-fired pizzas, pasta, salads and cakes in a modern comfortable setting.
Known for: Wood-fired pizzas and excellent café brunch menu
Village Market, Gigiri and multiple locations, Nairobi
Nyama Mama
A vibrant restaurant celebrating Kenyan street food and home cooking with a modern twist. Nyama Mama serves dishes inspired by the 42 Kenyan tribes using locally sourced ingredients in a colourful, contemporary setting.
Known for: Modern Kenyan cuisine celebrating local flavours
The Junction Mall, Ngong Road, Nairobi
K'Osewe Ranalo Foods
One of Nairobi's most authentic traditional restaurants, Ranalo Foods specialises in Luo cuisine from Western Kenya including freshwater fish, traditional stews and ugali. A beloved local institution for Kenyan comfort food.
Known for: Authentic Luo cuisine and Kenyan traditional foods
Ronald Ngala Street, Nairobi CBD
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
International
Talisman Restaurant
Artcaffé
Lord Delamere Terrace
Brew Bistro & Lounge
The Merchant
Alchemy Bar & Kitchen
Fairview Hotel Restaurant
Wine & Grill
Brunch Club Nairobi
Kenyan
Carnivore Restaurant
Java House
K'Osewe Ranalo Foods
Mama Oliech
Tin Roof Café
Italian
The Mediterraneo
Trattoria Restaurant
Osteria Del Chianti
Sapore di Pizza
American
Big Square
Roadhouse Grill
Brazilian
Pampa Churrasqueria
Fogo Gaucho
Ethiopian
Pepper Menu
Habesha
Japanese
Haru Japanese Restaurant
Furusato Japanese Restaurant
Modern Kenyan
Nyama Mama
Soul Food by Kenyan Twist
African
Nyumba
Chinese
Panda Chinese Restaurant
Farm
Cultiva Farm Kitchen
Fast Food
Burger Hut
Fusion
The Enchanted Garden
Grills
Grill House Westlands
Indian
Open House Indian Restaurant
Kenyan Fast Food
Gyms (Chicken Shack)
Pakistani
Hashmi BBQ
Seafood
Tamarind Nairobi
Swiss
Mövenpick Café
Thai
Thai Chi Restaurant
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Roasted Maize (Mahindi)
Corn on the cob roasted over charcoal and seasoned with lemon and chilli
Find it at: Street vendors citywide
Mandazi
Fried dough triangles with coconut and spices, similar to East African donuts
Find it at: Morning markets and roadside stands
Mutura Sausage
Traditional Kenyan blood sausage grilled over charcoal, popular in the evenings
Find it at: Westlands and CBD evening markets
Samosa
Crispy pastry triangles filled with spiced minced meat or vegetables
Find it at: CBD snack stalls and market areas
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
City Market
Central Nairobi market with fresh produce, fish, meat and traditional Kenyan crafts on the upper floor
Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mon-Sat
Westlands Saturday Market
Artisan food market with organic produce, homemade jams, specialty coffee and street food
Hours: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Saturdays
Maasai Market (Village Market Friday)
Craft market at Village Market every Friday also featuring street food vendors
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Fridays
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch is typically 12:30-2:30 PM; dinner service begins at 7 PM at most restaurants
Booking is essential for popular restaurants on Friday and Saturday evenings
Tipping 10% is customary at sit-down restaurants; round up for good service
Westlands has the highest concentration of restaurants and is the best area for restaurant-hopping
Many upscale restaurants require smart-casual dress; no shorts at fine dining venues
- Vegetarian
- Good options at Indian restaurants, Ethiopian restaurants and modern Kenyan eateries. Most international restaurants have vegetarian menu items.
- Halal
- Wide range of halal options in Parklands, Eastlands and CBD. Most Indian, Pakistani and Ethiopian restaurants are halal-certified.
- Gluten free
- Limited but growing availability. Best to ask specifically at restaurants; rice and ugali-based dishes are naturally gluten-free.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $3-8 per meal | Street food, local eateries and fast food chains |
| Mid-range | $12-25 per meal | Sit-down restaurants with table service |
| Upscale | $40+ per meal | Fine dining and special occasion restaurants |