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Best Restaurants in Nairobi (2026)

Eating out in Nairobi covers everything from inexpensive local favourites to polished garden restaurants, and the city's mix of Kenyan, Swahili, Somali and South Asian communities shows on its menus. For a local classic, order whole tilapia with ugali at Mama Oliech in Hurlingham, or try biryani, pilau and Somali breakfasts at Kilimanjaro Jamia opposite Jamia Mosque. Haandi in Westlands has served North Indian cooking since 1991, and Nairobi Street Kitchen on Mpaka Road gathers several outlets under one roof for groups who cannot agree.

For a big night, Carnivore on Lang'ata Road has been carving meat from Maasai swords since 1980, and Karen has two of the city's most talked-about tables in Talisman and the farm-to-table Cultiva. The Lord Delamere Terrace at Fairmont The Norfolk offers history and afternoon tea in the centre, INTI brings Nikkei cooking to the 20th floor of One Africa Place, and About Thyme serves dinner in a lantern-lit garden in Westlands. Book ahead at weekends, check closing days, as some restaurants close on Mondays, and use ride-hailing apps at night, since distances between neighbourhoods are long.

10 places · Updated October 23, 2026

Our top 3 restaurants in Nairobi

  1. Carnivore Nyama choma and grilled meat feast, Lang'ataNairobi's famous meat restaurant on Lang'ata Road, open since 1980, where waiters carve meats roasted on Maasai swords at your table until you lower your flag.
  2. Talisman Global fusion restaurant, KarenA long-running Karen restaurant in the former home of filmmaker Alan Root, known for global fusion cooking, a garden courtyard and an easy-going cocktail scene.
  3. Lord Delamere Terrace Historic hotel terrace restaurant, Central Business DistrictThe terrace restaurant of Fairmont The Norfolk, serving Nairobi since 1904, with international dishes served family-style, afternoon tea and a monthly signature brunch.

Restaurant

1. Carnivore

Nyama choma and grilled meat feast$$$Lang'ata

Nairobi's famous meat restaurant on Lang'ata Road, open since 1980, where waiters carve meats roasted on Maasai swords at your table until you lower your flag.

View details — Carnivore

Restaurant

2. Talisman

Global fusion restaurant$$$Karen

A long-running Karen restaurant in the former home of filmmaker Alan Root, known for global fusion cooking, a garden courtyard and an easy-going cocktail scene.

View details — Talisman

Restaurant

3. Lord Delamere Terrace

Historic hotel terrace restaurant$$$$Central Business District

The terrace restaurant of Fairmont The Norfolk, serving Nairobi since 1904, with international dishes served family-style, afternoon tea and a monthly signature brunch.

View details — Lord Delamere Terrace

Restaurant

4. Cultiva

Farm-to-table restaurant$$$Karen

A farm-to-table restaurant in Karen that grew from a 2019 pop-up, cooking seasonal dishes from its own organic farm in a relaxed garden setting.

View details — Cultiva

Restaurant

5. INTI

Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) restaurant and bar$$$$Westlands

A Japanese-Peruvian restaurant and cocktail bar on the 20th floor of One Africa Place in Westlands, with Nikkei cooking, pisco drinks and city views.

View details — INTI

Restaurant

7. Haandi

North Indian restaurant$$Westlands

A Westlands institution since 1991, serving rich North Indian curries, tandoori dishes and breads in a classic dining room at The Mall.

View details — Haandi

Restaurant

8. Kilimanjaro Jamia

Halal Swahili and Somali restaurant$Central Business District

A busy halal restaurant opposite Jamia Mosque serving biryani, pilau, grilled platters and Somali breakfasts, with a second branch on Kimathi Street.

View details — Kilimanjaro Jamia

Restaurant

9. About Thyme

International garden restaurant$$$Westlands

A garden restaurant tucked behind greenery at the junction of Eldama Ravine and Peponi Roads, serving international dishes and cocktails indoors or under the trees.

View details — About Thyme