By Lee 
Nairobi’s dining landscape has grown into one of the most exciting food scenes on the continent. From relaxed cafés to upscale bistros, neighbourhood grills to chef-driven dining rooms, the city rarely fails to impress. Whether you’re planning a birthday dinner, a long-overdue catch-up, or just scrolling for the Best Restaurants in Nairobi, Kenya, you’ll find more options than you expect, and each comes with its own charm.
Interestingly, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reported that restaurant and hospitality spending grew by 11.9% in 2023, reflecting how much Nairobians love to dine out. With that growth comes variety, and this list explores restaurants that suit almost every occasion: romantic dinners, big family meals, casual lunch breaks, or business meet-ups.
Before diving into the actual recommendations, it’s worth considering what sets the best restaurants in Nairobi, Kenya apart from the rest. It’s not only about fancy décor or elaborate menus, although those help. It’s about how well a restaurant fits into the moment you’re trying to create.
A good dining spot in Nairobi usually gets three things right:
Some restaurants are known for comfort food, others for premium dining. Some shine during lunch hours; others come alive at night. What matters is that they stay true to the experience they’re designed to offer.
Nairobi diners don’t return to places that give them unpredictable meals. That’s partly why certain spots have been popular for well over a decade, they keep delivering, plate after plate.
A birthday dinner asks for different energy than a corporate lunch. The restaurants listed below cover a wide range so you’re never scrambling for a place that fits your mood.
When exploring new options, platforms like Nova Plus make it easier to check crowd favourites, real-time reviews, and even price ranges before showing up.
Below is a selection of diverse restaurants, each one carefully chosen because it fits a particular moment or experience. Whether you’re craving local flavours or international cuisine, there’s something here for every appetite.
Talisman in Karen blends Pan-Asian, African, and European flavours, and it does so with a calm, warm ambiance ideal for anniversaries, milestone birthdays, or intimate gatherings. The garden seating is a favourite among diners who want something serene without feeling overly formal.
Their menu changes seasonally, and dishes like their famous feta samosas or spiced lamb rank high among locals and travellers alike.
If you’re searching for good restaurants near me Nairobi that offer true local comfort, Mama Oliech deserves the top spot. Known for its fried and grilled fish from Lake Victoria, traditional stews, and vibrant sides, it’s a great place to enjoy straightforward Kenyan cuisine without frills.
This is the kind of restaurant that welcomes you with hearty portions, bold flavours, and a sense of home.
Courtyards lined with greenery, warm lighting, and a menu perfect for weekend indulgence, About Thyme checks every brunch box. From fresh salads to grilled meats and creative cocktails, it’s a favourite among Nairobians who want a slow, relaxed start to their day.
If you’re scouting for laid-back brunch spots or the best dinner places in Kenya, this one works for both just depending on the hour.
Mercado brings a contemporary twist to Mexican cuisine with dishes like birria tacos, grilled corn, churros, and slow-cooked meats. Their sharing-style portions make it ideal for groups, and the vibrant interior feels festive without being overwhelming.
Great for nights when you want colour, good cocktails and lively energy.
Nyama Mama is one of the rare Nairobi restaurants that blends nostalgia with creativity. Traditional Kenyan dishes are reinvented into modern, playful plates, think ugali fries, chapati quesadillas, and spiced ribs.
This is your go-to spot when you want something casual but memorable. It works for family outings, casual birthdays, and spontaneous meet-ups.
For workers or students trying to find affordable restaurants in Nairobi CBD, Delish Deli consistently ranks as a favourite. Their meals are reasonably priced without tasting cheap, from grilled chicken plates to generous servings of pilau and stir-fried dishes.
It’s quick, reliable, and convenient for anyone craving a satisfying meal without overspending.
Seafood lovers will find Mawimbi irresistible. With fresh oysters, grilled lobsters, prawns and perfectly prepared white fish, it’s one of Nairobi’s best choices for a more refined dining experience.
This is where you book tables for business dinners, formal dates, or celebrations that need a polished atmosphere.
Shokudo is simple, clean, and deeply comforting. Their ramen bowls, donburi, sashimi, and gyoza stand out for their quality and authenticity.
The setting is calm, making it ideal for private conversations, reflective meals, or evenings when you want something light but satisfying.
If your group loves meat, Carnivore is a Nairobi classic worth revisiting. Known worldwide for its roast meats served rodízio-style, it remains one of the top restaurants in Westlands Nairobi for birthdays, work parties, or tourist hosting.
Their outdoor dining area adds to the charm, lively, spacious, and distinctly Kenyan.
CJ’s appears on almost every “best of” list because it appeals to a wide audience. Their extensive menu, from pizzas to steaks, milkshakes, burgers, seafood, and desserts, makes it perfect when everyone at the table wants something different.
It’s one of the few places where you can walk in without a plan and still walk out satisfied.
As the city expands, its restaurant scene evolves with it. A notable trend is the rise of concept dining, restaurants built around very specific themes or cuisines. Statistics from hospitality reports show that over 280 new restaurant licenses were issued in Nairobi between 2022 and 2023, reflecting steady growth and fierce competition.
That competition ultimately benefits diners: better menus, stronger hospitality, and more diverse experiences.
Platforms like The Nova Plus help diners keep up with these changes by comparing restaurants, reading verified reviews, and discovering trending dining spots across the city.
If you’re trying to pick a restaurant without scrolling endlessly, start by thinking about the occasion:
- For romantic dates: About Thyme, Mercado, or even an unexpectedly intimate corner at Talisman.
- For quick weekday meals: Delish Deli or CJ’s.
- For cultural food adventures: Mama Oliech or Nyama Mama.
- For business dinners: Mawimbi or Carnivore.
- For family outings: Nyama Mama or CJ’s due to their flexible menus.
This is where curated lists like these help, you match the experience you want with restaurants that are already proven favourites.
When you’re looking for the best restaurants in Nairobi, Kenya, the goal is to find places that deliver more than a meal. You want atmosphere, service, and food that aligns with your moment — whether it’s a casual weekday lunch or a once-in-a-year celebration. Nairobi’s restaurant culture has matured greatly, offering options for every taste, budget, and occasion.
If you want an easier way to compare menus, check reviews and browse locations, Nova Plus is a handy tool that keeps you from playing guessing games with your dining plans.
The beauty of Nairobi’s dining scene lies in its diversity. From homestyle Kenyan favourites to polished international menus, you’re never short of options. And if you’re still narrowing down a shortlist of the best restaurants in Nairobi, Kenya, let your plans guide you, there’s always a place that fits the moment perfectly.
Great restaurants don’t just feed you; they create memories. And Nairobi has no shortage of those.