Top 9 Best Restaurants in Nairobi for Travelers: A Journey of Flavor

Nairobi, Kenya's magnificent capital, is a busy metropolis filled with urban areas, wildlife centers, and historical sites. Within a few minutes of the city center, you may visit a national park, museums, and marketplaces to learn about local culture. It also has some great clubs and cafés.

Set out on a gastronomic excursion and tempt your taste senses in Nairobi, Kenya's lively capital city! Discovering the best restaurants in Nairobi is a wonderful experience that gratifies every traveler's palette. Nairobi has a rich food scene that will leave you wanting more, from traditional African delicacies to cosmopolitan cuisines.

Join us as we explore the top 9 most beautiful restaurants in Nairobi in 2023. From sophisticated fine dining places to hidden gems nestled away in bustling districts, each of these gastronomic havens is sure to please. Taste the craftsmanship of great chefs, relish the finest ingredients, and immerse yourself in Nairobi's lively culinary culture.

Explore the best affordable restaurants in Nairobi

Explore 9 best restaurants in Nairobi for tourists on holiday

So, if you're planning a vacation to Nairobi and aren't sure when to go or where to eat, consider this article your guide to Nairobi's best restaurants. The ranking of the top Nairobi restaurants is based on food quality, service level, location, reviews from other travelers, and customer ratings on websites like TripAdvisor and Google. 

1. CJ’s Restaurant

Of all the best restaurants in Nairobi, the most popular and the most affordable one has to be the CJ’s Restaurant. CJ's offers fantastic food, excellent service, and a relaxing atmosphere. This relaxed restaurant serves a broad range of food, so you're sure to find something to your liking. Soups, pizza, spaghetti, burgers, and fresh juices are all available in ample servings.

Breakfast options include buttermilk pancakes, muffins, and waffles to get your day started correctly. The restaurant is also kid-friendly, including children's chairs and silverware. If you're in Nairobi, CJ's is a must-try.

Locations: Kilimani, Koinange Street, The Imaara Shopping Mall, Village Market, and The Waterfront Mall – Karen.

CJ’s is one of the best affordable in Nairobi for travelers

2. INTI – A Nikkei Experience

When it comes to the best affordable restaurants in Nairobi, INTI is a name that many foodies remember. INTI delivers a one-of-a-kind Nikkei experience with its sleek, modern design and imaginative food.

INTI's menu includes Nikkei-inspired dishes, including sashimi and sushi. Those looking for soup might try their shrimp ramen chupe. The expensive restaurant is on the 20th level, so come prepared to soak in stunning city views.

The dress code is smart casual, however, vests, shorts, athletics, and flip-flops are prohibited.

Location: 20th Floor One Africa Place, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi.

Opening hours: 12 pm to 11 pm (daily).

INTI is one of the best affordable restaurants in Nairobi

3. The View

If you want to dine with unparalleled views in Nairobi, The View is an affordable romantic restaurant in Nairobi to go. From the spinning restaurant's 24th level, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city. The interior is modern, with velvet furnishings and unique lighting fixtures.

Their cuisine focuses on Mediterranean-style foods such as grilled calamari and beef tagliata. Side dishes include house-cut fries, mashed potatoes, and sautéed mushrooms. Aside from that, this is one of the top restaurants in Nairobi for a supper or lunch date. It's ideal for a romantic meal against the backdrop of dazzling city lights draped over Nairobi's skyline.

Location: Mövenpick Residences Nairobi.

Opening hours: Tue – Sun: 12 pm to 8 pm (closed on Mon).

The View is one of the best affordable romantic restaurants in Nairobi for dating

4. Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant & Cafe

Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant & Cafe is one of Nairobi's best seafood restaurants. It's an intimate and thrilling experience where you can eat high-end cuisine in a casual setting. Their menu includes a variety of tasty, freshly caught seafood meals.

Guests may be seen here eating sushi, lobsters, prawns, and other dishes. Aside from that, the restaurant takes great satisfaction in its environmentally friendly methods. To produce robust tastes, they obtain all of their seafood from local fisheries and utilize only natural ingredients. They also offer an outstanding wine and craft beer selection to complement your meal.

Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant & Cafe is a perfect site to add to your list of best restaurants in Nairobi, whether you're seeking a romantic supper or simply want to enjoy some fantastic ocean-fresh seafood.

Location: Longonot Place, Kijabe St, Nairobi.

Opening hours: 6 am to 11 pm (daily).

Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant & Cafe is one of Nairobi's best seafood restaurants

5. Kilimanjaro Jamia Restaurant

Dine at Kilimanjaro Jamia Restaurant in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD), a Halal restaurant. It is well-known for serving a diverse range of cuisines, from African to Arabic. If you're craving biriyani, pilau, Naan, or chapati, here is the place to go.

Camel milk, Kostato, and Anjeera are among the foods and drinks available at this Somali eatery. Don't overlook milkshakes! The restaurant serves some of the greatest milkshakes in town, including the famous Oreo shake and Kilimanjaro fiesta.

They also offer fantastic costs, which is why it is one of the most cheap restaurants in Nairobi today. So, if you want to try some Kenyan cuisine cheaply, head over to Kilimanjaro Jamia for your next dinner.

Locations: Kimathi St, Banda St, & Waruinge Street, Eastleigh, Nairobi.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 6 am to 10 pm; Sun: 6 am to 9 pm.

Kilimanjaro Jamia Restaurant is one of the cheapest restaurants in Nairobi

6. Talisman Restaurant

Talisman Restaurant can accommodate a candle-lit romantic dinner or an alfresco brunch with family. The lovely fireplaces, vast patios, and exquisite grounds of the restaurant make it ideal for al fresco eating. Their imported carpets and carved wooden pillars add to the ambiance.

The Talisman is regarded as one of the best affordable romantic restaurants in Nairobi for bringing together diverse cultures through its many cuisines - African, European, and Pan-Asian. The menu of Talisman Restaurant includes sushi, sashimi, beef burgers, fries, fillet steak, and other dishes. Mocktails, milkshakes, coffee, and sodas are available as beverages.

Location: Ngong Rd, Nairobi

Opening hours: Tue – Fri: 10 am to 1 am; Sat & Sun: 9 am to 10 pm (closed on Mon)

Talisman is one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Kenya

7. Acacia Restaurant

The Acacia Restaurant, located in the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel, is one of the best restaurants in Nairobi, especially for romantic nights. Ostrich steaks, sirloins, Indian Ocean snapper, and spicy chicken are all on the menu.

Aside from the superb dining experience, the restaurant features stunning furnishings and a lovely environment. It also includes a terrace from which to enjoy spectacular views of Nairobi National Park.

After dinner, you may relax with a cup of coffee at the Karibu Cafe or a drink of wine or beer at the Oasis Bar, all of which are located in the same hotel.

If you aren't staying at the Emara Ole-Sereni, I recommend making a reservation in advance, especially on weekends. Also, don't miss out on their T-Bone steak with ugali and kachumbari.

Location: 18187, Nairobi, Kenya.

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun (24 hours).

Acacia Restaurant

8. Fogo Gaucho

If you're seeking affordable dinner restaurants in Nairobi, go no further. Fogo Gaucho is a Brazilian restaurant that serves superb, simply grilled steaks as well as salads and grilled veggies. The setting is appropriate for a big event, but it's also informal enough for a regular dinner—it all depends on your preferences.

If you're feeling particularly hungry, we recommend the "Fogo Gaucho experience": an all-you-can-eat buffet including various types of steak, chicken, lamb, and hog. Don't forget about the sides: they have a vast variety of salads, bread, soups, and more! It's a terrific option if you want to consume some delicious dishes.

Locations: Viking House, Off Waiyaka Way (Westlands); Galana Plaza, Off Argwings Khodhek (Kilimani); Panari Sky Centre, Mombasa Road, Nairobi.

Opening hours: 12 pm to 11 pm (daily).

Fogo Gaucho is one of the affordable dinner restaurants in Nairobi for tourists

9. The Carnivore Restaurant

If you're looking for the best affordable restaurants in Nairobi City, The Carnivore is the place to go. With all-you-can-eat grilled meats such as chicken, steak, and fish, this is a carnivore's ideal supper. Locals and tourists alike visit this restaurant to sample their ox balls, crocodiles, and ostrich meats. The meats are served fresh and roasted on skewers right in front of you, so you know they're as fresh as they can be.

Despite the name, Carnivore features a variety of vegetarian alternatives in addition to the meats. For starters, they provide soup and home-baked bread.

The surroundings are equally lovely, with lush gardens and a playground. As you experience all of the delights this restaurant has to offer, you'll feel as if you're in another universe.

Location: Off Langata Road, next to Wilson Airport.

Opening hours: 12 pm to 11 pm (daily).

The Carnivore Restaurant

Best Time To Visit & Enjoy Cuisine In Many Best Restaurants In Nairobi For Travelers

Nairobi offers a vibrant culinary scene that is sure to delight travelers seeking a memorable dining experience. Exploring the best restaurants in Nairobi is not just about the food but also about immersing oneself in the rich cultural tapestry of the city. The best time to plan your Nairobi vacation is between the dry months of July through October, as well as January and February.

By planning your visit to align with the best time to enjoy cuisine in Nairobi's top restaurants, you should apply for a Kenya ETA online. Kenya Immigration Services will support travelers to prepare the necessary documents to be qualified for this type of visa. So, plan your visit wisely, explore the local flavors, and let Nairobi's culinary delights leave an indelible mark on your travel experience.