Places to Eat in Nairobi

Here are some top places to eat in Nairobi, offering a blend of local flavors, international cuisine, and unique dining experiences:

🍽️ Local & African Cuisine

• Carnivore (Langata Road)
  Legendary meat buffet featuring grilled beef, pork, chicken, and rare game meats 
• Mama Oliech Restaurant
  Famous for its fried tilapia, served wet or dry with kachumbari and rice 
• Kenyatta Market – Nyama Choma Stalls
  Street-side nyama choma (grilled meat), a lively and authentic experience in the CBD 
• Manor 540 (Kilimani) & Bwibo Big Fish
  Highly recommended by locals for traditional African dishes 

🌍 International & Fusion Dining

• About Thyme (Peponi Rd, Lavington)
  Eclectic menu in a cozy, garden setting. Popular for brunch and dinner 
• Bang Bang Thai Kitchen (The Village Market)
  Authentic Thai cuisine praised for perfectly balanced flavors 
• Lucca (Villa Rosa Kempinski, Westlands)
  Upscale Italian fare—ravioli, pasta, and exquisite cocktails 
• Beit é Selam (Maua Close, Westlands)
  Ethiopian fusion in a beautifully restored colonial home

☕ Cafes & Casual Dining

• Java House (Multiple Locations)
  A Kenyan coffeehouse chain offering great coffee, breakfast, and relaxed meals
• ArtCaffe (Multiple Locations)
  A well-established Kenyan café/restaurant chain with multiple branches. It’s known for offering a versatile dining experience—perfect for breakfast, brunch, coffee meet-ups, casual lunches, or evening drinks .
• Wasp & Sprout (Loresho)
  Chill café serving brunch dishes like ricotta pancakes and eggs Benedict
• Barista & Co. (Sarit Center)
  Casual café known for good coffee, bagels, macarons, and a relaxed vibe

🍴 Food Courts & Trendy Hubs

• Nairobi Street Kitchen (Westlands)
  A vibrant food hall with diverse vendors and urban art .
• The Big Fish (Church Road, Roasters)
  Focuses on Luo-style fish dishes, especially wet-fried lake fish with ugali and spinach.
• The Beer District (Waiyaki Way)
  Industrial-style gastropub with craft beer and pub-style food.

🥩 Best Places for Meat in Nairobi

1. Meat O Max – The Oval, Westlands

A meat lover’s paradise, offering a premium Brazilian-style steakhouse experience. Enjoy endless cuts of flame-grilled meats served at your table. Great ambiance, live carving, and a must-visit for meat feasts.

2. Fogo Gaucho – Viking House, Westlands & Galana Plaza, Kilimani

Renowned for its Brazilian churrascaria style, Fogo offers over 15 different cuts of meat, grilled to perfection and brought straight to your table.

3. Njuguna’s Place – Waiyaki Way

A classic Nairobi legend. Known for succulent nyama choma, this roadside spot is always buzzing. Authentic, no-frills, and deeply satisfying.

4. The Carnivore – Lang’ata Road

Iconic and internationally known, The Carnivore offers a wide selection of game meats and exotic cuts in a unique African-themed setting. Great for tourists and locals alike.

5. Big Square

Not just burgers – their pork ribs and grilled chicken are also crowd favorites. Several locations across the city make it very accessible.

6. Nyama Mama – Delta Towers & Capital Centre

Modern Kenyan cuisine with a twist. Try their slow-cooked goat, spicy wings, and lamb ribs. Great decor and ideal for a lively group dinner.

7. Ashaki Grill (Kindaruma Rd, Kilimani & Thome branches)

Authentic Kenyan-style & Nigerian grill menu featuring wet and dry-fried goat (“mbuzi”) and beef, along with nyama choma and chicken brochettes

8. 254 Brewing & Smokehouse – Kikuyu Road

Perfect for craft beer and smoked meats. Their smoked brisket and ribs are exceptional, paired with locally brewed beers.

9. Roadside Nyama Choma Spots

Some of the best nyama choma experiences are informal. Try:

• Rib Racks (Dagoretti)
• Kamakis Choma Zone Area
• Ruaka Choma Zone Area
• Kenyatta Market Choma Zone