Eat Out Kenya

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Nairobi’s exploding culinary scene positions it as East Africa’s gastronomy capital. The food and beverage destination offers everything from high-end fine-dining cuisines to rustic menus.

Besides extensive menus, opulent yet inviting settings in the city’s restaurants heighten the dining experience. Below is a highlight of must-visit eateries that have earned a converted spot among Nairobi’s top restaurants for offering a wholesome dining experience.

Jiko Africa (Tribe Hotel)

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Jiko restaurant at Tribe Hotel serves an African-inspired menu featuring culinary delights inspired by the continent’s ingredients and cooking techniques. Moreover, the restaurant’s seasonal menu features fresh homegrown ingredients from Kenyan farmers.

Everything at the restaurant screams excellence, from the warm reception by attentive and helpful staff to the warm ambiance that includes an outdoor setting and the artsy food presentation. Jiko Africa’s diverse menu includes mouth-watering vegan and gluten-free options.

Swaad

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Swaad is an Indian-themed restaurant in Nairobi’s Parklands area. The restaurant specializes in South Indian cuisine and Indo-Chinese fusion dishes, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Enjoy authentic South Indian flavors through superbly prepared dishes, including masala dosa, fish curry, butter chicken, coconut chutney, biryani, and more at affordable prices.

Hero

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Hero restaurant at the Trademark Hotel rooftop is a Japanese fusion speakeasy-themed eatery offering an exquisite dining experience. The eatery features a restaurant area and a bar; the Hero bar ranked 68th in the World’s 50 Best Bars List 2022. Everything in the eatery screams art, from the eclectic murals on the walls to the creative food presentation.

The restaurant’s menu features an array of flavour-packed dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options, but the Hero sushis are hands-down fan favorites. So, book a table on their website to enjoy an out-of-this-world dining experience, including top-notch service.

The Talisman Restaurant

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The Talisman restaurant in Karen is an award-winning restaurant with multiple accolades. It also received a mention in the New York Times travel guide for its impressive international menu featuring continental, pan-Asian, and African dishes.

Besides the food, the ambience and decor at Talisman are terrific, and al-fresco dining is available. The restaurant promotes local artisans by adorning its rustic interior with magnificent African art pieces.

The Talisman’s impressive drinks category featuring classic cocktails, mocktails, top-shelf liquor, and an extensive wine list adds to its charm. Call to book a reservation for the best table.

Cultiva

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Cultiva is a fantastic restaurant in Karen, serving an international menu with Ecuadorean influences. Everything on their menu, from seafood to steak, is an explosion of flavor.

Moreover, the Farm-to-table eatery uses fresh ingredients from Cultiva Farm for all its meals and cocktails. Cultiva’s fun, eclectic ambiance and expert plating techniques redefine Nairobi's fine dining scene.

Crave Kitchen

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Crave Kitchen is a hidden gem in Nairobi’s Kikuyu area. It is an upbeat eatery serving some continental dishes and the best of Kenyan cuisine, including “nyama choma,” a Kenyan barbecue special.

The eatery’s farm-to-table model ensures only the freshest ingredients make it to your plate. Crave Kitchen also has a respectable wine collection and occasionally hosts wine tastings guided by a certified sommelier.

Little Beirut

Little Beirut

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Little Beirut restaurant at Craft Center Gigiri is a Lebanese casual dining eatery. Live musical performances on weekends heighten the laid-back experience.

The restaurant’s Lebanese-themed menu features starters, salads, wraps, and platters prepared using fresh organic veggies from nearby farms. Little Beirut also features a bar with an extensive liquor collection to pair with the food and the good vibes.

Samaki Samaki

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Samaki Samaki is a seafood eatery in Lavington, famous for serving good food and great vibes. Its menu features everything from fish tacos to clams and oysters. Moreover, the establishment has a well-stocked bar with an extensive drink collection.

The restaurant’s dazzling interior and lush al fresco dining space create a wonderful ambiance. Samaki Samaki hosts jazz performances every Saturday from 2.00 pm.

Nairobi’s thriving food scene is one of the many reasons to plan a trip to the Kenyan capital. So, contact us for a curated trip through Nairobi’s eateries.

Header Photo by Nelly Jerobon on Unsplash

The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide To Nairobi’s Culinary Scene: 8 Best Eateries in Nairobi