Must-see restaurants in Kenya

  • Carnivore

    Nairobi

    Love it or hate it, Carnivore serves up Kenya's most famous nyama choma (barbecued meat) – it's been an icon for tourists, expats and wealthier locals for…

  • Talisman

    Nairobi

    This classy cafe-bar-restaurant remains fashionable with the Karen in-crowd and it rivals any of Kenya’s top eateries for imaginative international food…

  • Trout Tree Restaurant

    Kenya

    Inhabiting a marvellous fig tree overlooking the Burguret River, alongside colobus monkeys and tree hyraxes, this is one of the most original places to…

  • Roadhouse Grill

    Nairobi

    Out beyond Milimani in the west, Roadhouse Grill is widely touted by locals as the best place for nyama choma (barbecued meat). The meat (choose the goat)…

  • Karen Blixen Coffee Garden

    Nairobi

    The Coffee Garden offers diners five areas in which to enjoy its varied menu, including the plush L’Amour dining room, the historic 1901 Swedo House and…

  • Club House

    Lake Naivasha

    Farm-to-table sustainable cuisine is more exciting when there are giraffes and hippos to spy on in the distance. The signature eatery at Sanctuary Farm is…

  • Mama Oliech

    Nairobi

    Fish dominates the menu here: the whole fried tilapia from Lake Nakuru is the signature dish, especially when ordered with ugali (a maize or cassava-flour…

  • Tamarind Restaurant

    South Coast

    Without doubt the finest restaurant around Mombasa, Tamarind looks out over the harbour. Laced with high white arches, this refined restaurant has a…

  • Al-Yusra

    Nairobi

    Roast camel, fried goat and plenty of pilau rice dishes just like Somalis and like-minded Kenyans love them make this busy 1st-floor place a hit,…

  • Ranch House Bistro

    Lake Naivasha

    Opened in 2014, Ranch House Bistro is easily the best of the lakeside eating options. The food is expertly prepared and ranges across pizzas from the clay…

  • Sails

    Diani Beach

    By far the most stylish place to eat in Diani, Sails is gorgeous: a canopy of billowing white canvas separates the restaurant from the stars, while…

  • Peponi

    Lamu Island

    We're still waxing lyrical about our last meal at this amazing restaurant. Choose between global offerings, such as tuna ceviche, Philly cheese steak…

  • Island Camp Restaurant

    Southern Rift Valley

    A popular weekend activity, if you can call it that, is to charter a boat and hop across to Island Camp's sleek restaurant for lunch. The buffet includes…

  • Nomad

    Diani Beach

    One of the best restaurants in Diani, Nomad benefits from stellar sea views from its terrace and a talented chef who cooks up such culinary magic as…

  • Lazybones

    Lake Naivasha

    Camp Carnelley's hip restaurant is popular with NGO workers and other Nairobians at weekends. Grab one of the gorgeous low-slung sofas, or pull up a chair…

  • Baby Marrow

    Malindi

    This standout restaurant is not only one of the best on the coast, but in the entire country. Think leafy, intimate setting, makuti roof (thatched roof of…

  • Crab Shack

    Kenya

    Crab samosas, grilled calamari and steamed fish await at the end of a mangrove boardwalk, overlooking Mida Creek. This lovely Giriama-run spot is a…

  • Kijani Restaurant

    Lamu Island

    On the premises of Kijani Hotel, this excellent new restaurant has a daily changing menu that combines fresh local ingredients with global influences. Go…

  • Shanshin-Ka

    Diani Beach

    A spartan aesthetic and a full menu of authentic Japanese dishes are Shanshin-Ka's two distinguishing features. The portions of teriyaki, udon, tempura…

  • Shehnai Restaurant

    Mombasa

    This reputable mughlai (North Indian) curry house is popular with the local Indian community and does delicious dishes such as gosht palakwalla (lamb with…

  • Cafesserie

    South Coast

    Inside Nyali City mall, Cafesserie has the best selection of cakes on the coast. But it doesn't end there: the breezy, chilled-out place has a crowd…

  • Monsoons

    South Coast

    As you stumble over the tangled tree roots of the Jumba la Mtwana ruins, delicious smells propel you towards the beach. A thatched hut perched above the…

  • Imani Dhow Restaurant

    South Coast

    This traditional Zanzibari dhow on the grounds of Severin Sea Lodge is Bamburi's most atmospheric restaurant, complete with creaky wooden floors and…

  • Saku Guest House

    Northern Kenya

    The restaurant on the 2nd floor of the Saku Guest House is spotlessly clean and bright. The menu (yes, there is an actual menu!) is varied and has the…

  • Whispers Cafe

    Lamu Island

    You know how sometimes you just need that escape into the world of magazines and fresh pastries? Welcome to Whispers. For a real cappuccino, light meals,…

  • Rosada

    Malindi

    Right on the sand, Rosada is a chilled beach bar with great cocktails and some wonderful views out over the marine park. Monday night is a popular beach…

  • Nautilus

    Kilifi

    We're still dining out on our last memory of dinner at Nautilus. This Swiss-owned restaurant offers fine, romantic dining with gorgeous views over the…

  • Moonrise

    Lamu Island

    Particularly strong when it comes to seafood dishes and slightly set back from the waterfront, this is the best restaurant in town. Feast on the likes of…

  • Mama Rocks at the Alchemist Bar

    Nairobi

    Nairobi's first and best food truck is very cool. With an African take on burgers and a location primed and ready for Westlands' night-time crowd, Mama…

  • About Thyme

    Nairobi

    In a welcoming garden setting in the city's north, About Thyme does some fine international dishes such as pumpkin-and-amaretti tortellini or battered red…

  • Bao Box

    Nairobi

    If you want a little fun with some food, this is a go-to place, particularly if there are a few of you. Serving a variety of snacks and drinks (the pizzas…

  • Urban Eatery

    Nairobi

    This smart and upmarket place has a huge menu that takes in everything from pizza to sushi, including great salads, sandwiches, burgers and meat grills…

  • Tin Roof Cafe

    Nairobi

    This place has all the ingredients to be a Nairobi favourite: a quiet garden setting in Karen, great coffee, amazing juices, an Ottolenghi salad bar and a…

  • Haandi Restaurant

    Nairobi

    Widely regarded as the best Indian restaurant in Kenya, Haandi rises above its nondescript shopping-mall location. The expansive menu includes wonderful…

  • Nyama Mama

    Nairobi

    Nyama Mama is a small Afro-fusion restaurant chain, characterised by its colourful decor. This restaurant draws a young, urban clientele. Favourite dishes…

  • J's Fresh Bar & Kitchen

    Nairobi

    J's is one of Karen's most popular venues. The food that emerges from the open kitchen is excellent, from creamy risotto with beetroot, ginger and veggies…

  • Ankole Grill

    Nairobi

    Ankole is named after the iconic cattle of East Africa, so it's unsurprising that this trendy steakhouse is all about grilled meat (nyama choma). The top…

  • Abyssinia

    Nairobi

    Consistently good reviews from expats, locals and travellers alike make this an excellent choice for high-quality Ethiopian cooking. Aside from the rich…

  • Artcaffe

    Nairobi

    Despite its location inside a shopping mall, Artcaffe has sleek and inviting premises with a large terrace as well as a stylish dining room and full bar…

  • Taco 254

    Nairobi

    Taco 254 is a small but mighty addition to Nairobi’s Mexican food scene, focusing exclusively on, you guessed it, tacos. Choose from chicken, fish, beef,…

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