THE TOP 

RESTAURANTS

in Nairobi - Kenya

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Carnivore Restaurant

The Carnivore opened its doors in September 1980 to instant success. The food, service and atmosphere are strikingly different from anything ever seen in Kenya. The Carnivore is a meat specialty restaurant and it is justifiably referred to as 'the ultimate 'Beast of a Feast'.

  Carnivore has been twice voted amongst the world’s 50 best restaurants by an expert panel in ‘Restaurant ‘magazine, it is simply described as ‘amazing’.

A variety of meat including ostrich, crocodile and camel, is roasted over charcoal and carved at your table. Delicious side dishes and an exceptional array of sauces complement this fixed price feast that also includes soup, a selection of desserts and Kenyan coffee. Set in attractive tropical gardens, the service and the décor are outstanding.

The Carnivore is a unique experience. This open-air meat specialty restaurant has become a standard stop on the safari trail. Every type of meat imaginable, including four choices of wild game, is roasted on traditional Maasai swords (skewers) over a huge, visually spectacular charcoal pit that dominates the entrance of the restaurant.

The waiters then carry these swords around the restaurant, carving unlimited amounts of the prime meats onto sizzling, cast iron plates in front of you.

The food details are mouth watering. They are:

Whole joints of meat - legs of lamb and pork, haunches of venison, rumps of beef, sirloins, cuts of lamb, spare ribs, sausages, chicken wings, and skewered kidneys.

Crocodile - The meats are constantly paste, and turned until perfectly cooked; the meat is succulent and well flavored.

Nb: The feeding frenzy doesn’t stop until defeat is declared by the over-fed guests who signal that enough is enough by lowering of a white paper flag perched atop the central tray. This is followed by dessert and coffee.

The full meal including a soup course is at a set price. A vegetarian menu is also offered. First time visitors to The Carnivore are enthralled by the spectacle of the roasting pit, the service and the distinctive flavors of food.

Prices

Lunch:

Dinner:

Children between 6-12 years pay 50% of the rates above.

Children from 5 years & below are not charged.

Facilities

There is also a "Simba Saloon" night club on the premises with a capacity of 2,500, as well as an internet cafe, playground, and six bars.

Location

Carnivore is an open-air restaurant located in the Langata suburb of lying 7 kilometers west of Nairobi.

The atmosphere of The Carnivore combines the rustic feel of a rural environment with the feeling of a medieval banqueting hall. This was accomplished by the use of streams and tropical gardens throughout the restaurant, and by using rough-hewn beams and local woods. Another famous feature to set the tone of the Carnivore experience is the house cocktail The 'Dawa' (which means medicine or magic potion in Swahili).

Contacts

Telephone Bookings: Book a table at this restaurant online by visiting their website.

Or calling: +254-713-328 688, +254-734-328 688

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TAMAMBO KAREN BLIXEN COFFEE GARDEN

The Karen Blixen Coffee Garden oozes colonial charm. Set in what used to be Karen Blixen’s old coffee farm estate, is the delightful Tamambo Restaurant. The beautiful gardens are a great place to enjoy the peace and quiet of rural Africa.

The Karen Blixen Coffee Garden dates back to 1906. Baron Blixen bought the Coffee Company for his wife Karen in 1913. The Swedo House has been refurbished to its original style. It’s available each day as a lounge for guests, or for tea or cappuccino or for romantic dining by the fireplace. It’s also a popular venue for receptions, small meetings and formal dinners.

There are also a variety of functions areas such as the Grand Marquee Sultan style tent, available for 'royal style' wedding functions, dinners and conferences. The Grogan House a lovely space for private dinners and exclusive functions.

The restaurant and function areas are situated in the midst of one of the oldest formal gardens in Kenya and include huge jacaranda, candelabra cactus, bottle brush and other trees and over 200 species of blooming flower varieties.

Dinning at the restaurant

All you can eat curry lunch: A sumptuous curry buffet, featuring chicken masala, lamb and vegetables curries served with freshly made Naan breads made in their Tandoor oven. Rice, poppadum’, salad and curry condiments. This buffet plate is pegged at KSHs 1390 and is inclusive of taxes.

 Dining: A light menu is available in the bar for late night snacks and a clay pizza oven creates pizza’s that are just delicious. There are five areas for lunch or dinner. The menu is extensive with a variety of international food on offer.

Weekly specials are popular and a soup and seafood bisque of the day are also available. Menu items include: steaks with a wide variety of sauces from the French Belgian gourmet chef: Pierre. Numerous seafood dishes are offered such as fish with Pink Butter or Crab Diablo and a wide variety of salads.

 There is a good vegetarian choice and pasta items are available. The bar snacks offer sizzling beef and chicken, hamburgers, cottage pie or chicken wings if you prefer. Prices are pegged at 2350 KShs a plate.

Opening times: The Restaurant is open for breakfast from 7:00hr daily and the kitchen remains open until 22:00hr.

Garden Activities and Events

§         Saturday Lunch and Tuesday Night New Orleans Style Jazz

§         Sunday Buffet in the gardens with Live Music and Croquet on the front lawn

§         Special theme evenings: Black tie "Out of Africa" Events or "Murder Mystery" dinners in Swedo House

§         Fundraising dinners and dinner theatre: lectures on African Wildlife, History, Adventure tours, and Peoples of Kenya

§         Games and tournaments: Occasional pool, chess and tumbledown tournaments. Other tabletop games available at the Bar or kept in the Swedo House (chess, scrabble, puzzles, Boggle, Chronology, and more).

§         Special Holiday events: New Year's Eve, Valentine, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween & Easter Egg Hunts

§         Private functions: Weddings and private parties in the garden or L'Amour Restaurant (up to 150 people).

NB: One of the restaurants and bar facilities will always remain open for the regular clients and guests,

Location

Tamambo Karen Blixen Coffee Garden is Located in a beautiful setting on Karen Road, near the Karen Blixen Museum and about half a mile from the Karen Golf and Country Club; it is the site of the original farmhouse which was the Blixen property.

Contacts

Tell: +254-719-346349 / +254-750-882130,

Email: reservations.karenblixen@tamarind.co.ke

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Allan Bobbe’s Bistro

Alan Bobbe's Bistro is a French restaurant named after a British Army officer. Alan Bobbe first arrived in Kenya in 1941 to do some intelligence work for the army during the war. After the war he stayed on to pursue his passion for cooking and opened Alan Bobbe's in February 1962.

When Alan opened his little Bistro in 1962, his voice was well known to the settlers’ crowd having been the first radio broadcaster in the Kenya colony from 1952. One of the most popular programs was "What’s Cooking" where he shared his passion in gastronomy, very soon his listeners begged him to taste the real thing rather then drooling over the airwaves.

The Bistro was an instant success. It's reputation as the premier restaurant in Nairobi over the years has attracted the custom of many international personalities such as Bing Crosby, Pele, Jacky Kennedy, David Lean, Sydney Pallack, Will Braudt and more recently the current president of the United States Barack Obama, when he last visited Kenya.

The Allan Bobbe’s Bistro setting is by the pool, above the river with parkland on the opposite side of the river. There is a waterfall outside that can be heard inside, the ambience is chic.

Cuisine-French

Some of the main dishes served are:

§         Seafood Marmite

§          Magret de Canavel

The present owner and manager is Christian Caldara, he is French and insists on keeping the meals at the restaurant simple. Served with French wine, the meals are accompanied by a background of Jazz music and the cool atmosphere that defines the place.

The restaurant is also suitable for: business lunches and dinners, seminars and Cocktail parties. It can accommodate up to 20 people inside and up to 50 outside on the terrace. Dine in the cozy interior or by the Pool Side terrace.

Nb: Average Cost (Per person, based on 2 courses, excluding drinks) adds up to; KShs 2,200.00

Open Hours

Monday - Friday - Lunchtime (12 noon to 3pm)

Saturdays - Dinner (6.30pm to 10.30 pm

Sundays – Closed

Location

Allan Bobbe’s Bistro is located in St. Andrews in the secure up market suburb of Westlands and overlooking the expansive St Mary's School gardens, and lies on Rapta Road.

Contacts

Phone: 254-020-4252000

Fax: 254-020-4252206

Email: reservations@andrews.co.ke

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Meditteraneo Restaurant

Meditteraneo Restaurant brings the unique Italian experience in Nairobi with an unforgettable taste of true Italian dining. Set in a family- like atmosphere, with warm colors it takes you back to the streets of Florence in the heart of Italy. The a la carte menu reflects traditional specialties of sea food, pasta, meat, pizza & wine.

 The chef’s specials menu is periodically updated to explore seasonal produces from Kenya and novelties from Italy. This allows the creation of an ever- exciting menu.

The cozy ambience and careful arrangement of cutlery strikes the visitor’s eye and creates a homely feeling. It also creates an immediate atmosphere of relaxation and easy going attitude. Meditteraneo is a classy and exclusive eating place serving only Italian dishes and snacks, including ice cream, chocolate drinks & coffee.

The quality of the cuisine is considered to be very high because of the Chief Chef, Giuliani Zanette, who is working together with Stefano Giannetti; both are considered to be among the top chefs in the city and are highly regarded by patrons who love Italian cuisine.

I must say, the restaurant is a must visit for those who love Italian dishes.

Menus

Salads:

Antipasti / Starters

Pasta

Zuppe / Soup

Second Piatti / Main Course

All main dishes are served with mixed vegetables and French fries or mash potatoes or rice

All Prices are inclusive of all applicable taxes and vat.

Half portion 70% of full price

Opening Hours: Daily, 12:00pm - 11:00pm

Location

Situated at Pamstech House, along Woodvale Grove in the heart of Westlands

Contacts

Tel: +254 20 4447494 / 4450349

Mobile: +254 733 576630

E-mail: info@mediterraneorestuarant.co.ke

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Trattoria Ristorante

Established since 1981, Trattoria is the oldest family run Italian restaurant in Nairobi. From Mamma’s Ruff’s homemade pasta to the home made ice cream, the menu abounds in specialties from the south of Italy, Rome, Tuscany, Piemonte and Veneto.

They use only the freshest produce, accompanied by a selection of Italian Wines. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a glass of wine at their “Luna Bar”, this corner of Italy, in the heart of Nairobi is the place to be!

At Trattoria you can enjoy typical Italian cuisine indoors and outdoors at any time. Experience the warm breeze and view in the heart of Nairobi, on the exclusive mezzanine veranda.

Their vast menu offers from antipasto, homemade pasta, pizza, seafood char grill, and to finish, homemade ice-creams and cakes. Additionally you can wind down in their new piano bar with a wide selection of Italian wines and cocktails.
Secured in the city centre, they also offer a shuttle service on request complete with radio communication. Call them to make a table and shuttle reservation.

Menu

Starters:

 ANTIPASTI:

1.       Asparagi alla Parmigiana o al Limone
Fresh asparagus with parmesan cheeseor in a lemon sauce

2.       Ventaglio di Avocado con Gamberetti Salsati
Avocado fan with prawns in a cocktail sauce

3.       Guazzetto di Calamari alla Marinara
Baby squid in tomato sauce, chillies and herbs

4.       Gamberetti, Calamaretti e Polpetti alla Luciana
Prawns, Calamari and baby octopus with olive oil– lemon juice-potatoes-spices-capers-olives

5.       Carpaaccio di Carnem Carciofi, Parmigiano e Fungi
Thinly sliced beef fillet marinated with olive oil-pepper-lemon-parsley-artichokes-parmesan cheese & mushrooms

6.       Composizione di Salumi Misti
Selection of Italian salami

7.       Prosciutto di Parma con Melone
Parma ham and sweet melon Mozzarella di Bufala alla Caprese
Imported mozzarellacheese-tomatoes-basil-olive oil-parmesan and rucola

MINESTRE (SOUP):

§        Vellutata di Porri e Patate
Cream of leeks and potatoes

§        Crema di Fungi
Cream of mushroom

§        Minestrone
Vegetable minestrone soup

§        Pasta e Fagioli
Traditional Italian beans soup with pasta

§        Tortellini in Brodo
Home made meat tortellini in consommé

SALADS

·          Insalata Mista
Tomatoes-carrots-cucumber-green peppers-lettuce-onions-olive oil I

·         nsalatina Verde con Taleggio
Green salad, cucumber, cheese, in Italian dressing

·         Insalata bella Mia
Avocado-fennel-orange-grapefruit-olive oil

·         Insalata Capricciosa
Mixed salad – capers-olives-eggs-mushrooms-anchovies-olive oil Insalata Regina
Rucola-tuna fish-mais-mozzarella-olive oil

·         Insalata di Pollo
Julienne chicken-green peppers- celery-capers-onions-cucumber-lemon juice-olive oil-spices

Their Delicatessen

Fancy a change? … Make your home dining easy by walking into their shop for ready to cook Italian meals. All the Italian delicatessen and wines at take-away prices.

Entertaining? … Entertaining at home has never been easier than with their take away service.

Be it a simple pizza or sandwich, full course meals or birthday cakes, they have it all.

Wines

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Avalon Tavern

Wikipedia defines Avalon as …an island famous for its apples. This is the place where Excalibur, King Arthur’s famous sword was fashioned; this was also the place where the King went to recover after being seriously wounded in the battle of Camlann.

Avalon Tavern, though not an island, or an apple orchard is definitely a restful place. This is a hide-a-way where you can lick your city suffered wounds.

With lovely gardens, patio dining or inside formal dining, Avalon is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal in a peaceful environment.

With seating for up to 200 people, Avalon has various areas to choose from: a small, intimate, well-stocked bar, a nook by the open fireplace or the expansive, garden-patio, all of which are beautifully thought out and tastefully decorated.

 The formal dining area inside offers tables with thick linen tablecloths for candlelit dinners in a luxurious environment.

Avalon prides itself, first and foremost for its superb cuisine. With an international menu, the dishes include succulent steaks with a choice of sauces. A variety of Mediterranean and British dishes are offered with their favorite being the steak and kidney pudding, which is served with new potatoes and seasonal veggies.

 Avalon is the place you seek when you want to escape from the stresses of the city and is equally suitable for private and corporate functions

Why not try the "full Monty" traditional English breakfast for Sunday brunch.

Opening Times
Avalon is open 7 days a week from 8am until midnight.

CARRIBEAN NIGHT!
Caribbean Nites are on every Thursday from 13th May 6pm till late, where they will serve 'Jerk seasoned BBQ and hot calypso tunes'!

The log fire in the open lounge gives it a homely ambience and the lush quiet garden will soothe the most tattered nerves after the traffic jams of the city. It’s a true escape from the city, within the city.

The A la carte and Tapas menu are eclectic with footprints from the UK, touching on the Mediterranean coast and beyond into Asia.

All the dishes are freshly made to order and they pride themselves on a friendly, informal and efficient service. Their signature dish is the ‘Hangover soup’ for the morning after the night before. It soothes and awakens the senses. The restaurant has ample parking and is suitable for outdoor dining, private functions and business meetings.

The tavern is a one story white plastered house.  There is a main dining room, a lounge with easy chairs facing a fire place, and a bar at the centre. Outside on the terraces are shaded tables and a couple of shaded bandas- great for those who want some privacy.

Another attraction of the Avalon are their appetizers/biting, such as: Tostadas: toasted slices of baguette with choice toppings – mixed roasted vegetables, mushrooms in cream, avocado salsa, or spicy salami. Kidneys on sherry: pieces of beef kidney lightly cooked in sherry and mustard sauce. Pork spareribs: Meaty ribs marinated in five spices, oven baked in honey and cooked with barbecue sauce.

Price: Average Cost (Per person, based on 2 courses, excluding drinks)
Kshs 1,500.00

Location

Avalon Tavern is tucked away in a serene corner of Riverside Drive, along Westland’s and Lavington area Nairobi.

Contacts

Cell/Mobile: +254(0)72 44 38936

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Talisman Restaurant

Originally a quaint 1920’s mud and wattle bungalow with a tin roof, it overlooks a beautiful, large garden with a sweeping lawn and mature trees.  Today, with a few inspired changes made by the owners, Ian and Sheryl Cameron, The Talisman has grown into a lively and popular place to go for both locals and visitors alike.

The warm and friendly staff, the half-in, half-out ‘alfresco’ set-up with crackling log fires, the eclectic mix of comfy velvet sofas, furniture and kilims from around the world, and the diverse selection of ambient music, all create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where you can feel at home and pampered at the same time.

  Fortnightly exhibitions by well-known local artists add interest and color to the walls, ensuring that there is always something new to look at while you enjoy the delicious range of food on offer.

From starting out with a simple ‘bar biting’ menu, the food at The Talisman fare has evolved into an exciting fusion of Oriental, Indian, Thai and Japanese main dishes, with a tempting selection of starters, and a delicious range of deserts to round off your meal.

  Their specials board offers unusual and varied choices to complement the regular menu, reflecting the best of the season’s produce.  We have a fully-stocked bar with a selection of fine wines and spirits…

Cuisine

The Talisman Restaurant is a superb location for lunch or dinner. Unwind in the relaxing atmosphere of the outdoor patio and garden and feast on a wide array of excellent meat or vegetarian dishes.

 Selection consists:

 Starters

BEEF PORK LAMB

CHICKEN OSTRICH

SEAFOOD FISH

JAPANESE

Location

The Talisman Restaurant and Bar is situated in the heart of the leafy suburbs of Karen, Nairobi

Contacts

Phone: 020 388 32 13

Fax: 020 388 32 13

Mobile Phone: 0733 761 449

Email: talisman@swiftkenya.com

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Zen Garden Restaurant

Within spectacular grounds, the Zen Garden complex offers a collection of high class eating places in a serene and tranquil environment. The elegant Bamboo Oriental Restaurant and the Jade coffee house are beautifully designed! The conference facilities are perfect for a peaceful retreat whether it be a corporate function, wedding or garden party.

Each eating establishment offers something a little different to the other... whether it be a place to meet friends on a sunny afternoon, a romantic candlelit dinner with a loved one, or a serious venue to discuss business matters in a quiet environment, you can find it here.

The Bamboo Oriental Restaurant
This elegant Bamboo restaurant offers traditional and modern Chinese/Japanese/oriental menus in a large open plan restaurant. The decor is incredibly stylish with modern dark wood interior, and red and cream details. the waiters are friendly and welcoming. The Bamboo Room is a private dining room adjoining the main restaurant. It's cool elegant decor is perfect for a business lunch or family gathering. It can comfortably seat 20 guests.

Menu

Appetizers

Salads

Soup

Lim sum steamed

Sushi sashimi and maki

It is open from

Lunch 12:30-3:30 pm daily

Dinner 7:30-11:0 pm daily

Zen Square Conference Rooms
the Zen Square Conference Rooms have been newly refurbished with 4 unique meeting rooms. Zen Square is a great location for corporate functions, seminars, receptions, product launches, fashion shows and cocktail parties.

Jade Coffee House & Teahouse
The verandah to the Jade Coffee and Tea House has a super view of the gardens. This is the place to come for a private business meeting or an afternoon out with friends.

Open from 9:30-8:30 pm daily

Location

Zen garden is located on Kabete road past spring valley police station in westlands Nairobi

Contacts

Tell: +254-803 4445

Mobile: +254-715 744213

Email: info@zengarden.co.ke

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Le Rustique Restaurant

The doors to the restaurant and delicatessen shop opened in August 2002. It started off smaller than they are now, but have been steadily growing until now, where we have a seating of 95. Improvements were and are still being made as they grow.

The restaurant is set in a beautiful, well maintained garden. Tables are tastefully arranged under large garden umbrellas. If the breeze gets too strong, you can always step into the restaurant building and continue with the rest of your meal in bliss.

On entering the restaurant, the foyer is graced with pieces by PincoPallino, an Italian furniture designer, who uses the room as a sort of usable showroom. There is also a small gift shop with home accessories and more.

The restaurant lends its walls to paintings exhibited mainly by Kenyan artists. Exhibitions change every 4-6 weeks.

In the garden there are a three shops selling imported men’s and ladies wear, Kenyan designer ladies wear and Kitengela glass creating a vibrant, almost carnival atmosphere.

The kitchen has a menu which changes every Thursday. This menu is planned by Maike to give each meal that special ingredient. The menu consists of a selection of light dishes or starters, which always include vegetarian options, and a choice of five main courses, again with 2 vegetarian options.

This is followed by a couple of dessert choices. Changing the menu every week means they can ensure that everything is always fresh, as it is only on the menu for one week.

Their cappuccinos are reputed to be the best in town. Croissants are prepared fresh each morning and their selection of delicious home-baked cakes is not to be underestimated.

Dinner is served only once a week, on Wednesdays. The atmosphere and ambiance changes completely where they set up the place in a more formal and romantic way. There is a bonfire outside to sit by and have a drink before or after dinner. The menu for Wednesday dinners changes again every week, and is a bit more elaborate.

For dinner; they open at 7 p.m. and close when the last guest has gone home.

For people who have not had a chance to have lunch during normal lunch hours, they can still eat whatever is on the menu up until 6.30 p.m.

On request they also host cocktail parties for companies or other offices.

The Kitchen

In the kitchen they have a team of 4 chefs. Patrick is the Head chef who has many years wide experience in various restaurants, including working at the coast. He is especially good with seafood.

Under him are Wilson, Shanzu and Alex, some of whom he has worked with before in other places. Alex is responsible for the desserts and cakes, which he bakes freshly every day.

Location

Le Rustique Restaurant is located on General Mathenge drive in Westlands Nairobi

Contacts

Cell: +254-721-609601,

Phone: +254-20-2622-927

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Onami grill & Sushi Bar

Since our opening in January 2009 Onami restaurant has developed to accommodate everyone, yet being able to maintain the authenticity of their food, the beauty of their contemporary décor and the quality and standards of service.

Whether you’re looking to have a nice quiet business lunch, to grab a quick bite before catching a movie, tired of shopping and need a hole-filler and a thirst quencher or you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion with a special someone you can do all this with them at Onami.

Their open kitchen, sushi bar, yakitori grill and teppanyaki tables provides you with a wide array of culinary delights. Ranging from sushi to beef steaks, fabulous chicken and vegetarian dishes and of course the chefs’ specialties, including touches of Thailand & China - they have something for everyone.

Mission: ONAMI grill and Sushi bar, to put it simply, is a grill, sushi bar…….Exceeding customer’s expectations and more!

Food Menu

Starters

Salads

Sashimi salads

Soups

Tempura

Furai

Yakitori (grilled skewers)

China Town

Gyoza (Pan fried)

Thai

Pad Thai Noodles

Delivery

Their most recent endeavor is delivery service. They deliver food Packaged in a way that will keep it fresh and at the optimum quality. When you don’t want to eat out you can order in.
Their delivery service allows you to feel like you’re eating out when you’re actually eating in.
A service that takes no longer than 1hour to get to your doorstep, They provide you with quality that you would expect being seated in the restaurant.
With a delivery charge of only Kshs 150, you can enjoy tempuras, sushi, noodles and many more

Location

Onami gril and Sushi bar is located on the 2^nd floor of THE Mall westlands on Mwanzi road.

Contacts

Cell: +254-20-374-3244

Email: info@onami.co.ke

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