7 restaurants to visit when you’re in Nairobi

By Konorio Eve 

Nairobi’s food culture is diverse, fast-moving, and should feature on your itinerary whether you’re in town for business or leisure. The city’s restaurant scene has recently seen owners pushing the boundaries and embracing different cuisines. Here are seven must-try places that are currently on trend.

Ate, 229 Kyuna Crescent, Nairobi

If you're looking for food that you’ve never tried before, this is where you’ll find it. This unique restaurant and bar is located in an expansive, pet-friendly private garden. There is a downstairs area that opens out into the lush garden and a glass-encased upper floor offering views of the city. The menu offers a unique mix of contemporary and fusion meals in a style described as “epiphanies of the chef de cuisine”. Some of these epiphanies happily include a squid-ink tagliatelle with burnt tomato sauce and Yum Cha pancake, which is a Chinese-inspired pastry filled with light, hand-whipped cream.

Chez Sonia, 68 Peponi Rd, Nairobi

This beautifully decorated garden restaurant and wine bar is justifiably proud of its fine selection of wines from France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. The French-Italian style menu includes excellent cheese and meat platters and vegetable quiches, but this quaint spot is equally popular for its tranquil vibe and is a great choice for remote workers. Chez Sonia regularly hosts a Paint and Sip event where artists and amateurs alike receive guidance on how to paint on canvas. Families and friends flock to explore their talents and enjoy this perfect weekend activity, and it’s a hit with singles too. After all, what better way to make new friends?

Chekafe Japanese Sweets Factory, Kauria Close, Nairobi

This is the perfect lazy-Sunday plan. The restaurant is nestled in one of Nairobi’s leafy suburbs, which means that if you’re not listening to one of their live bands, the sweet sound of birds is sure to serenade you. Here you can enjoy a flavour-packed plate of crab sushi, with sides of wasabi and horseradish, in an airy terrace setting. To counter the heat, order a shot of hot sake and round it off with a pillow-light Japanese-style cheesecake. There is a kid-friendly set of rubber swings to keep everyone entertained.

The Social House Nairobi, 154 James Gichuru Road, Nairobi

From the sleek elevator doors to the sunny poolside tables, this brand-new hotel oozes class. A popular choice for outdoor meetings and remote work, the Social House lives up to its name. It hosts three restaurants where you can enjoy sultry music and easy conversations over brunch, lunch or dinner. If you love it so much that you don’t want to leave, you have the option of booking a stay in one of their modern rooms.

Geco Café, Mbaazi Ave, Nairobi

If you love acoustic music and bohemian vibes, Geco Café is the place to be. Live bands infuse the air with soul, making this a great place to unwind and forget your troubles. The restaurant serves a contemporary Mediterranean-style menu that happens to include a sumptuous bacon-cheese burger and a wide selection of cocktails. Guests also have the option to grab a book from their library and settle in with a cup of steaming-hot coffee in hand.

Solo Grano Kenya, Gigiri Rd, Nairobi, Kenya

Picture yourself sitting under a breezy sunshade with light music playing in the background and the aromas of authentic Italian pizza drifting across the terrace. Solo Grano’s outdoors vibes makes it the perfect place for a lunchtime get-together. The prosciutto and funghi pizza is so good, it might have you licking your plate. Pair this dish with a cold cider from the nearby Bamboo Bar and your day is complete. But the fun doesn’t end there. When evening comes, this spot seamlessly transitions from an intimate lunch spot into a buzzing, fairy-lit party hub.

Hero, 9th Floor, Trademark Hotel Village Market, Limuru Road, Nairobi

This fun poolside bar wins when it comes to creativity. A quirky superhero theme covers the walls, but the heart of this restaurant is its impeccable food. Hero serves an inspired selection of cocktails and indulgent Japanese cuisine. Guests can amuse themselves with cheekily named cocktails while enjoying a panoramic view of Nairobi’s skyline. Aside from its warm service, Hero is known for serving the most creative desserts in town. Do try the “King of Bongo” sorbet which is infused with coconut and lime and topped with coconut chips, feuilletine and lime gel.

Whichever restaurant you choose, eating out in Nairobi will definitely provide an unforgettable culinary experience. Pair the good food with good company and you're set for an amazing time.

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