Some cravings just hit different. Pizza cravings in particular. You could have had a decent lunch, maybe even dessert, but then at around 6:00 PM, it strikes. That craving for cheese, a proper crust, something slightly burnt at the edge, and just enough grease to make you feel like you’re winning at life.
The Nairobi pizza scene has been cooking up something interesting lately. Not the big chain stuff that tastes the same whether you’re in town or Thika Road, but actual places where people put in thought, woodfire, and heart into the dough.
So this is for the pizza heads. The explorers. The people who eat crust first. These are a few Nairobi pizza joints worth showing up for. No ranking here. Just vibes and mozzarella.
1. Bambino
Location: Westlands, Parklands Road.
If you want your pizza with a side of soft lighting and jazz instrumentals in the background, Bambino is it. The place is part of that whole Food Library family with MeSo, Slate, and INTI. Everything feels a bit cinematic here.
Their pizza menu is short and sweet. You get red base or white base options. That’s it. I went straight for the Funghi e Tartufo and it was exactly what it promised. Creamy, mushroomy, and the truffle oil had that quiet flex.
Prices sit between KSh 1,200 and 1,600. For the vibe and the flavour, it’s a fair deal. Plus, the crust walks that fine line between chewy and crispy. Not too thin, not too heavy. Bambino knows what it’s doing.
2. Ssuké Pizza
Location: Buru-Buru Phase 2, Nairobi
This one might confuse you at first. Ssuké is known for sushi and ramen. But hidden on the side of the menu is a pizza section that lowkey deserves its own restaurant.
The one that stood out? Kimchi BBQ Chicken. That’s not a typo. Kimchi. On a pizza. The flavour punch is wild. The tanginess from the kimchi mixes with the sweetness of the BBQ and it just works. Like a weird friendship that makes total sense.
The place is sleek, but still easy-going. Perfect for catching up with friends or sitting solo in a booth pretending you’re reviewing it for a blog. Trust me. Worth the visit.
3. Top Rise Restaurant
Location: Kimathi street, next to KFC
Top Rise does not care for your aesthetic. You’re here for the food. That’s it. The setup is simple. Plastic chairs, tiled floors, fluorescent lights that feel like they came straight from a hospital hallway.
But then the pizza comes out. Hot. Hearty. Loud with toppings. The crust is thicker than average, but not dense. The cheese situation is generous and the sauce isn’t shy. Try the Beef and Mushroom pizza if you want something comforting without any ceremony.
It’s affordable, it’s filling, and it’s perfect when you’re hungry-hungry. You’ll leave with your belt loosened and your heart full.
4. Whizperz Café and Pizza
Location: Caltex, Donholm
Whizperz feels like one of those places you accidentally find, then gatekeep forever. It’s a café first. Quiet, simple, slightly artsy. The kind of place where people actually bring books and read them.
Their Pizza is solid. Nothing fancy, just a well-balanced mix of bell peppers, beef, onions, and olives. The crust is mid-thick and crisp at the base. Cheese melts just right. It won’t change your life, but it will definitely fix your day.
Bonus points for the coffee. If you’re on a solo date with yourself, this place is the vibe.
5. Beirut Restaurant
Location: Mezzanine floor, ICEA building, Nairobi CBD
Beirut does not market itself as a pizza place. It’s a Lebanese restaurant with a huge menu, Arabic music floating through the air, and the smell of grilled meat clinging to the air like perfume.
Then you find the pizza. The Beirut Special is loaded with lamb, red peppers, herbs, and feta. It has this smoky, rich depth you don’t get from regular sausage-and-cheese combos. The crust is light but sturdy. You can pick it up and eat without half the toppings falling off.
This is the place for when you want pizza but also want something more. A mezze platter? Maybe some mint tea on the side? Go for it.
So… Which One Should You Try First?
Depends on your mood, your budget, and your pizza personality.
- If you want vibes and a refined plate, Bambino leads the pack.
- If you’re adventurous and want something new, Ssuké is calling.
- If you’re starving and don’t care for Instagram, Top Rise will feed you right.
- If you’re introverting with cheese, Whizperz is where to go.
- If you’re in a mezze-meets-pizza mood, Beirut delivers both.
These aren’t the only good pizza joints in Nairobi, obviously. But they are a strong place to start if you’re tired of lukewarm deliveries and underwhelming slices.
Quick Honorable Mentions
Here are some others you should keep an eye on, especially if you’re browsing SnappyHour:
- Solo Grano, Gigiri: Wood-fired, pandemic-born, thin crust magic.
- 360 Degrees, ABC Place: Proper Neapolitan technique with Italian ingredients.
- Pomodoro, Village Market: Good carbonara and a respectable pizza game.
- La Cascina, The Hub: Rustic Italian with wood paneling and solid margheritas.
- Geco Café, Ngara: Bikes on the wall and oozy cheese on the pizza.
Get Pizza Deals on SnappyHour
We get it. Pizza is not cheap these days. And paying full price when you don’t have to? Pain. This is why SnappyHour app exists.
The app rounds up time-sensitive deals from restaurants across Nairobi. Whether it’s happy hour, midday markdowns, or off-peak discounts, it puts them all in one place.
Check it before you head out. You might find Bambino offering a buy-one-get-one deal or Ssuké serving their Kimchi pizza for 20% off. That’s the difference between a regular Tuesday and a legendary one.
Closing Slice
Pizza in Nairobi is no longer stuck in the 2010s. The crusts are better, the toppings are braver, and people are finally treating it as more than a late-night afterthought. Whether you’re a purist, an experimenter, or just someone who wants a thick slice with cheese that stretches halfway to your elbow, the city has something for you.
Tag your pizza gang, pick a place, and remember to check SnappyHour for a deal before you go. No excuses. Just pizza.