Nairobi is a city that eats out often and without ceremony. Meals are woven into workdays, social lives, and weekends in a way that feels natural rather than planned. You can grab breakfast at a café, eat a proper lunch near the office, and still end the day with dinner across town without it feeling excessive.
This guide brings together a practical mix of places to eat in Nairobi. It includes everyday cafés, local institutions, casual dining spots, and a few restaurants suited for slower, more deliberate meals. These are restaurants I have eaten at repeatedly over the years, in different seasons of life, and they reflect how people who live in Nairobi actually dine.
1. Java House
Java House remains one of the most recognisable café chains in Nairobi, largely because it fits into everyday routines so easily. The menu is broad enough to cover breakfast meetings, casual lunches, and early dinners. The atmosphere is relaxed and predictable, especially in mall and business district locations.
The food focuses on familiar comfort options, including breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, and Kenyan coffee. It is not experimental, but it is consistent, which explains why it continues to attract a wide range of diners across the city.
Good to know:
Best for breakfast meetings, solo work sessions, and casual lunches. Expect mid-range café pricing and a menu that works well for mixed groups.
2. Nyama Mama
Nyama Mama presents Kenyan food in a modern setting while keeping flavours recognisable. The décor is colourful and energetic, and the menu draws inspiration from different regions of the country. Dishes are designed for sharing, making it a popular choice for group dining.
Although the presentation is contemporary, the ingredients and flavour profiles remain grounded in local cooking. It bridges the gap between traditional Kenyan food and a more social, urban dining style.
Good to know:
Best for groups and visitors looking to try Kenyan dishes in a relaxed, central location. Evening hours are busiest, especially on weekends.
3. Hero Restaurant
Hero Restaurant offers a refined Pan-Asian dining experience, with a strong Japanese influence. The space is calm and intimate, which contrasts sharply with Nairobi’s pace outside. The menu includes sushi, small plates, and mains that prioritise balance and presentation.
This is not a place for rushed meals. Service is measured, and the setting encourages slower dining and conversation.
Good to know:
Best for quiet dinners and smaller groups. Prices are on the higher side, reflecting the ingredients and preparation style.
4. About Thyme
About Thyme has maintained its reputation as a reliable Westlands restaurant for many years. Set in a leafy location, it offers a quieter dining environment than most city-centre spots. The menu leans European, with a focus on pasta, seafood, and well-prepared meats.
The atmosphere feels established and comfortable rather than trendy. It attracts long-time regulars as well as people looking for a calm place to eat without distractions.
Good to know:
Best for long lunches, business dinners, and relaxed evenings. Outdoor seating is popular during dry weather.
5. INTI – A Nikkei Experience
INTI brings Nikkei cuisine to Nairobi, blending Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavours. The menu is carefully structured, with clean, deliberate dishes that emphasise freshness and balance. The dining room is polished and modern, suited to special occasions.
It is one of the more refined dining experiences in the city, both in pricing and execution.
Good to know:
Best for celebrations and planned dinners. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
6. Mama Oliech Restaurant
Mama Oliech is widely known for its fish, particularly tilapia. The restaurant focuses on simple, satisfying meals rather than atmosphere. Fish is served with ugali and traditional sides, prepared fresh and without unnecessary additions.
The space is often busy, reflecting its popularity with locals who know exactly what they are coming for.
Good to know:
Best for lunch or early dinner. Expect simple seating, quick turnover, and food that is meant to be eaten hot and shared.
7. Brew Bistro & Lounge
Brew Bistro & Lounge combines dining with a social bar setting. The menu covers comfort food such as burgers, grills, and sharing plates, paired with a strong drinks selection. The atmosphere becomes livelier as the day progresses, especially in the evening.
It suits informal gatherings and relaxed nights out rather than quiet meals.
Good to know:
Best for casual dinners and evening meet-ups. Noise levels increase at night, particularly on weekends.
8. Big Square
Big Square is a Kenyan fast-casual chain that focuses on burgers, wraps, and grilled meats. It is widely accessible, affordable, and designed for quick, filling meals. The menu is straightforward, which makes it popular with families and large groups.
It plays an important role in Nairobi’s everyday dining culture by offering consistency at a reasonable price.
Good to know:
Best for quick meals and group dining. Prices are lower than sit-down restaurants, with generous portions.
9. K1 Klub House (Restaurant & Café side)
During the day, the restaurant and café side of K1 Klub House feels open and unhurried. The menu includes breakfast items, light meals, and drinks, served in a spacious outdoor setting. It is a quiet contrast to the venue’s nightlife reputation.
Daytime dining here feels removed from the city’s usual pace.
Good to know:
Best visited during the day. Suitable for relaxed lunches, informal meetings, and long conversations.
10. Artcaffé
Artcaffé has become one of the most dependable cafés in Nairobi. It combines bakery items, coffee, and full meals in a polished but accessible environment. The menu is wide, making it easy to find something regardless of the time of day.
Its consistency across locations has helped it remain a staple for both locals and visitors.
Good to know:
Best for all-day dining, from breakfast to dinner. Works equally well for solo diners and small groups.
FAQs
Which areas are best for restaurants in Nairobi?
Westlands, Kilimani, and the CBD offer the widest range of dining options.
What time do people eat in Nairobi?
Lunch is usually between 1 pm and 2 pm. Dinner typically starts from 7 pm.
Is tipping expected in Nairobi restaurants?
Tipping is optional. Around ten percent is common in sit-down restaurants.
How much does it cost to eat out in Nairobi?
Casual meals cost about KSh 500 to 1,500. Mid-range restaurants range from KSh 2,000 to 3,500 per person.
What foods is Nairobi known for?
Nyama choma, ugali, tilapia, pilau, and Kenyan coffee are widely enjoyed.
Conclusion
Nairobi’s food culture is practical, diverse, and shaped by everyday habits rather than trends. Good places to eat are spread across different neighbourhoods, each offering a slightly different experience of the city.
Exploring where to eat in Nairobi often means moving beyond familiar routes and trying restaurants that reflect how people actually live and dine. The city rewards curiosity, especially at the table.
SnappyHour app shows you time-limited food and drink offers at Nairobi restaurants and cafés. It makes choosing where to eat simpler and more affordable.