By Isaac Blessings
Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is a diverse metropolis with people drawn from different backgrounds, races and culture. One thing that brings Kenyans together is food – it may be discussing a business plan over a cup of coffee, celebrating milestones, enjoying the delicious Nyama choma or catching up with friends over a glass of fine wine. From the local joints serving traditional cuisines to French restaurants, Japanese sushi and Brazilian churrascarias. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll definitely find it in this city. Here is a list of some of the best yet affordable restaurants in Nairobi.
Kindly note that this list is not in any particular order.
Mama Oliech Restaurant
Established in 2006, Mama Oliech is one of Kenya’s favorite and famous restaurants. It is best known for its large and fresh deep-fried lake fish from Lake Victoria. You can never go wrong if you order the fish with Ugali and Kachumbari on the side. It is a popular destination amongst hungry office employees in the neighborhood. The restaurant is run by the family of former football star and Gor Mahia forward Dennis Oliech after the matriarch- who was the Founder died. The restaurant made headlines when Facebook founder and one of the 10 richest people in the world, Mark Zuckerberg ate Ugali and Fish at the restaurant during his visit to Kenya. The restaurant also got the opportunity to prepare fish for Former USA president Barack Obama during his visit to his ancestral home. If you’re a fish lover, then I totally recommend this restaurant.
Location
It is located along Marcus Garvey road, Kilimani, Nairobi.
The restaurant has several other branches across the city.
Call 0701707070 for more information.
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Wasp And Sprout
This small Café has become extremely popular for its delicious food, friendly waiters and a comfortable and serene environment at pocket-friendly rates. Most people visit here to have some great food and drinks then enjoy a book for the next few hours since the restaurant is situated in a cool and relaxing neighbourhood. You can visit during breakfast or brunch and enjoy ricotta pancakes, eggs Benedict and Baked cakes.
Location
The restaurant is located in the leafy suburbs of Loresho, Nairobi.
Call 0702131286.
Chepchikoni Delicacies
Established in 2019 by 26 year old university graduate Hodiah Chepchirchir, the restaurant began as an online hotel where she cooked meals and delivered to people’s doorsteps. The restaurant has grown to become one of Kenya’s best restaurants in a span of just two years. Their slogan is Kenyan foods with an extra twist and their main goal is to provide exquisite meals at affordable rates. You can order a meal online from their website and they also provide catering services.
The restaurant is open every day from 7.00am to 8.00pm
Location
Lumumba Drive, Nairobi.
Call 0718840419
Email – chepchikoni@gmail.com
https://chepchikoni.com
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Mama Ashanti Restaurant
Kenyans have quickly come to appreciate West African cuisine and no other better place to get these meals other than Mama Ashanti. The restaurant mainly specializes in Ghanaian and Nigerian recipes. Kenyans flock to this restaurant to enjoy a taste of West Africa meals which is widely known for its spices and Chili-pepper. Some of the favorite meals available include pepe – a fiery goat soup, egusi – fish, fufu- west African ugali, jollof – rice and plantains both spiced and non-spiced.
Location
The restaurant is located at Muthangari Gardens Road, Nairobi.
Call 0736222324
Connect Coffee
Founded in September 2016, Connect coffee is a small café that specializes mainly in coffee brewing. It follows the coffee-making process to ensure that their customers get the best quality cup of coffee. The restaurant sources its coffee mainly from Kenya and Ethiopia. It uses the best coffee brewing methods – Chemex and Kalita Wave Drippers for pour-over coffee and Espro Presses for French press coffee. The restaurant also runs a coffee academy that was established in 2019 with the aim of empowering young generations in specialty coffee barista skills.
Location
The restaurant is located at The Riverfront, Nairobi.
Call 0708790480 for any queries
Website – connectcoffee.net
Nyama Mama Restaurant
Nyama Mama is a relaxing spot that serves delicious Kenyan and African cuisine. One thing that is quite notable is the interior décor – bright yellow sofas adorned with colorful kanga cushions, flashy metal lights and a container ship kitchen set. One of the favorite dishes available is the lentil dal accompanied with Chapati and a side of plantains or Kachumbari salad. Nyama mama is a 24 hour restaurant and mostly serves the clients enjoying drinks at the cocktail bar upstairs during the night.
Location
The restaurant is located at Delta towers, Westlands, Nairobi.
Call 0704567567
Artcafe
Artcafe is known for its exquisite meals and well brewed cup of coffee. The restaurant is located in a serene and calm environment with amazing ambiance and interesting interior décor. Some of the foods in the menu include freshly baked artisan bread, pastries, craft signature cocktails and nicely brewed Kenyan coffee. Most people visit there to enjoy a cup of coffee and snacks as they work on their laptops. It’s also a good place to conduct small business meetings.
The place is open from Monday to Sunday from 7.00am to 12.00am
Location
It is located at Village Market, Nairobi.
Call 0712143839 or 0709828282 for any inquiries.
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Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant
Mawimbi sea food just as the name suggests is a restaurant specialising in sea food. The restaurant is sectioned into 4 spaces, each giving a unique and relaxing feeling with the amazing art works on the walls and table. The joint has a good hospitality team, serving the mouthwatering ocean cuisines at pocket-friendly rates. If you’re a seafood lover then Mawimbi seafood is a place you should definitely try.
The restaurant operates from 8.00am to 11.00pm.
Location
It is located at Longonot Place, Kijabe street, Nairobi.
Call 0758956805.
Carnivore
Carnivore is best known for its nyama choma (barbecued meat). In 2003, the UK magazine –Restaurant named Carnivore as one of the 50 best restaurants in the world. It’s one of the few restaurants that offer wild meat such as ostrich and crocodile in their menu. It is usually busy and parked hosting events on weekends so the best day to visit would be on a weekday. You can also enjoy the amazing airport view as well as live music as you take your meal.
The restaurant is open every day from 8.00am to 11.00pm.
Location
Located along Langata road, Nairobi.
Call 0733611608
Mama Rocks At The Alchemist Bar
This restaurant is Nairobi’s first and best food truck. It is a unique and a one of a kind restaurant offering some of the best delicacies in Kenya. The ambiance, graffitis and the ever-smiling waitresses are simply the icing on the cake making Mama Rocks one of Kenya’s favorite restaurants. Some of the foods in the menu include burgers, chicken peri peri and Hawaiian pizza. If you love tasty fast foods, then I definitely recommend this restaurant.
It operates every day from 6.00am to 11.00pm
LOCATION.
The restaurant is located along Parklands Road, Westlands, Nairobi.
Call 0705801230
Website – www.mamarocksburgers.com
