Best African Restaurants in the Best Cities

Beer District

$ Westlands, 00100, Westlands, Nairobi

African International Casual Dining Fast Casual

Beer District is in the heart of Westlands, one of Nairobi’s most vibrant areas known for its dynamic nightlife and wide array of dining options. Its prime location near major landmarks like Sarit Centre and Westgate Mall makes it easily accessible for locals and tourists looking for a laid-back yet stylish venue to unwind. Whether you're in the area for business or leisure, Beer District is a convenient spot to grab a cold drink and enjoy great food in a lively setting. The atmosphere at Beer District is casual, upbeat, and welcoming, perfect for both after-work drinks and weekend social gatherings. The restaurant’s interior features an industrial-chic design with exposed brick walls, modern wooden furniture, and ambient lighting, creating a cosy yet contemporary vibe. Large windows allow plenty of natural light during the day, while the venue transforms into a vibrant bar atmosphere in the evening. Sometimes, when you eat some delicious, succulent, salty smoked pork belly, you feel like washing it down with an ice-cold fresh craft beer. Sometimes, well, a lot of the time, drinking a delicious beer can make you want to listen to some dope music. Some epic music has been known to spark a great time with friends, which can lead to one more beer, and, well, maybe we should try the mac and cheese balls. Some things in life are natural complements to each other. We think that great food, craft beer, and good music are one of life’s perfect combinations. Come check us out at The Beer District to see for yourself. We think you will agree.

Traventure Cafe

$ United Nations Crescent, 00100, Gigiri, Nairobi

African Cocktail Bar

Traventure Cafe is a vibrant and trendy coffee shop on the corner of 183 Gigiri Close and United Nations Crescent in Nairobi, Kenya. This cafe is the perfect spot to grab a coffee, catch up with friends, or relax and enjoy your favourite brew. The atmosphere at Traventure Cafe is cosy and inviting, with comfortable seating and a laid-back vibe. Whether you want to start your day with a hot latte or unwind in the afternoon with a refreshing iced coffee, this cafe has you covered. The menu features a variety of delicious coffee drinks and tasty pastries and snacks to satisfy your cravings. So next time you’re in the area, stop by Traventure Cafe for a coffee experience you won’t soon forget!

Beit é Selam

$ 4 Maua Cl, Nairobi, 00100, Westlands, Nairobi

African Casual Dining Premium Casual

Beit é Selam is conveniently located in Westlands, one of Nairobi’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan zones. Its central position makes it easy to access the surrounding business districts, shopping malls, and entertainment hubs like Sarit Centre and Westgate Mall. The restaurant’s strategic location makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists seeking a fine dining experience with a touch of Swahili culture and coastal heritage. The atmosphere at Beit é Selam is elegant and serene, evoking the charm and warmth of the Swahili culture with a modern, luxurious edge. The restaurant’s interior is decorated with tasteful Arabian and Swahili influences, including intricate wooden carvings, lanterns, and rich fabrics that create a calm, intimate environment. The dim lighting, soft music, and attentive service add to the sense of exclusivity and tranquillity, making it an ideal venue for romantic dinners, business lunches, or special celebrations. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor terrace provides a relaxing space with views of the bustling Westlands streets, making it perfect for those who enjoy dining al fresco in a stylish, sophisticated setting. Popular starters include sambusas (flaky pastries filled with spiced meats or vegetables), hummus platters, and prawn skewers with a blend of coastal spices. The main courses feature dishes such as Swahili biryani, grilled lamb, and tagines inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. The seafood dishes are particularly noteworthy, with options like grilled prawns, fish curry, and coconut-infused seafood stew reflecting the coastal origins of the cuisine.

Big Smoke

$ Karen Road, 00100, Karen, Nairobi

African International Casual Dining Family Style

Big Smoke is in Karen, one of Nairobi’s most affluent and leafy suburbs. Karen is known for its lush surroundings, beautiful homes, and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal location for a restaurant that offers a relaxing dining experience away from the city’s bustling core. Big Smoke is conveniently located near popular attractions like the Karen Blixen Museum and The Hub Karen Mall, making it a favourite for locals and tourists looking for a quality meal in an elegant yet casual setting. The atmosphere at Big Smoke is cosy and rustic, designed to reflect the authentic barbecue experience. The interior features wooden tables, industrial-style lighting, and earthy tones, giving it a warm and welcoming vibe. There’s an emphasis on creating a modern and unpretentious space, making it a comfortable spot for family dinners, casual outings with friends, or even relaxed business lunches. Popular menu items include beef brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs, and grilled chicken, all served with house-made sauces that add to the rich flavours. The sides are just as indulgent, with options like mac and cheese, coleslaw, cornbread, and sweet potato fries—perfect complements to the hearty meat dishes. For those looking for lighter options, Big Smoke also offers a variety of salads, grilled vegetable platters, and smoked fish options. Vegetarians aren’t left out, as the restaurant features some well-crafted plant-based options like grilled portobello mushrooms and barbecue-style vegetable skewers.

Chop House Nairobi

$ Radisson Blu Hotel, Elgon Rd, Nairobi, 00100, Upper Hill, Nairobi

African Mediterranean Asian Fine dining Elegant & Chic

Chop House is situated in the fast-growing Upper Hill district, one of Nairobi's vital commercial hubs, known for its mix of corporate offices, international organizations, and high-end hotels. The restaurant is located within the Radisson Blu Hotel, making it a convenient dining option for business travellers, expatriates, and locals. Its prime location offers easy access from nearby business centres and residential areas, providing an ideal spot for business lunches, corporate dinners, or special celebrations. The Chophouse Restaurant presents an inventive culinary experience that weaves together a fusion of Kenyan, Asian and Mediterranean Haute Cuisine. Our new menu masterfully elevates beloved grilled meat dishes to an unmatched level on the Continent, with in-house ageing of meats up to 72 days. Each dish is designed with a poetic flair that pays homage to the elegance of Haute Cuisine, drawing from the techniques of esteemed chefs worldwide. We are delighted to offer this bold new dining experience in Nairobi. The starter's menu features options like beef carpaccio, baked camembert, and seafood platters, offering a sophisticated introduction to the meal. For mains, the star attraction is the restaurant’s selection of steaks, including cuts like fillet mignon, rib-eye, sirloin, and T-bone, all cooked to perfection and served with gourmet sauces and sides. Guests can also enjoy grilled lamb chops, pork ribs, and spatchcock chicken, all prepared with careful attention to flavour and presentation. Seafood lovers will appreciate options like grilled lobster, seared scallops, and grilled prawns, while vegetarians can enjoy grilled vegetable platters, mushroom risotto, and fresh salads. Decadent desserts complement the menu, including chocolate fondant, creme brulee, and cheesecake.

Cotton Tree Eatery & Bar

$ 114 Thigiri Ln, Nairobi, 00100, Thigiri, Nairobi

African International Casual Dining Cocktail Bar

Cotton Tree Eatery & Bar is in the tranquil Thigiri neighbourhood, a quiet, leafy area not far from the bustling Gigiri and Muthaiga zones. Its location provides a peaceful retreat from the city’s busy districts while being easily accessible from key spots in Nairobi. Whether coming from a day of work or looking for a quiet weekend getaway, Cotton Tree’s serene location offers a refreshing dining experience. The atmosphere at Cotton Tree Eatery & Bar is warm, inviting, and full of charm. The décor blends modern design elements with natural, rustic touches, such as wooden accents, potted plants, and soft lighting. The open-plan layout creates a spacious yet intimate vibe, ideal for everything from casual lunches to intimate evening dinners. Popular starters include chicken wings, calamari, and bruschetta, all perfect for sharing or enjoying as a casual snack. The main menu features an array of hearty dishes, such as gourmet burgers, grilled steaks, and seafood platters. There are also more refined options like salmon fillet, lamb chops, and pasta dishes, offering something for everyone. Vegetarian options are also available, with dishes like grilled vegetable skewers, quinoa salads, and stir-fried tofu ensuring that there’s something for all dietary preferences. The dessert menu for those with a sweet tooth includes indulgent choices like chocolate brownies, cheesecake, and fruit parfaits.

Fez Restaurant - In Maa Hotel & Suites

$ Jabavu Rd, Nairobi, 00100, Yaya, Nairobi

African International Mediterranean Premium Casual

Fez Restaurant is conveniently located inside Maa Hotel & Suites, close to the famous Yaya Centre in the Yaya zone. It is a bustling area known for its mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Its central location makes it easily accessible to locals and visitors, especially those in the surrounding hotels and serviced apartments. The restaurant’s proximity to key business hubs and residential areas makes it a perfect spot for casual dining and special occasions. The atmosphere at Fez Restaurant is stylish and upscale, with a contemporary design that emphasizes comfort and luxury. The restaurant’s décor features sleek modern furnishings, soft lighting, and elegant accents that create a warm yet sophisticated ambience. The indoor dining area is spacious and tastefully decorated, ideal for romantic dinners, business lunches, or social gatherings. Popular starters include spicy chicken wings, calamari, and vegetable samosas, offering a delightful introduction to the meal. The main course menu features an array of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and pasta, with standout options like char-grilled lamb chops, pan-seared salmon, and grilled prawns. The restaurant also offers traditional African dishes with a modern twist, such as spiced nyama choma and East African pilau, providing an authentic taste of the region. The menu includes creative options for vegetarians, like grilled vegetable platters, stuffed peppers, and vegetable curries, ensuring that all guests have something to enjoy. The dessert menu is equally impressive, featuring indulgent choices like chocolate fondant, cheesecake, and fruit tarts.

The Artichoke

$$ United Nations Cresent, 00100, Gigiri, Nairobi

African Premium Casual

Nestled in one of Nairobi's vibrant neighbourhoods, The Artichoke is a culinary gem known for its creative blend of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and contemporary Kenyan flavours. The restaurant boasts a chic yet cosy ambience, with its decor emphasizing natural wood tones, earthy elements, and tasteful art pieces adorning the walls, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated dining atmosphere. The large windows allow natural light to flood in during the day, offering a serene space for a quiet lunch, while in the evening, the warm lighting sets the tone for a more intimate and cosy dinner. The menu is a delightful journey through fresh, seasonal ingredients, emphasising locally-sourced produce and sustainable practices. Signature dishes include grilled artichokes drizzled with a rich lemon-garlic aioli, freshly made pasta with wild mushrooms, and a hearty lamb tagine slow-cooked to perfection. Seafood lovers will also find an array of fresh fish dishes, from pan-seared red snapper to seafood paella bursting with flavours.

Soho

$$ Adlife Plaza, 00100, Yaya, Nairobi

African International Premium Casual

Soho Restaurant in Nairobi uses the finest organic ingredients and seasonally inspired produce to offer an exciting interpretation of classic dishes with a touch of progressive gastronomy. The daylight-flooded restaurant with its cutting-edge design, warm amber tones, private dining roundel and sublime terrace, is the perfect venue for an upscale business lunch, a get-together, of a romantic dinner for two. The result is an international and eclectic menu in an equally striking setting.

Hob House

$ Kinanda Road, 00100, Kitisuru, Nairobi

African Premium Casual

Hob House is in the leafy, serene Kitisuru neighbourhood, one of Nairobi’s most exclusive and tranquil residential areas. Its location provides an intimate, peaceful environment far from the city’s busy streets and easily accessible from nearby areas such as Gigiri and Westlands. This makes it a perfect destination for those looking to unwind in a peaceful environment or enjoy a quiet meal away from the bustling urban landscape. The atmosphere at Hob House is warm and inviting, with a boutique charm that reflects its status as both a restaurant and a guesthouse. The interior exudes comfort and homeliness, with rustic décor, soft lighting, and cosy seating arrangements that make guests feel right at home. The space is designed to encourage relaxation, with an open-plan layout that combines indoor and outdoor seating. Hob House is known for its farm-to-table philosophy, offering a menu highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally. The menu is designed to balance wholesome, nutritious options with international influences, focusing on clean, natural flavours. For breakfast and brunch, popular dishes include avocado toast, eggs benedict, and homemade granola, all served with fresh fruit and artisanal bread. The lunch and dinner menus feature a variety of dishes such as grilled chicken, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, and pasta, all made with a focus on simplicity and freshness.

COMO

$$$$ Riara Ridge, 00217, Tigoni

African Casual Dining

COMO is an upscale restaurant in the lush area of Tigoni, Kenya, offering a unique and immersive dining experience. Set amidst Tigoni’s tea plantations and scenic greenery, COMO provides guests with breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing meal away from the city. The restaurant serves a variety of contemporary dishes, blending international and Kenyan flavors, and is particularly popular for its brunches and lunches. The architecture and decor of COMO reflect a modern, rustic elegance that complements its natural surroundings.