Kenya is mostly known as a country rich with natural sights and blessed with lavish cultural heritage. However, a lot of people are somewhat ignorant to one of the nation’s biggest flexes – their cuisine. As the nation’s capital, Nairobi is the gastronomic breeding ground where flavors from all over the world converge to create a dining experience like no other. This cosmopolitan city is home to a thriving culinary scene, with fine dining restaurants that offer a tantalizing fusion of global cuisines and local African influences.
Whatever tickles your fancy, from chic urban eateries to elegant restaurants, the best fine dining establishments in Nairobi are more than equipped to tantalize your palates. Join us in uncovering the crème de la crème of Nairobi’s dining destinations.
Chophouse
Unarguably one of the best fine dining restaurants in Nairobi, Chophouse sets the standard while others follow. The restaurant is located at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Upper Hill Nairobi and has some of the best reviews we have ever seen in the fine dining scene. The atmosphere sets the mood, with the environment screaming sophistication with the soft lighting and deluxe décor.
Chophouse prides itself in its inventive culinary experience that is an artful combination of Mediterranean, Kenyan, and Asian cuisine. Their food portions are more than generous and presented creatively, to not only appeal to your taste buds, but your sights as well. Apart from the food and impressive atmosphere, some of the other things we’re sure you will absolutely appreciate is their impeccable wait staff and welcoming hostesses. Their wine selection is also remarkable, with a variety of options you can pair with your food.
Tatu
At Tatu, culinary excellence meets sophisticated ambiance. Tatu is absolutely beautiful, with a setting that invites you in and keeps you feeling warm and expectant. The restaurant is tastefully furnished and set up in such a way that screams affluence. But good thing their chic set up is not all that is working for them.
Tatu’s menu is a masterful showcase of modern African cuisine that celebrates the rich diversity of flavors and ingredients that make up this continent’s culinary heritage. If you’re worried about being served small, mediocre portions, then don’t fret. Tatu does not serve you bite-sized meals but huge portions in all courses. Their staff is known to be knowledgeable and friendly, so if perchance you can’t decide what to order, they will guide you towards choosing what will satisfy you in every respect.
Pot of Jollof Kitchen
Located on the first floor of the Maralal Oasis on Argwings Kodhek road, this restaurant is ranked as one of the best Nigerian restaurants in Nairobi for their tastefully prepared dishes. For Nigerians living in Nairobi, or tourists vacationing from Nigeria and want a taste of home, Pot of Jollof is the best place to have your appetite quelled. The owner has been known to claim that 70% of their ingredients are sourced and imported from Nigeria to maintain the “Nigerianess” of the dishes.
Aside from the impeccable taste of the dishes in Pot of Jollof, the ambiance screams comfort and coziness. So far, they serve everything from jollof rice, fried rice, to beans. They also offer local Nigerian soups like egusi, okro, vegetable soup, pepper soup, etc. And after a healthy Nigerian meal, you can step it all down with their delicious pastries such as puff puff sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Talisman
Talisman is one of the highly rated restaurants in Nairobi, and for good reason. The restaurant is tucked away in the suburbs of the city, housed in a beautifully restored colonial-era home. At first visit, you will easily notice that the establishment exudes an air of sophistication and charm that perfectly complements its exquisite cuisine. Walking through the doors, you’ll be enveloped in a warm, inviting ambiance, with white-clothed tables adorned with flickering candlelight and the soft strains of jazz music filling the air.
Talisman’s menu is a brilliant blend of European and African flavours, created with the best locally available ingredients and executed with precision and grace. Begin your culinary journey with pan-seared foie gras, a luxurious treat that pairs nicely with the sweetness of a quince compote and the crunch of toasted brioche. For your main course, choose the luscious grilled ostrich fillet, an homage to the restaurant’s African roots, which comes with a rich red wine demi-glace and a medley of roasted root vegetables.
Lucca
As you step into Lucca, you’ll be transported to the heart of Italy, where the aromas of freshly baked bread and simmering tomato sauces waft through the air. The restaurant is a cozy one located in the Westlands neighbourhood. It exudes warm and inviting ambiance that perfectly complements its authentic Italian cuisine. Once inside, you’ll be enveloped by the rustic charm of exposed brick walls adorned with vintage wine bottles and Italian art.
Lucca’s menu is a celebration of traditional Italian flavors that was meticulously crafted with the freshest ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. If you want your mind blown, you should try their burrata caprese which combines creamy burrata cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, drizzled with rich extra virgin olive oil. Another highly celebrated meal is the gnocchi alla Sorrentina.
Tamarind
You haven’t begun your exploration if you don’t pay a well-deserved visit to Tamarind. This restaurant has gained a reputation as one of the city’s most innovation and exciting dining destinations. Tamarind is a feast for the sense, not only for your taste buds, but also your sight. One of the best things that sets the mood for a fine dining experience is the environment, and Tamarind with its stylish interior and al fresco dining area, has that covered. And of course, their blend of traditional Kenyan and global flavor is an even better treat.
Their menu is quite impressive; however, we will suggest you start off your meal with their tuna tartare, delightful medley of fresh yellowfin tuna, avocado, and a zingy citrus dressing, served with crispy plantain chips. Then move on to the main course by ordering the slow-braised lamb shank, which is a melt-in-your-mouth delight infused with the rich aromas of Swahili spices and served atop a creamy polenta. For dessert, treat yourself to the decadent chocolate fondant, a pleasure we think is perfect for ending a delicious 3-course meal.
Conclusion
As you start off on this journey to exploring Nairobi’s finest dining establishments, remember that the true essence of fine dining does not only lie in the superb flavors but also in the overall experience. Every aspect of the restaurants listed in this guide contributes to a truly unforgettable culinary adventure, that is, from the impeccable service to the elegant ambiance and the artistry of each dish.
And to ensure that your financial transactions are as smooth as the dining experience itself, consider partnering with Hizo. With Hizo, you can effortlessly transfer funds, make payments, and manage your finances with ease, freeing you to fully enjoy the culinary delights that Nairobi has to offer.
So, gather your appetite, your sense of adventure, and your appreciation for the finer things in life, and let the flavors of Nairobi’s finest dining establishments transport you to a world of culinary delight. Bon appétit!
