5 Best Restaurants for Tourists in Kenya

Dec 5, 2023

2 min read

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Culinary landscape of Kenya is a canvas full of different tastes and cultural accents. The five must-visit restaurants provide an avenue for those seeking gastronomic adventures to experience Kenyan Cuisine in its totality.

1. Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi

A man holding a knife and a meat, representing the carnivorous dining experience at Nairobi's renowned Carnivore restaurant. — Chef at Carnivore restaurant

The famed Carnivore restaurant located deep inside Nairobi boasts of nothing but sheer meat meal in the world. Known to offer ‘the Beast of a Feast’, this renowned restaurant roasts meats such as game meat on Maassai swords. Carnivore is certainly a place to go for persons who love meat and would like an extraordinary dining environment with a fun ambiance.

Pro Tip: Get famished and get ready for Flesh Fest.

2. Talisman - Karen, Nairobi

Located in the quiet Karen enclave of Nairobi, Talisman is a picturesque restaurant that offers a unique blend of art, music and great food. Inspirations taken from world dishes are incorporated in a wide variety of local sourced food items that constitute the menus. It is quiet, it boasts an interesting collection of menu items, and has made a good choice of meal location for people who want to enjoy a mellow dining experience.

Pro Tip: For a peaceful outdoor setting, try their al fresco option.

3. Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant – Diani Beach

1. A restaurant nestled in a stone cave, offering a unique dining experience. Located at Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant on Diani Beach. — Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant on Diani Beach

If you are looking for a completely exclusive and different dining experience, go to Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant on Diani Beach. Located in a naturally occurring coral cave, this restaurant creates the perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner. It is a mix of swahili food, seafood and you can taste it in a star cellar.

Pro Tip: Advance booking is advisable for this romantic cave lounge bar.

4. The Tamarind - Mombasa

Situated on the beautiful waterside of Mombasa is the Tamarind which is renowned as a heaven of sea food. This is a restaurant that has a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean and serves a wide range of Swahili and international mixed dishes comprised of fresh seafood.

Pro Tip: A spicy seafood experience is guaranteed in this restaurant by trying out the signature dish, ‘Prawns Pili Pili.’ which are prawns made the Kenyan Swahili way.

5. About Thyme - Nairobi

A stylish table with purple cushions and lamps, creating an elegant atmosphere at About Thyme, a hidden gem in Nairobi's lush suburbs. — Cosy ambiance at About Thyme restaurant

About Thyme is a hidden gem found in the lush suburbs of Nairobi with an elegant atmosphere offering tasty meals. The menu is focused on the combination of international tastes coupled with local produce. Dining at about Thyme is more than just brunch/lunch.

Pro Tip: For a delightful outdoor dining atmosphere, visit the quaint lush gardens area.