Nairobi is full of surprises, and one of the things that completely caught me unawares is the restaurant scene—whatever you want to eat, you’ll find it here.
There are hundreds of seafood restaurants and dealers in Nairobi, and you will be spoilt for choice. However, the following establishments offer the best in the business.
In no particular order, the following are the best seafood restaurants in Nairobi.
Samaki Samaki Seafood and Jazz
“Samaki,” in Swahili, means fish. If a restaurant is going to call itself fish, it better rise to the occasion—and sure enough, Samaki Samaki does. If you’re exclusively looking for seafood, it’ll probably be the first restaurant anyone recommends in Nairobi.
Set to attract the urban Nairobian, Samaki Samaki restaurant is your go-to casual dining spot for authentic seafood dishes. There’s an outdoor seating area to bring in the mellow seaside vibes in the city, and Jazz music playing in the background makes for an unforgettable experience.
Menu: Tastey seafood (lobster, prawns, etc), pizza, pasta, cocktails and more.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $10-$20.
Location: 28 Othaya Road, Kileleshwa, Nairobi. Open: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 737 345 667.
Seven Seafood & Grill
Seven Seafood & Grill is undoubtedly Nairobi’s premier seafood restaurant and steakhouse. The establishment doesn’t aim to enrich your tastebuds – but ensures you never forget their dining experience.
Set at ABC Plaza in the Westlands area, Seven Seafood & Grill has invested in its dishes, cooking staff, ambiance, and, best of all, presentation. All its dishes are locally sourced from the Indian Ocean, guaranteeing freshness.
Meat lovers will have a ball with hand-selected cuts from the finest Kenyan beef producers. Add that to various cocktails, and you’ll keep coming back!
Menu: Oysters, lobsters, prawns, ocean fish, beef, and cocktails.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $15 – $25.
Location: ABC Place, Waiyaki Way, Westlands. Open: 11:00 am – 12:00 am.
Phone: (+254) 737 776 677. Email: reservations@experienceseven.com.
Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant & Cafè
Mawimbi is Swahili for Tide, but in Nairobi, it’s easily confused for one of the best restaurants that offer a spectacular romantic audience. It’s also one of the best spots in the city to enjoy authentic, freshly prepared seafood.
The award-winning Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant & Cafè is designed into four spaces, each with its own vibe, opulence, and class. Coupled with a world-class bar and artistic display of food, served in the most unconventionally appealing ways – this restaurant tops the list of best dinner spots in Nairobi City. It’s a tropical paradise in the city.
Menu: Pweza (Octopus), deep sea crab, prawns, tuna, sardines (assorted sea fish), tofu, cocktails, and assorted drinks.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $15 to $25.
Location: Longonot Place, Kijabe Street (Opposite Norfork Towers), Nairobi. Open: 6:00 am – 11:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 758 956 805. Email: info@mawimbirestaurant.com.
Greenview Restaurant
If you want to enjoy seafood on a budget in Nairobi – Greenview Restaurant is your ideal spot. Located in the central business district, this establishment is the perfect spot for seafood for Nairobians or tourists who don’t want to venture too far for some finger-licking seaside delicacies.
Greenview Restaurant’s signature fish fingers and french fries, artistically prepared and creatively served, are popular offerings.
PS: Thanks to its affordable pricing and uniquely prepared signature fish fingers and fries, this establishment gets crowded during lunch hours, 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m. During these times, service might be slow but friendly.
Menu: Assorted fish, fries, fresh juice, and soda.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $3 – $10.
Location: Tubman Road (Opposite Jamia Mall), Nairobi CBD. Open: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 20 224 3257.
The BigFish – Westlands
The BigFish – Westlands restaurant isn’t a seafood restaurant parsee. Still, it’s a worthy mention on this list thanks to its mouth-watering offerings from Lake Victoria (the world’s largest tropical lake). The spot is popular among Kenyans and offers the best for locally acquired fish from Africa’s great lake – and better yet, at an affordable price.
The fish at The BigFish—Westlands is served in a typical African fashion, with Ugali accompanied by local greens. The restaurant also prepares French fries and rice to accompany the fish, which can be roasted, deep fried, or served with stew.
Menu: Tilapia, Nile Perch, fries, Ugali, Rice, and fresh juice.
Average PP/Meal: $5 – $10.
Location: 26 Church Road, Westlands, Nairobi. Open: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 715 148 388.
For You Chinese Restaurant
Firstly, For You Chinese Restaurant is a highly recommended restaurant in Nairobi. It’s also a great spot to enjoy a wide range of seafood offerings in the city. Over the years, it has earned a reputation for being an affordable – yet high-value restaurant within the city’s limits.
Like most Chinese restaurants in Nairobi, For You, Chinese Restaurant has a great ambiance that is perfect for solos, romantic gatherings, and gatherings. There is plenty of space, including a playground, for diners and children to keep them entertained.
For You Chinese Restaurant Menu: Prawns, fish fingers, fish fillet, crabs, oysters, sardines, Prawns Fuyoung, Chicken, beef, noodles, tofu, and dumplings.
For you, the average cost of a Chinese restaurant PP/meal is $8 – $15.
Location: Gitanga Road, Lavington, Nairobi. Open: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 733 648 724.
Oyster Bay
Oyster Bay is a fancy restaurant hidden in the upmarket neighborhood of Kilimani. This establishment is popular with urban Nairobi residents and tourists. It is also a gem for diners looking to entice their taste buds with fresh, authentic seafood in the city.
You’ll love its indoor-outdoor ambiance and tropical-designed architecture, which will give you an experience worth visiting again. Oyster Bay is ideally a pub and restaurant, but over the years, seafood lovers have enjoyed its mouthwatering offerings.
During the day, you’ll enjoy the mellow vibes, good food, and birds chirping, but at night, put on some fresh draws and get acquainted with Nairobi’s hot playlist.
Menu: Seafood, beef, cocktails, and assorted drinks.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $15 – $20.
Location: Kilungi Road, Kilimani, Nairobi. Open: 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 011 404 8934.
Mercado – Mexican Kitchen and Bar
Well, if you love Mexican food in Nairobi and want to indulge your taste buds with some seafood, you’ll need to check out Mercado – Mexican Kitchen and Bar. This establishment is popular for its diverse culinary offerings, prepared and served with a modern twist.
The kitchen staff – from Mexico City abides by a curated menu that combines traditional cooking methods and a modern twist enough to explode your tasting sensations.
The ambiance, food presentation, and mellow music are enough to get you coming back for more. Mercado – Mexican Kitchen and Bar’s extensive menu doesn’t just offer Mexican and local delicacies but dishes from all over the world – but with a Mexican twist.
The menu includes shrimp, Snapper, Grilled Cod, Tiger Prawns, Jalapeno, Chicken, Grilled Steak, Pork Pibil, Tamales, Fajitas, Burritos, and more.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $20 – $35.
Location: Kenrail Towers, Terrace Floor, Westlands, Nairobi. Open: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm.
Contact: (+254) 0700 245 795.