Nairobi is the commercial hub for East and Central Africa. LonelyPlanet recently named it a go-to destination for 2024. As you’d expect, this East African city is buzzing with top-of-the-range African dishes from all over the continent.
I’ve had the privilege of sampling some amazing African restaurants in Nairobi and compiled the following list. The following establishment offered authentic African foods in villages away from the city. Africans living in Nairobi will have a spark of nostalgia once these delicacies hit their taste buds.
Amaica Restaurant
You don’t have to venture into the informal sections of the city to enjoy some African delicacies and cuisine. Amaica Restaurant, nestled in the upscale Westlands neighborhood of Nairobi, offers a rare opportunity to enjoy African food in a formal setting.
While most restaurants offer Ugali, Beef, Matoke, and local vegetables and claim to be authentic African restaurants, Amaica Restaurant goes a step further into the typical cultural African kitchen, preparing some endangered indigenous delicacies, including wild mushrooms, groundnut sauce, white ants (Kumbekumbe or tsitswa), bambara nuts, and a variety of local indigenous Kenyan vegetables (Kienyeji).
To get rich, tender, and authentic tastes, Amaica Restaurant cooks their dishes the traditional way: smoked and tenderized with local herbs and spices. This restaurant has a rich menu with foods from the coastal region down to the shores of Lake Turkana.
Menu: Local Kenyan dishes prepared traditionally using local herbs and seasoning for an authentic nostalgic taste that will take you on a trip into a smokey African Kitchen.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $15 – $30.
Location: Along Peponi Road, Westlands, Nairobi. Open: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Phone: (+254) 716 687 248. Email: info@amaica.co.ke.
K’Osewe Ranalo Foods
If you are dying to taste authentic African food in the heart of Nairobi City – the most recommended and affordable location you’ll get referred to is K’Osewe Ranalo Foods. Due to its popularity, this establishment has opened a few outlets within Nairobi and even in Kisumu City.
This family-run restaurant mainly specializes in dishes popular in Western Kenya traditional Kitchens with the most popularly requested meal: Fish, Brown Ugali(millet), and local vegetables (Kienyeji). They also serve Chapati, Rice, Liver, Matumbo (fried beef gut), Matoke, Pilau, and Mokimo.
To add to the food and set the mood, K’Osewe Ranalo Foods also regularly hosts local music bands to play smooth tunes while you enjoy your meal. This establishment is a popular spot for rural folk to connect with their friends and family while in the city, reminiscing about good old times in the village.
Menu: Ugali (corn and millet), Plantain, Fish, Matumbo (beef intestines), liver, beef, rice, pilau, sweet potatoes, cassava, biriyani, local Kenyan greens (kienyeji), and mokimo among others.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $8-$15.
Location: Kimathi Street, Nairobi. Open 8:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 722 638 538. Email: kosewe@bwh.co.ke.
Al-Yusra Restaurant
If you’ve been itching to have some finger-licking halal food in Nairobi’s central business district, then Al-Yusra Restaurant is your perfect choice. This authentic African restaurant offers a mix of authentic Arabic, Ethiopian, and Somali delicacies and is popular among the Muslim community – since it is halal.
You’ll find everything from authentic Ethiopian Coffee to Pilau, Biriyani, Anjera, Pasta, Camel Soup, Camel Milk/Tea, Mushroom, Fish, Chapati, Naan, Beef, and Goat.
Suppose you can’t find your way to the central business district, or you feel it’ll be too chaotic. In that case, Al-Yusra Restaurant also has delivery services and will package and send their riders anywhere within the city limits.
Al-Yusra Restaurant Average Cost PP/Meal: $8-$15.
Location: Banda Street, Nairobi Central Business District. Open Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Phone: (+254) 712 012 012. Email: alyusrarestaurantltd@gmail.com.
Mama Ashanti
Everyone enjoys Mother’s food, and Mama Ashanti is the perfect definition of Mother’s food packaged in an African restaurant.
Mama Ashanti is a West African restaurant that mainly serves Nigerian and Ghanaian food. It also serves popular Kenyan and East African foods like Chapatti and Pilau.
According to Mama Ashanti, they aim to prepare every dish with love, expressing the West African culture. This establishment follows the mantra, “The way to happiness is through the stomach.”
They cook all their ingredients with fresh ingredients and bold spices, following recipes passed down through the generations.
The menu includes goat Pepper Soup, Beef and Chicken Suya, Ghanaian fish Light Soup, and Jollof Rice.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $10 – $15.
Location: Muthangari Gardens (Near Valley Arcade), The Waterfront Karen Branch, Kuwinda Langata, Nairobi. Open: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm.
Phone: +254 (0) 736 222 324 (Lavington). +254 (0) 755 222 324 (Waterfront Karen). Email: reservations@mamaashanti.co.ke.
Hot Dishes Restaurant (Old Mutual Building)
Not many restaurants survive the harsh Nairobi Central Business District—Hot Dishes Restaurant is a testament to its great service and customer satisfaction. This establishment has grown from a single location with 60 staff to four chains within Nairobi City.
Hot Dishes Restaurant believes in preparing fresh produce, and because of this, a typical day at their establishment begins at the fresh produce market. Its trademark is preparing quality authentic African dishes by the best chefs in the business.
Hot Dishes Restaurant boasts one of the few restaurants in Nairobi City that prepare their food using vegetable oil. They also ensure that all their cakes are decorated using genuine milk cream.
Menu: Chapati, Ugali, Githeri (Corn and Beans mix), Fish, Beef, Liver, Rice, Pilau, and Biriyani, among other African dishes.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $5-$15.
Location: Kimathi Street, Old Mutual Building. Open Monday through Friday, 6:00 am—to 9:00 pm, and weekends, 6:00 am—to 8:00 pm.
Phone: +(254) 782 333 333; 0782 333 444. Email: contact@hotdishes.co.ke.
Mama Oliech
If you ask anyone in Kenya or Silicon Valley what the best African restaurant in Nairobi is, they will say Mama Oliech. It’s not by chance that it is one of the most favorite African restaurants in East and Central Africa. Some renowned global figures who enjoyed scrumptious meals in the establishment have accredited it, including Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Idris Elba, who were quoted saying that it is his favorite African restaurant.
Mama Oliech Restaurant started from humble beginnings, serving residents, businessmen, and women in Dagoretti, Kenya. It was a typical makeshift Kenyan local restaurant operated by the mother of renowned footballer Dennis Oliech. It has since grown into a global phenomenon, still serving its top dishes—ugali and Tilapia.
The menu includes tilapia, Ugali (Corn or Millet), local greens (kienyeji), Chappati, Fries, Rice, and Matoke.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $10-$20.
Location: Marcus Garvey Road, Nairobi. Open: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Contact: (+254) 701 707 070. Email: mamaoliechrestaurant@gmail.com.
The Golden Stool Kitchen and Bar
For some strange reason, West Africans love Kenya, and to show their appreciation for the East African country’s hospitality, they brought a couple of special gems to fill their stomachs – one of them is The Golden Stool Kitchen and Bar.
The Golden Stool Kitchen and Bar is a taste of West Africa in East African soil. According to the management, this establishment is the definition of true West African culture and cuisine.
I’ll admit, unlike many Kenyan African restaurants offering authentic traditional food in a modern setting, The Golden Stool Kitchen and Bar goes a step further and gives you the vibe and ambiance you’d expect to feel walking into a restaurant in Accra or Abuja.
With their signature Jollof Rice, this restaurant prepares every dish to tell a story.
The menu includes signature Jollof Rice, Grilled Suya skewers, Egusi Soup, Pepper Soup, Okra Soup, Banku, Eba, and Fufu, among other delicacies.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $15 – $25.
Location: Village Market, Village Road, Nairobi. Open Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Phone: (+254) 714 118 112. Email: info info@goldenstoolkitchen.com.
Nyumbani Restaurant
Nyumbani is Swahili for “home.” when you first set foot at Nyumbani Restaurant, you’ll immediately feel at home thanks to its peaceful, serene garden and ambiance. This establishment is prominent for its amazing African delicacies and live African band music on themed occasions.
According to the establishment, their food and restaurants aim to evoke a feeling of comfort and satisfaction – just like home-cooked dishes prepared with love.
Nyumbani Restaurant is not just about offering African-style dishes – it prefers to prepare a diverse and delectable menu.
Most Kenyans are used to deep-fried fish, but Nyumbani Restaurant goes further to tease their taste buds with a signature perfectly roasted fish. There’s plenty of space, thanks to the lush 1/2 acre compound. This restaurant is perfect for any occasion: dinner, family gatherings, friends meet up, or even a romantic dinner.
The menu includes chapati, Plantain, Fries, Sautéed Potatoes, Rice, Fufu, Pondu, Ugali, Local greens, Filet Fish, Grilled Chicken, Roast Fish, Beef Fillet, BBQ Spare Ribs, and a Mixed Grilled Platter.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $8-$20.
Location: Diani Road, Nairobi. Open 10:00 am – 11:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 784 666301. Email: nyumbanirestaurant.co.ke.
Mama Nilishe
If you did not taste Swahili food at Mama Nilishe, you’ll truly have missed out on Kenyan African cuisine in Nairobi. Every Kenyan community believes its food is the best until they are served a plate of Pilau, Biriyani, or Chapati. Simply put, Kenyans love Swahili food—and I guarantee you will, too!
Swahili food has some influence from Arabic cuisine, partly due to the Swahili people’s location in the Coastal towns in Kenya. Their foods are spicey and full of character and aroma.
The Swahili People love to eat outside in the open and as a community, and as such, Mama Nilishe is also set in an outdoor dining area with an indoor section. Since it’s mainly outdoors, revelers can watch the chefs in action making their favorite delicacies.
Worthy Mention: Mama Nilishe is very affordable.
Mama Nilishe Menu: Chicken Biriyani, Mutton Biriyani, Fish Platter, Beef Pilau, Coconut Fish, Chapati with Coconut Beans, Beef Platter, Groundnut Matoke, Fried Swahili Matumbo, Chicken Tikka, Tambi, Nyama Kavu (Anti Theft), Kofta Curry, Sartuday Special Withdrawl Soup, Chicken Stew, Coconut Cassava, and Chicken Platter.
Mama Nilishe’s average cost PP/Meal is $5 – $15.
Location: Next to Yaya Center (Opposite Adlife Plaza), Kilimani, Nairobi. Open Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
Phone: (+254) 700 138 422.
Abyssinia Restaurant
Abyssinia Restaurant is an exotic Ethiopian African restaurant in Nairobi, Kenya. Nairobi is an East African hub, and as such, you won’t miss a taste of exotic Ethiopian food in the city. According to this establishment, their food is made with fresh ingredients to give an authentic Ethiopian experience.
According to Abyssinia Restaurant, they aim to offer affordable Ethiopian food in a welcoming setting, a true revelation of the Spirit of Ethiopia.
Abyssinia Restaurant has several outlets in Nairobi, which is a testament to its authenticity and experience serving the residents of Nairobi. Some branches include Westlands Branch, Maguga Green, off Brookside Groove and Waiyaki Way, and the most popular branch, Off Ring Road Kilimani, Opposite Yaya Center.
The menu includes hot and Spicy Meat and Chicken, Alicha, Sizzling Hot stir-fried beef, Lamb, Chicken, and Fish. Vegetarian Dishes and House Specialities include kitfo, Shiro, doro, and Paneer.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $8-$15.
Location: Ring Road Kilimani (Opposite Yaya Center), Nairobi. Open: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm.
Phone: +254 725 151 515 / +254 735 151 515. Email: abyssinia.restaurant@gmail.com.