Best African Restaurants in Kilimani

Maboneng is situated in the bustling Kilimani neighbourhood, one of Nairobi’s most cosmopolitan areas. Surrounded by shopping centres, offices, and residential developments, it’s conveniently located for both locals and visitors seeking a unique dining experience. The restaurant is close to famous landmarks like Yaya Centre, making it easily accessible and a popular spot for business lunches, casual meetups, or evening outings. The atmosphere at Maboneng is lively and artistic, reflecting the energy of its namesake district in South Africa. The interior features a mix of urban industrial design elements with colourful, modern African art and décor, creating a trendy yet relaxed setting. The open-plan layout and vibrant artwork on the walls give the space a creative, cultural vibe, perfect for socializing and enjoying the innovative fusion of food and drink. Maboneng’s menu is a fusion of African flavours with international influences, offering a diverse range of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. The menu emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and bold flavours, ensuring every dish is both exciting and flavorful. Starters include items like peri-peri chicken wings, spiced samosas, and boerewors sliders, giving guests a taste of both African street food and modern cuisine. For the main course, the menu features dishes like grilled lamb chops, prawn curry, and braised oxtail, all prepared with a contemporary twist on traditional African recipes.

Ayira's Neuro-Soul Café is a unique and trendy dining spot in the bustling Kilimani neighbourhood of Nairobi, Kenya. Known for its innovative fusion of soulful dining and a neuro-wellness philosophy, the café stands out as a culinary haven and a place for relaxation and mental well-being. It has become a favourite for those seeking a mindful, healthy lifestyle with delicious and comforting meals. Ayira's Neuro-Soul Café offers a tranquil and cosy atmosphere designed to calm the mind and nourish the soul. The décor blends earthy tones, natural materials, and warm lighting, creating a serene environment perfect for unwinding. The café has a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor area featuring a lush, garden-inspired setting. The intimate indoor space has cosy corners encouraging quiet reflection or casual conversations. Ayira's Neuro-Soul Café is dedicated to serving healthy, nourishing food that fuels the body and mind. The menu is a mix of soul food with a focus on mental well-being, offering a variety of dishes made from fresh, organic ingredients. The café caters to diverse dietary preferences, with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and plant-based options. Popular items on the menu include wholesome bowl meals like quinoa and roasted veggie bowls, avocado toast with various toppings, and hearty grain salads. The café is also known for its nutrient-rich smoothies, freshly made juices, and detox drinks designed to revitalize and refresh. The café offers soulful dishes like slow-cooked stews, healthy wraps, and creative versions of classic African dishes with a modern twist for those seeking comfort food. The café's selection of artisan coffee and teas includes herbal blends chosen explicitly for their calming or energizing properties, aligning with the café's neuro-wellness focus.

Oyster Bay is in Kilimani, one of Nairobi’s most lively and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods. The restaurant is conveniently located near crucial shopping centres like Yaya Centre and is easily accessible from the surrounding residential and commercial areas. Its central location makes it ideal for business lunches, romantic dinners, or casual get-togethers with friends, offering a serene escape from the city’s busy streets. The atmosphere at Oyster Bay is elegant yet relaxed, with a sophisticated coastal theme that reflects its seafood-centric menu. The interior features modern décor with nautical touches, soft blue tones, wooden accents, and comfortable seating, creating a warm and inviting ambience. Large windows allow natural light to flood the space during the day, while soft lighting in the evening adds to the intimate, upscale feel. Oyster Bay is celebrated for its focus on fresh seafood, offering a menu highlighting the best of the ocean with a fusion of international and local flavours. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing the freshest ingredients, ensuring every dish is flavorful and of the highest quality. Popular starters include oysters on the half shell, prawn tempura, and calamari, providing light and delicious options to begin the meal. For mains, the menu features a wide selection of seafood dishes, including grilled lobster, pan-seared salmon, seafood pasta, and the signature seafood platter, which offers a generous serving of prawns, crab, lobster, and fish.

Karai Indian & Swahili Cuisine, situated in the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, is a culinary gem where the rich flavours of Indian cooking meet the unique tastes of East African Swahili cuisine. This fusion restaurant has quickly carved out a niche by offering an inventive menu that bridges two diverse culinary worlds, appealing to adventurous diners and traditionalists alike. Located in a bustling area of Nairobi, Karai boasts a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The decor blends Indian and Swahili aesthetics, featuring intricate Indian tapestries and traditional arts and crafts. The interior is cosy and sophisticated, making it an ideal spot for casual lunches, family dinners, or special occasions. The menu at Karai is a thoughtful blend of Indian and Swahili dishes, each prepared with authentic spices and ingredients that represent the culinary traditions of both cultures. Diners can enjoy classic Indian favourites such as biryanis, samosas, and tandoori chicken alongside Swahili staples like ugali, chapati, and nyama choma (grilled meat). Seafood, a common element in Swahili cuisine, is prominently featured in dishes like fish curry and prawn masala due to its coastal influence.

Tucked away in the heart of Nairobi's serene Lavington neighbourhood, Shamwaris Restaurant beckons with its inviting ambience and delectable cuisine. Located in the tranquil surroundings of Lavington, Shamwaris Restaurant offers a cozy and intimate dining experience. It is perfect for unwinding after a long day or celebrating special moments with loved ones. Step into our welcoming space, where contemporary décor meets traditional African touches, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and relaxed. Prepare to indulge your senses with our menu, thoughtfully crafted to showcase the vibrant flavours of Kenyan and international cuisine. From succulent grilled meats to fresh seafood delicacies and flavorful vegetarian options, each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, using only the finest locally sourced ingredients. Savour the essence of Kenyan hospitality as you enjoy our signature dishes, such as the mouthwatering Nyama Choma platter or the aromatic Swahili fish curry. Pair your meal with a selection from our curated wine list, or choose from our range of handcrafted cocktails for the perfect accompaniment to your dining experience.

Habesha Restaurant is located on Argwings Kodhek on the right-hand side before the intersection with Elgeyo Marakwet. Habesha is a favourite among Ethiopian cuisine enthusiasts. Renowned for its Authenticity in Ethiopian cuisine, Habesha restaurant, located on Arwings Kodhek Road Hurlingham, has been winning legions of fans in the city. Recently voted the Best Value for Money Restaurant at the inaugural Taste Awards, it reiterated its popularity among Nairobian resident foodies. Habesha offers a wide array of traditional, hearty Ethiopian cuisine in a rustic and homely atmosphere. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is one of the most enjoyable events you can participate in at Habesha; Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. The coffee is taken through its entire life cycle of preparation in front of you ceremonially. Coffee is called ‘Bunna’ (boo-na) by the Ethiopians.

Ankole Grill is named after the beautiful, ancient, iconic cattle breed of East Africa, the Ankole Watusi, aspiring to bring you a unique African steakhouse experience! A place where a steak house meets a West African cookshop. A place where Swahili coconut curry meets a bone-in ribeye steak grilled to perfection. Ankole Grill Kitisuru Fuses familiar Steakhouse classics with African-inspired flavours from around the continent. Named after the iconic cattle breed of East Africa, the Ankole Watusi, we aspire to bring you a unique African steakhouse experience. Ankole Grill Kitisuru has outdoor seating, a covered patio, and an open fireplace—perfect for sipping one of our signature cocktails. This restaurant is located in Nairobi.