Located within the Parklands Shade hotel, this is a club and a sports bar jam-packed with pool tables, a restaurant, and a disco all rolled into one. In short, there is eveything you could need for a great evening out plus entry is free. The white decor reflects the rather laid-back feel of the place. Not that it's quiet. Fun-lovers dance till the wee hours to loud rock music. The food is nothing to rave about: a steak or burger is as about as exotic as you will get here but the fully-stocked bar makes up for this. This is a nice spot to celebrate week's end.
Established in 1962, this is one of the city's oldest and finest. This small bistro offers excellent food with a touch of humour. Look out for Mr Bobbé's witticisms on the handwritten menus. Small and intimate, this is the perfect spot for a romantic meal. It's an odd but endearing combination of camp (just look at that poodle logo) and class. A favourite with discerning expats so book in advance to avoid disappointment. The fabulous French fare includes soups, salads, seafood and even sheep's brains! The tasty and filling soups are very highly recommended. Unfortunately, it is a bit on the pricey side with an average meal costing around KSh 1200. Budget diners should take advantage of the cheaper lunchtime menu.
Located on a balcony next to a cinema, this restaurant is thriving with activity. It can be quite noisy at times so it is not the place to go if you want to relax. Loud African music creates a pleasantly jolly atmosphere, and all meals are cooked according to local tradition, with cow ghee, coconut oil and traditional vegetables. Main dishes are reasonable value at USD2.50 and include traditional mix grill, fish stewed in coconut and spare ribs. The well-stocked bar offers beers, spirits (USD1 per shot) and wine.
This traditional Indian restaurant offers some taste bud tingling dishes. Meals are not cheap but it is a terrific place to go if you want to treat yourself or someone special. Reservations are a must. Traditional Indian decor is offered—there are no surprises here. It is always bustling with activity thanks to its excellent reputation. The restaurant specializes in authentic North Indian (Punjab) and Rajasthan cuisine, and it is well known for offering some of the best masala dishes in the city. Expect to pay around USD8 for a main course.
One of Nairobi's best known Italian eateries, the Trattoria offers superb cuisine and a wonderful atmosphere - but at a price. The calming colour scheme of light green seems rather out of place in a restaurant that has such a chaotic atmosphere. A great place to soak up an authentic Italian atmosphere. Pizza, pasta, pork, lamb, seafood - the choice is a difficult one. The pasta and pizza dishes (KSh 400) are particularly delicious and a firm favourite with regulars. If you go in the evening, expect to pay around KSh 1000 per person for an à la carte meal.
A good spot for a quick bite, the Tin Tin is justifiably famous for its good value buffet lunches (KSh 500). Thanks to its location close to Nairobi's business district, the Tin Tin is particularly popular with local office workers. The atmosphere is peaceful if not a little subdued at times. The menu is quite varied with everything from seafood to steak, but expect to pay around KSh 750 for a main course. Opt instead for the buffet, as à la carte is very expensive for what you get. Licenced.
With branches dotted all over the globe, this is not for those who want a unique dining experience. Still, it offers a wide choice of fast food that can be eaten in or taken away. A favourite rendezvous for the young, this is definitely to be avoided if you want some peace and quiet.
You could eat three meals each day here if you wish. For breakfast, why not try egg, sausage and tea or - if you've got a heartier appetite - choose the bumper option which is a hamburger with a portion of chips, beans, a fried egg or omelette. For lunch, there's the steak, the special grill or the American grill. Soft drinks cost KSh 40. If you can put up with the hooting cars outside and the haggling hawkers, this is a clean and pleasant venue for a quick bite to eat.
Situated in the very heart of the city centre, the Red Bull is ideal for either a quick bite or a three course meal. The varied menu ensures that there is something for all tastes, whether you are a meat-lover or a vegetarian. Classy furnishings and soft music have given a new lease of life to this once rather dated theme restaurant. Take your pick from seafood, steaks or game meat. The roast beef is particularly mouth-watering. There is also a good selection of tasty vegetarian dishes. Main courses usually cost around KSh 200. A favourite with locals and tourists alike.
Located next to the historical Jevanjee Gardens, this fast food joint is a favourite with locals who relish its grilled and roasted chicken. The interior is light, airy and always jam-packed with hungry tourists and locals. It's so busy that you may have difficulty actually finding a seat. Roasted or grilled chicken is served with French fries and a choice of sauces. Very filling, very tasty and very cheap with most meals costing only KSh 150. Unlicenced.
Located within the Parklands Shade hotel, this is a club and a sports bar jam-packed with pool tables, a restaurant, and a disco all rolled into one. In short, there is eveything you could need for a great evening out plus entry is free. The white decor reflects the rather laid-back feel of the place. Not that it's quiet. Fun-lovers dance till the wee hours to loud rock music. The food is nothing to rave about: a steak or burger is as about as exotic as you will get here but the fully-stocked bar makes up for this. This is a nice spot to celebrate week's end.
Established in 1962, this is one of the city's oldest and finest. This small bistro offers excellent food with a touch of humour. Look out for Mr Bobbé's witticisms on the handwritten menus. Small and intimate, this is the perfect spot for a romantic meal. It's an odd but endearing combination of camp (just look at that poodle logo) and class. A favourite with discerning expats so book in advance to avoid disappointment. The fabulous French fare includes soups, salads, seafood and even sheep's brains! The tasty and filling soups are very highly recommended. Unfortunately, it is a bit on the pricey side with an average meal costing around KSh 1200. Budget diners should take advantage of the cheaper lunchtime menu.
An essential stop on the safari trail, this hugely popular restaurant was set up by the owners of the Tamarind. Don't be put off by the name - vegetarians are, in fact, very welcome here! There is always a lively atmosphere thanks to the busloads of tourists. The main feature here is the huge charcoal pit where you can watch the meat of your choice being grilled. If you are in the mood for a hearty and satisfying meal, this is most definitely the place for you. Waiters carve off hunks of ostrich, crocodile, zebra, warthog and wildebeest until you tell them to stop. For KSh 985, you can get as much meat as you can eat plus a coffee and dessert. Vegetarians need not despair: there is a very good non-meat buffet.