Looking for the best Somali restaurants in Nairobi CBD? Check out these top spots serving amazing food at prices that won’t hurt your wallet. Authentic flavors, great value, and always Halal – it’s no wonder Nairobians keep coming back for more!
A Quick Summary of The Somali Cusine Explained
Somali cuisine? Probably top among African cuisines, if you ask me. Most people love Ethiopian but I prefer Somali: They cook with love—or maybe just a lot of time—because of their meats? Tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness. And their other dishes? Rich, flavorful, and leagues above your average Kenyan meal.
Also Read: The 17 Popular Kenyan Food Dishes Explained
It’s a real melting pot, too. You’ve got influences from Persia, Italy, and even a dash of India blended with traditional Somali cooking. So don’t be shocked when you see spaghetti as a staple. Thanks to that little stint under Italian colonization, it’s made itself right at home.
Somalis are unapologetic carnivores, which works for me because, well, so am I. I can’t even think of many vegetarian dishes—they’re all about the meat. And rice, of course. Lots of it spiced up with turmeric for that signature golden orange color, plus generous helpings of cumin, coriander, and cardamom in just about everything.
Oh, and they eat with their hands. Even spaghetti. Even rice. Sure, you’ll find cutlery at restaurants, but it’s more of a courtesy.
The quirkiest part of Somali food? Pancakes with stew for breakfast. And the banana. Yes, they serve a banana with everything—like a sidekick to your spaghetti and stew. And no, it’s not dessert. You actually take a bite of banana, spaghetti, and stew together. It’s… different, let’s just say that.
The Appeal of Somali Restaurants in Nairobi CBD
It’s no surprise that when people vote for the best restaurants in Nairobi CBD, without specifically saying “Somali restaurants,” a solid 3 of 5 will inevitably be Somali.
The math is simple: Nairobians love them. And no, the majority aren’t even Somali. It’s because they serve up quality food at prices that make you question what the other restaurants are even charging for. Good food at reasonable prices: Who wouldn’t love that?
Honestly, even when I’m not specifically craving Somali food if I’m hungry in the CBD, that’s where I’ll end up. They’re that good. I’ve never had a bad meal or felt like I overpaid for anything, which is why these places are always packed—even when it’s not lunchtime.
Since almost all Somalis are Muslim, Somali restaurants in Nairobi are, by default, Halal. That means no pork, no alcohol, and the meat is prepared according to Islamic guidelines. So, devout Muslims can rest easy knowing their meal is Halal. But fun fact, most of the patrons? Yeah, not Muslim. We non-Muslims love these spots just as much.
Speaking of Halal other Halal restaurants, (that are not Somali restaurants) in CBD include CJs and Big Knife
Now, let’s clear something up. There’s a difference between a “Somali restaurant” and a “Somali-owned restaurant.” Take CJs, for instance. Yes, it’s Somali-owned and Halal, but you won’t find it dishing out Somali food. In fact, I don’t think there’s a single Somali dish on the menu. So, for actual Somali food in the CBD, here’s where you should go…
4. Beirut
Beirut is not very well known but it is opposite Jamia Mosque, also it’s not very well rated so I’ll advise you to make this your last option, it’s a little on the expensive side of things, but it was worth a mention
3. Pronto
Pronto Restaurant has four branches in Nairobi’s CBD, with a typical budget ranging from as low as Ksh 500 up to Ksh 1500 per person—it’s tough to spend more than that.
You’ll find them at:
- City Hall
- Standard Street
- Kimathi Street
- Aga Khan Walk
Their standout dish is goat, prepared in traditional Somali style, with generous portions that’ll leave you satisfied. You can also try unique offerings like camel meat and camel milk tea, with goat dishes reigning supreme. Plus, they offer more space than most restaurants in the CBD.
2. Al Yusra
They are famous for serving sharing platters the one shown for isntance serves 4 people and goes for just KSh 900! Unlike other Somali restaurants in this post with several locations in CBD, Al Yusra currently has one in CBD (Banda St.) and the other branch is in Eastleigh.
What shines here is their Biryani, if you just want one dish it’s that, other options are Somali classics and they are mostly goat meats. They also have an Indian menu but I wouldn’t recommend ordering that from here, dedicated Indian restaurants just do it better
They also have camel milk, and camel meat which are almost exotics you can’t get just about anywhere, but Somali restaurants. There are also local African dishes here. However, Al Yusra is slightly expensive compared (esp for Somali dishes) to other Somali restaurants but the food is really good
1. Kilimanjaro Jamia
Kilimanjaro Jamia: the crown jewel of Nairobi’s CBD, not just a notable Somali spot. It offers decent food at reasonable prices—though the service might be about as average as you’d expect from a budget joint. If you’re seeking fine dining service, you might want to adjust your expectations.
While other Somali eateries serve the usual fare with a Somali twist, Kilimanjaro goes the extra mile with a menu packed full of authentic dishes like suqaar and isbeeso, among seven others. It’s like the best of the bunch, not that the competition is particularly fierce. Plus, it’s the most popular choice, which says something—or maybe just means people like a crowd.
Read my full review: Kilimanjaro Jamia: 2024 Menu, Pricing, & Review
As for fine-dining Somali restaurant, you should check Ayeyo Restaurant in Kilimani
