The last day of 2024—what a ride. For some of you, it’s clear this was your “worst year ever” (again), and honestly, it shows. But hey, it wasn’t all bad. Among the sea of Nairobi restaurants that specialize in being Instagrammable but forgetting to serve good food, a few places actually stood out, and we are appreciating those in this post
Out of the 20+ places I reviewed this year, I have 3 as my top recommendations—basically, the only ones I’d willingly return to without having a gun on my head.
This shortlist has something for everyone: one fancy spot, one budget-friendly pick, and a solid buffet option. So, whatever restaurant you want, I have you taken care of; No need to thank me.
3. Crave-Kilimani
Budget Per Person: KSh 1,500+
Wondering what the vibe at Crave is? Think CJ’s. Yeah, they give off the same energy, though I can’t quite put my finger on all the reasons why. Maybe it’s because they’re both Halal and easy on the wallet.
And let’s be real—being compared to CJ’s is already high praise. I mean, who doesn’t love CJ’s? If someone claims they don’t, chances are they’re the wildcard in whatever drama they claim went down.
Anyway, Crave takes my top spot for an affordable restaurant. It’s one of the rare places in Nairobi that spends more on making great food than on over-the-top ambiance.
That doesn’t mean it’s a dump—it’s clean, neat, and delightfully minimalist. Don’t just take my word for it; check the link below for my full review.
Crave Restaurant in Kilimani-Nairobi; Menu, Prices,Photos & Review
Here’s the TL;DR: You can spend under 2K per person, including drinks. The food? Consistently good. The drinks? Also good. Desserts and pastries? Excellent. And the service? Way better than you’d expect at this price point.
Honestly, it’s almost perfect for its category. That’s it; that’s the review. But pls read the review so that I can get rent money 😉 ……or don’t.. idc 🙁
2. Barbeque Nation-Westlands
Budget Per Person: KSh 2,650
Barbeque Nation is technically an Indian restaurant, but let’s not kid ourselves—the buffet is the real deal here. Say “Barbeque Nation,” and all I can think of is their buffet, although they have a regular restaurant menu for single items too
Now, we all know buffets have a reputation for serving food that induces a two-day bathroom lockdown, but not this one. This is a classy buffet without the “classy” price tag. For just KSh 2,650, it’s all-you-can-eat heaven.
To put it in perspective, even big-name buffets like Fogo Gaucho charge KSh 3,000—and honestly, Barbeque Nation beats them hands down. The food here tastes too good for a buffet, and that’s coming from someone who’s been around several buffets in the city (I just fill my plate with bacon).
The most underwhelming I’ve experienced? some restaurant at Mövenpick. Seven years later, I’m still scarred by how bland it was.
If I had to recommend just one buffet, it’s Barbeque Nation. There’s a reason they have a 4.9-star rating on Google. Seriously, have you ever seen a restaurant with a rating that high? Yeah, me neither.
Read: Barbeque Nation Westlands; Menu, Pricing & Review
1. La Villa Italian-Kitisuru
Budget Per Person: KSh 3,500+
La Villa is hands down my favorite restaurant in Nairobi, and honestly, I don’t see it losing that crown anytime soon. Why? Because it ticks every box: incredible food, unmatched authenticity, stellar service, and a mature, comfy ambiance. Everything about this place just works—I don’t know how they do it, but they nail it every time.
If you’re as obsessed with Italian cuisine as I am, this will undoubtedly become your go-to restaurant. It’s perfect for date nights, unlike the previous two restaurants I mentioned (romance and a budget buffet? No thanks). That said, you’ll need a slightly bigger budget here—it’s a fancy restaurant with candlelit tables, after all.
I’ve tried most of the city’s popular Italian joints, and La Villa stands out by a mile. It’s the most authentic experience I’ve had—it’s like stepping into an episode from The Sopranos, if Artie Bucco’s restaurant got a fancy upgrade.
So, if you’re looking for just one restaurant recommendation where the budget is reasonable but not a dealbreaker, the answer is easy: La Villa. That’s all I’m going to say—just read the full review in the link below.
Read: La Villa Italian Kitisuru Menu, Pricing & Restaurant Review
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