Looking for the best halal restaurants in Nairobi? This post is a guide to the top 10 places serving,halal-friendly meals across the city
Nairobi has a pretty sizable Muslim population, so finding halal food isn’t exactly a scavenger hunt. With over 300k Muslims in the city, halal restaurants are plentiful—maybe 50, maybe 100, who’s counting?
Anyway, this post rounds up 10 of the most popular ones. And before you get any ideas, “popular” doesn’t always mean “best,” alright? This isn’t a review, just a list of places people seem to like a little more than the rest.
10. Cjs-CBD, Kilimani, Mombasa Rd.
If reviews are anything to go by, CJ’s is the best halal restaurant in Nairobi—no other spot has a 4.6-star rating from over 10,000 diners. It also boasts the biggest menu in town (seriously, over 300 items), offering everything from burgers to biryani, all halal-certified.
CJ’s probably has it, if you want Mexican, Mediterranean, or Italian but in a halal-certified restaurant, then this is the place
It’s stylish, casual, and consistently good—because if 10,000 people agree on something, it has to be legit.
9. PILI-GTC, Westlands
PILI is known for its location, it is in GTC one of the prestigious locations in the city. It has a fully halal menu that means no alcohol or pork, but there’s still a wide variety of options, from Italian-inspired pasta and risotto to sushi, seafood, and Middle Eastern-style and North African dishes.
While they haven’t committed to one specific cuisine, they cover a broad spectrum of flavors, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
I visited PILI when it was newly opened, and to be honest, it wasn’t that good. Nice ambiance if you’re into that, and big portions for the money, but the food wasn’t exactly tasty or flavorful.
The reviews at the time agreed, and I even pointed out that a 4.1-star rating from 115 reviews was worrying for a new restaurant.
Fast forward a year later, and it looks like they’ve turned things around—now sitting at a stellar 4.8 from over 800 reviews, mostly positive. Makes me want to visit again.
Back then, it was overhyped, with everyone flocking there, so the food probably suffered. Now? It might just be Nairobi’s better halal restaurant if the reviews are anything to go by.
8. Crave-Kilimani
Halal or not, Crave was the best restaurant for the money when I first reviewed it, and a year later, I still haven’t found a better one.
So, if you’re looking for just one halal restaurant recommendation from this post, forget everything else and go to Crave. And if value for money isn’t your concern but you love pastries and cakes, the answer is still Crave.
By value for money, I mean good, tasty food that doesn’t cost as much as it would elsewhere.
The staff is friendly without hovering like overenthusiastic tour guides, and the food actually tastes like someone put effort into making it.
Now, you might be thinking—okay, good food, affordable prices, great service… so what’s the catch?
Well, my friend, there is no catch. This is the first restaurant I’ve ever given a 5/5 rating out of the 50 or 60 I’ve reviewed on this blog. It’s that good.
Read the Full Review of Crave-Kilimani
7. Papparoti-Westlands
700 bob for a piece of bun?—yeah, that’s the first thing that comes to mind when I hear Papparoti. Even by first-world standards, that’s expensive.
Needless to say, I haven’t personally tried their food, but I’m around the area often enough to get hit by the aroma. Papparoti sits in Broadwalk Mall, Westlands, and it makes sure the entire place smells like, well… Papparoti. And let’s be honest, coffee buns smell really good.
That said, buns aren’t the only thing on the menu. They also serve Turkish and Arabic teas, coffees, and a whole lineup of other items. But if I ever find myself at Papparoti, it’s for the buns—that’s what I’ll be reviewing next.
6. Jamia Kilimanjaro-CBD
Before Crave came along, Jamia Kilimanjaro was the spot for value for money—and honestly, it still holds up. Crave just happens to be a little nicer, with better service and slightly better food.
That said, if you’re in the CBD and CJs a little pricier and Crave is a little far away, Jamia Kilimanjaro is a solid alternative.
The service isn’t winning any awards, but it gets the job done—which makes sense, considering how packed this place gets, especially during peak hours.
Bottom line? You can have a full meal and a drink for under 1K and still get some change. Jamia was a classic then, a classic now.
Read Jamia Kilimanjaro’s full review with menu
5. Big Knife-CBD
Big Knife is where you go when you want a massive, budget-friendly shawarma and have the patience of a saint.
Known for serving some of the cheapest and most filling shawarmas in Nairobi, it’s a haven for hungry people who don’t want to break the bank—think KSh 250 for a decent-sized wrap and under KSh 500 for a full meal combo.
The portions are generous, the chicken shawarma is solid, and the value is undeniable. The only catch? The service isn’t the greatest, slow, and not professional.
If you’re in a hurry, you might as well start writing your will while waiting, but if you can bear the long wait, you’ll walk away full and satisfied with a happy wallet.
Well they don’t have shawarmas only have rice bowls and other things, the menu isn’t vast either, if you have a budget of under KSh 500 this is it
4. Palace Istanbul-Two Rivers
Never stepped foot in Palace Istanbul, but from the looks of it, this might just be Nairobi’s ultimate Turkish food headquarters.
They’ve got everything Turkish that I know of—kebabs, shawarmas, Turkish pizzas, and a bunch of dishes you’ll probably struggle to pronounce.
As for the prices, it’s not exactly a budget-friendly spot, but it’s not outrageous either. The priciest thing I saw was KSh 2,200, and the cheapest was KSh 900—so let’s just call it “normal” and move on.
Can’t say much else since I haven’t been there, but hey, if you do go, let me know if they hand out pronunciation guides with the menu.
3. Ayeyo-Kilimani
If you’re on the hunt for a fine dining halal spot, well, Ayeyo—here it is. One of those “hidden gems” everyone loves to name-drop.
It’s got the whole aesthetic package for your Instagram feed and serves up authentic Somali food like it’s a luxury experience (which, honestly, it kinda is).
Yes, Somali food can be fancy too—just not in the tiny-portions, overpriced way. The servings are still generous, and before you clutch your wallet, no, “fine Somali food” doesn’t automatically mean extortion.
It’s pricier than your average CBD spot, sure, but nowhere near the city’s top-tier, budget-breaking restaurants.
With mains starting at just KSh 800, it’s a solid deal. But the real deal? The food at Ayeyo is so good, that it’s almost a stereotype at this point—because when does a Somali restaurant ever miss?
2. Canopy-UN, Gigiri
Canopy is a café. It’s minimalist. That’s about all I can say about its personality. But hey, I’m something of a minimalist myself, so the vibe works for me.
They’ve got another branch in Kilimani, and if you’re looking for a substantial spot for café things—breakfast, brunch, maybe a casual laptop session—this place does the job.
The menu? Nothing wild. No experimental fusion or hard-to-pronounce dishes—just your standard café fare.
The food? Let’s call it “okay.” Not life-changing, not disappointing, just… food that exists at a reasonable quality for what you pay.
And speaking of prices, they’re actually decent. Some dishes even go for less than what other places charge—like shakshouka for 900 bob? That’s practically a steal shut up and take my money.
1. Fiesta Farm-Karen
“KaReN iS sO bIg”—alright, we get it, shut up. Anyway, Fiesta Farm is in Hardy, to be specific. It’s a farm restaurant, which means accessibility isn’t exactly pretty unless you’re driving.
The layout? Feels like a giant living room, which is great for groups but borderline depressing if you show up alone. Like, sure, being alone is one thing, but this place really amplifies the loneliness.
Now, if you’re into farm restaurants with open seating and a halal menu, this one ticks the boxes. The food? Just okay. Not amazing, not pathetic—just okay food.
Prices? All over the place. Some dishes are affordable, others make you do a double take. Oh, and vegetarians, you might struggle a bit here. It’s mostly fish, steak, pizzas, pasta, and other non-plant-based affairs.
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