Restaurants have emerged as highly lucrative ventures in Kenya and beyond, attracting diverse people for various reasons. These establishments offer a convenient dining experience for individuals with busy schedules, serving as a welcome respite from the demands of everyday life.
This post will walk you through the best restaurants in Karen and provide options to explore next time.
Restaurants provide an excellent venue for business meetings and social interactions, fostering connections and a sense of community.
In addition to their everyday operations, restaurants often cater to special events, offering tailored services and customizable menu packages. These services may include event space rental, professional wait staff, elegant table linens, and sound system support, ensuring guests a seamless and memorable experience.
Furthermore, restaurants play a vital role in providing vocational training and employment opportunities for individuals in the food industry, contributing to personal growth and economic development.
Located in the prestigious neighborhood of Karen, a favorite destination for tourists and expatriates, you can find some of the best restaurants in Kenya. Here is a curated selection of these establishments that are worth exploring:
Restaurants in Karen
1. Que Pasa Bar & Bistro: The Vibrant Hideaway
Que Pasa Bar & Bistro is a lively and inviting establishment, offering an extensive menu from breakfast to dinner and an exceptional selection of drinks.
Owned and operated by a partnership of Belgian and Kenyan entrepreneurs, this restaurant prides itself on blending the flavors of Belgian and Kenyan cuisine to create a truly unique dining experience.
Nestled in a serene and picturesque environment, Que Pasa features beautifully decorated dining areas, making it the perfect destination for intimate dinner dates or gatherings with friends. The restaurant is renowned for its competent and dedicated staff, who go above and beyond to ensure the utmost satisfaction of their customers.
Que Pasa Bar & Bistro, opposite Karen Police Station in Nairobi, offers a rich dining experience. Open from 9 am to 12 am; it serves excellent drinks and an extensive menu. With beautifully decorated dining areas, it’s perfect for dinner dates. Contact: 0728 272902. Google rating: 4.4 stars (1,206 reviews).
2. Eagle Peak Spur Steak Ranch: A Taste of South Africa
Originating from South Africa, Eagle Peak Spur Steak Ranch has earned a solid reputation for its flavorful, wholesome, and value-for-money meals. With a relaxed and family-friendly ambiance, this international restaurant provides the ideal setting for family dinners and interactive gatherings.
Indulge in their sizzling burgers, succulent ribs, perfectly grilled chicken, delectable seafood, and choice cuts of steak. To cater to the needs of their patrons, Eagle Peak Spur Steak Ranch also offers efficient delivery services through popular platforms like Uber Eats and Bolt Food, ensuring that the taste of South Africa reaches your doorstep.
Eagle Peak Spur Steak Ranch at The Hub Karen in Nairobi offers a delightful dining experience. It is open from 10 am to 9:30 pm. Contact: 0702 555000. Google rating: 4.5 stars (174 reviews).
3. Talisman Restaurant: A Culinary Gem
What initially started as a small family and friends’ kitchen has blossomed into one of Karen’s most highly regarded dining establishments. Talisman Restaurant takes pride in its serene environment, boasting an inviting ambiance and exquisitely designed dining areas. The restaurant’s courteous and dedicated staff are trained to provide excellent customer service, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Talisman Restaurant goes the extra mile by maintaining its kitchen garden and sourcing the freshest vegetables for its dishes. Committed to environmental sustainability, the restaurant has also established itself as a plastic-free zone, opting to use recyclable items.
Talisman Restaurant on Ngong Road, Nairobi, is a highly acclaimed dining spot. Hours: 11 am to 9 pm. Contact: 0705 999997. Google rating: 4.6 stars (3,013 reviews).
4. The Mayura, Karen: A Taste of India
Pioneering the Indian cuisine scene in Kenya, The Mayura is the first theme-based Indian restaurant with several branches across Nairobi. With expert chefs hailing from India, The Mayura offers a classic menu infused with modern fusion, guaranteeing an authentic Indian dining experience.
The restaurant takes pride in its exceptional waitstaff, warmly welcoming, and delivering uncompromised quality service to its esteemed guests. The dining areas at The Mayura are exquisitely designed, reflecting the finest of Nairobi’s decor, creating an ambiance that transports diners to the heart of India.
The Mayura at The Hub Karen in Nairobi is a premier Indian restaurant. Operating from 11 am to 11 pm, it serves authentic Indian cuisine. For inquiries and reservations, contact them at 0737 224422. The Mayura is a highly regarded dining establishment with a Google rating of 4.2 stars based on 407 reviews.
5. Artcaffe – The Hub: A Multifaceted Delight
Artcaffe is a culinary destination that offers many experiences, encompassing a full-service bakery, a coffee shop, a bar, and a dine-in and takeaway restaurant. With a diverse menu that includes Mexican cuisine and other modern dishes, Artcaffe caters to a wide range of culinary preferences. The restaurant’s friendly and attentive wait staff ensures that customers are served promptly and with utmost care.
Artcaffe provides the perfect ambiance for social and interactive meetings, especially for coffee enthusiasts. The well-designed dining areas and competitive prices make Artcaffe a go-to destination for those seeking a satisfying dining experience.
Artcaffe – The Hub in Karen, Nairobi, is a versatile dining spot with a full-service bakery, coffee shop, and dine-in/takeaway restaurant. It opens from 7 am to 11 pm. Contact: 0709 828282. Google rating: 4.2 stars.
6. La Cascina: An Italian Delight
For those craving authentic Italian cuisine, La Cascina is the ideal destination. This Italian restaurant features two dining rooms and an inviting outdoor patio. Its menu boasts a wide array of Italian delicacies, including Piadine, Pasta, Bruschetta, Lasagna, Ravioli, La Fiorentina T-bone Steak, Gnocchi, Arrosti, Pizzas, and Salads. Each dish precisely offers a truly memorable Italian dining experience.
La Cascina also caters to those with a sweet tooth, offering a delectable selection of desserts and homemade Italian gelato. Guests can indulge in the famous “Cappuccino ora,” a delightful combination of hot chocolate and cake slices. With its expertise in cake baking, La Cascina has established itself as the go-to place for confectionery delights in Karen.
La Cascina, at The Hub Karen on Dagoretti Road, Nairobi, serves authentic Italian cuisine from 9.30 am to 10.30 pm—Contact: 0705 469427. With a Google rating of 4.3 stars based on 305 reviews, it is highly regarded by diners.
7. Asmara Restaurant Karen: A Fusion of Flavors
Asmara Restaurant Karen offers a unique dining experience with its blend of Eritrean and continental cuisine in an Afro-contemporary setting. This restaurant is the only establishment in Nairobi where guests can savor authentic Eritrean dishes, including peri-peri chicken liver, garlic mushrooms, Caprese, prawn cocktails, and more.
Alongside these Eritrean delicacies, Asmara also provides delicious continental dishes such as beef and ugali, ensuring something for everyone.
Combining Eritrean and continental flavors makes Asmara an ideal dining destination for those exploring new culinary horizons. With a broad menu, guests can try a different meal with each visit, adding excitement and variety to their dining experiences.
Asmara Restaurant on Ngong Road in Nairobi offers a unique dining experience with Eritrean and continental delicacies. Operating from 10 am to 9 pm, contact them at 0724 124555 for inquiries and reservations. With a Google rating of 4.5 stars based on 932 reviews, it receives high praise from customers.
8. The Legend, Karen: A Family-Friendly Haven
The Legend is a welcoming restaurant catering to families and business professionals. This establishment ensures a memorable dining experience with freshly cooked, finger-licking meals. The restaurant boasts perfectly set dining areas and even houses an exclusive VIP whiskey and cocktail lounge for discerning guests.
Sundays are especially exciting at The Legend, as they offer a fun-filled day for kids, complete with bouncing castles and slides. Additionally, The Legend provides indoor and outdoor spaces perfectly designed to host special events, adding a touch of sophistication to any occasion.
The Legend on Ngong Road in Nairobi offers a family-friendly dining experience from 7 am to 11 pm—Contact: 0718 774447. It is highly regarded, with a Google rating of 4.2 stars based on 1,477 reviews.
9. Roast by Carnivore: A Casual Culinary Haven
Roast by Carnivore offers a relaxed dining experience, featuring a wide selection of delicacies ranging from sandwiches and pork to beef, chicken, and an array of sides and bites. With a fully stocked bar, guests can complement their meals with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, catering to all preferences.
Roast by Carnivore at The Hub Karen on Lang’ata Road in Nairobi offers a casual dining experience from 8 am to 8 pm—Contact: 0701 715373. It comes highly recommended, with a Google rating of 4.3 stars based on 395 reviews.
In conclusion
The restaurants in Karen offer a vibrant and diverse culinary scene that caters to various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re seeking international flavors, authentic Indian cuisine, Italian delicacies, or Eritrean dishes, Karen has it all.
The Hub Karen is a popular dining destination with its various restaurants, providing a one-stop experience for food enthusiasts.
With their convenient locations and generous opening hours, these establishments accommodate different schedules and occasions. Moreover, the positive Google ratings and reviews attest to the quality of service and customer satisfaction.
You can indulge in a delightful dining experience at any of these restaurants and savor their flavors when in Karen.
