For all avid food enthusiasts who love to try multiple cuisines, here are ten best theme restaurants in Kenya that deserve special mention.
1. Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi
Situated on Langata Road, Nairobi, ‘Carnivore’, a unique restaurant owned by Tamarind group deserve a special mention. The entrance to the restaurant gives a ‘rustic’ feel, and the sitting arrangement is spacious. You will view the large oven that is ordered specially from South Africa. The meat of all kinds especially ox, buffalo, ostrich, and crocodile are served here. You will be served a special welcome drink by Mr. Dawa, which is an appetizer. There is a small flag which indicates full once you put it down. The concept of the restaurant is like ‘serve till you drop.’ The staff will help you with never-ending meat and continue to do so till you say ‘I am full’ by putting the flag down. Uniquely conceptualized by Tamarind Group of Hotels, it’s certainly an attraction for any tourist who visits Kenya.
2. Moorings Floating Restaurant, Mombasa
The only floating restaurant in Kenya is the Moorings. This floating platform was built in 1994 on Tampa Creek on the Northern Coast of Africa. Sip your peg of beer while enjoying nature. The restaurant serves all varieties of sea fish and alcohol. Enjoy the Crimson evenings and mouth-watering barbecued fish. This platform can accommodate maximum up to 100 people. During the spring tide, you may take a walk on the beach near the floating platform.
3. Tamarind Dhow Restaurant
This is a massive ship used as the base of the restaurant. The concept was first implemented in 1972. The Dhow sail every week from morning to evening. The individual Dhow can accommodate around 70 people at dinner. The maximum it can accommodate is 100 people and that also for a cocktail party. Mainly seafood is served over here.
4. Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant
This cave is 180,000 years old located near Mombasa, 30 km south of the city and 200 meters back from the high water mark. Just three decades back, George and Jackie Barbour decided to transform the cave into a unique restaurant. There is a triangular Makati umbrella that is fixed to one corner of the restaurant. The floor is elegantly lit and decorated with chandeliers. The restaurant specializes in seafood and all types of Continental food.
5. Ol Covo Bamburi Restaurant
Bamburi is an island situated 12 km from Mombasa. It is a two-storied structure, and the top floor is meant for dining and entertainment venue in Mombasa. The upper deck is with a balcony and sea view. It has large wood burning shed for making traditional pizzas. It serves pasta dishes, new starters, salads, lobsters, prawns, calamari, and octopus. You will only love the tasty meal and fabulously tender meats.
6. Fisherman’s Camp Restaurant
This restaurant is situated near Lake Naivasha. It has a funky vibe and is great with food, music, and fresh air. It is an open restaurant with the wood place; enjoy freshly made pizza sitting under the sky. You may hire a camp to get pampered amidst the soft grass. It is a great place to spend some lazy Sundays.
7. Azura Royal Orchid Restaurant
This restaurant is situated near to Nyali Bridge, Mombasa. Enjoy a panoramic vision of the ripping Indian Ocean while sitting across the restaurant. Enjoy succulent meat cuts, seafood wonders, and barbecued seafood. It is an excellent opportunity to sip your beer and enjoy seafood delights.
8. Haandi, Kisumu
Located in Capital Centre, Nairobi, Haandi is a restaurant of Indian origin. The restaurant is spread over 4000 square feet area. It sports all types of Indian food. You will love the signature naan, kulcha, and chapatti and tandoori roti. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian option is available. They serve food in brass plate and glass; salt and lime are neatly placed at the side which gives a typical Indian look.
9. Tilapia Beach Restaurant
Located near Otoe Road, Kisumu, this restaurant is the best option to view the Lake Victoria and have various types of fish. You will get fish barbecued, fish grill, fish grill in the sauce along with Ugali and Sukuma. You will love this African variant.
10. Talisman Restaurant
Situated on Ngong Road, Nairobi, Talisman is a boutique restaurant and offers a myriad of experience to the visitors. The New York media described Talisman as one of the finest restaurants in Kenya. Enjoy the beautiful organic garden and enjoy the ambient bar with your friends. The cuisine is a combination of European, Pan Asian, and African delicacies. You may enjoy delectable cuisines like sushi and sashimi platter, braised belly pork and homemade gnocchi.
There are many exciting facts which you can enjoy while in Kenya. Apart from theme restaurants, you must also try the African street side food joints.