Places We Loved

GRILL SHACK

This newbie to the Nairobi scene made quite an impact on us when they opened. With their swanky decor, comfortable seating, massive milkshakes and burgers, Grill Shack has become a fast regular choice for us. A personal favourite for us is their cheeseburger with special cocktail sauce and thin crispy fries that quickly become addictive.

HASHMI

This Indian BBQ restaurant has been a favourite for years. No matter its location or size, it’s almost a guarantee that whenever people come into town and need a recommendation, Hashmi is top of mind. Now located in the new wing of Diamond Plaza, Hashmi still has our favourites on their menu that we keep coming back for, especially their chicken tikka, butter naan and pili pili chips.

OHCHA

From their Build Your Own option to their comforting fixed options, OhCha is a regular whether it’s ordering in or actually going to the restaurant. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the mood for warm chicken soup, crunchy rolls or the ever-popular pad thai, there’s something for every South East Asian cuisine lover.

XIAN

The influx of new Chinese restaurants in Nairobi can make it very hard to pick the right place to find your favourite dish. Let us make that choice easier for you by reintroducing Xian Chinese Restaurant to you. The meals are simple and authentically Chinese whether its dumplings, stir-fried noodles or spring rolls. A dining experience here is a trip to China for your taste buds.

JAVA

Java has been a classic and a favourite for years. It’s comforting space and menu has made it our version of the movie diners where everything and nothing happens at Java. From their coffees, chocolate cake, milkshakes and burgers, there are so many favourites on that keep us coming back for more. What’s even better is the number of Java’s that are now popping up everywhere, for example on the way to Naivasha at Buffalo Mall.

CHICAGO PIZZA

This little hidden gem has been at the Sarit Centre food court for the longest time and to our memory, has stayed exactly the same. Their pizzas are rich, tasty and have a unique taste that is hard to find somewhere else. Our personal favourite is their Chicken Delight pizza (Give it a try!), but on days when we’re not craving pizza, their bhajias or even Dahi Puri’s will do the trick.

PASTA REPUBLIC

If you love pasta then you must have visited this corner store at the Village Market Food Court. They don’t just make pasta fresh every day that looks like it stepped straight out of a Pinterest board but it tastes just as good. Pass by and order a delicious plate of hot pasta or if you’re in the mood to cook pasta (without kneading for hours) take away a packet or two to cook at home.

LA SALUMERIA

This adorable Italian restaurant is located behind Valley Arcade at Dhanjay Apartments in the cute rustic corner. They have been there for over 20 years and has been serving the best Italian food in Nairobi for the longest time. Their wait staff are completely knowledgable on the menu and are excellent at recommending dishes as well as wines, and the Salumeria menu can always be counted on to impress. Whether it’s for a date or group dinner, this restaurant is definitely one we’ll keep coming back to. Our personal favourite is their Boscaiola Fettuccine.

SIERRA

It can’t be a surprise that Sierra is on this list. In 2019, they kept the same quality in their dishes while upgrading the decor in their Yaya branch and introducing our palates to a tender, juicy wagyu burger that we just could not get enough of. You can be sure to find us a healthy portion of steak or a lighter plate of sashimi. Maybe 2020 is the year you try one of their Kitchen dinners paired with incredible wine.

ABYSSINIA

Nairobians have a running love affair with Ethiopian food and tasting the expertly cooked dishes at this casual restaurant explains why. The traditional decor adds to the warm ambience that makes you want to settle down for more than just one meal. You have the option of going in as a group or taking yourself in for a quick lunch to enjoy their platter for one that lets you sample the best of their menu.