Eating roast beef is one of Kenya’s favourite pass times. However, roasting beef is an art, so most people satisfy their cravings at thousands of Nyama Choma restaurants that dot the city.
These restaurants serve a wide range of meats that include goat, chicken, beef, pork and even seafood. Due to the large number of restaurants finding the best ones is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. So, I have made a top 10 list to help you out on your search for the best Nyama Choma in Nairobi. It’s nearly impossible to eat at or even find all the Nyama Choma restaurants in Nairobi, so I can’t guarantee that these are the best of the best. However, these are some of the best based on my experience.
1. Njuguna’s Place
Located along Waiyaki way close to Safaricom House, this is one of the oldest Nyama Choma restaurants in Nairobi. But don’t let its outdated decor fool you, this thirty-year-old joint serves some of the best meat in Nairobi. The thirty years of experience is evident from the quality of meat they serve at a friendly price. This is why it is among the most popular Nyama Choma joints in Nairobi and makes it onto my Top 10 Nyama Choma Joints in Nairobi list.
2. Road House Grill
Road House Grill is located on Dennis Pritt Road in Kilimani. It is one of the most popular locals in the area, especially for sports fans. Kenyan sports fans are picky with their roast meat, so impressing them and keeping them as customers is hard. However, Road House Grill has managed to do just that.
3. Greenspot Gardens
Greenspot is one of the most popular Nyama Choma joints along Eastern Bypass. This area commonly known as Kamaki’s (named after the first Nyama Choma joint to be built here) has tens of Nyama Choma Joints. And standing out from the rest is a tall order. You have to roast really good meat to get popular at Kamaki’s. Greenspot did just that. Their popularity is not only due to their roast beef but also their beautiful interior décor.
4. Coco Jambo
Located in Valley Arcade along Dennis Pritt Road, Coco Jambo is one of those Nyama Choma joints that keep you coming back for more. Their juicy steaks are some of the tastiest in the city and their beautiful décor creates the perfect atmosphere for you to enjoy your Nyama Choma.
5. Kamaki’s Palace
To get a whole area in Nairobi named after you just because of your Nyama Choma isn’t an easy task. And that accolade is enough to get you on my Top 10 Nyama Choma Joints in Nairobi list. This Nyama Choma Joint was the first one to be built along Eastern Bypass and is what made the whole stretch of road famous for Nyama Choma across East Africa. The roast lamb I had here was among the best roast meat I have ever had. And I can still remember the taste almost ten years later. Their Nyama Choma comes highly recommended by everyone in Nairobi including me.
6. The Carnivore Restaurant
Popular with both tourists and locals this world-renowned restaurant serves a wide variety of roasted meats. On their menu, you will find Leg of lamb, pork, ostrich, rump of beef, sirloin, rack of lamb, spare ribs, sausages, skewered kidneys, and even crocodile meat. The Carnivore restaurant has been around since 1980 and has been perfecting roasting beef for forty years. Although their meats are quite pricey, it is worth the price. You haven’t truly experienced roast beef until you have eaten it here.
7. Maxland Grill & Lounge
Located opposite Safaricom House along Waiyaki way, this joint is popular among Nyama Choma connoisseurs. The beautiful and peaceful restaurant in the middle of the busy Westlands provides the perfect atmosphere to tear into your Nyama Choma. The restaurant sells a wide variety of meats which you can enjoy as you listen to rhumba music playing in the background.
8. Olepolos Country Club
I doubt there is a single Kenyan who hasn’t heard about the famous Ole Polos Country Club. This famous restaurant offers spectacular views of Ngong Hills and the vast plains below, creating the perfect atmosphere to enjoy your Nyama Choma. However, Olepolos is most famous for its roast meats, cooked by chefs who are world-renowned for their skills on the grill. The restaurant also has a beautiful clear swimming pool on the edge of a cliff. But I wouldn’t recommend swimming right after feasting on Nyama Choma, as enticing as the swimming pool might be.
9. Jiweke Tavern
Jiweke Tavern, located along Ngong Road is well known for its delicious Nyama Choma which they serve generously. It’s almost impossible to finish a whole platter on your own, and I wouldn’t advise you to try it. Its excellent prices also ensure you leave the restaurant satisfied and wanting to go back for more. This is why it makes it into my Top 10 Nyama Choma Joints in Nairobi list.
10. Nyumbani Lounge and Restaurant
Popular among celebrities and politicians in Nairobi, Nyumbani Restaurant is the perfect location to enjoy Nyama Choma with family and friends. Its location inside Lavington on Diani Road provides a quiet and peaceful environment where you can enjoy your Nyama Choma away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Nyumbani is Swahili for home, which is a call back to the residential home that now houses the restaurant.
This closes my ‘Top 10 Nyama Choma Joints in Nairobi’ list. Make sure you check one out the next time you are crazing Nyama Choma.
I’m a 25-year-old adrenaline junkie from Nairobi. I love travelling, attending music festivals and hiking. You can always find me at K1 Klub House playing pool and enjoying a drink with my friends.
