Nakuru is growing rapidly and there are restaurants coming up every other month. Deciding on where to eat can be a headache with the many options available, plus you want to choose a place with ambiance and tasty food. To help you out, here’s a list of my top 10 restaurants in Nakuru.
1) Masala Kraft
Masala Kraft is the main restaurant of the Alps Hotel. The hotel is located in the leafy suburbs of Milimani. Their prices are a bit high but you get to enjoy the ambiance of Milimani, a spectacular view of Nakuru CBD, and Lake Nakuru, plus the food is tasty. They also have a live band playing at the hotel on Sundays. It’s definitely worth the extra cost.
2) Merica Hotel
Merica Hotel is located in the heart of Nakuru CBD, along Kenyatta Avenue. It’s one of the oldest hotels/restaurants in Nakuru and over the years, it’s been a favorite for many locals and tourists because of its convenient location and classy decor. You get excellent service and a poolside dining experience. While you’re there, try taking a swim if the weather allows it.
3) Cinnamon Restaurant
Cinnamon Restaurant is the main restaurant for the Sarova Woodlands Hotel and Spa. The hotel is located in Milimani, right next to Naivas Supermarket – Super Center. Being Sarova, you expect nothing but the amazing ambiance and exquisite decor. The restaurant offers a wide selection of cuisines including Continental, Pan-African, Pan-Asian, and Indian dishes. It serves an extensive buffet spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a select a la carte menu for dinner and a table d’hote business lunch option.
4) Taidy’s Suites
Taidy’s Suites is one of Nakuru’s oldest restaurants. It recently got renovated and looks absolutely stunning. There’s plenty of dining space and I’d recommend you sit on the rooftop terrace. It’s a poolside sitting space with a view of Lake Nakuru. The restaurant is also relatively affordable which is always a plus.
5) Mainstreet Coffee House
Mainstreet Coffee House is a small cafe located along Kenyatta Avenue, opposite Woolmart Supermarket. It’s not as grand as the other hotels but its small size and coziness have a liking with a specific number of locals. It has rustic decor paired with warm lighting. If you don’t want to sit in the space closer to the counter, you can go up a miniature staircase that opens up to a romantically set dining space on the first floor. You should try out their shawarma or smoothies. Delicious stuff!
6) D-Lux Hotel
D-Lux Hotel is located approximately 6 minutes from Nakuru CBD and is one of the oldest hotels in Nakuru. Next to the hotel, they’ve set up a lounge which also doubles as the restaurant. The space is full of plants that give it a cool outdoor vibe. For your meal, you should try out either their nyama choma or boerewors which is one of the tastiest you can find in Nakuru.
7) Gilanis’ Restaurant
Gilani’s restaurant is located on the first floor of the famous Gilani’s Supermarket (the entrance to the restaurant and supermarket are separate). The decor is nothing fancy but the service is quick and the food is affordable. A good restaurant to grab lunch during your work lunch break.
8) Fika and Feast
Fika and Feast is a beautiful bar and restaurant that is located approximately 10 minutes from Nakuru CBD, off the Nakuru-Nairobi highway. The decor is rustic, with an open setup with lots of plants. You feel completely relaxed from the minute you step in. They play soft music throughout and there is a tree house and slides for kids to enjoy. Plus their food is tasty.
9) Majid’s Restaurant
Majid’s Restaurant is an Arab/Swahili restaurant located in Nakuru CBD, next to Family Bank. It’s quite popular and on most days, you can miss a seat, especially during lunch hour. Being Arab/Swahili, you expect the food to be really good and that’s the case. Plus it’s also affordable. According to me, they have the tastiest samosas I’ve had in Nakuru.
10) Magic Hour Bar and Restaurant
Magic Hour Bar and Restaurant is a hidden gem (literally hidden because if you’re not keen, you can easily drive past it) located in the leafy suburbs of Milimani, right after you pass Sarova Woodlands. It’s perfect for an intimate meal away from the CBD’s noise. They offer a variety of cuisines and their portions are generous. You can choose to sit in the restaurant, on the terrace, or on the lawn (talk about options). Plus there’s soft music playing throughout that adds to the vibe of the place.
I am a charismatic 23-year-old student at the University of Nairobi. I enjoy traveling be it planned or impromptu. I also enjoy partying. I'll be there with a drink in my cup all through the night, chasing the sun. Life's too short not to choose the fast lane. Carpe diem!