I have a 24-hour layover in Nairobi, Kenya - anyone have a good restaurant recommendation? Atmospheric bar good for people watching? Also, I'd like to purchase some Lamu chairs while there - know any shops that sell Lamu furniture? Or fine african art stores?
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Posted on Sep 21, 2010
11 Answers
Well, it's been a few years since I've been there, but Tamarind Restaurant was always excellent (they have one in Nairobi, one in Mombasa). The Carnivore at the edge of the Game Park (quite close to the airport) is a lot of fun, but very touristy. For top class dining, The Ibis Grill at the Norfolk Hotel was always outstanding, and the hotel always my favorite. The Delamere Bar at the Norfolk Hotel was also a huge favorite of mine for people watching on the terrace.
More authentically, try the Minar (don't recall address) Indian Restaurant, about the best indian anywhere I recall.
Shopping-wise, in nairobi itself you'll probably pay quite a premium for lamu-style furniture and fine art, but if you can afford it, just ask hotel concierge for recommendations -- and make sure they arrange transport to and from, I don't think Nairobi market streets entirely safe for walking any more. There used to be a few really good art and antique stores around the base of the Hilton Hotel downtown, be prepared to barter!
Posted Sep 21, 2010
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Hello Mary Alice,
With just 24 hrs in Nairobi you must go to Carnivores on the outskirts of town. It is famous and has been serving every type of game from ostrich to alligator to water buffalo for years and years.
It is a nairobi must, unless of course u r a vegetarian
Posted Sep 21, 2010
Add a commentI second this. I *highly* recommend Carnivores, assuming you eat meat.
Giraffe is surprisingly tasty, but if that scares you, just try the Zebra. It's a bit like horse, which is a bit like beef.
Posted on Sep 21, 2010
I third this (though also not if you're vegetarian). and alligator is amazingly tasty!
Posted on Sep 22, 2010
2 places come to mind:
1. Carnivore of course! Overpriced but good meat.
2. The famous Thorn Tree Cafe at the Stanley Hotel. Food isn't very good but it's a must stop if you're in Nairobbery. ;-)
And lastly PLEASE be careful while in Nairobi and watch your belongings and travel gear. Last time I was there, the hotel staff warned me NOT to leave the hotel after dark. The streets can be quite dangerous.
Posted Sep 21, 2010
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It's been too long ('79) for me to give you a useful answer. Have a great trip.
Judy
Posted Sep 21, 2010
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Hi Mary Alice,
I hope you have a great time in Nairobi. The Carnivore Restaurant comes to mind. With its (legal) wild game menu it is very much meat focussed. But they have excellent vegetables, salads and sauces as well. It is quite an interesting atmosphere as well. Fixed price per person for everything. All you want to eat.
Tamarind is also a good place that has a good atmosphere.
I can't help you with the shopping. Sorry. I wasn't much of a shopper there.
All the best,
Max
Posted Sep 21, 2010
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Alice,
I would second a lot of the posts about Carnivore as it is a good restaurant with attentive staff and good food- if you like meat. Althought be aware it does not serve as much different types of game as it once did. It now serves beef, pork- usually in sausage form, chicken and then ostrich meatballs and alligator. But it may not be as exotic as you expect. It is also frequented mostly by foreigners and is very touristy.
For African art stores I would really recommend Kazuri beads, which is a women's cooperative in Nairobi that offers great tours and tons of beads and some pottery as well. It is a neat way to give back to the community and help these women and their family's. You can learn more at: www.kazuri.com
I also agree with some of the comments regarding safety, I certainly don't want to scare you, but I got pulled over with my husband by the police while we were in a taxi. They demanded bribe money in American dollars and harassed us for a good hour and a half before the hotel sent someone to come pick us up. You may want to hire a private driver so that you are in an unmarked car versus a taxi that often identifies you as a tourist.
Enjoy your time in Nairobi!
Erica
Posted Sep 21, 2010
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I used to love Tamarind. Also, lighter fare at Lord Delamere outside at Norfolk Hotel -fun to watch all the bustle and activity around.
Posted Sep 21, 2010
Add a commentanother thought. try to make a visit to Sheldrick Animal Orphanage just a short cab ride from downtown Nairobi. It's a most special place doing extraordinary work, saving (or at least giving a chance) to orphaned baby elephants;generally the result of poaching or other human interference. They have a visiting hour once a day, in the morning.
Posted on Sep 27, 2010
Thanks - I'll look into it!
Posted on Sep 29, 2010
Mary, go to the Thorn Tree Cafe in the Stanley Hotel. It is overpriced but safe, interesting and a part of history.
Posted Sep 22, 2010
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For out of town experience, Carnivor.....an experience for sure....You can eat just about any game meat out there....not for the veggie, vegan kind.
There use to be a hotel in Nairobi where everyone would go for beers and snacks. Very local and fun but not a foodie kind of place. Sorry I do not know the name of the hotel. As for Lamu Chairs, I know someone in Lamu but not in Nairobi. Have Fun!!!
Posted Sep 22, 2010
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I would avoid Carnivore. It's very expensive and touristy. I highly recommend an Italian place in Kilimani, Osteria.
Posted Oct 28, 2011
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I was in Nairobi last week. I agree the Carnivore is a tourist trap. Go to Italian restaurant at Junction Mall, or if you want to eat with locals go to Talisman. Been around forever and will give you a real flavor of Nairobi. Also Spinners Web in Westlands is great place for African items. Hope that helps. Let me know. AfricaInside.org
Posted Sep 11, 2012
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