Best Nairobi Restaurants with a View: Top Spots for Sundowners & Scenic Dining
Nairobi may be known for its wildlife, culture, and fast-paced energy—but did you know the city also boasts some of the most stunning rooftop and garden-view restaurants in East Africa? Whether you’re after golden hour cocktails, a romantic dinner under the stars, or a serene garden brunch, these spots deliver both ambiance and flavor. Here’s your curated list of the best Nairobi restaurants with a view, perfect for travelers, foodies, and sunset seekers.
🌇 1. 270 Rooftop – Lavington
Category: Rooftop Dining, International Cuisine
Location: Escata Building, 18th Floor, Lavington
Why Visit:
This elevated spot offers one of the best panoramic views in Nairobi. Ideal for date nights, special occasions, or simply catching a city sunset with a cocktail in hand.
What to Expect:
- Sweeping skyline views of Nairobi
- A varied international menu with mains, cocktails, and shareable bites
- Great golden-hour lighting for photos
Perfect For: Couples, city explorers, rooftop lovers
🏙️ 2. Bao Box – Westlands
Category: Rooftop Café, Board Games
Location: 8th Floor, Pramukh Tower, Westlands
Why Visit:
Combining skyline views with playful energy, Bao Box is where scenic dining meets fun. Board games, delicious lamb chops, and apple pie await in this lively rooftop eatery.
What to Expect:
- A laid-back rooftop with city views
- Wide range of comfort food, from lamb to desserts
- Phones down, board games up policy
Perfect For: Groups of friends, casual dates, game-night with a view
🌿 3. Talisman – Karen
Category: Upscale Fusion Dining
Location: Karen
Why Visit:
Set in a charming old bungalow with a beautiful garden terrace, Talisman fuses European, African, and Asian flavors in a calm, romantic environment.
What to Expect:
- Garden seating with lush greenery
- Signature dishes like feta-coriander samosas & ostrich fillet
- Artistic interior with rotating local exhibits
Perfect For: Romantic evenings, quiet brunches, food lovers
🌳 4. About Thyme – Westlands
Category: Casual Global Cuisine, Garden Dining
Location: Westlands
Why Visit:
Hidden away in Westlands, this leafy garden restaurant is a local favorite for relaxed, al fresco meals and creative comfort food.
What to Expect:
- Cozy, flower-filled courtyard
- International dishes like lamb shank and chocolate fondant
- Peaceful, natural setting in the city
Perfect For: Long lunches, quiet catch-ups, outdoor food photography
🪴 5. Lord Erroll Gourmet Restaurant – Runda
Category: Fine Dining
Location: Runda
Why Visit:
Set in a stately colonial-style mansion, Lord Erroll is all about elegant charm. The terraced gardens offer a serene escape paired with top-notch service and French cuisine.
What to Expect:
- Garden terrace surrounded by manicured lawns
- Dishes like foie gras and filet mignon
- White tablecloth luxury for special occasions
Perfect For: Celebrations, engagements, elevated dining experiences
🍜 6. Pan-Asian Yao – Gigiri
Category: Upscale Pan-Asian
Location: Gigiri (formerly China Garden)
Why Visit:
This restaurant’s airy design and Zen garden views make it a standout for lovers of Asian cuisine and calm environments.
What to Expect:
- Natural light, large windows, and a peaceful garden setting
- Dim sum, sushi, Thai & Chinese fusion
- The signature “Power Bun” with wild mushrooms
Perfect For: Business lunches, cultural diners, peaceful escapes
🥂 7. UPO Rooftop – Westlands/Gigiri
Category: Rooftop, Asian Fusion
Location: Rooftop Bar, Hotel in Gigiri Area
Why Visit:
Stylish and vibrant, UPO combines city views with Japanese-Asian bites. The setting is ideal for sundowners, small plates, and lively conversations.
What to Expect:
- Chic rooftop with cocktails, dumplings, and seafood platters
- Trendy décor and music
- Small plates like shrimp & scallop dumplings with chili-citrus soy foam
Perfect For: Night outs, travelers, food with flair
🌇 8. Urban Eatery – Westlands (Delta Towers)
Category: Multi-Cuisine Café
Location: Westlands, Delta Towers
Why Visit:
Urban Eatery features multiple food stations under one roof, with elevated views and a relaxed indoor-outdoor feel. It’s great for variety lovers and casual diners alike.
What to Expect:
- Options include Indian, Pan-Asian, Italian, and Mexican
- Cozy, open interiors with urban skyline glimpses
- Must-try: Their club sandwich for brunch
Perfect For: Mixed groups, business lunches, food variety fans
🧭 Final Thoughts: Best Nairobi Restaurants with a View
Whether you’re gazing at Nairobi’s glittering skyline from a rooftop or sipping coffee in a lush garden courtyard, these eateries prove that dining in Nairobi is about much more than just food. It’s about the experience—the ambiance, the scenery, and the special moments created around a meal.
So next time you’re planning a night out or a brunch with friends, remember this list of the best Nairobi restaurants with a view. From urban rooftop lounges to tranquil garden patios, these destinations are the perfect pairing of flavor and scenery.
