Nakuru Food Guide: 7 Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in Nakuru
Looking for the best restaurants in Nakuru, Kenya? Discover 7 great places to eat, from local Kenyan dishes and nyama choma to coffee shops, Indian food, and relaxed dinner spots.
Nakuru Food Guide: My Favorite 7 Restaurants and Eateries
If you love discovering new places through food, Nakuru is a city worth exploring. Located in Kenya’s beautiful Rift Valley, Nakuru has a food scene that brings together traditional Kenyan meals, international cuisine, cozy cafés, and restaurants where you can enjoy a relaxed meal with friends or family.
Whenever I visit a new destination, one of the things I look forward to most is trying the local food. I love exploring everything from small local eateries and street food to beautiful restaurants where you can sit down for a proper meal.
And Nakuru has plenty of options!
You can enjoy a plate of nyama choma with ugali, try delicious Indian-inspired dishes, grab coffee and cake, or spend an afternoon enjoying a relaxed meal in a garden restaurant.
To help you decide where to eat, I’ve put together this Nakuru food guide featuring seven restaurants and eateries worth checking out when visiting the city.
Whether you’re visiting Nakuru for a weekend, passing through on your way to another destination, or planning a trip to Lake Nakuru National Park, these are some places to add to your food itinerary.
Let’s get into it…
In a Rush? Here Are 7 Restaurants to Try in Nakuru
- Kijani Kafe: A lovely garden-style restaurant for relaxed dining.
- Majid Restaurant: A central restaurant for affordable Kenyan meals.
- Jimmy’s Choma Bite: A popular choice for nyama choma.
- Origin Coffee Nakuru: Coffee, pizza, cakes, and casual dining.
- The Lawns: A good option for Indian cuisine.
- Jamia Food Mart & Coffee Lounge: Generous meals and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Gilani’s Restaurant: A long-running restaurant with a variety of dishes.
What Is the Best Food in Nakuru? My Quick Answer
Before we get started, I want to point out that this isn’t a list of luxury restaurants or expensive fine-dining establishments. Nakuru has a diverse food scene, and some of the best meals can be found in casual restaurants where locals enjoy their everyday food.
If you’re visiting for the first time, I recommend trying traditional Kenyan food. Think nyama choma, ugali, sukuma wiki, pilau, chapati, and freshly prepared stews. These are some of the dishes that give you a real taste of Kenyan food culture.
For a more relaxed dining experience, Nakuru also has garden restaurants, coffee shops, and places serving international cuisine.
My recommendation would be to mix things up. Have nyama choma for lunch, enjoy a coffee and cake in the afternoon, and finish your day with a nice dinner at one of the city’s restaurants.
That way, you get to experience more than one side of Nakuru’s food scene.
My Top 7 Restaurants and Eateries in Nakuru
1. Kijani Kafe – My Pick for a Relaxed Garden Dining Experience
Located in Menengai Drive, Milimani, Nakuru,it is best for relaxed lunches, family meals, and dining with friends.The price is mid-range.
If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a meal away from the busy streets of Nakuru town, Kijani Kafe is a lovely place to consider.
This restaurant has a garden-style setting with outdoor seating, giving it a relaxed atmosphere. I particularly like the idea of having somewhere you can sit, enjoy your food, and take your time instead of rushing through a meal.
The restaurant offers a mix of local and international dishes, making it a good option when you’re dining with people who have different food preferences.
You can expect a selection of hearty meals, snacks, and drinks. Some of the dishes associated with the restaurant include grilled meat, fish, and comfort-food favorites.
I’d put Kijani Kafe on your list if you’re planning a casual afternoon out or want somewhere with a little more greenery and space.
My tip: Consider visiting during the afternoon when you can enjoy the garden setting. Check its opening schedule before heading out, particularly on Wednesdays.
2. Jimmy’s Choma Bite – Best Place for Nyama Choma
Location: Government Road, NAWASCO area, Nakuru
Best For: Traditional Kenyan food and grilled meat
Price: Budget to mid-range
You can’t visit Nakuru without trying nyama choma! It’s one of Kenya’s most loved meals, and if you’re a meat lover, Jimmy’s Choma Bite is worth checking out.
Located along Government Road in the NAWASCO area, this is a popular spot for people looking for freshly grilled meat in Nakuru.
The main attraction here is the nyama choma. You can enjoy grilled meat with the traditional Kenyan accompaniments, including ugali, kachumbari, and vegetables.
One of the things I love about this kind of Kenyan dining experience is how simple and satisfying it is. You don’t need a fancy restaurant or an elaborate menu to enjoy a really good meal.
It’s also a nice option if you’re traveling with friends or family and want to share food together.
What to try: Order nyama choma with ugali and kachumbari. You can also ask about the available meat cuts before ordering.
My tip: This restaurant is particularly worth considering for lunch. Its listed operating hours are limited compared with some other restaurants, so check before visiting.
3. Origin Coffee Nakuru – Best for Coffee, Pizza, and Casual Dining
Location: Golden Life Mall, Nakuru-Kisumu Highway
Best For: Coffee dates, casual meals, and meeting friends
Price: Mid-range
If you’re someone who enjoys a good cup of coffee and a relaxed restaurant atmosphere, Origin Coffee is another place to consider when exploring Nakuru’s food scene.
Unlike traditional Kenyan eateries, Origin Coffee offers a more modern dining experience. It combines a coffee shop, bakery, restaurant, and bar, making it a convenient place for different occasions.
You can stop by for coffee and something sweet, meet a friend for lunch, or enjoy a more substantial meal.
The menu includes pizza, pasta, salads, grilled dishes, cakes, and a variety of drinks. This makes it a good option if you’re traveling with someone who prefers international food rather than traditional Kenyan dishes.
I also like that you can make this a casual stop during your day without necessarily planning an entire evening around it.
What to try: Consider ordering pizza, a coffee, or one of the bakery treats.
My tip: If you’re exploring Nakuru by car, this is a convenient place to include in your food itinerary because it’s along the Nakuru-Kisumu Highway.
4. The Lawns – Best for Indian Food in Nakuru
Location: Oyester-Shell Road, opposite Sarova Woodlands, Nakuru
Best For: Indian cuisine, family dinners, and relaxed dining
Price: Mid-range
If you enjoy Indian food, you’ll be happy to know that Nakuru has some great options.
One restaurant worth adding to your list is The Lawns. It’s known for Indian cuisine and also offers other dishes, including Kenyan and continental options.
Indian food is all about flavor, spices, and delicious combinations, and it’s a great choice when you want something different from your usual meals.
You can look forward to dishes such as curries, rice meals, and other Indian-inspired favorites. If you’re visiting with friends or family, it’s also a good place to enjoy a meal together.
What makes this restaurant interesting is that it gives you another side of Nakuru’s food scene beyond nyama choma and everyday Kenyan meals.
What to try: Ask about the available Indian curries, rice dishes, and fresh bread options.
My tip: This is a good option for a relaxed lunch or dinner. If you’re visiting during a busy period, calling ahead to confirm availability is a good idea.
5. Java House Nakuru – Best for Breakfast and Coffee
Location: Westside Mall, Kenyatta Avenue, Nakuru
Best For: Breakfast, coffee, and casual meetups
Price: Mid-range
Sometimes, all you need is a good cup of coffee and a nice breakfast to start your day. And that’s where Java House comes in.
Java House is one of Kenya’s familiar coffeehouse brands, and its Nakuru branch at Westside Mall is a convenient place to stop when you’re in town.
The restaurant offers coffee, breakfast dishes, sandwiches, burgers, pastries, and other casual meals.
I would especially recommend adding this place to your itinerary if you’re planning an early morning outing or need somewhere comfortable to grab breakfast before exploring Nakuru.
You can enjoy a cup of coffee with eggs, toast, pancakes, or another breakfast favorite.
It’s also a convenient option if you’re meeting friends or need a comfortable place to sit down and relax for a while.
What to try: Coffee, breakfast plates, sandwiches, and cakes.
My tip: Visit in the morning if you’re looking for breakfast before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park or exploring other attractions around town.
6. Gilani’s Restaurant – Best for a Variety of Meals
Location: Club Road, Nakuru town
Best For: Lunch, family meals, and Indian-inspired dishes
Price: Budget to mid-range
Gilani’s is another restaurant worth knowing about when exploring Nakuru.
Located within the Gilani’s Supermarket complex on Club Road, this is a long-running dining spot in the city.
One of the things that makes it appealing is its variety. You can find Indian-inspired dishes alongside other local and international favorites, making it suitable for people who enjoy having several options to choose from.
If you’re traveling with a group, this can be especially useful because not everyone has to order the same kind of food.
You can explore different rice dishes, curries, chicken meals, and other restaurant favorites.
It’s also conveniently located within Nakuru town, so you can easily combine lunch here with shopping or exploring the CBD.
What to try: Ask about the daily meal options, biryani, curries, and other Indian-inspired dishes.
My tip: Consider visiting around lunchtime. Check the current menu and prices before ordering, as these can change.
7. Rift Fries Restaurant – Best for Affordable Casual Meals
Location: Club Lane, Nakuru town
Best For: Quick lunches, casual meals, and budget-friendly dining
Price: Budget to mid-range
Not every meal has to be a fancy restaurant experience. Sometimes, you just want somewhere convenient where you can grab a satisfying meal without spending too much.
Rift Fries Restaurant is a good option to consider for that.
Located around Club Lane in Nakuru town, this casual restaurant offers a mixture of African-style dishes and popular fast-food favorites.
You can find meals such as fries, grilled meat, pilau, pizza, and other casual dining options.
I would recommend it if you’re exploring the town and need somewhere to stop for lunch or a quick bite.
It’s also worth considering if you’re traveling with friends and want a relaxed restaurant without the formality of a hotel dining room.
What to try: Look out for the fries, grilled meat, pilau, and other available meals.
My tip: This is a convenient choice for a casual lunch while exploring Nakuru CBD.
What Food Should You Try in Nakuru?
If this is your first time visiting Nakuru, I would recommend trying some traditional Kenyan dishes before exploring the international restaurant options.
Here are some foods worth adding to your list:
| Food | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Nyama choma | Grilled goat or beef, usually served with kachumbari |
| Ugali and sukuma wiki | A classic Kenyan combination |
| Pilau | Spiced rice cooked with meat or vegetables |
| Chapati and stew | Soft flatbread served with a flavorful stew |
| Githeri | A traditional mixture of maize and beans |
| Mandazi | Light, sweet fried dough, often enjoyed with tea |
One of my recommendations is to order nyama choma with ugali and kachumbari at least once.
It’s a classic Kenyan food experience and something worth trying when visiting the Rift Valley.
FAQs About Where to Eat in Nakuru
1. Is Nakuru worth visiting for food?
Absolutely! Nakuru has a diverse food scene with traditional Kenyan restaurants, nyama choma spots, Indian restaurants, coffee shops, and casual dining places. You can enjoy everything from affordable local meals to more modern restaurant experiences.
2. What is the best restaurant in Nakuru for families?
Kijani Kafe is worth considering if you’re looking for a relaxed garden-style dining experience. Gilani’s Restaurant is another option because of its varied menu. Java House is also convenient for casual family meals.
3. Is food expensive in Nakuru?
Not necessarily. Nakuru has dining options for different budgets.
You can find affordable local meals around the town centre, while mid-range restaurants and hotel dining options cost more. Your total spending will depend on the restaurant and what you order.
As a general guide, budget around KSh 200–500 for a simple local meal, KSh 600–1,500 for many casual restaurant meals, and more for premium dining. These are planning estimates rather than confirmed menu prices.
4. What are the best places to eat nyama choma in Nakuru?
Jimmy’s Choma Bite is one place worth checking out for nyama choma. You can also consider Shemeji Highway Resort and other local barbecue restaurants around Nakuru.
Remember to order your meat with ugali and kachumbari for a traditional Kenyan meal.
5. Where can I get good coffee in Nakuru?
Java House at Westside Mall and Origin Coffee are two options worth considering. Both offer coffee alongside meals and snacks.
6. Are there vegetarian restaurants in Nakuru?
Yes! Many restaurants in Nakuru offer vegetarian-friendly dishes. You can look for Indian restaurants such as The Lawns and Gilani’s, which have vegetarian options alongside their meat dishes.
You can also find vegetable stews, beans, githeri, rice, and chapati at local Kenyan restaurants.
7. What is the best time to visit restaurants in Nakuru?
Lunch and early evening are good times to explore Nakuru’s restaurant scene. Some restaurants get busy during weekends and public holidays, so it’s worth checking opening hours and contacting the restaurant before visiting.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Eat in Nakuru
Nakuru is a wonderful destination to explore, and its food scene is another reason to spend some time in the city.
From traditional Kenyan dishes and nyama choma to Indian food, coffee shops, and relaxed garden restaurants, there is something for different tastes and budgets.
My biggest recommendation is to try a little bit of everything. Don’t limit yourself to hotel restaurants or familiar international food. Visit a local eatery, order some nyama choma, try Kenyan pilau, and enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the city’s cafés.
Hopefully, this Nakuru food guide has given you some inspiration for your next meal in the city.
Enjoy exploring Nakuru, and most importantly, enjoy the food.
