Places open and close in Westlands faster than anywhere else in Nairobi, which is partly what makes it the city’s most interesting food neighbourhood. This is my current list, updated June 2026; I’ve eaten at most of these personally but have notated the ones I haven’t.
For a Proper Sit-Down Meal
beit é selam
My new favorite in Westlands. The space reminds me more of Cape Town than Nairobi, which is either a selling point or a heads-up depending on where you stand on that aesthetic. The restaurant is tucked away on Maua Close, off the main Westlands strip and doesn’t even have a sign.
Their most famous starter is the corn ribs, and they definitely earn the reputation. I’ve also had the creole rock cod, which comes with a papaya salad I liked more than I expected to. The lamb burger gets consistently strong reviews from everyone I know who’s been.
Skip the dessert menu; it’s the weakest part of the meal. A scoop of ice cream if you want something sweet at the end, but leave it there.
Their lunch offer includes one starter, one main, one dessert, and a drink for KES 3,650 as of June 2026. Closed Sundays.
About Thyme
About Thyme has been in Westlands since 2005 and they haven’t let their quality drop. The food is delicious, the space is well-kept, and they have live music on certain days of the week. Check their website at about-thyme.com for the current schedule before you go.
It’s not cheap, but it’s not pretending to be something it isn’t. This is a proper sit-down meal: the kind of place you take someone you want to impress, or book for a birthday when you want to get it right. Set in a multi-level garden off Eldama Ravine Road, it’s worth booking ahead. Closed Mondays.
Open House Restaurant
My favourite Indian restaurant in Nairobi. I have tried others but keep coming back here, especially when we have out of town guests. Prices are on the higher end for an Indian restaurant in Nairobi, but the quality reflects it. Located on Parklands Road, opposite The Mall.
K’Osewe Westlands
I think the original branch in CBD gives a more authentic experience but for visitors who are only in Nairobi for a short time and who might not make it to CBD, I’d send them to this K’Osewe branch so they at least get to taste some Kenyan food (samaki na brown ugali is my go to). This branch has beautiful deco and so it’s also great for a group dinner.
Affordable Family Dinner
Hashmi Barbeque
When we want to take the kids somewhere easy and not stretch the budget, Hashmi is where we end up. It’s always full, so go ready to wait a bit to be seated, but it’s reliably good. Indian BBQ: chicken tikka, kebabs, fresh naan, rich curries. If they have it available, get the tangerine juice. It’s a staple at Hashmi and people come back for it. More affordable than Open House; a solid family dinner without the bill shock.
Baladi Restaurant
Off Muridi Road, on the ground floor of a quiet mall you would drive past without thinking twice. Baladi does Syrian food, and they do it properly. The falafel shawarma is what I always order. Their garlic sauce is one of those things you want to pack up and take home (it’s that good). The other detail you won’t forget: they make Syrian coffee in the sand.
The Pizzeria
At the Brookside-School Lane Junction, Westlands. The only vegetarian pizza place I would actively recommend in Nairobi. The roasted garlic sauce is why I go. Don’t let the vegetarian-only menu put you off if you’re not vegetarian; the pizzas hold up on their own. Wood-fired, well-priced, worth the detour.
270° Rooftop
On the 18th floor of the Escada Building on Lantana Road, Westlands. Good views across the skyline, cocktails worth ordering, and a food menu where the salads stand out. Open from 6am, which also makes it work as a breakfast or co-working spot on quieter days.
On My List (I Have Not Been Yet)
EZO Restaurant at Stellato Mall, 2nd Floor, 42 Muthithi Road, Westlands is an Asian-inspired fine dining spot led by a Michelin-influenced Peruvian chef. Contemporary New-Japanese with Nikkei and pan-Asian influences. Several people whose food opinions I trust have flagged it as a strong date night. I’ll review it properly when I get there! View on Google Maps
Onza at Westgate is a Mediterranean-French fusion restaurant and bar that keeps coming up in date night recommendations. Open daily from noon. On my personal list; I’ll update this once I’ve been. View on Google Maps
Rooftop Drinks and Views
Dijo
A French Neobistro rooftop at The Mandrake in Westlands, with a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Popular for date nights, happy hour, and group dinners. On the pricier side. I haven’t eaten here yet but have heard consistently good things about the view and the atmosphere. I’ll update when I do. Opens at 5pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Going Out
My clubbing days are behind me, so take this section as intel rather than a personal review. The names that keep coming up for a night out in Westlands:
Jekyll & Hyde is a moody, theatrically dark cocktail bar in a strip mall in Westlands. Known for inventive cocktails and a strong atmosphere. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 6pm. View on Google Maps
KODA Nairobi at Kenrail Towers on Ring Road is a serious two-room music venue with a Funktion-One sound system. More nightclub than bar. Thursdays to Saturdays only, from 9pm. View on Google Maps
11:11 also gets mentioned in the same conversations. I know less about this one; I’ll update as I hear more.
Coffee and Co-Working
A quick reference for working out of Westlands:
Coffee & Plant on General Mathenge Road is a plant-based cafe with both indoor and terrace seating. Strictly vegetarian and vegan menu. Good for a working morning or a lighter lunch. View on Google Maps
The Republic of Everyone at Bishan Plaza on Mpaka Road is a specialty coffee roastery with a strong East Africa sourcing story and very good baristas. The flagship cafe worth seeking out if you care about coffee. View on Google Maps
Knead Artisanal Bakery in Kanha Building, Westlands does excellent sourdough, pastries, and coffee. Solid co-working spot open daily from 8:30am. View on Google Maps
The Good Grain is a micro-bakery just off Waiyaki Way. A bit outside the main Westlands strip, but the bread is worth the drive and the space is good for a longer working session. They source their drip coffee from Hikuri Coffee. Open Monday to Saturday; closed Sundays. View on Google Maps
Connect Coffee has a location at Sanlam Towers on Waiyaki Way (near The Good Grain) and a second at The Riverfront on Chiromo Lane. Both are specialty roastery cafes. View on Google Maps
The Bottom Line
Westlands is where Nairobi’s food scene tests itself. Some of the places on this list won’t be here in a year. I’ll keep updating as I work through the ones still on my list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant in Westlands, Nairobi?
beit é selam on Maua Close is one of the strongest options right now. Their lunch offer, one starter, one main, one dessert, and a drink for KES 3,650, is one of the better deals in the neighbourhood. About Thyme on Eldama Ravine Road is the long-standing reliable choice for a proper sit-down meal, operating since 2005.
Where can I get good Indian food in Westlands, Nairobi?
Open House Restaurant on Parklands Road (opposite The Mall) is consistently the best Indian restaurant in Nairobi. Expect to pay more than at a standard Indian restaurant; the quality reflects it.
What is the most affordable restaurant in Westlands for a family?
Hashmi Barbeque is a reliable choice for families who want good food without a large bill. Baladi Restaurant off Muridi Road is also excellent for shawarma at an accessible price point.
Are there good rooftop bars in Westlands, Nairobi?
270° Rooftop at the Escada Building on Lantana Road and Dijo at The Mandrake are both good options with views over the city. 270° Rooftop opens early and also works as a daytime co-working spot.
Where can I get good pizza in Westlands, Nairobi?
The Pizzeria at the Brookside-School Lane Junction is one of the best pizza options in Nairobi. It’s a vegetarian pizza place using a wood-fired oven, and the roasted garlic sauce is the standout.
What are good coffee shops in Westlands for working?
The Republic of Everyone (Mpaka Road), Coffee & Plant (General Mathenge Road), Knead Artisanal Bakery (Kanha Building), and The Good Grain (Waiyaki Way) are the main options in and around Westlands.
Is Westlands safe at night?
Westlands is one of Nairobi’s most active areas after dark and is generally considered safer than other parts of the city. Standard Nairobi precautions apply: use a trusted taxi or ride-hailing app rather than walking between venues late at night.