This is a list of the best pizza spots in Nairobi. Pizza has become one of the most popular foods among Kenyan millennials. Due to this popularity, many national joints, Italian restaurants, and international pizzerias have opened. But some high-end restaurants have started selling pizza, to capitalize on this pizza craze.
Pizza is an Italian dish consisting of a usually round, flattened base of leavened wheat-based dough topped with tomatoes, cheese, and often various other ingredients, which is then baked at a high temperature, traditionally in a wood-fired oven. A small pizza is sometimes called a pizzetta. Without further ado here are the best pizza restaurants in Nairobi.
List Of Best Pizza Joints In Nairobi
1. Mambo Italia
Mambo Italia first opened its doors nearly 10 years ago at the Lavington Curve, and now, with locations in Westlands and Garden City (Thika Road), it’s cemented its mark on the Capital. This is a contemporary Italian restaurant that offers a relaxed, casual dining experience.
Mambo Italia’s menu features a cool smattering of authentic Italian cuisine, with a range of deliciously modern pizzas, all made with the freshest ingredients and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired brick oven. With its warm and inviting decor, the restaurant creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for groups, families, or even an intimate night out. Go for the Spirito di Milano, a combination of Fillet Steak, Gorgonzola, Tomato Salsa, and Caramelized Onions.
They offer a wide selection of pizzas, with more than 24 varieties to choose from, and you even have the option to create your custom pizza. Their pizza prices range from Ksh 1290 to Ksh 2250. If you’re the “light and airy” pizza-type enjoyer, Mambo Italia obliges.
2. 360 Degree Pizza
This stylish pizzeria is located at the ABC complex in Lavington and has long offered a unique dining experience that is both elegant and relaxed. Most of their pizzas feature thin crusts, with only the outer rim elevated to cradle the toppings. What sets their pizzas apart from some of the best is their dedication to authenticity. They source premium ingredients from Italy, including Caputo flour and the renowned San Marzano tomatoes. These tomatoes are considered among the finest in the world. Their pizzas follow the Neapolitan style, which is like a rule book that says, “You better use San Marzano tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese.”
Beyond pizza, their menu offers a variety of options, such as pasta and salads. You also have the freedom to customize your pizza to suit your preferences. Remarkably, their quality pizzas come at a reasonable price, ranging from KSh 1,200 to KSh 1,700. The dough they use is exceptional and yields a fantastic crust. The restaurant’s ambiance is perfect for dining in, and while delivery orders are convenient, they may not quite match the in-store experience; it’s more like watching a concert on TV instead of being there in person.
Additionally, they provide reliable WiFi for patrons. Whether you’re planning a pizza date or meeting friends, this pizzeria is undoubtedly one of the top choices.
3. Pomodoro, Village Market
Conveniently located at The Village Market food court in Gigiri, this is one of the city’s longest-standing pizza restaurants that offers a very tasty, genuinely Roman pizza experience. “Pomodoro”, in essence, is the Italian term for tomato, a key cornerstone of Italian cuisine, along with pasta and basil. Pomodoro’s specialty lies in the realm of Italian cuisine, with pizza and pasta dishes being the main characters. The standout at Pomodoro is their authentic carbonara, prepared using traditional ingredients. It’s undeniably delicious.
On the topic of pizza, Pomodoro generally delivers, with occasional hiccups in consistency, but still, it’s one of the best options around, and it’s as close to a trip to Italy while being in Nairobi.
4. Matteo’s Italian Restaurant
This popular Italian eatery in Karen boasts an extensive a la carte menu featuring a smattering of classic Italian, Continental, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, but what keeps us going back is the pizza. A deliciously designed pizza, the crust is thin and crispy on the base, with a slight rise in the crust and a generous smattering of toppings.
Their pizzas are either optioned with tomato sauce or without tomato sauce. 11 variants from the with tomato section and 8 options from the without tomato section make a total of around 20 pizza options, which is a good variety. The pizzas are probably the most affordable in the entire list, starting from as low as Ksh 800 to Ksh 1,350.
Set in a sprawling garden, Matteos is perfect for long, lazy, family-filled weekenders and a mid-week takeaway.
5. Gogol Pizza
A favorite with the Loresho and Kyuna residents, Gogol Pizzeria, named for the enigmatic 19th-century Russian Empire author Nicolai Gogol, is known for utilizing old Italian recipes and classic Italian techniques in its meals. Paying meticulous attention to each dish, they use a variety of fresh local ingredients of the highest quality. The restaurant is designed with particular flair, and one can’t help but get lost in the ambiance, which transports you straight into a picturesque 1950s Italian pizzeria in the heart of Roma! It’s good to note, though, that they don’t serve any alcohol. Go for the incredibly ingenious Calzones.
6. Mediterraneo Ristorante
This upscale Italian restaurant located in Junction Mall, Ngong Road, is known for its exceptional cuisine, including its delicious pizzas. They do not seem to concentrate on pizza that much on main dishes; even though they identify as a pizzeria, they still have an impressive 15 variations of pizza.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is truly unique, combining a variety of elements and a burst of vibrant colors. From the foliage-adorned ceiling to the prevalent wooden theme, it’s interesting to note the recurring wooden aesthetic in many Italian restaurants. However, in this case, it seamlessly complements the overall ambiance. Notably, they also offer gluten-free pizza, which is a significant offering for those with dietary restrictions.
7. La Salumeria
In Nairobi’s Valley Arcade neighborhood lies the Italian eatery and pizza place La Salumeria. With a focus on using fresh ingredients and traditional culinary techniques, the restaurant provides a genuine Italian dining experience. They offer a variety of Italian classics on their menu, including wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and a selection of antipasti. With options for indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant boasts a warm and inviting ambiance. La Salumeria is a terrific place for a fun date night or a casual supper with friends.
8. Solo Grano
Solo Grano, relatively new to the Capital, but already oozing gloriously, this cute pizzeria is located in Gigiri – making up a good chunk of the Craft Center food court. Their pizza categories include the classics (14 of them), gourmet selections (lucky 13), and even some fried options (a modest half-dozen). With a total of over 30 different pizzas to choose from, you’re bound to stumble upon one that tickles your fancy. As for the price tag, the classics average around Ksh 1,200, and the gourmet options start from Ksh 1,500.
And in true Italian fashion, they’ve got pasta on the menu too. But not just any pasta—it’s freshly made, and they even use a bronze-cut die. Because, you know, bronze dies are the peak artistry in the pasta-making game. When it comes to drinks, they offer a selection that covers wine, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks.
9. Jenga Jungle
Jenga Jungle in Westlands: This trendy pizza place is a great option for those looking for a lively atmosphere with a touch of urban edge. Boasting one of the best views in Westlands, the restaurant has a cozy and friendly design. It has an open kitchen and a lively bar area, making it a great spot for a night out. They serve a range of creative pizzas with unique toppings, and going the thin crust route, the crusts are crispy and delicious. A solid cocktail list doesn’t hurt either.
10. Sugo Sarit
This is a small Italian cafe on the rooftop of Sarit Centre, Westlands. The most iconic thing is not even the pizza, but the wireless charging pads on the tables. It is gimmicky, and we love it. The decor is just colorful and vibrant on the inside and airy with greenery on the outside. Furniture is just standard. The pizza experience is good, with a thick, crunchy crust. We love crusts that are absolute units. The pizza toppings are so generous, and you can tell that they don’t cheap out on the quantity of ingredients that go into their pizzas; you get a taste of everything in a single bite.
11. Bambino
Bambino Latin-Italian Kitchen it is a brand by The Food Library that owns other restaurant brands like INTI, Botanica, MeSo Mercado, and Slate. Each restaurant has its unique vibes and cuisine specialization. Among these, Bambino stands out as a popular choice, offering a delightful fusion of Latin and Italian flavors. Their pizzas and pasta dishes are particularly praiseworthy.
While Bambino’s pizza selection isn’t the most extensive, it still offers a respectable range of options with eight varieties to choose from. These can be divided into two categories: red pizzas and white pizzas. Red pizzas feature a tomato sauce or marinara base, giving them their distinctive red color or gradient. In contrast, white pizzas skip the tomato sauce and instead use a white sauce made from milk, salt, pepper, garlic, and parmesan cheese. The prices for both categories of pizza start at Ksh 1,200 and go up to Ksh 1,600, making them quite affordable and good value for the quality.
12. La Cascina
La Cascina is an Italian restaurant and pizzeria located in the Hub, Karen with a cozy, rustic, woody, and warm atmosphere. Their extensive menu spans a remarkable nine pages, ensuring that you won’t have any trouble finding classic Italian dishes. While their pizza may not be the standout feature, it is still of high quality and comes highly recommended by many. Prices for their pizzas start at Ksh 1,200.
13. Geco Cafe
Gec o Cafe’s logo features an actual gecko – and hey, that’s already a solid sales pitch for us. You would buy whatever they are selling because they are cool. It’s primarily a cafe, so you might not expect pizza greatness. But guess what? Their pizzas are otherworldly. Do you want the cheesiest of the pizzas? Geco Cafe is the place. The crusts are also big and we love that. Their ambiance is probably the one with a lot going on; greenery, woody finishes, graffiti, bookshelves, guitars torn apart, vintage bikes mounted on the wall, just impressive. It’s like you walked into your great grandma’s closet.
14. La Terrazza Italian Restaurant
Located at Greenhouse Mall on Ngong Rd, this restaurant, lounge, and art gallery is one of my favorite places to drink and eat. La Terrazza’s pizzas are made with authentic Italian ingredients and always leave me wanting more. La Terrazza offers a panoramic view of Nairobi’s skyline, which creates a beautiful atmosphere for the day. Pizza prices range from Ksh 950 to Ksh 1500. It is expensive compared to other hotels in Nairobi. However, the delicious pizza combined with the service and the beautiful location is worth it.
15. Two Grapes, Wine and Friends
The Two Grapes, a delightful wine bar and bistro in Kilimani, serves up a sort of hybrid Neapolitan/Roman style crust, the pizzaiolo applies a 24-hour cold fermentation on their doughs, injecting some seriously welcome sourdough flavor. The small but classic pizza menu delivers on all fronts, but, we have to recommend the Grecian, a killer combo of feta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. The restaurant extends onto an outdoor tiled terracotta patio, adorned by a beautiful canopy of greenery and a smattering of twinkling fairy lights. Boasting an exciting international – although predominantly French – wine list, and a sweet selection of cocktails, Two Grapes is just too good to ignore.
Other notable pizza joints include;
2. Trattoria Ristorante & Pizzeria
3. Pizza Inn
4. La Dolce Vita
5. Pepino’s Pizza
