Here is a list of the best rooftop restaurants and bars in Nairobi. If you happen to be in Nairobi and you are searching for a unique experience, rooftop restaurants in the city are a must-try. These restaurants offer an experience that goes beyond the traditional restaurant setting. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner under the starry sky or a lively gathering with friends, rooftop restaurants in Nairobi guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Best Rooftop Restaurants and Bars in Nairobi with a View
1. INTI – A Nikkei Experience
Located at One Africa Place in Westlands, the dome-shaped architecture allows a 360-degree view of a contemporary urban environment in the heart of Nairobi. The INTI experience centres around the finest Nikkei cuisine, which celebrates the marriage of Japanese & Peruvian fare, complemented by the finest wines, sake, and signature cocktails.
INTI – A Nikkei Experience has become the latest gastronomic sensation to hit the capital city of Nairobi and the continent at large, serving the finest Nikkei cuisine. Nikkei food is celebrated as emblematic of the two nations’ immigration histories and rich ethnic diversity, in short, it is broadly defined as Peruvian and Japanese fusion food.
2. Jenga Jungle
Apart from their views, the best thing about Jenga Jungle is their weekly buy one, get one free offer. From burgers, chicken wings, tacos & tequila to my all-time favourite, which is prosecco and pizza Fridays for Ksh 3,000. It is located at Westpark Towers Mpesi lane off Muthithi road in Westlands. It is a great spot for game nights, date nights and friendly hangouts.
3. Tazama at Four Points by Sheraton JKIA
Located on the 10th floor of Four Points by Sheraton at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Tazama which is a Swahili word for ‘Look’, offers unobstructed views of Nairobi National Park from the pool deck and airport runway from the other.
The restaurant is vibrant and very welcoming and it serves locally inspired grills and handcrafted cocktails that truly capture the essence of Nairobi. If you are ever at the restaurant, make sure you strike a pose in front of the Instagram-worthy graffiti wall and relax by the poolside with a glass of wine while you watch a herd of giraffes grazing.
4. J’s Rooftop Restaurant, Karen
J’s Karen is the home-away-from-home rooftop restaurant you’ve been looking for. The restaurant’s interior has a very stylish Afro-English blend and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it the perfect escape from the city crowd. Here, you can enjoy a fine lunch or dinner while sipping on specially crafted cocktails indoors or out while sitting around cosy couches and toasty fire pits.
5. Tambourin at Villa Rosa Kempinski
Tambourin is Nairobi’s most luxurious rooftop restaurant, located at Villa Rosa Kempinski in Westlands. The luxurious restaurant boasts a comfy Arabian-themed lounge with intricate wall and floor designs that are tastefully finished to give guests an authentic Arabian experience.
Here, you can savour the very best culinary delights of Arabia with their Levantine menu, which focuses on flavours and recipes from Lebanon, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Palestine and Syria. Soak up the colour and vibrancy of Tambourin, particularly in the evening, as you watch the sunset and enjoy their Mezze platters while you sip on a cocktail after a busy day.
6. Nest at Tribe Hotel
This small, quiet, outdoor rooftop terrace is nestled quite literally on the 3rd floor of the Tribe Hotel in the Gigiri area. The restaurant’s Moroccan setting with large, comfy chairs and oversized pillows offers a sophisticated but relaxed vibe.
The nest is encased in greenery and overlooks the forest, making it the perfect spot to enjoy sushi and signature martinis on a cool, breezy evening.
7. Hero Restaurant
Tucked on the 9th floor of the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi’s swanky ex-pat suburb, Gigiri, Hero Bar was recently named 70th among the world’s best bars in the extended 51-100 Bars list. A new kind of eatery at the intersection of design, fantasy, indulgence, and individuality. Built as a speakeasy with a discrete entrance and prohibition-style bar; the concept invites you to be members of a secret space.
Bridging fantasy and reality, the space and food celebrate heroes from comics and our community: thought leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, authors, do-gooders, champions of humanity, and protectors of the environment. The small plates draw inspiration from the idea of the superhero and their superpowers.
8. The View at Movenpick Hotel
Judging from the name, you know this revolving restaurant offers fantastic 360-degree views of the city, extending to the horizon in all directions. The menu focuses on Swiss cuisine, a variety of fondues and veal zurichoise. A window seat at this revolving restaurant will give you a view of Nairobi that changes while you chew and a chance to toast to the beauty of the city lights, particularly at night
9. Sky Lounge at Emara Restaurant
Sky Lounge in Nairobi is designed to spark exclusivity and create swanky experiences. Listen, feel, observe, experience, resonate, and sip sartorial cocktails. Allow yourself to be carried away by the pure magic of this unparalleled rooftop bar in Nairobi.
Give your parties, romantic dates, birthdays, and other special occasions a makeover with stunning views of the city and Nairobi National Park, sophisticated ambience, and chilled vibes. As you have candid chats while taking in Insta-worthy views and cocktails from the outdoor and indoor space, don’t forget to taste the delicious bites.
10. Sarabi at Sankara
Sarabi is perched on the rooftop of the luxurious Sankara Hotel in Westlands. During the day, the guests can relax by the open-air pool deck and enjoy healthy juices and light, revitalising cuisine.
If you are truly afraid of heights, don’t look at the bottom of the pool. As the night falls, you will find the best views of the Nairobi skyline as you enjoy tapas-style shared plates, and relaxing music from the live band and guest DJs.
11. Kilele Nyama
Another spot with fantastic views is the Ibis Styles Hotel in Westlands. This is without a doubt Nairobi’s most stylish rooftop restaurant, serving a variety of char-grilled meats in a cosy setting. On clear days, you can see Ngong Hills from the restaurant’s magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of Nairobi’s skyline. They also have the Sky Bar, which has similar views to Kilele Nyama. I recommend the pork ribs and the sautéed potatoes.
12. Attic Rooftop Bar
Floating at the top of the Park Inn by Radisson in Westlands, the Attic Rooftop Bar offers a modern setting for elevated food and drinks. With plenty of comfy lounge areas, the stylish rooftop is quite covered, but seats at the edge come with fantastic panoramic views over the Nairobi skyline. The rooftop menu features award-winning mixology cocktails and a mouthwatering selection of snacks, all served in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
13. Unseen Nairobi
Elevated high above Wood Avenue Plaza, Unseen Nairobi is somewhat of a hidden gem, high above all the buzz. The charming garden-style rooftop bar and terrace offer amazing panoramic views over Nairobi, and here you can enjoy a menu filled with Asian-inspired dishes and refreshing cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic smoothies and coffees. But what sets Unseen apart is the cultural aspect, including rooftop movies and events like ‘Movie Quiz’.
14. Sky Bar Westlands
The Sky Bar Westlands is the best rooftop sports bar in Nairobi, but this elevated venue offers a lot more than just sports. Mixing a bright indoor lounge with an open-air terrace, surrounded by panoramic views over Nairobi, you can enjoy an extensive drinks menu with select cocktails, as well as delectable bar bites. Come for the friendly atmosphere, sunset views or nightly vibes with jams from the resident DJ.
15. The Fuse Lounge & Restaurant
This is the newest kid on the block that opened its doors in June 2023 at Maralal Oasis Mall in Hurlingham, opposite Four Points by Sheraton. It is adorned with brightly coloured seats and handcrafted decor, creating a sophisticated ambience for the patrons. They have happy hour running daily from 2 pm to 8 pm and it is known for amazing parties. They also offer accommodation.
