Nairobi’s food scene has become a global culinary hub, offering everything from Italian to Indian cuisines. But if you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, the city has some exceptional spots that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re craving sushi, ramen, sake, or a traditional Japanese meal, Nairobi’s Japanese restaurants have it all. From cozy spots for a casual meal to upscale dining experiences, here are my top 10 Japanese restaurants in Nairobi (2022) that you must try.
1) Shokudo
Shokudo is a casual Japanese cafe and specialty store with two locations in Nairobi: Astrol Petrol Station, Lenana Road, and Craft Centre, Gigiri Lane. With over 20 years of experience, Shokudo offers a cozy atmosphere and an impressive array of traditional Japanese dishes. From ramen to sushi, this restaurant has built a loyal customer base with its authentic and flavorful offerings.
- Food Range: Kshs. 150 to Kshs. 4000
- Opening Hours: 10 am to 9 pm daily
2) Misono Japanese Restaurant
Misono has been a staple of Japanese dining in Nairobi since 1995, with locations in Kilimani and Mombasa. Known for its authentic Japanese flavors and creative use of local ingredients, Misono provides a refined dining experience. Whether it’s fresh seafood or mouthwatering steaks, the dishes here are expertly crafted to deliver a rich oriental experience.
- Food Range: Kshs. 250 to Kshs. 3000
- Opening Hours: 12 pm to 9:30 pm daily
3) Tokyo Restaurant
Located on Kolloh Road, Lavington, Tokyo offers an authentic Japanese and Korean dining experience. With over 30 years of expertise, Head Chef Mr. Youngho (Philip) Shin brings his top-tier skills to Nairobi, serving classic Japanese dishes like sushi and ramen.
- Food Range: Kshs. 350 to Kshs. 7200
- Opening Hours: 12 pm to 10 pm daily
4) Sushi Soo
Sushi Soo is East Africa’s first food train restaurant, combining Japanese Teppanyaki, steak, and Korean barbecue. Famous for its live cooking experiences and sushi boats, Sushi Soo offers a fun and interactive dining atmosphere that’s perfect for date nights or group dining.
- Food Range: Varies
- Opening Hours: 10:30 am to 10 pm daily
5) Furusato
Located along Ring Road Parklands, Furusato is a cozy garden restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant offers Teppanyaki tables and sushi platters, making it an excellent choice for anyone craving an interactive meal.
- Food Range: Varies
- Opening Hours: 12 pm to 11 pm daily
6) Cheka Japanese Izakaya
Cheka Izakaya is a Japanese-style restaurant and bar located in Nairobi, specializing in dumplings, ramen, and Japanese desserts. The name “Cheka” means “laugh” in Swahili, reflecting the restaurant’s fun and casual atmosphere. They also offer food delivery services through Uber Eats and Jumia Food.
- Food Range: Kshs. 200 to Kshs. 2100
- Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm daily
7) Haru Restaurant
Located along Karen Road, Haru is a casual dining restaurant serving innovative and fresh Japanese cuisine. With a focus on shareable platters, this intimate restaurant is perfect for large groups or family dinners.
- Food Range: Kshs. 200 to Kshs. 4850
- Opening Hours: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
8) ChiQ Japanese Restaurant
ChiQ is a modern Japanese restaurant located at New Muthaiga, The Hub, and Sarit Center. The restaurant offers some of the best-aged beef paired with carefully selected red wines. For a more traditional experience, try their ramen or sushi.
- Food Range: Kshs. 100 to Kshs. 1600
- Opening Hours: 11 am to 8 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
9) The Chiyo
The Chiyo Restaurant, located in Safari Park Hotel, offers a unique dining experience set against a Japanese garden backdrop. Enjoy a Teppanyaki meal prepared right in front of you or savor classic dishes like sushi and sashimi.
- Food Range: Varies
- Opening Hours: 1 pm to 3 pm (lunch), 7:30 pm to 9 pm (dinner) daily
10) The Phoenician Restaurant
Located on Matundu Lane, Westlands, The Phoenician Restaurant combines Japanese and Lebanese cuisine. The restaurant offers a diverse range of sushi, sashimi, and other international dishes, making it perfect for those looking for something unique.
- Food Range: Kshs. 300 to Kshs. 11,000
- Opening Hours: 12 pm to 8:30 pm daily
Conclusion:
Whether you’re craving a traditional sushi roll, a flavorful bowl of ramen, or a live Teppanyaki experience, Nairobi has a variety of Japanese restaurants that cater to every taste. From Shokudo for a casual meal to Misono for a more refined experience, these top 10 restaurants offer the best of Japanese cuisine in Nairobi. Enjoy a unique cultural experience with every bite!
