Best Casual Dining Restaurants in Karen

The Garden at Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens & Cottages is a charming restaurant in Karen's serene and picturesque suburb in Nairobi, Kenya. Set within the expansive and historic grounds of the original Karen Blixen estate—famous from the book and movie "Out of Africa"—this restaurant offers a tranquil dining experience amidst lush gardens and beautiful scenery. The menu features a selection of international dishes focusing on contemporary cuisine, prepared using fresh, local ingredients. The setting provides a perfect backdrop for a leisurely lunch, a romantic dinner, or a special event, complete with the ambience of old-world elegance mixed with modern comforts. The Garden is a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat and a delicious meal in one of Nairobi's most historic and scenic locations.

Hatton's Lounge Restaurant at Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens is charming in Karen's serene and picturesque suburb in Nairobi, Kenya. Hattons Lounge is a small, exclusive poolside retreat with indoor and outdoor seating, nestled amid beautiful trees and lush gardens. Guests can enjoy the convenience of requesting early breakfasts, take-away meals, or late check-in dinners while relishing an all-day dining experience. Located along Karen Road, the exclusive Hattons Lounge is set in what used to be Karen Blixen’s old coffee farm estate. It is about 20 miles from downtown Nairobi and about half a mile from the Karen Golf and Country Club. Centrally and conveniently located, it is a short walk from the Karen Blixen Museum, Kazuri Bead Factory, and an easy 10-minute drive to the famous David Sheldrick Elephant & Rhino Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre.

Atrium Bar & Restaurant at Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens is a charming restaurant in Karen's serene and picturesque suburb in Nairobi, Kenya. For those seeking a unique and immersive experience, Atrium, our glass house, beckons. This glass conservatory is where Babette and the Garden Restaurant converge to create an extraordinary fusion of flavours. Here, you can drink, dine, learn, and interact while enjoying the best of both worlds. The Atrium is a versatile space, perfect for hosting small parties and other special events for up to 40 guests. Imagine celebrating your most cherished moments surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of this stunning venue.

Big Smoke is in Karen, one of Nairobi’s most affluent and leafy suburbs. Karen is known for its lush surroundings, beautiful homes, and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal location for a restaurant that offers a relaxing dining experience away from the city’s bustling core. Big Smoke is conveniently located near popular attractions like the Karen Blixen Museum and The Hub Karen Mall, making it a favourite for locals and tourists looking for a quality meal in an elegant yet casual setting. The atmosphere at Big Smoke is cosy and rustic, designed to reflect the authentic barbecue experience. The interior features wooden tables, industrial-style lighting, and earthy tones, giving it a warm and welcoming vibe. There’s an emphasis on creating a modern and unpretentious space, making it a comfortable spot for family dinners, casual outings with friends, or even relaxed business lunches. Popular menu items include beef brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs, and grilled chicken, all served with house-made sauces that add to the rich flavours. The sides are just as indulgent, with options like mac and cheese, coleslaw, cornbread, and sweet potato fries—perfect complements to the hearty meat dishes. For those looking for lighter options, Big Smoke also offers a variety of salads, grilled vegetable platters, and smoked fish options. Vegetarians aren’t left out, as the restaurant features some well-crafted plant-based options like grilled portobello mushrooms and barbecue-style vegetable skewers.

Nestled in the green and serene Karen neighbourhood, Cultiva Farm provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. Karen is one of Nairobi’s most scenic and affluent areas, known for its expansive gardens, rich history, and natural beauty. The farm is easily accessible from critical points in the city and near popular attractions like the Karen Blixen Museum and The Hub Karen Mall. Its rural setting, surrounded by open spaces and greenery, creates an ideal environment for a relaxing and immersive dining experience. The atmosphere at Cultiva Farm is rustic, charming, and eco-conscious, designed to create a connection between guests and the environment. The restaurant’s décor features natural materials such as wood and stone, with earthy tones reflecting the farm’s sustainability and organic living ethos. The seating area is spacious yet cosy, offering indoor and outdoor dining options. The dishes are a blend of international and Latin American influences, with an emphasis on creativity and sustainability. Popular starters include farm-fresh salads, charred vegetables, and homemade hummus, all made using the freshest produce harvested daily from the farm. For mains, guests can choose from grilled meats, roasted chicken, and vegetable risotto, all prepared with herbs, spices, and vegetables sourced directly from the farm. The restaurant also offers a range of artisan pizzas and handmade pasta dishes featuring unique combinations of seasonal vegetables, farm-fresh cheeses, and house-made sauces. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for, with various plant-based dishes that showcase the farm’s organic produce.

Roast by Carnivore is a vibrant and modern eatery in the bustling heart of Nairobi, Kenya. As an offshoot of the legendary Carnivore restaurant, Roast continues the tradition of delivering top-notch meat-centric dining in a more casual and accessible setting. This restaurant has quickly become a favourite among locals and tourists alike, known for its laid-back atmosphere and a focus on hearty, flavorful meals. Situated in the trendy hub of The Hub Karen, Roast by Carnivore boasts a contemporary rustic decor that complements its informal dining style. The interior features an open kitchen, wooden furnishings, and warm lighting, creating a welcoming environment where guests can enjoy a relaxed meal. Roast specializes in various types of meat roasted over charcoal and carved at your table. The menu offers a mouth-watering selection of skewered meats, including beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, all marinated in unique blends of herbs and spices and slow-roasted to perfection. Alongside these are a variety of side dishes that highlight Kenyan flavours, such as sukuma wiki (collard greens) and Eskimo (a mash of potatoes, peas, and maize).

Situated in the vibrant neighbourhood of Karen, Nairobi, Legend Karen is a culinary hotspot that offers a delightful fusion of African and international flavours amidst the charming surroundings of the suburb. Located in the heart of Karen, Legend Karen welcomes guests with its contemporary ambience and warm hospitality. Step into a stylish dining space where modern design elements blend seamlessly with African-inspired decor, creating a chic and inviting atmosphere. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with a diverse menu showcasing the best African and international cuisine. From hearty Kenyan nyama choma to flavorful Indian curries, succulent grilled meats, and gourmet burgers, each dish is prepared with care and expertise, using the freshest locally sourced ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. Indulge in the signature dishes, such as the tender Grilled Tilapia or the spicy Chicken Tikka Masala, expertly paired with a refreshing cocktail or a glass of wine from an extensive selection.

Nestled in the serene neighborhood of Karen, Nairobi, La Cascina is a culinary sanctuary offering an authentic taste of Italian cuisine amidst the tranquility of lush greenery and rolling hills. Located in the picturesque surroundings of Karen, La Cascina welcomes guests with its rustic charm and warm hospitality. Step into an inviting dining space where Italian-inspired decor meets contemporary elegance, creating an ambience that is both intimate and welcoming. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the menu celebrating Italy's rich and diverse flavours. From classic pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas to hearty risottos, flavorful seafood, and tender meat entrees, each dish is crafted with care and expertise, using traditional recipes and the finest imported ingredients. Indulge in the signature dishes, such as the creamy Carbonara or the savoury Osso Buco, expertly paired with a selection from a curated wine list featuring a variety of Italian varietals. Alternatively, enjoy a refreshing Aperol Spritz or Negroni from the bar, accompanied by artisanal cheeses and antipasti.

Located in Karen, Haru Japanese Restaurant has proven that fresh, innovative, and healthy Japanese Cuisine has taken pole position as one of the trendiest culinary frontiers in Nairobi. Every dish at Haru Japanese Restaurant has its own signature twist, and each is expertly created and refined to simply leave you relishing for more. Chef Park believes that preparing Japanese Cuisine is an art. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the menu showcasing Japanese cuisine flavours and artistry. From fresh sashimi and sushi rolls to hearty ramen bowls and flavorful grilled dishes, each offering is crafted with precision and care, using the finest ingredients imported from Japan and locally sourced produce. Offering an endless selection of enticing dishes, he ensures a marriage of simplicity, skill, and taste, ensuring your taste buds are satisfied. A multi-sensory dining experience awaits your palate, with favourites such as extravagant melt-in-your-mouth Sushi, Sashimi, and many more authentic Japanese culinary treats.