Onza is a very chic Mediterranean and French restaurant and bar located at Westgate mall. It’s been on my list for quite some time so glad I got to finally tick it off this past weekend. The setup is stunning, the decor, the mood lighting coupled with the ambient music - perfect setting for a dinner and drinks plan with friends or a date. I came here for dinner with my cousin for her birthday.

Haru is a Japanese restaurant located in Karen, just along Karen road. They’ve been in business for over 16 years and are a staple in the Nairobi food scene. I’ve been here a good amount of times in the recent years mostly because I’m surrounded by people who love sushi. I’m not a sushi fan like that but I do enjoy Japanese cuisine overall so I tend to have their other ‘cooked’ dishes when I visit.

Pop’s Diner, located in Mwanzi Market, Westlands is possibly Nairobi’s first American style diner and as someone who spent a good chunk of her life on that side of the world, I was very excited to have a classic diner experience right here without incurring a flight cost. They really hit the mark on the decor, working in different elements of classic America like the juke boxes (wish they had one that actually works!

Bonjour from the picturesque Dijo rooftop bar & restaurant! Located at the top of the Mandrake in Westlands, Dijo is a contemporary French restaurant and gastro bar that serves unique French bistro cuisine, distinct cocktails and a stunning 360° panoramic view of the city. As you step out of the elevator and into this expansive establishment you’re greeted by a myriad of vibrant colours and prints right from the doorstep. There’s a stunning waiting area by the entrance which makes for a great photo backdrop (I think that was their intention with that section).

Located at the Lavington curve mall, Mambo Italia is a pizzeria that has truly never disappointed me in the many years it’s been in existence. It’s located on the top floor and has both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the once serene but now very crowded Lavington streets. I like that they have a vast open playground where your little ones can play to their heart’s content. The menu is very pizza focused but they also have a good variety of other Italian and continental dishes.

The Good Grain is an artisanal micro-bakery located just off waiyaki way. I’ve always heard good things about this place so I was very excited to check it out. It’s quite a small space (hence the micro) but still spacious enough to not feel crowded when customers stream in and out. Love the little patches of green at either side of the entrance where you’ll most likely find 2 - 3 people sprawled on raffia mats basking in the Nairobi sun while enjoying a coffee and a pastry or two.