Whether you like your injera with Shiro, Misir Wot or Tibsi, Nairobi’s Ethiopian and Eritrean food scene is a truly delicious one. If it’s your first time make sure to try a bit of everything on the mixed meat and vegetable platters. And whichever place you visit from our pick below make sure to finish your meal off with a traditional coffee and bowl of popcorn.
Abyssinia Westlands
Located conveniently around the Brookside drive area, Abyssinia in Westlands is a neighbourhood staple for lovers of Ethiopian cuisine. Their multi-level sating plan allots for different moods and purposes of dining. You’ll find all the usual suspects on the menu but what’s truly unique about this place is their coffee hut, where you can sit in a large group and savour the goodness of Ethiopian coffee prepared the traditional way.
Avg. Cost: Ksh. 1000 per person.
Must Try: Shiro.
Abyssinia Kilimani
Abyssinia has a very casual atmosphere with a small play area for children and a laid back bar 
section where you can watch football games over popcorn and coffee. Their menu is rather extensive with a wide variety of mouth-watering fish dishes that are difficult to find at any of the other Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurants in town. Another unique menu item (that you have to try if you’re a beer lover) is the popular Ethiopian beer, St Georges. It’s a light, refreshing accompaniment to your meal that you won’t find anywhere else.
Avg. Cost: Ksh. 950 per person
Must Try: All their fish dishes and St Georges beer.
Asmara
Another Westlands favourite is Asmara. One of few Eritrean restaurants in the city, the menu boasts a diverse range of dishes native to both Habesha cuisine and Italian cuisine (and their Italian food is not bad at all). Asmara is probably the most upmarket of the restaurants on the list with its modern design. The children’s play area (that has a jumping castle) and dedicated children’s toilet is a hit with families too. They also have an impressive wine list to match their impressive meals.
Avg. Cost: Ksh. 1100 per person.
Must Try: Lamb Tibsi, Shiro and their fish dishes.
Habesha Gigiri
The small house that Habesha Gigiri finds itself in is a stark contrast to its Hurlingham counterpart. But smaller space means more attentive service, faster food and all-round warm energy in the establishment. It’s low key but still with delightful offerings of grilled meats and sauces on warm injera breads.
Avg. Cost: Ksh. 900 per person
Must Try: Mixed vegetable and meat platter.
Habesha Hurlingham
Habesha in Hurlingham has built quite a name for itself both with locals but largely with
expatriates and tourists. Its enormous, airy dining area with sectioned off huts/bandas of varying dimensions cater to groups of all sizes. There’s always a buzz at this restaurant so make sure to come hungry and come with 3 people or more so as to try most of what’s on offer.
Avg. Cost: Ksh. 1200 per person
Must Try: Their Doro Wot (if you’re a fan of chilli food)
Yojeza Garden
Map & Directions
Customer Reviews
Little known Yojeza Garden may not be as large and full as the others, but that’s part of its charm. If something low-key and intimate is what you seek then Yojeza is a great option. Cosy indoor seating opens up to an even cosier garden setting where you can sample Ethiopian delicacies under the stars.
Avg. Cost: Ksh. 1000 per person
Must Try: Their beef and lamb dishes.
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