You may not be aware of this, but Nairobi has a vibrant Japanese restaurant scene. It has grown over the years, and the number of Japanese restaurants in Nairobi continues to rise by the day.
If you are here, you are looking to explore this scene, hoping to find the best Japanese restaurants in the city. Settle in; you’re in the right place.
From excellent sushi to yummy bowls of ramen, this is a list of the best Japanese restaurants in Nairobi. Read all about restaurants offering you exciting dining experiences that feel and taste so authentically Japanese.
RECOMMENDED: Our full guide to the best restaurants in Nairobi.
Kilimani
Shokudo
- Highlights: Their gyoza dumplings and Japanese curry and their Japanese cuisine ingredients specialty store.
- Open Hours:10 am -9 pm.
Shokudo is a cozy café on Lenana Road. They say they want to create a little Japan in Nairobi, and thanks to their food, they are well on their way.
Their menu and chill and laid-back atmosphere make them one of the best Japanese restaurants in Nairobi.
Misono Japanese Restaurant
- Open Hours:10 am -9 pm
Misono Japanese restaurant is one of the most popular Japanese restaurants in Nairobi. They are known for all your favorite Japanese classics: Sushi, Sake, Sashimi, Teppanyaki, and many more.
A visit here is also an opportunity to experience some Japanese cultural practices. Expect a traditional Japanese greeting when you arrive and an exciting cooking show from the Teppanyaki chefs.
Kai – The Sushi Bar
- Highlights: Fresh sushi and Japanese Sake
- Open Hours: 11 am-6 pm
Kai – The Sushi Bar has fresh and flavourful sushi and other seafood dishes. They are also one of the go-to Japanese restaurants in Nairobi for their wide variety of Japanese Sake.
They work with local fishers to source quality, fresh fish and are in contract cultivation with local rice farmers, so you support local farmers when you eat here.
Westlands
INTI – A Nikkei Experience
- Highlight: Extensive, creative menu and classy atmosphere.
- Open Hours:12 pm-8:15 pm
INTI specializes in Nikkei cuisine-Peurivian ingredients molded by Japanese techniques. Inti is the first Nikkei restaurant in Africa.
Apart from amazing meals, the restaurant offers a spectacular view of the city thanks to its 20th-floor location. Their grand and modern décor also makes them one of the most talked-about Japanese restaurants in Nairobi.
But be warned, there’s a dress code and you need to book in advance to guarantee a table.
Kileleshwa and Lavington
Sushi Soo
- Highlights: Delicious meals and a laid back atmosphere
- Open Hours:10.30 am- 8 pm
When you hear the name Sushi Soo, you might only think of sushi. But there’s plenty of grilling, simmering, steaming, and frying going on in Sushi Soo as well.
In addition to sushi, they offer Japanese tempura, Korean soup and rice, seafood rolls, meat rolls, and many more.
Chekafe Japanese Sweet Factory (Cheka Ramen)
- Highlight: Outdoor garden seating, ramen bowls, dumplings, and amazing coffees.
- Open Hours: 10.00am-9.00pm
Chekafe is the go-to place for authentic Japanese food, especially their succulent ramen. You can choose from pork ramen, chicken ramen, and even oyster prawn miso ramen.
The indoor space is gorgeous with modern decor, but they also have a serene outdoor space in their garden.
And if you don’t fancy Japanese food, Chekafe’s barista’s are amongst the best in Nairobi.
Tokyo Restaurant
- Highlight: Expansive menu and beautifully presented meals.
- Open Hours:11.30 am-8.30 pm.
Tokyo Restaurant started in 2001 and over the years, they’ve become one of the Japanese restaurants in Nairobi that serves authentic Japanese cuisines. It helps that their founder and head chef Mr. Shin is one of the few licensed chefs in Japanese food in Kenya.
Parklands
Furusato Japanese Restaurant
- Highlight: Beautiful ambiance and a menu with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options
- Open Hours: 12:30 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm-10.30 pm
At Furusato Japanese Restaurant you are transported to Japan by their Japanese food, their large dining halls decorated with quintessentially Japanese motifs- paper umbrellas, paintings of kimono-clad women, and much more.
Nairobi CBD
Teriyaki Japan Grilled Chicken
- Open Hours:10 am-8 pm
The CBD may not immediately spring to mind when scouring for the best Japanese restaurants in Nairobi. But Teriyaki Japan Grilled chicken in the middle of town has foodies falling in line for their Japanese meals.
They are a fast-food restaurant, but their food is made with a Japanese touch.
Gigiri
Hero Restaurant
- Highlight: Spectacular decor and a creative spin on Japanese food.
- Open Hours: 11.30 am-10 pm.
Hero Restaurant has amassed a devoted following of Japanese food lovers in Nairobi since its opening. It is a superhero-themed restaurant that uses its space and food to celebrate heroes from comics and local communities.
Like many Japanese restaurants in Nairobi, their menu features sushi and other delicious Japanese cuisine and Asian cuisine treats.
Shokudo Gigiri
- Open Hours: 10 am-9 pm
Just like their sister restaurant in Kilimani, Shokudo Gigiri provides top-rated Japanese cuisine in a casual environment.
The menu has various Teishoku-meal sets like Japanese fried chicken served with rice, miso soup, pickles, and chicken teriyaki served with rice, miso soup, and vegetables.
This spot is one of the Japanese restaurants in Nairobi I’d recommend checking out.
Karen
Haru Restaurant
- Highlight: Excellent meals and an exciting live cooking show
- Open Hours: 11.30 am-8.30 pm
Haru Restaurant is one of the top-rated Japanese restaurants in Nairobi. They frequently add new items to the menu, but they are known for their fresh and excellently prepared sushi.
Try their incredible bowls of hot miso seaweed soup too.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are plenty of Japanese restaurants in Nairobi with serious and authentic Japanese food. Try out one of the restaurants above whenever you are looking for a place that serves Japanese cuisines. Then let us know what you think in the comments below.
