Nairobi: Carnivore Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience

Trying to capture the essence of Nairobi’s vibrant food scene? The Carnivore Restaurant offers a unique dining adventure that promises a generous spread of meats, lively atmosphere, and a taste of Kenyan hospitality. While reviews are limited and mostly negative, understanding what this experience entails can help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

We’re drawn to the variety of meats, the open-air setting, and the opportunity for vegetarians to enjoy some options. The $35 price point for a buffet-style meal can seem appealing, but it’s important to weigh whether the experience lives up to expectations. One possible drawback is that the overall reviews suggest this might not be the must-do for everyone, especially if you’re seeking a more refined or authentic local experience. This tour could suit travelers looking for a fun, casual meal with a safari vibe—particularly those eager to try something different in Nairobi.

Key Points

• Variety of Meats: Wide ranging options including crocodile, ostrich, and beef.
• Open-Air Dining: Enjoy your meal with a breeze in a relaxed outdoor setting.
• Vegetarian Options: Available, but limited compared to the meat offerings.
• Transport Included: Convenient pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or airport.
• Price Point: Reasonable at $35, considering the all-you-can-eat format.
• Mixed Reviews: One review gives a low score, highlighting potential inconsistencies.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What is the Carnivore Restaurant Experience?

The Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi is famed for its all-you-can-eat meat concept, a feature that has drawn both locals and travelers alike. The meal is served in a casual, open-air setup that’s perfect for enjoying Nairobi’s warm climate. For $35 per person, you gain access to a buffet of various meats, salads, vegetables, and delicious desserts, making it an affordable way to sample a diverse range of Kenyan and exotic meats.

The experience begins with a pick-up from your hotel or airport, ensuring a hassle-free transfer. The meal itself is quite straightforward: servers carve meat directly onto your plate from cast iron skewers, maintaining a lively, interactive atmosphere. The entire process is designed to be relaxed and social—think of it as a big barbecue with a safari twist.

The Meal: What to Expect

Once seated in the open-air dining area, you’re greeted with a broad selection of meats, which may include classic options like beef, chicken, and sausages, as well as more adventurous choices like crocodile and ostrich. The review mentions Yakitori, adding an Asian flair, and hints at a variety that caters to different tastes.

The highlight is watching your server carve meat directly onto your plate, a visual spectacle that adds a fun, interactive element to your meal. Alongside these proteins, you’ll find salads and vegetables to balance your plate, along with desserts and coffee to round things off.

One reviewer noted, “Watching servers carve meat on cast iron plates was a memorable part of the experience,” emphasizing the theatrical aspect. The open-air setup means you can enjoy Nairobi’s gentle breeze, which enhances the relaxed vibe.

Vegetarian and Dietary Considerations

While the emphasis is on meat, there are options available for vegetarians. However, given the focus of the restaurant, the vegetarian offerings are limited compared to the meat choices. If you’re a vegetarian expecting a substantial menu, this might be a minor disappointment, but some salads and vegetables are available to complement your meal.

The Atmosphere and Service

The open-air environment is ideal for those who want to enjoy their meal outdoors. The casual setting and live carving process contribute to a lively, almost festive ambiance. The service is generally described as friendly, with servers actively involved in carving and serving the meats.

A reviewer mentioned that after the meal, they were dropped back to their hotel, making the experience convenient and stress-free. This is particularly valuable in Nairobi, where transportation can sometimes be a concern.

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Is it Worth the Price?

At $35 per person, this experience is reasonably priced for an all-you-can-eat meat feast in Nairobi. It’s a great value if you’re eager to try a variety of meats and enjoy a relaxed, outdoor setting. However, considering the mixed review scores, it’s wise to manage expectations—some guests have expressed dissatisfaction with the consistency or quality.

The all-inclusive nature (pick-up and drop-off) adds convenience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local transport options. But if you’re someone seeking authentic local cuisine or a high-end dining experience, this may not fully satisfy those criteria.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This tour best suits adventurous eaters eager to try different meats in a lively environment. It’s also suitable if you want a convenient, inclusive experience with transportation sorted out. Travelers who enjoy casual, outdoor dining and are open to an informal atmosphere will appreciate this.

However, those with specific dietary needs or high expectations of quality might find the experience somewhat underwhelming, especially given the one-star review. It’s a good choice for a fun outing rather than a gourmet or culture.

Practical Details

• Duration: The experience is typically a meal with transportation included, but specific timing isn’t detailed. Expect about 2-3 hours total.
• Transportation: Provided as part of the package, with pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or airport.
• Language: English-speaking staff, making communication straightforward.
• Reservations: You can reserve and pay later, allowing flexibility in your planning.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users, so consider accessibility needs before booking.
• Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility.

Final Thoughts

The Nairobi Carnivore Restaurant offers a straightforward, fun way to sample a variety of meats in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Its lively carving stations and open-air ambiance make it a memorable experience—especially for those eager to indulge in an all-you-can-eat meat feast. While the price is reasonable, reviews indicate that the experience might not consistently meet high expectations, with some guests feeling it was a bit underwhelming.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a casual, social dining outing and are open to trying exotic meats like crocodile or ostrich. If you’re seeking a refined, authentic Kenyan culinary experience, you might want to explore other options; however, if fun, convenience, and variety matter most, this could be a worthwhile addition to your Nairobi itinerary.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes both pick-up from your hotel or airport and drop-off afterward.

What is the price per person? The experience costs $35 per person, which covers the all-you-can-eat buffet and transportation.

Are vegetarian options available? Yes, there are options for vegetarians, mainly salads and vegetables, but the focus is on meat.

Can I reserve and pay later? Absolutely. You can keep your plans flexible by reserving now and paying later.

Is the experience suitable for children or families? The description does not specify, but the outdoor, casual nature suggests it could suit families, keeping in mind any dietary preferences.

Are alcoholic drinks available? Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, but not included in the price.

What should I bring? Just a credit card for additional purchases or tips.

Is this experience accessible for wheelchair users? No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

How strict is the cancellation policy? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here: