Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant – Nairobi

As a travel enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for unique dining adventures that capture the local flavor and spirit. The Barbecue Lunch or Dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi promises just that—a chance to indulge in a wide array of exotic meats, served in a lively, authentic setting.

Based on reviews and detailed descriptions, this experience appears to stand out as a memorable culinary highlight for visitors wanting to sample Kenya’s bold flavors.

What makes this experience particularly appealing are two standout features: the opportunity to try meats like crocodile, ostrich, and rabbit, and the convenience of private, round-trip hotel transfers. These elements ensure your focus remains on enjoying the food without logistical worries.

However, a potential consideration is the price point of $85 per person, which may seem steep for some—yet many find it justified by the quality and variety of the meats and the overall experience.

This tour suits adventurous eaters, those interested in local cuisine, and travelers who appreciate a lively, all-you-can-eat dining experience.

Key Points

• Exotic Meat Selection: Try crocodile, ostrich, rabbit, and other unique meats you won’t easily find elsewhere.
• All-You-Can-Eat Value: The generous portions and variety make for a filling meal.
• Convenience: Includes private transfers, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Enjoy a lively, bustling environment with attentive staff and traditional touches.
• Flexible Timing: Choose between lunch or dinner to suit your schedule.
• Good reviews on food quality: Many highlight the delicious meats and attentive service.

The Carnivore Restaurant has earned a reputation as one of Nairobi’s top culinary destinations, even ranking among the top 50 restaurants worldwide at one point. Its reputation is built on its spectacular barbecue—meats served on swords and cooked to perfection—set in a lively, energetic atmosphere. Expect an experience that’s both a feast for the senses and an opportunity to try meats that lean adventurous, yet are prepared with skill.

Arrival and Atmosphere: When you arrive, you’ll find a vast, open-air style setting filled with the aroma of sizzling meats and a convivial crowd. The restaurant’s design emphasizes a safari theme with traditional Maasai touches, creating a memorable backdrop for your meal.

Starting the Meal: The experience begins with a light “soup of the day,” which sets a welcoming tone. Followed by homemade bread and butter, this appetizer primes your palate for the main event. The servers, often passing around Maasai swords filled with various meats, offer a sense of theatre and generosity that defines this experience.

The Main Course: The real attraction is the all-you-can-eat meat service. Waitstaff bring around skewers of beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and more exotic options like crocodile and ostrich. The meats are pre-cooked but can be further grilled on your sizzling plate—an interactive element that lets you control how much you cook. Many reviews emphasize the generous portions and the variety of meats, encouraging diners to sample as many different flavors as possible.

Side Dishes and Vegetables: While the focus is on meats, the restaurant offers a good selection of salads and vegetables as accompaniments. This ensures that even those less inclined toward exotic meats can enjoy a balanced meal.

Dessert and Coffee: To round off the meal, you’ll be served African desserts and coffee, giving a sweet finish to a hearty feast. The reviews mention the deliciousness of these desserts and the satisfaction of having tried a diverse array of meats.

Booking this experience through a trusted provider like Samsons Safaris guarantees private transportation—a key factor in making your dining experience smooth and stress-free. The pickup is scheduled from your Nairobi hotel, and the trip lasts around 4 hours—ample time to relax, enjoy your meal, and head back comfortably.

Timing: You can select either lunch or dinner, which makes it flexible for your travel plans. The timing, combined with hotel pickup and drop-off, means you won’t have to worry about navigating Nairobi’s sometimes-busy streets or finding a restaurant.

Price & Value: At $85 per person, the experience offers good value considering the all-you-can-eat format, the quality of the meats, and the convenience of transfers. The included soft drink adds to the value, though alcohol is not included, so plan accordingly if you wish to drink.

Reservations: Most travelers book about a month in advance—an indication of its popularity. Given the limited slots, planning ahead helps ensure you don’t miss out.

Authentic and Fun: From the reviews, we gather that the atmosphere is lively, and the staff are attentive. One guest remarked, “The waitstaff were very attentive and there was food for every taste,” highlighting the excellent service.

What sets the Carnivore apart is the chance to try game meats like crocodile and ostrich—not options you’ll find every day. Many reviewers mention the ostrich meatballs as a standout, describing them as “delicious.” The generous servings and the chance to cook your own meat on the sizzling plate add an interactive element that enhances the experience.

Quality and freshness matter, and the restaurant’s reputation suggests that meats are prepared with care. The salads and vegetables serve as refreshing counterpoints, balancing the rich, smoky flavors of the grilled meats.

Reviewers’ Perspectives: One reviewer noted, “A bit pricy for lunch but worth it for the experience,” emphasizing that many see it as more than just a meal—it’s an immersive adventure. The focus on variety and authenticity means you’ll get a true taste of local culinary creativity.

• Reserving in advance is advisable, especially if you want to dine during peak hours.
• Choose dinner if you want to experience a lively, vibrant atmosphere.
• Be prepared for a hearty meal—come hungry! The all-you-can-eat format is perfect for those wanting a substantial feast.
• Vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions might find fewer options, as the focus is on meats. Still, salads and vegetables are available.
• Bring cash or be prepared that alcohol isn’t included in the package, so plan for additional drinks if desired.

This visit to Nairobi’s Carnivore Restaurant offers a unique blend of adventure, authentic flavors, and convenience. It’s best suited for adventurous eaters eager to try game meats and groups or couples looking for a lively dining experience. The private transfers make it a hassle-free option, while the all-you-can-eat format delivers excellent value for those wanting a hearty, diverse meal.

If you’re someone who cherishes local culinary traditions and enjoys interactive dining, this experience hits the mark. However, if you prefer quieter, more gourmet-style meals or are vegetarian/vegan, it might not meet your expectations. Still, for broadening your palate and sampling flavors you won’t easily find elsewhere, the Carnivore is worth considering.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the experience offers private, scheduled hotel pickup and drop-off within Nairobi, making logistics simple.

What is the price per person?
The cost is $85 per person, which covers the all-you-can-eat meat meal, a soft drink, and transfers.

Can I choose between lunch and dinner?
Yes, you can select either a lunch or dinner reservation, depending on your schedule.

Is alcohol included?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included in the package. You might find options available for purchase separately.

How much advance booking is recommended?
Most travelers book about 30 days in advance, as it’s a popular experience.

Is it suitable for vegetarians?
While the focus is on meats, salads and vegetables are available, but the experience primarily caters to meat eaters.

What types of meats can I expect?
Expect a variety including beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and exotic options like crocodile, ostrich, and rabbit.

Is this experience good value?
Many reviews suggest that for the quality, variety, and convenience, $85 offers a solid value, especially considering the all-you-can-eat format and private transfers.

To sum it up, the Carnivore Restaurant experience in Nairobi is a lively, meat-lover’s paradise that offers a distinct taste of Kenyan culinary culture. Its combination of exotic meats, friendly service, and hassle-free transportation makes it an appealing choice for travelers wanting a memorable dining adventure. Whether you’re an eager foodie, an adventurous eater, or simply looking for a fun, filling meal, this experience deserves a spot on your Nairobi itinerary.