The carnivore restaurant
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Now, this is a serious place!! These people have the biggest barbecue grill I ever saw. And I've seen some in my short time on earth. First, the environment and ambience... It's tucked behind their sister hotel, the Tamarind Tree, which is itself an excellent hotel (that's subject for a separate review). Carnivore is a deliberately cozy place that gets a "natural, rural" ambience just right. It's a perfect reflection of the spirit of Kenya with it's many parks filled with a wondrous variety of wildlife. It's set away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but still close enough to be easily accessible. The greenery is an excellent touch and, again, in sync with the Kenyan experience. The service. Oh, Lord! Where do I start from?! Let me open with "excellent!!" Carnivore is run by a particularly helpful and respectful staff. As soon as one steps in, they envelope you with warmth. They bend over backwards to make you feel at home. They take their time to answer questions and explain the exotic theme that you're experiencing, if you ask them. When I was there with a bunch of Sub-Saharan African scholars and Civil Society reps, they 'conveniently' forgot to explain that as soon as you came in, Carnivore was at "war" with you. Their objective is to feed you a wild assortment of meat and to do so in great quantum until you surrender by knocking over the flag on your table. 🚩😂 And the food was good!! They opened proceedings with this heavenly soup. All along, some nice fellow walked from table to table putting together this beautiful cocktail called "dawa" for any who were interested. I took mine with a shot of vodka. The meat is served on hot cast-iron plates. The folks there carry the meat to your table on these big swords and carve unto your plate until you tell them to move along. They helpfully indicate which of the sauces (by now there is already a variety on the table) go with what meat. And you should listen to them. There is no way that I can do Carnivore enough justice with this review. I am not a linguistically gifted mortal. I'd just say, if you happen to be in Nairobi for any reason, and you want a memorable experience, you may want to put Carnivore on the itinerary.
Joseph DwumohJoseph Dwumoh
00
Carnivore is an iconic dining spot in Kenya that nearly everyone visiting will eat here. While it’s a bit touristy, the lively atmosphere and incredible variety of dishes make it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the country's rich culinary heritage. 1. Phenomenal Meat Selection: The highlight of Carnivore is undoubtedly the endless array of meats. From perfectly charred sausages skewered for a dramatic presentation to tender, juicy cuts of beef carved tableside, every bite is packed with flavor. The meatballs, smoky and seasoned to perfection, are another standout. It’s truly a carnivore’s paradise. 2. Authentic Yet Touristy Experience: The unique tableside carving and interactive service make the dining experience fun and engaging, though it’s worth noting that Carnivore is geared toward tourists. While this means a slightly less local feel, the quality of the food and the vibrant energy make up for it. 3. Fantastic Accompaniments: The selection of sauces and sides is impressive, with something for every palate. The tangy and spicy dips paired wonderfully with the meats, and the fresh salads provided a refreshing balance. However, vegetarians beware—this place is unapologetically meat-centric, with limited options for those who don’t eat meat. 4. Atmosphere and Vibe: The decor and ambiance strike the perfect balance between rustic charm and lively energy. The staff are warm, attentive, and eager to ensure you’re having a great time. The entire setting feels like an adventure in itself. 5. Tourist Appeal with High Standards: While it’s clear that Carnivore caters to an international crowd, it doesn’t compromise on quality or service. The meats are expertly prepared, and the overall experience is memorable and well worth the visit. In summary, Carnivore is not for vegetarians or anyone looking for a purely local, off-the-beaten-path experience. However, for those who love meat and don’t mind a touch of touristy flair, it’s a dining experience that stands out for all the right reasons. Highly recommended for an indulgent, lively meal that you’ll remember long after you leave Kenya!
Stephan PStephan P
00
It’s been a long time since I’ve visited Carnivore. I have fond memories of this place, but I do recall that the service was terrible and the food good. The service is still terrible and the food is no longer good. Service: just bad all around. Takes 15 minutes just to get the table laid. I had to beg, from three people, for napkins. Finally a senior staff/manage sorted it out. Food took forever to come, then came fast and furiously and then not at all. Waving and flagging down servers with good dishes didn’t help; they just ignored us in some cases (not always though). Starter: a soup. I didn’t bother, so it might be good. I tasted the bread- which was not good at all; dry and tasteless. Meat- there are a lot of dishes which I don’t understand why they are still being served. Sausages? Very few dishes were really good (spicy chicken, lamb shop and pork ribs were delicious). Most were blah. Trying to get serviced again on the good dishes was very hard. Ostrich meat balls were ok, nothing special (I’ve had ostrich before so they really didn’t add much value on this). Why they served ox testicles is a mystery to the entire restaurant. People took them for novelty factor (which we did) although we never tasted them as frankly it is just disgusting (and how is a cow exotic?). Sides: they served various salads which we tasted. They seemed ok. Dessert: we ordered the chocolate cake and the ginger pudding. Chocolate cake was ok. Ginger pudding was so dry it was hard to eat. The accompanying coffee didn’t materialise until after dessert (back to that terrible service). They served the nastiest, most disgusting coffee I’ve had the displeasure of tasting. It didn’t even taste as ‘good’ as Nescafé. The environment was pretty sad. No facelift in twenty years, although they extended the seating area and reduced the club’s footprint. Bathrooms are as I remember, circa 1999 vintage. Visiting was a waste of time, money and calories. Never again, and I recommend others to visit one of the many, many top-notch restaurants in Nairobi.
Christian HarrisChristian Harris
20
No no no no!!!!! Don’t do it!! Go elsewhere!!!!!! BAD IDEA!!! NONONO!! DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY! 1- the food does not taste good it's just hunks of meat being cooked over a fire there’s no/very little seasoning. 2- It’s too expensive!! 4,000 shillings (40 usd) for one person 3- they don’t have a system where all the dishes visit everybody, I keep getting the same pork ribs it’s annoying 4- pork ribs have that nasty pork smell!! Restaurant needs to add Ginger or something you can't just add salt…. it's no good, I ate what was on my plate but actually I wanted to toss it. 5- The desserts are not very good shame on you for serving those desserts you should do better 6- You can have all the meat you want but when it comes time for dessert you're only allowed one cup of coffee and one dessert, I think for 4,000 shillings I should get as many dessert as I want. 7- The meat is dry and lacks flavor I think they make the meat not taste very good in hopes that you won't eat much. basically they cook big chunks of meat over a fire and then they bring it to you and tell you to dip it In sauce, not impressive and not tasty. 8- I don't know if the ostrich meat is actually ostrich and I don't know if the crocodile meat is actually crocodile because nowhere do you see the ostrich or crocodile being prepared. 9- It’s just a tourist trap! 10- Lastly no drinks included except the coffee during desert. Soda and water is extra. The cost does not match, maybe if it was 1000 shillings I could be forgiving but it's 4000 per person and for that price y'all's restaurant is absolutely not recommended! SAVE YOUR MONEY!! GO ELSEWHERE! THIS IS A TOURIST TRAP!!!!!!
Nate HNate H
00
Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi is a must-visit destination for any meat lover visiting Kenya. Known for its unique dining experience, Carnivore offers an exciting variety of meats, served in an authentic African style. The restaurant specializes in an all-you-can-eat meat feast, where different types of grilled meats are carved right at your table, creating an interactive and unforgettable meal. The star of the show at Carnivore is the **wide range of meats** on offer. From more traditional options like **beef, lamb, pork, and chicken** to more exotic meats such as **crocodile, ostrich, and camel**, the restaurant provides an adventurous culinary experience. Each meat is expertly grilled on large charcoal pits, giving it a distinctive, smoky flavor. The endless skewers of juicy, tender cuts are a carnivore’s delight, and the staff keeps serving until you signal that you’ve had your fill by lowering a small white flag at your table. Carnivore also excels in its selection of **drinks**. The bar offers a wide variety of **local and international beers, wines, and signature cocktails** that pair perfectly with the meaty feast. The **Dawa cocktail**, a local favorite made from vodka, lime, honey, and crushed ice, is a refreshing complement to the heavy meats and is highly recommended. The restaurant’s rustic ambiance, with its open-air setting and lively atmosphere, makes it an ideal place to experience Kenya’s rich food culture. Whether you’re enjoying the savory meats or sampling the wide selection of drinks, Carnivore delivers a truly unique and satisfying dining experience.
Abdul Noushad K AAbdul Noushad K A
00
We spent New Years Eve at Carnivore Kenya last night and it was very enjoyable and a great way to welcome 2020... The Food supply was never ending, delicious, meat, meat and more meat with some options for Vegitarians. The Menus included Pork, Beef, Chicken, Crocodile and much more. Photos of the various Menu items can be found later for review. The atmosphere is enjoyable, the staff are super friendly and professional and it is wonderful to see the staff gather to sing Happy Birthday around your table if you are there for such an occasion. Just after midnight we gathered outside for an impressive (although slightly delayed) Fireworks Display which further assisted us in saying goodbye to 2019 and to welcome 2020. Carnivore is one of Nairobi's eating experiences that need to be included in your next visit to Kenya. The success of Carnivore in my opinion is based on God Customer Service, an abundance of Food, an enjoyable atmosphere, nice beverages and clean toilets... Why clean toilets, I hear you ask? Well, I was told many years ago that if a Restaurant has Clean Toilets, then; the Kitchen will be clean... Enjoy your next visit to Carnivore, however; I would recommend that you book a little in advance especially on New Year's Eve. Enjoy your Choma... Regards Dean.
Dean HislopDean Hislop
00
Nearby Attractions Of The carnivore restaurant
Tamarind Tree Hotel
Uhuru Gardens
Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Mandir - Nairobi
Uhuru Gardens National Monument & Museum
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Uhuru Gardens
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Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Mandir - Nairobi
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Nearby Restaurants Of The carnivore restaurant
1824 Bar & Restaurant
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Simba Saloon
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Tamasha Club and Restaurant
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Address
Langata Rd,Nairobi West, Nairobi, Kenya
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+254 722 204647
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4.5
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Ratings & Description
attractions: Tamarind Tree Hotel, Uhuru Gardens, Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Mandir - Nairobi, Uhuru Gardens National Monument & Museum, restaurants: 1824 Bar & Restaurant, Simba Saloon, Tamasha Club and Restaurant, Nyama Choma Zone
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