The Carnivore Restaurant — Restaurant in Nairobi

Is a good option in Kenya to eat crocodile meat, venison, pork or beef. Considering that it's in Kenya, the setting is acceptable. The waiters have colorful costumes. Outside, the tables facing the garden are more pleasant but surrounded by mosquitoes, and as we decided not to take malaria pills due to their adverse effects, we decided to sit inside the restaurant. Their staff is very friendly, always smiling and attentive to customer needs.

We expected more, but we liked to try game meats anyway. The crocodile meat was undercooked, it seemed to have been reheated and was a bit dry -two points less for the men in charge of the grill-. You can choose the option of the buffet (the different types of meat are served with swords and you get all you can eat) or you can order from the menu a la carte.

We weren't going to drink alcohol because we still had to stay awake for a few more hours. However, we ended up ordering a Cabernet Sauvignon of South Africa that was excellent, the serving temperature was the right one and it harmonized very well with the exotic meats. The wine helped to improve the experience. Clearly, when evaluating this type of service, there is a level of subjectivity.

The times were quite long. Considering that there were not many people to attend at noon on a weekday, there were no excuses to justify the delay. You have to consider this circumstance especially if you have little time on your stopover. Don't expect too much styling, it's more a barbecue than a gourmet restaurant. Anyway, the presentation was adequate. For Kenyan prices this restaurant is undoubtedly very expensive although, from an international perspective, the price is appropriate for the service they offer.

The experience was positive, for the exotic meats more than anything. Surely if you visit the restaurant when the percussion band or the live DJ plays, your rating will be higher.

We would suggest improving the atmosphere with tribal ethnic music and taking gastronomy to another level by offering the diner an alternative to choose gourmet dishes, in addition to the basic grill options. As for the uniforms ... or zebra, or leopard, different uniforms with alternative animal print can be developed but not mix everything because the result is not good. In any case, the sympathy of the staff remedies...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...