Leisure Collective
Author
From a 20th-floor Nikkei experience to a hidden Karen gem open since 2001 — Nairobi's sushi scene is better than you think. Here are 6 user-rated spots to try now.
Nairobi does not get nearly enough credit for its Japanese food scene. The city has quietly built a collection of sushi restaurants that covers every mood, budget and occasion — from elevated Nikkei fusion on a 20th-floor terrace to neighbourhood spots where regulars order twice a week without a second thought. Whether you are a sushi obsessive or a curious first-timer, here are the six spots users keep returning to — verified across Google, Tripadvisor, TikTok and Instagram.
A note on the research: every entry on this list is confirmed currently open as of May 2026.
Location: 20th Floor, One Africa Place, Waiyaki Way, Westlands
Price range: KES 2,500 – 6,000+ per person
Best for: Special occasions, skyline views, the most unique sushi experience in Nairobi
INTI is a unique culinary gem located in the heart of Nairobi, offering exceptional seafood and breathtaking panoramic views from its perch on the 20th floor of One Africa Place. The concept is Nikkei — the celebrated culinary marriage of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines, a fusion tradition born in Lima that has since earned global recognition. In Nairobi, INTI is its clearest expression.
The restaurant is popular for its delectable fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours, with exceptional sushi and standout desserts earning rave reviews, complemented by an elegant and modern atmosphere with stylish decor and relaxing music.
What users say: A TikTok video by Kenyan Foodie X drew 22,500 likes and 307 comments — currently the most-engaged sushi content in Nairobi. Google reviewers describe the crab sushi as "some of the best I have had" and one international diner who has eaten in over 60 countries called it capable of being "the face of fine dining in Nairobi." A minority of reviews flag occasional service inconsistency — a recurring note that management has actively responded to.
What to order: The truffle maki, crab sushi, tuna ceviche and the Peruvian mocktails. Book a window seat and arrive at sunset.
Location: Ring Road Parklands, near Sarit Centre, Westlands
Price range: KES 2,000 – 4,000 per person
Best for: Teppanyaki experience, authentic Japanese, families and groups
On 1 May 2001, Furusato opened near Sarit Centre — a name chosen for its meaning: "hometown." Their dream was to create dishes that transport guests to a place of comfort and nostalgia, where every meal feels like coming home. Their kitchen was led by Nairobi's first female sushi chef. Today they operate with 31 chefs and 19 servers.
The restaurant features a serene Japanese-style decor with traditional tatami seating and tasteful art, with fantastic garden views, a large airy feel and both indoor and outdoor seating options.
What users say: On TikTok, the phrase "ultimate sushi platter — heaven on earth" appears repeatedly across food content tagged at Furusato. The 9-course Teppanyaki meal — where skilled chefs cook directly in front of diners — is described as one of Nairobi's favourite dining experiences, priced from KES 3,050 for vegetarian and KES 3,650 for non-vegetarian. The fresh fish and generous portions are consistently praised. Occasional delivery reviews flag inconsistency — dine in for the full experience.
What to order: The Teppanyaki set menu. The sushi platter. The katsu curry if you want something off the standard sushi trail.
Location: Karen, Nairobi (off Ngong Road area)
Price range: KES 1,500 – 4,000 per person
Best for: Karen locals, date nights, the most loyal repeat customer base in Nairobi's sushi scene
Established in 2009, Haru has served Japanese cuisine to customers in a special space with the best employees, doing their best to ensure a pleasant dining experience by providing the best Japanese flavour and perfect service. Fifteen years later, it has built a community of regulars whose devotion borders on evangelical.
What users say: "I've been frequenting Haru for several years now, and they never disappoint. The quality of the food and the kindness of the staff have remained remarkably consistent over time. The fish is always fresh, and they have some of the most creative and delicious flavour pairings for their sushi." One Google reviewer memorably described their chicken and pork noodles as "a love letter written in flavour" and "a K-drama plot twist in your mouth." There are negative reviews flagging service inconsistency — worth noting — but the volume and passion of the positive reviews tells the more reliable story.
What to order: The prawn tempura starter, salmon steak and the sushi combination platter. Their delivery is also available and well-reviewed for takeaway presentation.
Location: Westlands, Nairobi (relocated to new premises in 2025)
Price range: KES 900 – 2,500 per person
Best for: Casual lunches, solo diners, the most affordable quality sushi in the city
Chekafe carries forward the spirit of the original Cheka Izakaya — the only Japanese restaurant in Kenya owned and operated by Japanese — providing authentic Japanese meals including salmon sushi rolls, Cheka noodles, fresh tuna, fresh oysters and sake imported directly from Japan. In 2025, Chekafe relocated to a new location, offering a refreshed space while preserving the warmth and identity that long-time guests appreciate. The interior reflects Japanese culture through natural wood, traditional design elements and bonsai displays. Guests also benefit from a spacious parking area and a beautiful garden.
What users say: "The tuna roll was fresh, and the seaweed wasn't overly chewy — a detail that some restaurants overlook. The miso soup was warming and clear. Chekafe is the best place for a quiet lunch." Regulars describe the pork ginger and pan-fried noodles as the two dishes that keep them coming back. The lunch menu is consistently praised as the best value Japanese food in Nairobi.
What to order: Salmon and avocado sushi roll, pork ginger, Cheka chicken ramen and whatever sake they recommend from the Japanese-imported list.
Location: Kileleshwa, Nairobi
Price range: KES 1,200 – 3,000 per person
Best for: Date nights, the most unique dining concept on this list
Nestled in the heart of Kileleshwa, Sushi Soo is a culinary gem proudly showcasing Japanese and Korean delights. As the first food train restaurant in East Africa, it offers a unique dining experience with live cooking under soft lighting, making it an ideal spot for romantic dinner dates. Guests can indulge in generous sushi boats and savour popular dishes like Teppanyaki and Korean BBQ.
The food train format — where dishes arrive at your table by miniature conveyor — is a genuinely original experience in Nairobi, and one that earns Sushi Soo consistent social media mentions for atmosphere alone. The service has been flagged as friendly and engaged across the majority of reviews, with the gyoza, yakiniku and sushi boats drawing the most consistent praise.
What users say: "The staff were so friendly, the atmosphere was amazing. The menu has affordable prices and it's worth it because the food is massive." The Haru reviewer who mentioned Sushi Soo as their backup choice specifically praised both the service and food quality — a meaningful endorsement from a self-described regular at both.
What to order: The sushi boat. The gyoza starter. The Korean BBQ if you want to cross cuisines.
Location: Kempinski Hotel, Westlands
Price range: KES 4,000 – 9,000+ per person
Best for: The purist — the closest to an authentic Japanese omakase experience in Nairobi
Situated within Kempinski, the experience is as classy as it is mind-blowing — a perfect place for a quiet date or a small private meeting with friends. Chef Onuki's know-how and passion is clear as you get to actually see him prepare the sushi right in front of you. You really can't say no when he offers it to you — and you lose count as the supply seems endless.
One reviewer described it as simply the best experience of their life, saying they clearly realised they never knew what real sushi was before coming to Sushi Mitsuki. The atmosphere is really authentic and Chef Onuki's know-how is absolutely mind-blowing. The food was exquisite and paired to perfection with sake and hot or iced green tea.
This is the most expensive entry on the list and the most niche. It is not for a casual Friday dinner. It is for the person who wants to understand what sushi actually is at its highest expression — and is willing to pay accordingly. The Kempinski setting adds a formality that the other entries on this list deliberately avoid.
What to order: Trust the chef. That is the point of coming.
INTI — Most spectacular setting. Best Nikkei fusion. Book ahead for weekends.
Furusato — Best Teppanyaki. Most family-friendly. 25 years in Nairobi.
Haru — Most loyal following. Best value in Karen. Open since 2009.
Chekafe — Most affordable. Only Japanese-owned. Best for quiet lunches.
Sushi Soo — Most unique format. Best for dates. East Africa's only food train restaurant.
Sushi Mitsuki — Most authentic. Best omakase experience. The purist's choice.
0 comments
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
