The River Café
Cafe · Nairobi ·

The River Café

Cafe · Nairobi ·

Forest setting, French onion soup, salads, brunch, coffee

forest setting
great location
friendly service
large menu
french onion soup
salads
brunch
good food
The River Café by null
The River Café by Photo courtesy of The River Cafe
The River Café by Photo courtesy of The River Cafe
The River Café by Photo courtesy of The River Cafe
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null
The River Café by null

Information

Karura Forest, Nairobi, Kenya Get directions

$$

Usually a wait
Restroom
Accepts reservations
Popular for lunch
Lunch reservations recommended

Information

Static Map

Karura Forest, Nairobi, Kenya Get directions

+254 725 969891
therivercafekenya.com
@rivercafenairobi

$$

Features

•Usually a wait
•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Lunch reservations recommended
•Popular for dinner
•Dinner reservations recommended
•Cozy

Last updated

Jan 19, 2026

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@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Brunch in the forest at the River Café The River Café is situated right in the middle of the huge Karura Forest, a tranquil swath of wilderness in the middle of the city. The dining area,on a large expanse of wooden deckunderan open-sided canvas roof, gets extra atmospheric charm from the surrounding forest treetops and plants. The menu is varied, with a good vegetarian section as well as light bites and more indulgent meals. The French onion soup and the salads are recommended. This place gets busy on the weekends, when Nairobians stop in for brunch after church or a walk around the forest, so book in advance."

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Photo courtesy of The River Cafe
The River Café
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Brunch in the forest at the River Café The River Café is situated right in the middle of the huge Karura Forest, a tranquil swath of wilderness in the middle of the city. The dining area,on a large expanse of wooden deckunderan open-sided canvas roof, gets extra atmospheric charm from the surrounding forest treetops and plants. The menu is varied, with a good vegetarian section as well as light bites and more indulgent meals. The French onion soup and the salads are recommended. This place gets busy on the weekends, when Nairobians stop in for brunch after church or a walk around the forest, so book in advance."

Wood grain pattern
Where to Eat in Nairobi If You're Vegetarian
Photo courtesy of The River Cafe
The River Café
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Brunch in the forest at the River Café The River Café is situated right in the middle of the huge Karura Forest, a tranquil swath of wilderness in the middle of the city. The dining area,on a large expanse of wooden deckunderan open-sided canvas roof, gets extra atmospheric charm from the surrounding forest treetops and plants. The menu is varied, with a good vegetarian section as well as light bites and more indulgent meals. The French onion soup and the salads are recommended. This place gets busy on the weekends, when Nairobians stop in for brunch after church or a walk around the forest, so book in advance."

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Photo courtesy of The River Cafe
The River Café

heinz G.

Google
We try to go here for breakfast every time we go to the forest. The food is great the scenery amazing and the service and cleanliness superb. The deck is spacious and views of the surrounding forest are great. The menu is big and there is something for everyone. Well worth the extra calories

The Camper in A.

Google
I went to River Café twice for lunch and although the place is very pleasant, especially because you're surrounded by nature, I must say that both times I found the food just average. The first time my friend asked for a crumble for dessert and was surprised by the fact that it was salty instead of sweet. According to the waitress it was supposed to be just like that. 😅 It's a nice stop for a coffee or drink after going for a walk in the forest though. 👍

Alexander

Google
The River Cafe has a great location, tucked just inside the park, it’s a lovely spot to sit and relax. However, the food didn’t quite live up to the setting. The chicken burger was disappointing; the chicken was dry and tough. On the bright side, the fries were great. The eggplant parmigiana was better and had a generous portion. Service was a bit slow, but the staff were friendly. Overall, it’s a nice place for the atmosphere, but the food could use some improvement. Also need to pay park entrance fee to be able to go

Bev M

Google
River Cafe has been my weekend go to eatery over the course of the past 14 months and has felt like a home away from home for myself and my husband. The food is very tasty (steak and egg breakfasts, burgers and bread and butter pudding 😋), the forest surrounding is wonderful and the service is exceptional. I especially wish to commend Virginia on her excellent customer service, kindness and big smile. She and the whole team at River Cafe will be sorely missed as we leave Nairobi. Thank you again so very much!

Agus S.

Google
Dining at The River Café in Karura Forest is an experience in itself. The setting among the trees is absolutely stunning—worth the visit alone. The food was mostly fantastic, though the pulled pork sandwich was a bit dry. Service is friendly and relaxed, making the whole visit feel really special.

Tandzile Thandwa S.

Google
After a good hike through Karura forest, I had the chance to grab brunch at the River Café for the pancakes 🥞 😋. The pancakes are soft and delectable. I loved their freshly brewed coffee and would highly recommend you try this place for yourself.

Tendai M.

Google
Atmosphere is incredible, great location for a relaxed brunch (any meal for that matter). The food is good, tasty and filling. The services is ok. I went on a Saturday morning for brunch and the place was busy, so had a long wait first between getting seated and order being taken then between placing order and getting the food. Apart from the long wait, the service was good.

Antoine G.

Google
Amazing restaurant and cafe at the heart of the forest. Great service and very large menu with very enjoyable meals and brunch in great atmosphere