This contemporary dining hall has an extensive menu and lively atmosphere in central Nairobi. There are four different kitchens in an open-plan setting (Italian bistro, Asian, Indian and Mexican/Mediterranean food), as well as a frozen yoghurt counter and a cocktail bar with a great wine list. Try the Mediterranean mezze assortment.

A gorgeous leafy restaurant with scattered cushions and hanging lanterns nestled in the woodland near the Karura Forest. The cuisine is modern European with dishes, like blue-cheese fritters with chilli jam and chargrilled aubergine parcels served with salad and chunky chips. Save space for dessert: the trio of bite sized banoffee pie, chocolate brownie and strawberry cheesecake is delightful.

Nairobi’s vegetarian Indian restaurant has an array of vibrant dishes representing cuisines from across India. It’s set in the rather flamboyant Diamond Plaza (flashing diamond shaped coloured lights adorn the plaza’s outside walls) but this adds to the hectic charm of the place. Sit outside in the food court for delicious juices – try the pineapple mint – and be sure to order dahi puri: crispy balls filled with spiced beans, topped with Bombay mix and cool yoghurt.

This elegant Italian restaurant dishes out the best pizza in Nairobi from the majestic Villa Rosa Kempinski complex. The chef has come over from his Italian homeland and everything from the focaccia bread with olive oil to the pesto pasta is expertly cooked and presented. There’s a shady outdoor patio that wouldn’t look out of place on a Parisian boulevard, and a balcony dining area at the front of the restaurant with wicker chairs and glass-topped tables.

Arguably the best food in Nairobi, Talisman is a beautiful restaurant set in a quiet garden in Karen, just outside the city centre. There is everything you would expect from a restaurant that has been labelled Nairobi’s finest: excellent service, a carefully curated menu and wine list and elegant setting (low couches, cushions, glass tables and flickering table lanterns). The feta and coriander samosas are to die for.

This garden café is popular for long and leisurely weekend brunches in the city. The menu is small but perfectly formed, with a good range of vegetarian options (halloumi lovers, this is your mecca) plus classic brunch numbers such as eggs Benedict. Expect an array of puppies and babies to be enjoying the outdoor location, and try the seriously peppery bloody Mary if you need to wake up after a night on the town.

This rooftop pizza restaurant sits high above the busy roads, boasting tall fire heaters and mismatched furniture. An original selection of pizzas adorn the menu – sautéed broccoli, chilli, plum tomatoes and taleggio cheese, for instance – or simply create your own. It’s perfect for a casual meal with friends, and there’s often live music.