The River Café

Google rating 4.4 (2,645 reviews)$$ · Mid-range
Gigiri
CafeBreakfast restaurantRestaurant

Ranked in Best Casual Dining in Gigiri

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About

Highlights

  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Serves beer
  • Serves wine
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Brunch
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Takes reservations

HoursOpen now

Monday8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
TuesdayToday8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Google reviews

4.42,645 Google reviews
  • Heinz G.Google review · 2 Jan 2026

    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

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  • The A.Google review · 19 Nov 2025

    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. 👍

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  • Bev M.Google review · 4 Nov 2025

    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!

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  • Agus S.Google review · 2 Nov 2025

    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.

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  • AlexanderGoogle review · 12 Oct 2025

    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

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Location

Karura Forest

Gigiri

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Frequently Asked Questions

The River Café is open daily, 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
The River Café is located at Karura Forest, Gigiri, Nairobi.
The River Café is mid-range ($$).
Yes, Google lists The River Café as taking reservations. Call +254 725 969891 to book.

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