Asmara Restaurant - Karen
Ranked in Best Street Food in Nairobi
About
Asmara Karen offers welcoming, relaxed dining with a warm contemporary ambience and plenty of greenery. A great spot for casual meals and unhurried dinners in a comfortable setting.
Highlights
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Serves beer
- Serves wine
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Brunch
- Vegetarian options
- Wheelchair accessible
- Takes reservations
HoursOpen now
Google reviews
- Hannah M.Google review · 13 Dec 2025
I can’t believe I’ve been sleeping on this restaurant for so long! From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, from the security guard at the gate to the wait staff and even the cleaners. The food was an absolute 10/10. I had grilled fish with what might be the best rice I’ve ever had, paired with spinach. My husband ordered steak with mash and vegetables. The steak initially came well done instead of medium, but the chef quickly corrected it without any fuss, which we really appreciated. What stood out most for me was how family friendly the place is. Even our 1 year old enjoyed the food so much, and I loved that the kids menu offered more variety. My toddler prefers spaghetti or pasta over the usual chips, sausage or fish fingers, so this was a big win for us. They also have a great playground with lots of activities, which made the experience even better. Overall, an amazing dining experience and we will definitely be visiting again soon.
Read moreShow less
- Eat O.Google review · 11 Dec 2025
Asmara Karen offers a welcoming and relaxed dining experience with a warm, contemporary ambience and plenty of greenery, making it a great spot for casual lunches, dinners, or weekend gatherings. The space blends indoor comfort with a charming outdoor setup, giving guests a calm environment to enjoy a slow meal or meet up with friends. The menu features a mix of well loved Mediterranean and Eritrean dishes from hearty stews and injera platters to grilled meats, fresh salads, pasta, and vegetarian friendly options. Food is flavourful and generously portioned, with drinks ranging from fresh juices and coffees to cocktails and wines. #EatOutApproved!
Read moreShow less
- Philip W.Google review · 28 Nov 2025
Great location and delicious food. Staff are attentive and friendly. Highly recommended
- Thi M.Google review · 24 Sep 2025
Food: Starting with this since this is what brought me here.. it was pretty disappointing. I’d tried the one at Valley Arcade, loved it and felt bold enough to try the Karen branch. Massive mistake! Anyway, the minchet abish (Not sure about the Tigrinya name) saved the day. Kind of. The Shiro tested like butternut soup.. specifically the one for toddlers and the goat meat was tough but yet still tasted boiled. I don’t even understand how. The portions are also really tiny. I promise I don’t eat that much. Coffee was decent. Service: Wait staff seemed pretty nice. Probably would have had an all out amazing experience if the food didn’t disappoint. Ambience: The vibe was really nice and they were nice enough to provide a fire to keep us warm. Took a whole 30 minutes to get there but at least it got there in the end. Parking: Seemed more than enough. Payment: Card/Mpesa Verdict: Unlikely to visit again.
Read moreShow less
- Fidel A.Google review · 4 Sep 2025
Absolutely the BEST food and experience! The Doro (chicken) Stew was rich and flavorful, the Mushroom Pasta was creamy and comforting, and the Chocolate Cake was the perfect sweet ending. What makes Amsara stand out is that it’s not limited to Ethiopian dishes—the menu is full of variety so everyone can find something they love. If you enjoy Ethiopian, Somali, or Indian food, you’ll be blown away by the flavors here. On top of that, the ambience is incredible—it feels like being at a resort, relaxing and welcoming from the moment you arrive. Having lived in many states across the U.S. and traveled in Europe, I can honestly say Amsara is one of the best dining experiences anywhere. You won’t regret it!
Read moreShow less
Location
No 321 Ngong Rd
Karen
Explore guides
3 Days in Nairobi: The Complete Itinerary (Budget to Luxury)
Most travelers skip Nairobi. Big mistake. This 3-day itinerary shows you how to experience Africa's most dynamic city — from feeding giraffes to safari drives with the skyline behind you.
Read guide →Day Trips & Outdoors12 Best Day Trips from Nairobi (Ranked by Real Value)
Safari before breakfast, volcano by lunch, hippos by sunset — Nairobi's proximity to world-class nature is absurd. We've ranked 12 day trips by actual value.
Read guide →Travel PlanningWhere to Stay in Nairobi 2026 — 6 Best Areas
Nairobi's best hotels range from the $77/night Ole Sereni with park views to the $900/night Hemingways in Karen. Here's every neighborhood, hotel tier, and the right pick for your trip type.
Read guide →Travel PlanningJKIA Nairobi Airport: Terminals, Transport & Arrival Guide
Navigate JKIA like a local — terminal layout, SIM cards, cheapest transport to the city, Wilson Airport for safaris, and what the airport doesn't tell you.
Read guide →Frequently Asked Questions
More street food near Karen
Top Pick 2026Top Picks have a Google rating of 4.5 or higher from 200+ reviews and are still open. They are never paid for.Street Food · KilimaniFogo Gaucho Kilimani
4.6(4,686 Google)Price level: Mid-range
Street Food · CBDKFC Kimathi
4.4(5,532 Google)Price level: Mid-range
Street Food · CBDBig Square Moi Avenue
4.4(3,420 Google)Price level: Mid-range
Street Food · South CBig Square Wilson
4.2(3,833 Google)Price level: Mid-range
Street Food · WestlandsAsmara Restaurant – Westlands
4.4(1,673 Google)Price level: Mid-range
Street Food · KilimaniChicken Inn Shell Uja Drive Thru
4.3(2,207 Google)Price level: Mid-range
More in Karen
Nightlife & LeisureDojo Wellness Club
4.8(53 Google)
HotelsThe Drexel House Kenya
4.8(65 Google)
AttractionsNgong Hills
4.7(24 Google)
HotelsNairobi Tented Camp
4.7(87 Google)
HotelsShompole Wilderness
4.7(23 Google)
Top Pick 2026Top Picks have a Google rating of 4.5 or higher from 200+ reviews and are still open. They are never paid for.HotelsHemingways Nairobi, an SLH Hotel
4.7(3,149 Google)
Things to do in Nairobi
Safari & WildlifeNairobi National Park, Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center Tour
5.0(57)7 hoursfrom KES 12,255
Day TripsSafe and Executive Airport transfer in Nairobi
5.0(37)2 hoursfrom KES 5,160
Food & DrinkExplore local Market matatu ride & Make Kenyan Cuisines with a home cook
5.0(13)4 hoursfrom KES 5,805
Safari & WildlifePrivate Nairobi National Park Drive safari in 4x4 landcruiser
5.0(29)5 hoursfrom KES 12,900
Safari & WildlifeNairobi Park Wildlife Safari
5.0(64)6 hoursfrom KES 51,600
Safari & WildlifeGiraffe Center Nairobi National Park with Carnivore Restaurant
5.0(16)9 hoursfrom KES 19,350