It may not be Paris but look closer you’ll find that Nairobi is a great city for romance. The city’s pulsating dining scene offers something for every mood and personality. Here are some great restaurants and bars to consider for your next date or romantic drink out on the town.

Soko Restaurant – DusitD2

Soko Restaurant Interior

SOKO’ meaning market in Swahili focuses on using the finest organic ingredients and seasonally inspired produce to offer an exciting interpretation of classics with a dash of progressive gastronomy. The daylight flooded restaurant with its cutting edge design, warm amber tones, a private dining roundel and a sublime terrace is the perfect venue for an upscale business lunch, a get together or a romantic dinner for two. The end result is an international and eclectic menu in an equally striking setting.

Mandhari – Nairobi Serena Hotel

Lying at the heart of Nairobi’s CBD is this dining stalwart. Designed with mahogany, red velvet and a vibrant view of Nairobi, this restaurant is a classic in many senses of the word. If a truly fine affair is what you seek then an evening that starts out with a welcome drink on the balcony is probably the right fit. Be guided through a 5 course meal by friendly and knowledgeable wait staff over glasses of whisky and wine. End your meal with macaroons and artistic desserts and hopefully a happy lady to boot.

Chop House – Radisson Blu

Specialising in a holistic dining experience that highlights modern African fare, dining at The Chop House is a theatrical event in itself. Sample starters served on planchas with grilled vegetables and cured meats, and then watch as skilful servers carve barbecued meats tableside. The open kitchen provides still more entertainment throughout your meal.

Pango Brasserie – Fairview Hotel

The Fairview Hotel in Upper Hill is home to the warm and inviting Pango brasserie – a unique restaurant  styled after a French bistro. Sink deep into the rustic ambience by starting out with a tour of the underground wine cellar where you can choose your own wine with a bit of guidance. Let your tastebuds go on a journey as the head chef prepares dishes with ingredients and methods that are always new and surprising.

Hemingways Brasserie

Hemingways’ Brasserie serves European classics with a modern twist focusing on simply cooked free-range products sourced directly from Kenyan farms. The feature of the Brasserie is the Josper oven – this indoor barbecue is the first of its kind in Kenya, specially imported by Hemingways to produce the best steaks sizzling at 800F. The special blend of charcoal used to fire this beast creates a distinct char-grilled flavour to the meat. The beef from Mordendat Ranch, Naivasha is grain fed for 180 days especially for Hemingways, and hung for 21 days. As well as the best steaks, the Brasserie is also famous for other dishes such as braised beef rib, slow cooked pork belly or for seafood lovers the Ruby Snapper a la plancha or Spicy Calamari with pomegranate and pearl barley. Their menu also features forgotten favourites such as lobster, prawn or crab cocktails. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of this cosmopolitan, Wolseley-style cafe. Desserts include the old favourites — ile flottante (floating island) and classic creme brûlée as well as the finest cheesecake anywhere.

Graze Steakhouse – Sankara

Indulge your inner gourmand at Graze Steakhouse! Offering the best aged beef, succulent seafood, classic steakhouse dishes and indulgent desserts exquisitely paired with an eclectic wine and whisky list! Representing some of the finest producers in the world, experience modern dining at it’s best at Graze Steakhouse!

Lord Erroll

Set in the tranquil Runda suburb is a heavenly haven for relaxation; evergreen gardens, a mouth-watering selection of gourmet treats and serene environment make this the perfect place to catch up with friends and family as you sip on our speciality coffees and teas, or tempting sundowner cocktails.

Sikia – Crowne Plaza

Fine Dining Cuisine restaurant offering a unique mix of exclusivity, comfort, sophistication and design. Located on the mezzanine level of the hotel, Sikia Fine Dining Restaurant serves a specially crafted lunch, dinner, and dessert menu complimented by an extensive, handpicked range of wines from across the world. Open six days a week, Monday to Saturday. Closed on public holidays.