Carnivore Restaurant Nairobi Review: Is it Worth the Hype?

The Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi, it’s almost like a household name, especially for those hitting up Kenya for a taste of adventure, it seems. It’s that spot folks either rave about or kinda raise an eyebrow at, very true. Having heard all kinds of stories, so I figured I should swing by and check it out, you know, to see if the place really lives up to its wild reputation, truly.

First Impressions: Setting the Scene

Driving up to the Carnivore, the first thing I noticed is that the vibe is, in a way, pretty unique. It feels, so to speak, less like you’re heading to just dinner and more like, arguably, you’re stepping into an event, you see. The open-air setup definitely adds something, and that huge barbecue pit loaded with roasting meats? That, well it sends a clear signal you’re in for something, let’s say, meat-centric, pretty much.

The décor is maybe a bit dated, very possibly, but, anyway, that adds to the whole “Out of Africa” feel they seem to be going for, almost like stepping back in time, and maybe that’s part of the appeal for many, who knows. You’ve got, very clearly, these rustic wooden tables and the sounds of meat sizzling—it’s an experience, maybe not super-refined, but memorable, arguably.

The Meat Parade: What’s on the Skewer?

Okay, let’s get to what people really come for: the meat, to be honest. The Carnivore operates, just a bit, like a Brazilian churrascaria, it feels. Waiters stroll around, so it seems, with these massive skewers loaded with different kinds of roasted meats, too. They carve slices right onto your plate until, you know, you basically wave a white flag, pretty much.

You get everything from, so to speak, your usual beef and chicken to, let’s say, some more adventurous options, you understand. During my visit, anyway, they had ostrich and crocodile. Crocodile, actually it tastes, so to speak, kind of like a slightly chewy chicken, is that right? Ostrich, arguably it’s got this richer, gamier flavor, that may or may not be your thing, that’s real. It’s a wild ride, very possibly, tasting all these different things, though very clearly the quality can vary, that is clear. Some cuts are incredibly tender, arguably others can be, maybe, a bit on the tougher side, really.

Oh, it’s almost worth mentioning, if you are a game meat purist, then you might need to temper expectations. You see, these days the offering leans rather more heavily towards farmed meats to guarantee consistency of supply and it might also be a nod toward, sort of, ethical practice. In many ways, they’ve responded to pressure regarding conservation.

The Sides and Sauces: Enhancing the Experience

The sides and sauces, maybe, don’t get as much hype, so it seems, but, as a matter of fact, they’re really important, you know, to balance out all that protein. You get this spread of different sauces, could be anything from mint to garlic to chili, so really you can find something to complement each meat, might be easier said than done.

They bring out the usual suspects on the side — salads, coleslaw, and baked potatoes, too it’s almost. Fine, they aren’t the stars of the show, still, you’re probably glad they’re there to cut through, very clearly, the richness of the meat, it feels. Let’s face it, you’ll need something green eventually, really.

The Service: How Attentive Are They?

The service can be a bit hit or miss, you know. On my visit, though very busy, the waiters were, in a way, pretty attentive with the meat skewers, but refilling drinks or clearing plates was sometimes, as a matter of fact, a little slow, alright.

They definitely try, or so it seems, to keep the meat coming, which can feel a bit overwhelming, very arguably, if you’re trying to pace yourself, you see. Don’t be shy about saying “no thanks” or “just a little,” maybe, unless you’re looking to set a new personal eating record, definitely.

The Drinks: Something to Wash It All Down With

Carnivore has, like your typical restaurant, a pretty extensive drinks menu, or so it seems, with local beers, standard cocktails, soft drinks, and even a selection of wines, almost like it was any other restaurant. Their “Dawa” cocktail, maybe it’s worth a try, definitely. It’s a Kenyan classic made with vodka, honey, lime, and a touch of sugar, arguably quite refreshing, very likely it will cut through all the meat, actually. It can get you into trouble, so keep an eye on the number of those you order, definitely!

The Atmosphere: Is It Touristy?

Let’s be real: The Carnivore, arguably it is very touristy, you know. You’ll hear a mix of languages and see plenty of folks snapping photos, very arguably, that’s part of its charm, to be honest.

But it doesn’t necessarily feel fake, arguably, as the staff genuinely seems to enjoy what they’re doing, that is obvious. Plus, the whole “meat-on-a-skewer” thing is inherently a bit theatrical, actually it really lends itself to a lively vibe, might be something to bear in mind.

Value for Money: Is It Worth the Price?

The big question: is The Carnivore worth the money, actually? The price point is definitely on the higher side for Nairobi, truly, placing it as more of a special occasion kind of meal. Considering, you get, anyway, this “all you can eat” experience with unusual meats, very possibly it’s worth it for the novelty alone, possibly.

If you’re a hardcore foodie maybe seeking some truly innovative dishes, so, too it’s almost that you might find it a bit underwhelming, might be true. But for a fun, slightly over-the-top dining experience that you’ll probably be talking about for years to come, the value’s definitely there, arguably.

Carnivore Restaurant: Who Should Go?

So who’s The Carnivore really for, anyway? To make it easy, have a look at the criteria I’ve assembled below:

First-Timers to Nairobi: Yeah, go for the experience! It’s one of those “must-do” things to say you’ve done it.
Meat Lovers: Obviously! If you like tasting different grilled meats, you’re in.
Groups and Celebrations: It’s a blast with friends. Perfect for birthdays or just a big night out.
Adventurous Eaters: Are you up for trying ostrich or crocodile? This is your spot, in that case.
Tourists Looking for a Themed Dinner: This is a very convenient and easy way to spend the night for tourists.

It may not be right for:

Vegetarians or Vegans: Seriously, you know this already! Steer clear, as you might expect.
People on a Tight Budget: It’s not the cheapest eat in town, you see.
Those Seeking a Quiet, Intimate Dinner: The noise and crowds might not make for romance, honestly.
Foodies Looking for High Cuisine: The food can be underwhelming for this type of person.

Final Verdict: A Roaring Success or Just Hype?

So, does Carnivore Restaurant live up to the hype, very? Well, arguably it depends what you’re after, without a doubt. If you’re seeking a quiet meal, very probably it isn’t the spot for that. If you are after innovative culinary experiences then this will disappoint. If you want quantity over the highest-end quality you should like it, and If you want to try as much game meat as humanly possible in one sitting in a really touristy location you may just find your place.

The Carnivore offers, as a matter of fact, a memorable, albeit touristy, experience, so that’s real. It’s pricey, but if you go with the right expectations—basically, a fun night out with plenty of meat—you’re likely to leave satisfied, pretty much. Is it the “ultimate beast of a feast” as they claim, might be an exaggeration, but it’s certainly a unique experience, I would not downplay that. Remember to book in advance, basically especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment, it feels!