In the bustling culinary scene of Nairobi, two restaurants have emerged as clear favorites among diners, according to Google Maps reviews: the iconic Carnivore Restaurant in Lang’ata and the popular CJ’s in Nairobi CBD. As Google Maps celebrates its 20th anniversary, the platform’s vast trove of user reviews reveals the city’s top 10 most talked-about eateries, offering a fascinating glimpse into local tastes and dining trends.
The Carnivore has long held a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists. Known for its open-air setting and its “nyama choma” (barbecued meat) feast, the Carnivore offers a unique dining experience that has clearly resonated with reviewers. Its extensive selection of grilled meats, from traditional Kenyan fare to more adventurous options, combined with its vibrant atmosphere, has cemented its position as a must-visit destination. It is also a top entertainment centre in Nairobi.
Hot on the Carnivore’s heels is CJ’s, a more contemporary establishment that has quickly gained a loyal following. With multiple locations across the city, including the highly-rated Kilimani branch, CJ’s offers a diverse menu catering to a wide range of palates. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying lunches and dinners, CJ’s has become a go-to spot for casual dining, praised for its generous portions, friendly service, and consistent quality. Its popularity is a testament to its ability to provide a consistently enjoyable dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
The dominance of these two very different restaurants highlights the diversity of Nairobi’s food scene. While the Carnivore offers a traditional, almost theatrical dining experience, CJ’s caters to a more modern, everyday dining crowd. Their success, as reflected in Google Maps reviews, underscores the importance of both culinary excellence and a strong customer focus in today’s competitive restaurant industry.
“Google Maps is more than just a map: It’s a vibrant community that shares its knowledge about the world. And with over 100 million updates made to the map made each day, we’re committed to showing you the freshest and most comprehensive information possible, so you can get around with confidence,” Google said in a press statement:
The Google Maps anniversary and its curated list of most reviewed places in Kenya, which also includes other Nairobi favorites like Delamere Farm Shop, Green Spot Gardens, For You Chinese Restaurant, Pepino’s Pizza Kimathi, Kilimanjaro Jamia, The Alchemist, and Java House – Greenspan Mall, provide valuable insights into the city’s vibrant social and cultural landscape.
These reviews, left by everyday diners, offer a genuine and unfiltered perspective on what makes a restaurant successful in the eyes of its customers.
Google said Maps provide directions for 12 billion miles daily—a distance equivalent to driving non-stop for over 22,000 years. It also hosts 5 billion reviews, enough to fill several Olympic-sized swimming pools with rice. With 250 million businesses and places mapped, visiting each one hourly would take over 28,500 years. And a staggering 500 million people contribute to the map through reviews, photos, ratings, and traffic updates—more contributors than stars in our galaxy.
