Naivasha’s food scene is better than most visitors expect and more varied than most guides suggest. However, to find the best restaurants and places to eat in Naivasha, a bit of research and footwork is needed, with a few hits and misses. You can eat a fresh-grilled lake tilapia while watching giraffes move through fever trees on the far shore, sip handcrafted cocktails on a semi-floating deck as the sun drops over the Rift Valley, or find an honest plate of nyama choma and ugali in town for under KES 600.
The range is genuine, and there is something for every taste and budget, making the food scene in Naivasha a must-experience when in town.
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7 of the Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in Naivasha
Well, let’s get straight into it; ideally, this restaurant guide covers the cream de la cream of restaurants in Naivasha, including estimated prices per person. Covering restaurants in Naivasha that offer fine dining, unique experiences, out-of-this-world views, and good food. Here are the 7 Best restaurants and places to eat in Naivasha.
Lazybones Bar and Restaurant — Camp Carnelly’s
The most consistently loved stand-out dining spot on the lake. Cushions and low seating on a shaded terrace, cold Tusker beer, and fresh grilled tilapia or Nile perch, served with chips and salad. Giraffes occasionally wander through the fever trees beyond the fence, and colobus monkeys are regularly spotted in the trees overhead ( Watch out for them, I had my complementary bun stolen once). The atmosphere is completely relaxed, and the prices are honest. This is where locals and visitors agree without reservation.
Budget: KES 800 – 1,800 per person. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Ranch House Bistro — Lake Oloiden, Oserengoni Sanctuary
Farm-to-table dining on the western shore, within the Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary. The kitchen grows much of its own produce, the menu is seasonal and locally focused, and the setting, a wide lawn running to the water’s edge with flamingos wading in the lake and the Mau escarpment rising beyond, is exceptional. Service can be unhurried on busy days, which in this environment becomes a feature rather than a flaw: you are encouraged to linger and watch the wildlife. A game drive through the sanctuary (which includes lion and leopard) can be paired with your meal.
Budget: KES 1,500 – 3,000 per person. Reservations recommended for weekends.
Matteo’s Italian Restaurant, Naivasha – Moi South Lake Road
Matteo’s Italian Restaurant in Naivasha is a beloved spot for authentic Italian cuisine, known for its wood-fired pizzas, hearty pasta dishes, and warm, inviting atmosphere. Located conveniently along Moi South Lake Road, just past Kargita Town, the restaurant blends rustic charm with modern comfort, making it perfect for relaxed lunches, family dinners, or date nights. Guests consistently praise the generous portions, friendly service, and reliable quality that have made Matteo’s one of Naivasha’s most trusted dining choices. Whether you’re craving freshly baked pizza, homemade-style meals, or a cozy sit-down after a day exploring Naivasha, Matteo’s delivers a satisfying and flavorful experience.
Budget: KES 1,500 – 3,000 per person. Famous for Italian Meals.
Kijiko Restaurant — Eating in The Wild
Kijiko Restaurant at Sanctuary Farm is one of Naivasha’s most serene farm-to-table dining spots, offering guests a wholesome and beautifully rustic culinary experience. Set on a peaceful lakeside property where wildlife roams freely, Kijiko blends fresh, locally sourced ingredients with globally inspired comfort cuisine. Guests love its relaxed garden setting, homemade-style dishes, and sweeping views that bring Naivasha’s natural charm right to the table. Whether you’re stopping by after a game drive or settling in for a leisurely brunch, Kijiko Restaurant Naivasha delivers warm hospitality, vibrant flavors, and an unforgettable countryside dining atmosphere.
Budget: KES 1300 – 2700 per person.
Elsamere Conservation Centre — Afternoon Tea
One of the most charming dining experiences in Naivasha. The 3 pm afternoon tea sitting in the grounds of Joy Adamson’s former home — homemade cakes, scones, sandwiches, and tea, served on the lake-facing lawn while black-and-white colobus monkeys perform in the trees overhead — is a Naivasha institution. A reservation is required for non-guests. Entry to the Joy Adamson Museum is included with the tea.
Cost: KES 1,500–2,000 per person, including museum admission. Booking through their website. elsaconservationtrust.org
BulBul Lounge Nest Boutique – Sundowners and Lake Views
Perched within the luxurious Nest Boutique Hotel, Bulbul Lounge offers an escape into serene sophistication with breathtaking views of Lake Naivasha. This elegant restaurant and lounge is the epitome of lakeside chic, where contemporary continental cuisine meets impeccable service in a tranquil, beautifully designed space. Ideal for a sunset cocktail, a romantic dinner under the stars, or a leisurely gourmet brunch, Bulbul Lounge provides a memorable dining experience defined by its stunning vista and refined ambiance.
Budget: KES 450 – 1200 per person.
Mwanzo Lodge Restaurant Naivasha – The True Hidden Gem
Mwanzo Lodge Restaurant in Naivasha offers a warm, relaxed dining experience that blends homestyle Kenyan cooking with a peaceful countryside ambiance, with a view of Lake Naivasha and the Rift Valley.
Known for its comforting meals, scenic views, and friendly service, it is one of the hidden gems in Naivasha, suitable for families and locals alike. The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere, panoramic swimming pool, spacious outdoor spaces, and flower farms surrounding it, serving hearty dishes ranging from classic Kenyan staples to freshly prepared breakfasts, create a sense of home away from home. Whether you’re looking for a quiet lunch, a filling dinner, or a simple, wholesome meal on your way through Naivasha, Mwanzo Lodge Restaurant provides an inviting and affordable dining option.
Budget: KES 800 – 1500 per person.
Hotel Restaurants
Several of the lakeside hotels and resorts have restaurants open to non-guests. Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort and Lake Naivasha Resort (LNR) restaurant is reliable and offers a popular buffet lunch for day visitors. The restaurant at Muthu Naivasha Country Club has a pleasant lake-facing terrace. Both offer a mid-range dining experience with the bonus of wildlife on the grounds.
Find a detailed guide to restaurants in Naivasha.
| Budget dining | Kijiko (KES 300–700), Lazybones (KES 800–1,800) |
| Mid-range | Matteo’s Italian Restaurant, Elsamere Tea (KES 1,500–3,000) |
| Fine dining | Ranch House Bistro, Hippo Point (KES 2,000–4,000+) |
| Sundowner spot | Bulbul Restaurant and Lounge — western-facing sunset views |
| Most unique experience | Elsamere Afternoon Tea with colobus monkeys overhead |