Tamarind is one of Nairobi's oldest upscale restaurants and remains one of the best places in the city for seafood — a slightly unusual proposition for a highland capital 500 km from the coast. The kitchen flies in fish and lobster from the Swahili Coast and prepares them in Swahili-influenced sauces: coconut, tamarind, lime, and chilli.
The restaurant has locations in the city centre and in Karen. The Karen branch has the better setting — a colonial house with garden terrace — while the city branch is more convenient for downtown stays. Both serve the same menu at similar prices.
This is a special-occasion restaurant rather than an everyday choice; prices are high by Nairobi standards. Book ahead for weekends.