Location: Kisumu
Top Restaurants in Kisumu
Kisumu Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Kisumu
Kisumu, officially known as Kisumu City (and formerly Port Florence), is a Kenyan inland port city on Lake Victoria and the capital city of Kisumu County, Kenya. At an elevation of 1,131 m (3,711 ft), the city-county has a population of 968,879, while the metropolitan region comprising the city and its suburbs and satellite towns of Maseno, Kondele and Ahero was estimated at over 1 million in early 2017. It is the third largest city in Kenya after the capital, Nairobi, and the coastal city of Mombasa. Kisumu is the principal city of western Kenya, the immediate former capital of Nyanza Province, the headquarters of Kisumu County and the proposed headquarters of the Lake Region Economic Block, which is a conglomeration of 13 counties in Western Kenya. It is the largest city in western Kenya and the second most important city after Kampala in the greater Lake Victoria basin.
Things to do in Kisumu
1. Oriental Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Byron78 - London,Kenya and all about
Went for dinner on a rainy Tuesday evening,a group of 4 guys.They have Seating outside though once the rain started it was necessary to move.The starters we ordered were quickly there and fairly good portions of ribs and wings.The mains of pork,beef and chicken were similarly generous which resulted in leftovers.The quality of food was very good,tasty and fresh and pleasant atmosphere and service.All in all a pleasant evening with quality food and an enjoyable evening,what else can one ask for.
2. Kisumu Yacht Club
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Brian M - Nairobi, Kenya
What a lovely place to watch the sunset while having a cold beverage and a bite to eat.The view is just breath taking and you're simply drawn to always going back.The service is very welcoming right from the gate to the kitchen and bar.The food is a mixture of African,Indian and barbecue all in one depending on ones taste buds.An area that can accomodate functions,parties and kids facilities are also available.Try it you will love it.
3. Rooftop Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Eva T - Thessaloniki, Greece
The Terrace is nice, the bar is solid, has a nice view over kisumu. The stuff is polite and the music good. All that would make the place wonderul but the food was so disapointing that ruined the whole mood. I ordered the fish. That's how they call it actually, fish fillet with fancy described sauce and chips. What i got was mostly not so well fried chips (yes, it's possible) few in number and on top of them, barely visible, a small slice of fish. Tiny. With a bit of cold sauce in the same color as the fries, something yellowish, on top. My friends meal looked more appealin, but tiny portion as well. They should be ashamed to present dishes like that, for a price that is high for Kenya standards. Sorry not even close to recommended for food. Go for a beer, I wouldn't trust them for coctails either.
4. Mon Ami
Overall Ratings
4 based on 63 reviews
There were two branches.One in Mega Plaza closed last Dec,this one is an open air restaurant with a seperate coffee shop.Its located in the Mega City compound which houses Nakumatt and other stores.
Reviewed By Ken S - Atlanta, Georgia
We stayed at The Vic Hotel and had lunch at Mon Ami the day we arrived because it is conveniently adjacent to the hotel. But, after that first lunch we found ourselves back at Mon Ami at least twice a day - for drinks or snacks or a dinner. We had such wonderful service from managers - Janie and Catherine and, by the end of our stay, our servers had become our friends!
Everything on the menu is delicious, but you should certainly try the pork chops. Believe me, you will thank me! And - don't miss trying the iced coffee. That drink, alone, will bring you back to Mon Ami!
We travelled to Kisumu to visit family, but I can't wait to go back to visit Mon Ami!
5. Simba Club
Overall Ratings
4 based on 27 reviews
Its a sports club with a restaurant as its main business.It has a sports bar inside as well.It has been there for abt 14 yrs.It has a Friday buffet for £5 which is amazing value and superb quality.
Reviewed By spanner48 - Wallingford, United Kingdom
Tucked away down a back street, but very large, once you get through the gates. There's almost a maidan, between the walls, with tables set out round the edges, outside, but under cover.
Food is mostly Indian [mostly north Indian/Gujerati] plus Chinese. Nothing exceptional, but good and reliable.
Service was a little slow, but friendly.
Doesn't take credit cards.
6. Tilapia Beach
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 80 reviews
This one is listed on Google maps - On Lake Victoria Kisumu. It has amazing food and is a terrific location so I'd like to review and recommend. Unfortunately most businesses in Kenya have no online presence.
Reviewed By sugimotohiroko - Nairobi Region, Kenya
Initially we were told each fish costs 600-700ksh. But the bill came with 1600 for each Fish. This really upset my Kenyan companions.
Way over priced and not worse visiting. Unless you want to be charged extraordinarily tourist prices for ordinal lay fish. We can get better fish in kisumu elsewhere or even restaurant in Nairobi serves better fish for that price. Nto recommended as all.
7. The Laughing Buddha Lounge & Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 116 reviews
Laughing Buddha Lounge and Café started in June 2009 with a unique concept of a Vegetarian Café serving fresh Eggless Cakes and Pastries and a mouthwatering menu of foods from around the world, alongside a boutique Hookah Lounge Bar. In a very short time, Laughing Buddha, or fondly known as LB became a popular brand amongst residents and visitors to Kisumu. On the top of our signature treats are the Sizzling Brownie, Grilled Sandwiches, Milkshakes and Mini Desserts. What was once a dream project to fulfill an everlasting passion for food and fine dining has now been ranked in Top Three in well-known travel guides and websites.
Reviewed By shafiqjafferji - Nairobi, Kenya
we checked into Kisumu after 10pm and rest assured, ou will barely find a place where you can have any meal in this town!
Atleast the 'Buddha' had something for us. the waiter Saleh was friendly and helpful as he guided us through the menu and helped us choose a few items which we could have the quickest possible.
I must say the paneer samosa, and the poussin chips were well prepared and tasty. the Vanilla milkshake was also well prepared and the service was rather quick.
Only downside was that the place was rather costly!
8. Habesha - Ethiopian Restaurant in Kisumu
Overall Ratings
4 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Karen N - Kisumu, Kenya
We first visited this restaurant a couple of years ago. The waiters were all smiles and we really enjoyed our coffee and popcorn: typical Ethiopian snack, as well as some samosas and sausage. Last month we went back hoping for a repeat experience. The tables are so dusty with the varnish dry and faded, and the smiling waiters were gone. There was just one girl who looked so bored or disillusioned and half hardheartedly wiped our table. The only thing available on the menu was the coffee and popcorn, no other snacks. I was afraid to ask for food because I would not be sure it was fresh. We just left.
9. Big Bite Sweet and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By MissTravelFiend - Kisumu, Kenya
The restaurant is hidden away in the Milimani residential area, without even a sign to advertise itself. It's a simple place but the food (it's all vegetarian) is absolutely delicious. I love the dragon potatoes, paneer dishes and just about everything else I've tried. The sugarcane juice is also really good. Definitely the best Indian food I've had in Kisumu.
10. Nairobi Java House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Nyobu - Nairobi
I made the Java my first stop during a recent business visit to Kisumu as I needed a good coffee. As always it was the same great coffee I get at any of the other Java branches country wide. Keep it up!
