"Nairobi's grandest French table since 1997 — book The Lord Erroll for cloche-served fine dining across 1930s-style gardens in Runda."
About The Lord Erroll
The Lord Erroll opened in Runda in 1997, founded by Hans Stoecklin, Michael Craig and Felix Huwler and named for Josslyn Hay, the 22nd Earl of Erroll, the flamboyant figure at the centre of colonial Kenya's Happy Valley set who was shot dead in Nairobi in 1941. The restaurant recreates the panelled rooms, polished floors and stained glass of that era, set in terraced gardens with ponds and waterfalls.
It stands among the city's leading tables. Compare the long-running Talisman, the Indian-leaning Tamarind Brasserie and the Seven Seafood & Grill, or browse the wider French picks.
The Kitchen
The cooking is French and European, plated with care and brought to the table under silver cloches that are lifted in unison. The three house specialities are a traditional Swiss cheese fondue for between two and six, a bratwurst with rosti, caramelised onion sauce and onion rings, and a classic steak tartare, alongside seasonal European mains and an ambitious wine list. This is old-school fine dining built on ceremony rather than experiment.
It is one of Nairobi's most expensive tables: an upper-tier spend before wine, with the cellar pushing the bill higher. You pay for the setting, the service and a level of formality the city otherwise lacks.
The Room
The setting is the reason to come — a colonial-era estate of panelled dining rooms, period prints and stained glass, opening onto alfresco terraces above gardens with streams, ponds and waterfalls. Service is formal and theatrical, the cloche-lifting and all. The mood is grand and romantic, a destination dinner rather than a casual meal, and a world apart from Nairobi's everyday rooms.
Best for a grand special-occasion dinner in Nairobi
The Lord Erroll suits a grand occasion — the gardens and formal service make it one of Nairobi's most romantic places for an anniversary or a proposal, and a confident room in which to host a visiting guest. For more of the city's tables, see the Talisman or browse the full Nairobi dining guide.
Not for
Not for diners after a quick, casual or budget meal — this is a formal, expensive fine-dining estate built on ceremony and a grand garden setting, best given a long occasion dinner.
Frequently Asked
What is The Lord Erroll known for?
It is Nairobi's premier French and gourmet fine-dining restaurant, open in Runda since 1997, known for 1930s colonial-style rooms, terraced gardens and dishes brought to the table under silver cloches.
What should I order at The Lord Erroll?
The three house specialities are the traditional Swiss cheese fondue for two to six, the bratwurst with rosti, and the steak tartare, alongside seasonal French and European mains.
How much does The Lord Erroll cost?
It is one of Nairobi's most expensive tables — an upper-tier spend before wine, with the cellar pushing the bill higher; you pay for the setting and the formal service.
Why is the restaurant called The Lord Erroll?
It is named after Josslyn Hay, the 22nd Earl of Erroll, a central figure in colonial Kenya's Happy Valley set who was shot dead in Nairobi in 1941.
Where is The Lord Erroll?
At 89 Ruaka Road in the Runda suburb of Nairobi, a short drive from the Gigiri UN complex.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at The Lord Erroll
Book via the Lord Erroll website or by phone; the garden terraces go first in good weather.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address89 Ruaka Road, Runda, Nairobi, Kenya
NeighbourhoodIn Runda, a short drive from the Gigiri UN complex
CuisineFrench
PriceA la carte; one of Nairobi's most expensive tables, an upper-tier spend before wine
Dress CodeSmart; smart-elegant
SeatingPanelled dining rooms and garden terraces; booking advised
ReservationBooking advised, especially for weekends and the garden terraces
