"Nairobi's rooftop Levantine table — Tambourin plates mezze, shish taouk and lamb kofta in majlis cabanas above the Kempinski, built for a romantic night."
About Tambourin
Tambourin is the rooftop Middle Eastern restaurant and lounge crowning the five-star Villa Rosa Kempinski on Chiromo Road in the Westlands district of Nairobi. Diners settle into traditional majlis-inspired cabanas above the city, where the kitchen serves authentic Levantine cooking alongside a playful Beirut-Bombay fusion. It is one of Nairobi's most atmospheric rooftop tables, paired with handcrafted cocktails and ambient music.
For Nairobi's other notable destination dinners, compare the seafood-led Seven Seafood & Grill, the Indian Haandi and the all-day Tamarind Brasserie. Tambourin sits among the city's top fine-dining and seafood rooms.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is Levantine at heart, drawing on Lebanese, Iranian and Indian influences. Meals open with mezze platters — hummus, baba ghanoush and tabbouleh — before charcoal-grilled shish taouk, lamb kofta and biryani, with smoky Turkish grills and a Beirut-Bombay fusion thread running through the menu. Cooking is generous and shareable rather than tasting-menu fine; expect an upper-mid spend for the city, with the cocktail list a draw in its own right.
The Room
The setting is the headline. Tables and majlis-style cabanas sit on the open rooftop with skyline views, lit low and soundtracked by ambient music — relaxed, lounge-like and built for lingering. It works as a date night and a group celebration as much as a drinks destination, with service that keeps the platters and cocktails coming. Booking ahead is sensible at weekends, when the rooftop fills quickly.
Best for an Anniversary
A rooftop terrace, low light and majlis cabanas make Tambourin a natural table for an anniversary or a first date in Nairobi. The shareable mezze and cocktail list also carry a lively birthday.
Not for
Not for a quiet, formal fine-dining dinner or a tight budget — Tambourin is a lively rooftop lounge built around shared mezze, grills and cocktails.
Frequently Asked
What is Tambourin in Nairobi known for?
It is the rooftop Middle Eastern restaurant and lounge atop the Villa Rosa Kempinski, known for Levantine mezze, charcoal-grilled shish taouk and lamb kofta, a Beirut-Bombay fusion menu and majlis-style cabanas with city views.
Where is Tambourin located?
On the rooftop of the five-star Villa Rosa Kempinski hotel on Chiromo Road, in the Westlands district of Nairobi.
What kind of food does Tambourin serve?
Authentic Levantine and Middle Eastern cooking — mezze platters, shish taouk, lamb kofta and biryani — with Lebanese, Iranian and Indian influences and a Beirut-Bombay fusion thread.
What should I order at Tambourin?
Start with the mezze platters of hummus, baba ghanoush and tabbouleh, then the grilled shish taouk and lamb kofta, paired with one of the house cocktails.
Is Tambourin good for a date?
Yes — the rooftop terrace, low lighting and majlis-style cabanas make it one of Nairobi's most atmospheric tables for a date or anniversary.
Do I need a reservation?
Booking ahead is sensible, especially at weekends, when the rooftop fills quickly.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Tambourin
Book ahead at weekends; the rooftop fills quickly.
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Practical Information
AddressRooftop, Villa Rosa Kempinski, Chiromo Road, Westlands, Nairobi
NeighbourhoodRooftop, Villa Rosa Kempinski, Westlands
CuisineMiddle Eastern / Levantine
PriceUpper-mid; shared mezze and grills
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingRooftop terrace and majlis cabanas
ReservationRecommended
