Matteo’s Italian Restaurant

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Authentic Italian Cuisine on Ngong Road

Matteo's Restaurant & Pizzeria sits on Ngong Road in the Karen neighbourhood of Nairobi, bringing a straightforward promise to the table: classic Italian cuisine made fresh, from the best ingredients, every day. The family-owned restaurant has earned recognition from Gambero Rosso — Italy's most authoritative food guide — a distinction that speaks to the kitchen's genuine commitment to authenticity in a city where that word is often used loosely.

What's on the Plate

The menu spans the full range of Italian classics — pasta, pizza, seafood, and meat dishes — with everything prepared in-house on order. Guests have singled out the spinach and ricotta ravioli in a pink sauce as a standout, and the pizzas draw consistent praise for their authentic character. Tender beef and chicken dishes round out the offering, and tiramisu is the recommended way to finish. For those who don't eat meat, the kitchen offers a solid selection of vegetarian options and can accommodate other dietary preferences without fuss.

The Setting

The atmosphere shifts comfortably between day and night. Beautiful gardens, ample parking, and attentive table service make Matteo's a place that works equally well for a relaxed family lunch or a more considered dinner. Diners note that the portions are generous and the overall experience — gardens, good food, warm service — makes the drive to Karen well worth it.

More Than a Single Table

Beyond the main restaurant and bar, Matteo's has grown into a broader hospitality group with an event space, a padel court, and locations in Naivasha and Nanyuki. The Karen address, however, remains the heart of the Italian cuisine offer that put the name on the map — and on Gambero Rosso's radar.