For the first time ever, Nairobi hosted the global phenomenon known as restaurant week. Between January 30 and February 6, patrons were able to experience a special menu at 50 of the city’s top restaurants, for a fixed price of Sh1,250 or Sh1,750.
Nairobi Restaurant Week was about applauding the finest food the city has to offer. The top chefs put their culinary skills to the test so that restaurant-goers could experience a one-off limited edition celebratory menu.
It celebrated the ingenuity and innovation of our favourite restaurants. One of the main aims is to allow consumers to ‘open their world’ with new restaurants and dishes.
In its opening weekend, Nairobi Restaurant Week in partnership with Heineken proved to be an overwhelming hit with the public and establishments alike.
Four days into the culinary experience, restaurants had already registered a significant increase in patrons wanting to take advantage of the unique experience. Bamboo, Zen Garden and Jiko at Tribe Hotel both sold out their 250 limited-edition offering within three days.
Online booking engine EatOut noted that 85 per cent of reservations were being made by women, with most of these made for couples. More than half the people were also making multiple reservations to try as many outlets as they can within the eight-day campaign.
Nairobi now joins cities such as New York, London, Amsterdam, Cape Town and many more around the world who hold the restaurant week annually to great acclaim.
The Star team got the chance to sample 12 restaurants out of the 50 participating outlets.
Sikia Fine Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Hotel
by John Muchangi
Located on the first floor of the Nairobi Crowne Plaza Hotel, the Sikia Fine Restaurant dining room is perfect for lunch time catch-ups or midweek dinners with friends and family.
The modern menu is top notch and the dining room itself is comfortably elegant. Its sophisticated and impressive décor provides just the right ambience for an evening out.
The NRW menu included a a meal of flamed chicken breast with a generous helping of mashed potatoes, and a bottle of your favourite soft drink. For dessert, a wide range of fruit pies, cakes and chocolates were available. All for Sh1,250.
Eagles Grill, Ole Sereni
by James Murua
Ole Sereni Hotel on Mombasa Road boasts of one of the best views in Nairobi. Located on the 4th floor, Eagles Grill overlooks the Nairobi National Park with impressive views of the Nairobi skyline. The exclusive lounge can accommodate about 50 people and is one of the best foodie experiences out there.
The NRW menu served by the supremely professional and courteous Paul N included options for the carnivores and the vegetarians.
Meat eaters had the option of a mini ostrich burger and crumpled goat cheese and more while vegetarians could have Limuru mushroom soup with olive oil croûtons.
While I am not vegetarian I opted for the soup which turned out to be a very well prepared one. It is one of the better soups I have taken in Nairobi.
The main course was the Kenyan fillet, cheek and oxtail, red wine onion jus and smoked butter creamed potatoes. The portions were very small but they didn’t fail to deliver where quality was concerned. The steak was really well done and delicious and the onions didn’t leave me to head to the washroom afterwards to brush my teeth.
The dessert was the peanut cylinder, toasted meringue, caramel sauce and raspberry sorbet. You don’t meet this little in too many places in town. It takes a bit of time to get used as the peanut cylinder I didn't love but the sorbet was to die for.
The food is excellent and the service is world class. I recommend the Eagles Grill to every Nairobian.
Jiko Restaurant, Tribe Hotel
by Karuga wa Njuguna
At the Tribe's Hotel Jiko restaurant, the NRW special meny was quite extensive. While most establishments have a choice of three main courses, Jiko had an option of five!
For the starters, there was a pick of either crispy baby calamari salad with red rocket leaves, cherry tomatoes and balsamic reduction or creamy potato and leek soup, hazel nuts shavings and olive oil or Arugula and goat cheese ravioli with cashew nuts.
The main course left one spoilt for choice with Orecchiete with pancetta and broccoli; Mushroom strudel, Italian parcel and Parmesan coulis; Grilled beef-ribs,spicy barbeque sauce, hand cut fries; Tortilla crusted fish fillet burger, picked gherkins, tartar sauce; lamb chops, sundried tomato butter.
There was practically no space for dessert whose choice was either Tiramisu, Tribe sampler or Caramel chocolate mousse.
Big Square
by Nduta Waweru
Located on the junction of UN Avenue and Limuru Road, Big Square Cafe is your perfect burger place. The first thing that stood out with the restaurant is the blend of colours and the expansiveness of the room making it cooler and welcoming.
I ordered from the extensive menu, and chose a beef square and garden salad and my friend selected the six wings and fries meal. For drinks we had strawberry milkshake and a mint punch. We did not have to wait for long before our meal arrived, served in wooden square dishes.
The food was delicious! The chicken wings were coated in honey and the fries crisp and tasty. The beef in my square burger was well cooked and fantastic.
One thing about Big Square Gigiri is that it is family-friendly. There's a kids section, where children can enjoy playing. On this day, there was a bouncing castle. Adult patrons were also not left out of the fun, thanks to the Wi-fi connectivity.
Lord Delamere Terrace, Fairmont Norfolk
by Karen Mbugua
The Lord Delamere Terrace at the Fairmont Norfolk on Harry Thuku Road, in Central Nairobi is steeped in history. Since 1904, it has been a popular rendezvous and continues to be a favorite amongst international travellers and local residents due to its alfresco design. The outdoor terrace is also the best place especially during the hot weather.
I started off with broccoli and blue cheese soup. This was not my first option but as my companion had the oven dried tomatoes and goat cheese mouse, and not being a fan of aubergine, I did not have a choice.
Im glad I did. It was delicious. Then we had the classic shepherd's pie – braised lamb, creamy potatoes and spicy cheddar crust. Simply divine.
The other main course sampled was the lemon and thyme chicken with butter roasted potatoes and wild mushroom ragout. Simply melted in my mouth.
We topped it off with a tiramisu dessert and cheesecake. Short of asking for availability of beds, we shuffle to the car quite stuffed. The glass of sweet white wine did nothing to alleviate the fullness.
A fitting meal indeed.
Naked Pizza
by Karen Mbugua
I had always wanted to try out Naked Pizza since it opened and now I had the chance. We made our way to Fedha Plaza on Mpaka Road where its located on ground floor. An interesting thing about this joint is that it's not your average pizza joint. It's health conscious and uses all natural, whole food ingredients.
We ordered a large pizza with half omnivore and half farmvill toppings. Basically it had beef pepperoni, turkey ham, mixed pepper, mushroom, beef hamburger and black olive. As we waited we were served cheesy garlic breadstixx which were so delicious we were tempted to have them as a meal by itself.
The pizza came very hot and did not disappoint. Having the crust made of 10 different types of grains and healthy bacteria like the ones found in yogurt, this is one time I was guilt free devouring a pizza.
The natural ingredients do not at all take away the flavour of “normal” pizza, but actually makes it just a healthier alternative. We had a choice of Heineken, minute maid juice or water as a choice for refreshments. A must visit!
About Thyme Restaurant
by Karen Mbugua
This little gem of a restaurant is located off Peponi Road on Eldama Ravine Road, Westlands. Owned by the lovely Deborah Swai, who makes the food herself, About Thyme was one of my favourite restaurants that I had a chance to review. The ambience is calming, the gardens inviting and its cosy atmosphere made for a very romantic dinner.
Deborah recommend the roasted beetroot soup with horseradish cream and snipped chives and I was like no way! She eventually convinced me to try and when it came I literally licked the bowl clean! It is one of the most delicious soups I've tasted and its red colour was really cool. My companion tried out the sweet potato samosas with cherry tomato raita but the soup won hands down.
We moved on to the main course where I had the slow cooked honey and orange glazed duck leg on a bed of creamed potatoes with spiced red cabbage.
Yummmmy!!! The flavours were bursting in my mouth and I couldn't chew slow enough. I was almost sad to see my chicken finish that I started picking at my companion’s char grilled fillet steak with mushroom sauce.
This was served with rosemary salted potato wedges and grilled vegetables. Whoa! We almost did not space for the dessert but when it came, we couldn't say no.
The carmelized bread and butter was simply divine and just melted in my mouth. The peanut butter and chocolate ice cream pie was literally the icing on top of a wonderful evening.
About Thyme is definitely one of Nairobi's finest secrets.
Bamboo, Zen Garden
by Karen Mbugua
Zen Gardens in Lower Kabete is one of the restaurants that sold out its 250 menu capacity during the opening weekend of NRW. I was lucky enough to get seating space on a sunday afternoon as the place was full to the brim.
We started off with some sweet white wine as we waited for our appetizers comprising of a bambo started sampler of duck and vegetable spring rolls, jade dumpling, california maki rolls, chicken gyoza and spicy tuna maki.
Then I had the schezuan chicken with jasmine rice while my companion had the ginger beef with bamboo noodles. We shared half-half as the food was too delicious. One can see why on most weekends, a booking is imperative.
We finished off our three course meal with chocolate mousse and mocha almond ice cream that was simply divine.
The warm sun and background music provided for a soothing afternoon out.
Que Pasa Bar & Bistro
by Brenda Okoth
Que Pasa is phrase meaning what's up or how's it going in Spanish. Often used as a casual greeting between two or more friends.
Like the origin of its name, Que Pasa Bar and Bistro in Karen offers the same comfortable and friendly environment for you to enjoy a quiet meal and drinks. Que Pasa is legendary for its wood fired pizzas and continental and Italian cuisine dishes.
To start with, my lunch companion and I ordered the selection of mixed tapas (chicken wings, chicken and mango chutney samosa, bruschetta) and a thai beef salad both of which were excellent.
For the main course we had the grilled red snapper with leek and potato croquettas and the newest addition to their menu, the chicken “La gabriella” which is prime chicken breast in a creamy carrot- leek and tarragon sauce. Divine does not begin to describe the taste. All the food was delectable.
We were definitely blown away by the deep flavours achieved at this place. For dessert, we had the luscious Dame blanche, homemade vanilla ice-cream with hot chocolate sauce.
Wine Shop, Brew Bistro
by Brenda Okoth
Located at the Piedmont Plaza, Ngong Road, Nairobi, right underneath the popular Brew Bistro and Lounge is one of Nairobi’s best kept secrets, The Wine Shop.
Opened about six months ago, this place definitely stands out among the many adorable small restaurants. The food is delicious and the cozy environment with an unofficial chef’s table makes it the perfect place for an intimate dinner or party.
I had the loaded potato soup made up of chunky potatoes, cream, chives and cheddar cheese and it was awesome. It’s served hot with a piece of toasted bread and it was fabulous.
For the main course I tried the roasted vegetable stack, an excellent choice for anyone trying to stay off the meats because it’s very tasty and healthy. For dessert I had a chocolate Éclair, it literally melts in the mouth. Yum.
Apart from my dinner, I also sampled my dinner companion’s wonderful meal that comprised of a creamy BLT soup topped with crisp lettuce and bacon. The Jalapeno chicken wrap made out of grilled chicken, provolone cheese, caramelized onions and roasted peppers is truly a taste of heaven.
From their elaborate wine cellar, we decided on a light, refreshing and Rose’ Sangria. The service was fantastic, charming even with both Rose and Kevin being helpful with both the food and wine choices.
The restaurant stocks wines from USA, Spain, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Australia, France and South Africa. They also have a wide and delightful pastry selection. Next time you are wondering where to have lunch or dinner, The Wine Shop would be an excellent choice to enjoy some fine dining without breaking the bank.
Muhibbah Restaurant, Sankara Nairobi
by Zukiswa Wanner
Muhibbah has a South Asian specialty menu. My companion and I arrive for lunch and we are asked to choose a table. There is only one other table occupied in the restaurant. We ask whether we can sit outside, we are informed it’s another restaurant so we get into the dark restaurant.
As we look over our menus, we order drinks. The Tusker and Castle Lite beers are delightfully called on this hot day.
Our menus come with pencils. We tick what we would like to order and wait for the chefs who are in a kitchen where we can easily observe them.
I unimaginatively order chilly chicken wings and my companion orders fish cakes for our appetisers. The portions are generous. We get six wings and four fish cakes respectively. They are delicious.
For our main course, I had the Singaporean noodles with chicken and prawns. My companion chooses chilli king prawns and vegetables. A big bowl of rice is placed on the table to accompany my prawns. I chose not to eat the rice. Everything about the prawns is kingly and they fill me up really fast. I finish eating them out of greed and the possibility that I may not be able to afford king prawns again anytime soon.
For dessert we both have crème brulee. It comes into these big bowls with melted chocolate on top and a biscotti on the side. We both have a few mouthfuls and then end up leaving it.
The price for a three-course meal for two including drinks would come up to Sh10,000 so it’s not for the faint of wallet. However, one could get away with budgeting for half that amount for two as the helpings are so generous that one will not actually finish all their food in all the courses. If you are sweet toothed, the main and dessert will do well and if savoury tongued, an appetiser and entrée will be sufficient.
The chefs know their work well and there can never be any danger of getting the chef spitting in your food as you won’t send it back – unless you send it back because you cannot finish.
A wonderful experience, this was.
Mandhari Restaurant, Nairobi Serena
by Agatha Ngotho
Located in the City Centre is the calm yet busy Nairobi Serena Hotel. It is a member of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ group and is consistently voted ‘Best Hotel in Nairobi' by airlines and international travel magazines. On the first floor overlooking the swimming pool is Mandhari Restaurant offering an exclusive fine dining experience. It is renowned for the excellence of its seasonally inspired menu and extensive wine cellar.
The restaurant provides good atmosphere especially for a romantic dinner and is ideal for lunch for those working in the CBD and its environs.
During the NRW, the menu was quite extensive. For starters, we had the choice of delicious Confiti of Kilifi quail with granny smith apple and peppermint dressing; baked goat cheese with vegetables and cilantro gastrique; or vegetable tartar in a border of marinated cucumber slices.
Having our palates whet, we moved on to the main course of baby chicken set on creamy parsnip gnocchi and seared fillet of baby tilapia with vegetable ratatouille.
Dessert was a chef's special treat of chocolates that left us wanting for me, however our stomachs declined.
All this sumptuous meal costs Sh1,750 per person.
Nairobi Restaurant Week was organised by Taste Events Ltd (the team that brought the highly acclaimed Taste Awards 2011 and 2013 to Kenya) and Heineken.
Other partners of NRW week included Taste Events co-founders EatOut Kenya and SHK Consulting, Four Cousins, Maggi, Magnum Cream Liqueur, Nestle, Olivia, Orbit, Raka Cheese, Slater & Whittaker, Travelstart, Van Loveren Wines.
Media partners included Kiss 100FM, Classic 105FM, XFM, East FM and UP Magazine.
