Kenyan Restaurant Guide

Bushdrums.com is momentarily striving to collect detailed information on Restaurants in East Africa. Please send any information, descriptions, reviews to info@bushdrums.com and we will add it to our list.

Sampling Mombasa’s great eateries

The Standard
24/12/2009
By Hans

Both international and local tourists visiting Mombasa love to check out as many restaurants, pubs and entertainment joints as possible. For me, my favourite place is The Golden Crust at Ratna Square in Nyali. I love its delicious German cakes, good coffee and friendly service.

In the town centre, Dorman’s Cafe is a perfect place with its coffees, cakes and fresh croissants in a unique ambiance. The service is great and makes you feel good. The only setback is that it is based in the dark, gloomy and rundown Ambalal House.

Soothing experience

At Singh Restaurant, the food is served fast. Another great place is Malaysia behind Castle. Several times I have gone there at 3pm and still got served my favourite chicken in peanut sauce with a smile.

In Mtwapa, the Moorings is the one place you cannot miss. Right on Mtwapa Creek, it floats on the Indian Ocean, providing a soothing experience as you enjoy a leisurely lunch. In the evening, Bob’s on the Mombasa-Malindi Highway is still as famous as always. This open-air pub was packed with fun-loving revellers and the atmosphere was fantastic.

For juicy nyama choma, we checked at the joint opposite Bob’s called Pwani. The service was friendly and the atmosphere relaxing. Pwani restaurant is also famous for their pork dishes. We tried the cutlets and spareribs and found them delicious. And the prices were pocket friendly, too.

If you are looking for something different and special, the Tamarind Dhow is the place to go as it is a mindboggling experience. Local artiste Prince Adio entertained guests who couldn’t resist dancing to his tracks. Tamarind Dhow is particularly popular with corporate groups and tourists. Meals and drinks are pricey but worth every coin.

All in all, my outing in Mombasa left me with memorable experiences.

Article at:  http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/travel/InsidePage.php?id=1144031080&cid=453&

My experience at Trout Tree Restaurant in Nanyuki

The Standard
Updated 2 hr(s) 55 min(s) ago
By Caroline Nyanga

Two weeks ago, my husband and I drove off to Nanyuki to visit my elder brother who works at the Air Force base. It was a long two-and-a-half hours drive and by the time we arrived, we were tired and hungry. We had heard a lot about Trout Tree, a unique restaurant that is built around a huge Mugumo tree which, in Kikuyu folklore, is a sacred fig tree.

We walked into the expansive lounge and were immediately welcomed by a hostess and led to a table. As soon as we had settled in, a waiter handed us a menu.

divine ambience

The ambience in this leafy restaurant was uniquely divine. Our tired nerves were soothed into calmness by the sounds of water gushing from the man-made fishponds. Right from the moment we got in, we didn’t want to leave.
 

Food: Good. Starters range from Sh185 - Sh1,200; appetisers cost Sh390; main course range from Sh515 - Sh1,200; and desserts cost between Sh95–Sh290.

Service: Above average

DÈcor and ambience: Cool and refreshing

Location: Situated less than 100 metres off the main Kiganjo – Nanyuki Road by the Burguret River.
 
As we waited for our meals, two troupes of colobus monkeys hopped onto the trees and fwe enjoyed watching them play. These monkeys are resident at the restaurant and are used to entertain guests. In general, they will not cause any disturbance unless you draw their attention or offer them food.

Trout Tree Restaurant is famous because the trout served is fished from its own ponds. Besides that, the menu is slightly extensive offering a range of meals. The main courses are largely trout dishes - tandoori trout, masala trout, grilled trout, char-grilled trout, farm-smoked trout and trout chowder soup, most prepared on order so you are guaranteed freshness.

My husband and I also got an added pleasure– we were invited to fish for our own meal from the fish-pond. We stood on a wooden plank and did just that. This experience will last in my mind for a long time. After you catch your fish, you then decide how you want the meal prepared. My husband and I settled for the mouth-watering whole grilled trout fish with garlic butter and vegetables. It cost Sh535. For our dessert we opted for mountain fruit salad, sweet strawberries and cream. We finished off with tea and coffee.

We didn’t want to leave after our meal. The service at this restaurant was so warm we almost forgot what had taken us to Nanyuki.

Situated in Northern Kenya, Trout tree restaurant is the latest attraction in Nanyuki. It is less than 100metres off the main Kiganjo–Nanyuki Road on the Burguret River, and just 13km south of Nanyuki town.

It is obvious that the club has gained tremendous fame over the past few months thanks to its tight security, ample parking, good service and excellent meals. All in all, it is a good place to hibernate for as many hours as you like.

Where:  Trout Tree Restaurant

Food: Good. Starters range from Sh185 - Sh1,200; appetisers cost Sh390; main course range from Sh515 - Sh1,200; and desserts cost between Sh95–Sh290.

Service: Above average

DÈcor and ambience: Cool and refreshing

Location: Situated less than 100 metres off the main Kiganjo – Nanyuki Road by the Burguret River.

Article at:  http://www.eastandard.net/travel/InsidePage.php?id=1143993559&cid=453&

The Verandah Restaurant

The Verandah is a relaxed, informal daytime restaurant situated in Nairobi Kenya. A short drive from the hectic city centre brings you to Nairobi's country suburbs, home of the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Manor, and of course, THE VERANDAH.

The Verandah caters to tourists and residents alike, equally popular with both.Inside seating, complete with a fireplace for those chilly Kenya days has open views to the garden where tables are set under an immense fever tree amongst lush foliage and shady umbrellas.

The Menu

Come for a quiet country breakfast, a business brunch, a leisurly lunch with friends or a tête-à-tête for afternoon tea. Our menu includes

breakfast, soups ~ Nairobi's best Zanzibar soup so we're told ~ salads, sandwiches, steaks and fresh costal seafood selections ~ not to mention our famous Lemon Lime Cheesecake, all prepared fresh daily in a hearty home-cooked fashion, served with typical Kenyan hospitality.

The Garden

Our garden is host and home to numerous species of birds which flock to feeding trays and water dishes for your lunchtime entertainment. Indoor "palms' are the nesting place of several generations of Ruffous Sparrows.

Seasonally you'll see fire finch, pintailed wydah, various weavers, forest oriole , robin chat, indigo birds, manikins, sunbirds and an elusive pair of paradise fly catchers.

The Location

From Nairobi, take Langata Road towards Karen, past Nairobi Park and Magadi Rd. Turn left on Langata South Rd, 1.5 kms to the first turning on the left - Bogani East Road. Take this murram (dirt) road just 300 meters to the first gate on the left. The Verandah is situated within the Utamaduni Craft Centre.

Contact Details

Holly Hamilton, Proprietor
P.O. Box 15212 Langata, 00509
Tel: 254 020 890921 / 0722 244256
holly@theverandah.org

Trekkers Entertainment Complex

Welcome To Trekkers Entertainment Complex, the best family entertainment concept in Mombasa consisting of an la carte menu restaurant specializing in sea foods and African dishes ; the best and only open air disco complete with a stunning showbiz performers stage and dance floor ; a Sports Bar complete with a 20x30 ft DSTV screen.

The setting is a surrounding natural jungle deco of a rehabilitated municipal dumpsite quarry with its natural relaxing ambiance, attractive cool lighting and the best music in Mombasa, resulting in a romantic hideout for people looking for a get away.

Our catering standards are international whether we are serving local Kenyan or international cuisine. Tasty food too.

Children Entertainment Park

Children enjoy the many outdoor game fixtures, an ice-cream/pop corn parlor and a large open air play area.

Angela’s Salon offers international Cuisine in a cool quiet setting interrupted only by the clutter of cutlery and quiet music.

For the young at heart we have Trekkers grill offering tasty Kenyan Dishes (Nyama choma!). Trekkers grill fronts our stunning show biz performers stage and dance floor; a Sports Bar complete with a 20 x 30 ft DSTV screen, attractive cool lighting and the best music in Mombasa, resulting in a romantic hideout for people looking for a get- away.

Too much praise for a restaurant. Hardly. Fair words for a good restaurant in the best entertainment grounds. Good Food. Good Music. Great Place.

Trekkers restaurant is today the leading name in the catering industry in the Mombasa North Coast. This is attested by everyday by everyday increasing number of clients who are booking us for major events like annual staff parties, birthday anniversaries, private dinners, launching ceremonies for companies, short seminars for 30 to 60 pax and many other private events.

For your current and future events, please call us on: 020 2068504 0725 830171 For your ready reservations to avoid last minute hitch.

Weekly Entertainment Program

Monday
Good Times 7pm to 11pm
    Best choice of music of the past
    Happy hour special cocktails 25% discount
-Ever yours cocktail
-Trekkers Special
-Doctors Kumi Kumi

Tuesday
Choice of Country music

Wednesday
-Afro Fusion (Rumba, Lingala, Benga)

Thursday
DJ,s Tribal Mix

Friday
-Nyama Choma Nite
-Best of Soul Groove

Saturday
-Jungu Night
-Traditional Brew Free sips
-Best Disco Mix
-Traditional Dances
-variety of Foods

Sunday
-Family day
-Face Painting
-Pop Corn
-Ice Cream
-Children's Competition

Contact Details

Trekkers Entertaiment Complex
P.O. Box 88478 Mombasa Kenya
Tel: 254 020 2068504, 0725 830171
Fax: 020 202 4288
Email: trekkers@ngomongo.com

Misono - Japanese Restaurant, Nyali

Nyali Misono Ltd,
Tel: +254 (0)41 471454/5

Japanese Restaurant offering Sushi, Sashimi and Tepanyaki dishes plus more. The Tepanyaki chefs are well trained and offer an authentic 'show' while cooking. The restaurant decor is very nicely done to give that Japanese feel. You will receive a japanese greeting as you walk through the door accompanied by the sound of a 'bong'.

The bar area is a little small if you are in a group but the atmosphere is pleasant. The toilets are also very clean.

Average meal inclusive of alcoholic beverages is around KSH 1,560/- per person.

On the whole it is a pleasant experience and one not to break the bank. I would recommend it.

Yul's Restaurant

Yul’s Restaurant opens daily from 9.00 AM to 11.00 PM.

Our International cuisine combines tasty starters & salads for the smaller appetite as well as our famous highland Angus-Steaks, Giant Burgers and grilled Seafood daily fresh from the fisherman, all prepared on charcoal BBQ.

Why not enjoy our Seafood Platter for two on our terrace at full moon with a beautiful view direct on the ocean. The well seasoned grilled Lobsters and Prawns are amazing. The fresh Kingfish and the Red Snapper from the Indian Ocean are grilled only with garlic butter, salt and lemon, so you get the real natural taste of the fish.

We are also specialized in Italian Pizzas, which are prepared in an original Italian firewood oven, and the Pizza sizes are XXL.

Exceptionally famous is our Hot Stone 400°C hot, where you can cook either your meat or seafood to your own desire. Our Chefs prepare your Pastas only fresh on order with delicious mouthwatering sauces.

The newest addition to our menu are the Indian Curries & Masalas (Veg & Non Veg), Boneless Chicken Tikka mouthwatering dishes, spicy to your taste.

Take away’s are possible.

Yul’s is also specialized in Coffees. We import coffee from Italy and Austria and make you to come back for a nice creamy Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, Espresso, Irish Coffee or Espresso Corretto. Enjoy with your Coffee a piece of homemade cake fresh from our bakery.

We also organize parties for small & large groups and do serve on special occasions.

Yul’s homemade Italian Ice cream

Yul has been trained by the italian champion to become very popular in producing his own ice cream in Kenya.

We can make more than 60 different flavors of ice cream, but daily there are only 20 flavors on display. No eggs, no stabilizers, nothing artificial is used in our production. Our ice creams are made with very high quality products all imported from Italy by Yul and his team with the most hygienic standards observed.

The ice creams at Yul’s are available everyday from 12.00 PM to 11.00 PM.

Location

Aquadrom Yul’s has been in existence since 1989. It is situated next to Bamburi Beach Hotel and offers an excellent venue for a day’s out. When you come to Yul’s, if it is for a meal, an ice-cream or a tropical cocktail at the Coconut Bar, you should try the big variety of Water-Sports as well check Heike’s new arrivals at the Escape Boutique. Let your kids (5 to 11years) feel like little Michael Schumacher on our new ATV Motodrom Racecourse.

The Moorings Floating Seafood Restaurant

The Moorings seafood restaurant is one of the oldest, well known restaurants and your first choice for fish, lobster, crab and prawns. Situated on the North coast of Mombasa, the Moorings is floating on the Mtwapa creek with a great waterfront setting and a spectacular view. We offer, apart from fresh local seafood, a landlubber menu with steak, chicken and pasta. Enjoy expertly prepared seafood dishes in an ambience of tranquility and charm on our Dhow or on the floating restaurant.

The Moorings was built in 1994 on a buoyant platform and it is floating since then on the sceneric Mtwapa creek on the North coast of Mombasa. The Moorings is the only floating restaurant in East Africa and has a capacity of 200 people. On a spring tide day (4m) our marine engineers have made it possible for you walking down when You arrive and walking up when you leave

Activities:

Chill out on a sun set with one of our delicious cocktails and enjoy Africa at its purest.

The Dhow cruise along the mangroves of Mtwapa creek is a combination of Nature, tranquility and superb traditional cuisine.

Have a chat with one of the Big Game fishermen about how to catch a Marlin or just do it yourself by booking a deep sea fishing excursion.

Regular events and activities where you can party from dusk until dawn.

Professional management guarantees quality and service.

Do You plan to spent your honeymoon in Kenya or you want to get married?

We can arrange all necessary formalities, the reception, the wedding party and catering for large groups.

The Moorings Dhow Excursion along Mombasa North Coast

The Moorings dhow is a typical Arab sailing vessel with a capacity of up to 20 people.

Dhows are still used for commercial journeys between Zanzibar and the East African coast using only sails as a means of propulsion.

The Moorings dhow has been modified with very comfortable seats and an engine to be able to move even without wind. You can book our dhow in various possibilities to enjoy the nature, spectacular sun sets and the silence of the Mtwapa creek. Our experienced staff will cater for your needs, serve traditional bitings and Arabic coffee with Halwa (Arabic sweets) while you smoke our Shisha (water pipe) with different flavors (no drugs, no nicotin).

Take a trip up Mtwapa creek with us and see what incredible beauty lies just so near to the busy Mombasa Malindi road.

Have an aperitif combined with the sun set as a pre dinner trip or a full barbeque dinner on board of the dhow with entertainment and perfect service.

Contact Details

Open 10am - 12pm
Tuesday to Sunday and all public holidays

Tel. +254 (0) 41 548 50 45
+254 (0) 723 03 25 36
+254 (0) 722 84 33 43
+254 (0) 736 54 79 23

Il Covo Restaurant

The Il Covo Restaurant is a combination of Italian and Japanese kitchen. The Il Covo is based on the north coast of Mombasa with a splendid view of the Bamburi Beach. It is nested between all the main hotels of the north coast. Il Covo is built on two levels with a veranda overlooking the beach, two balconies on the first floor, a magnificent restaurant and bar upstairs.

Il Covo is famous for it's traditional Pizza made in the oven on the veranda downstairs, but also the fresh sea food, traditional pasta dishes and other specialities based on the catch of the day.

Il Covo has been the first restaurant to open a Sushi and Tepanyaki Bar, guaranteeing freshness and quality.

Il Covo also offers a Disco Bar serving a wide range of Cocktails in relaxed atmosphere as well as a dance floor for those who want to become "wild".

Il Covo is open seven days a week from 11:00 till very late at night, offering free transport for the late return home.

Contacts for Il Covo Restaurant:
P. O. Box
80101 Bamburi - Mombasa, Kenya
Tel: 0725/0735  ILCOVO, 041/5487460,
Fax: 041/5485809

Haandi Restaurant - The Exclusive Indian Restaurant

Haandi brings a great tradition that North India is renowned for - Delicious Food. In Air-Conditioned Comfort, Haandi serves you in Luxury.

Born in Pune near Mumbai, India, Pradeep Mullick spent the bulk of his study and working life in Delhi, the culinary heart of the North West frontier where he graduated to become an accomplished Chef in his authentic presentation of this highly specialised style fo cuisine.

With his culinary skills honed for eight years in the kitchens of world class hotel chains such as the Sheraton, and the Taj, he acquired an excellent background in Hotel Management.

Then Pradeep made a big decision, and moved to Kenya in 1986 where the local dining scene gave his skills a warm and hearty welcome.

Opening up the Sher-e-Punjap, in Mombasa, was his first success where he developed closer relationships with many of the best African culinary ingredients. In 1991, this renowned chef took on the challenge of introducing a new concept to East Africa, the first of the Haandi Restaurants, which he opened up in Westlands, a suburb in the capital city, Nairobi, confidently supported with finance by four local friends.

With the spreading of the reputation of this individual style of cuisine, the Haandi establishment went from strength to strengts extending to the Haveli in the Industrial area of Nairobi in 1994, the Haandi in Kampala, Uganda, in 1997, and finally the Haandi, London in 2000.

Contact Details

Haandi Restaurant
Westland Ring Road / Uhuru Highway
In the Mall Building opposite Uchumi Supermarket
Telephone: 254 2 4448294/5
Email: haandi@nbi.ispkenya.com  
Manager: Ashok Gurtu

Castaways Bar & Restaurant

Managed by an expat, Castaways Bar & Restaurant is vividly visited by tourists and locals.The atmosphere is relaxed and informal. Usually the place becomes alive at night when customers dance to the latest pop music. The food is straightforward, with mostly Western dishes. Bushdrums suggests Catch of the Day, Lobster, Shrimp, or Fish from local fishermen.

Location

Castaways is right on Bamburi Beach and within walking distance from all major hotels. You can't miss it.

Blue Room Café and Restaurant

Located in the heart of the Island, Blue Room is Mombasa's most famous landmark restaurant.

Blue Room, made famous for its bhajias, tea and BR ice cream, was established in 1952. It began as a small fast food restaurant. 10 years later, in 1962, Blue Room began manufacturing ice cream and started an ice cream parlour and ice cream manufacturing plant beside the restaurant. Then in the early 1980's a video library was incorporated into Blue Room - one of the first few libraries in the city.

Through the years, Blue Room underwent numerous minor expansions and renovations. But in 1992 the whole site was practically rebuilt. Before 1992, the seating capacity was roughly 40 people. Today it seats over 140 people, making it one of the largest restaurants in the city.

In April 2001, a Cyber Café was introduced at the main location on Haile Selassie Road, offering Internet Access, MultiPlayer Gaming, Photocopying, fax and other such services.

Blue Room has been family owned and operated for almost half a century now. It has become the meeting place in town. The Place is frequented by tourists and of course local residents, some of whom you can see here every day - sometimes a couple times a day!

The most wonderful aspect of running a family restaurant is that we get to make countless friendships that we have developed with so many of our customers throughout the years. We thank you for your patronage and we hope to be able to continue to provide you with the quality and service you expect from us in the years to come!

The Restaurant

 Since 1952, Blue Room maintains a long-standing tradition of quality, offering customers quality food at fair prices. Our products are always prepared with the highest quality ingredients, and are certain to please the most discriminating connoisseurs. 

All water used to prepare food and ice cream is filtered through an ultra-violet (UV) filter to ensure quality hygiene. In case of power failure, there are two standby generators - all the facilities you would expect from a leader in the self service food industry! 

We serve multi-cuisine, Western and Indian foods. The menu consists of over 65 items, including a variety of Pizzas and Hamburgers, Calzones, Submarines, Steak, Chicken, Fish, Samosas, Bhajias, Fresh Fruit Juices, Milk Shakes, Faluda, Cappuccino, Cakes, Tarts, Croissants - all using traditional recipes. Even Hamburger buns and Pizza Dough are prepared in-house!

Ice Cream

Dedicated to manufacturing and distributing the highest quality ice cream and ice cream novelties, Blue Room's commitment to quality remains incomparable.

Popularity for Blue Room's delicious ice cream grew rapidly and the ice cream became affectionately known as "BR" ice cream. The little shop which began by manufacturing ice cream only for the on site parlor quickly grew to an ice cream manufacturing plant, supplying ice cream across the Coast Province.

We offer an extensive range of exciting Ice Cream flavors. All ice cream is made on the premises using only the highest quality ingredients. Flavors include Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, Cassatta, Tutti-Fruiti, Vanilla-Chip, Chocolate Chip, Blue Mint, Kulfi Special, Kesar Badam Pista, amongst others. Special ice cream suitable for diabetics, prepared with FRUCTOSE (a fruit sugar which is easily digested) rather than regular sugar, is also available. Studies show that glucose levels of diabetics are better controlled on a fructose diet rather than on sucrose or starch diets (Ref: Bantle Diabetics Care 1989. 12.58).

Location / Contact Details

Blue Room Company
Haile Selassie Road
P.O. Box 80511
Mombasa, 80100
Kenya

Tel: +254-41-2224021 / 2223688 / 2223029
+254-721-78 68 68

Fax: +254-41-2228542

Porterhouse Restaurant

1st Floor, Charity Sweepstake House, (KFS-House)
Mama Ngina Street
43023, 00100 Nairobi GPO

Tel: (254) 20 - 221829

Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages

The Restaurant is open for breakfast from 7:00hr daily and the kitchen remains open until 22:00hr. (A light menu is available in the bar for late night snacks and a clay pizza oven is being built.)  Diners have their choice of five areas for lunch or dinner.  Residents can also enjoy dinner in their rooms or  poolside.

The outdoor garden is spacious for those who enjoy watching birds and butterflies while dining.  On week-ends and holidays numerous live music groups featuring African Music or Easy Listening Music play for additional enjoyment and relaxation or relaxed dining by the fish pond with waterfall.  

The restaurant veranda is also a popular place to spend a relaxing lunch and afternoon.

The Large dining room of the romantic L'Amour Restaurant also has large framed windows overlooking the verandah and gardens. It has large suede chairs for comfortable seating  and its two large fireplaces provide a warm and cozy atmosphere for raining or chilly days.

For many, the bar and bar verandah are a fun place to have lunch or dinner while playing darts, board games, or watching news or sporting events. 

The refurbished c.1910  Swedo House is available daily as a lounge for guests or for tea or cappuccino or for romantic dining by the fireplace. The Swedo House is also a popular venue for receptions, small meetings and formal dinners by reservation. 

The Menu

The international menu has large menu with over 40 items and we provide weekly specials and a soup and seafood bisque of the day.  Special food theme evenings or outdoor barbecue or special ethnic  food buffets provide additional variety. Menu items include: Gourmet recipes by French Belgium Chef Pierre including steaks with a wide variety of sauces, and numerous seafood dishes such as fish with Pink Butter or Crab Diablo.  A wide variety of salads is offered and specialty items include Bonnie's Country  Chicken Fried Steak or  Texas Chili.  There are vegetarian and pasta items as well as a bar snack menu with sizzling beef and chicken or your basic hamburger, cottage pie or chicken wings.    

Contact Details

Karen Blixen Coffee Garden Restaurant And Cottages Ltd.
336 Karen road, Karen (Nairobi) Kenya.
P.O Box 163, Karen (00502), Nairobi, Kenya.

Landline No.: 254-20-88 21 38, 254-20-88 2130
Cell Phone No.: 0733-616 206, 0722-848 043
Fax: 254-20-88 25 08
E-Mail:info@blixencoffeegarden.co.ke

Choices

Baricho Rd, off Lusaka Rd
Tel: 02-533090

Café Latino

Village Market, Limuru Rd
Tel 522661

African Heritage Café

African Heritage Hse, Banda Street
Tel 337507

Ali Barbour´s  Cafe

Diani Beach, Kwale
Tel: 0127-2033
Fax: 2257

Horseman Restaurant

Karen Shopping Center
Tel: 882782

Three restaurants in one serving everything from pizza to Chinese to more simple fare such as grilled chicken.

The Lord Erroll Gourmet Restaurant

The Lord Erroll is a gourmet restaurant worth discovering! In the serene, relaxing location fifteen minutes from Nairobi city center,

The Lord Erroll is made up of multiple dining rooms that can be booked privately for groups as small as six and as large as eighty. Over the years, The Lord Erroll Restaurant has attracted a very loyal local following as well as an international clientele. With exquisite Classic French cuisine, superior service and an award winning wine list, The Lord Erroll is the premier French and gourmet restaurant in East Africa.

Lose yourself in the romantic atmosphere as you relax by our marble fireplace. Savor the fine food and sip fine wine to create a memorable evening. Our experienced staff will pamper you.

The Menu

Round out your dining experience with wines from our extensive list. Our wine list features the finest wines, which are widely recognized as among the world’s finest. Imported wines include French champagnes such as Moet et Chandon and Dom Perignon.

The Highlander Bar

The tartan carpet and elegantly furnished lounge with a fireplace make The Highlander a traditional but elegant bar, providing customers with a perfect setting for pre-lunch and dinner aperitifs or just a quiet drink with friends. The wood panelling, brass and vintage photographic memorabilia set the scene of the Erroll (Happy Valley) era of Kenya in the late 1930’s. The room is 80 square metres and can be used for small meetings or seminars.

The Conservatory

The concept of the Conservatory is expressed perfectly in the colours and décor of the room. The mahogany floor, gentle light and illustrations of birds, plants and butterflies enhance the mood The room is 100 square meters and takes upto 80 people at any given time.

The Claremont

The Claremont is 100 square meters consists of rich mahogany panelled interior reminiscent of a traditional Victorian "Club Room". Each room takes upto 80 people at any given time.

The Claremont specialises in classical services such as Hors d’Oeuvres Trolley, Carvery Trolley and an extensive selection of Flambé dishes. The Claremont is also available for Private Function use.

The Terrace

Our renowned terrace which adjoins the Highlander Bar, the Conservatory and the Claremont overlooks our delightful garden setting, complete with waterfalls, streams and ponds. This lovely terrace is ideal for "al fresco" dining (lunch or dinner), morning coffee or afternoon tea and is also available for private functions. It can take upto 150 people, giving every on a chance to sit outside on a beautiful day.

Contact Details

The Lord Erroll Gourmet Restaurant
89 Ruaka Rd, Runda Estate,
P. O. Box 999, Village Market
Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: 254 20 7122433, 7121308,        7122302,7122636
Cell: 254 (0) 733 579903 or (0) 721 920820
Fax: 254 20 7121142

INDO AFRICA RESTAURANT

Haile Selassie Rd.
Tel: 011-221430

Description by Nico:

If Indian can be cooked outside of India or Srilanka - then I would highly suggest 2 restaurants in Mombasa

1 - Indo Africa and

2 - Singhs - which I do not have the address or phone number of.

Both places I was introduced to my my fellow class mates - Indians and Singhs.
The food here is very well priced and perhaps the best type of Indian food I have had to date.

If you dare ask for hot - then hot is what you shall get.......

Location is not ideal in Mombasa town however worth eating here if Indian and spice is your style.

SEA HAVEN RESTAURANT

Shanzu, North Coast
Tel: 011-485351

Description by Nico:

This is owned by Roy; he is a great person and I enjoy going there to chat with him but also because they know how to cook sea food. Fresh and not over cooked. Sea food plater is a good choice and allows you to have a mixture of varios sea foods from Oysters to lobster.

Wonderful terrace by the cliff. Dining al fresco is a must and allows one to enjoy eating in the hot Mombasa climate.
Roy has managed to keep his food constant over the past 20 years that I know it - with professional and friendly staff.

Mediterraneo Westlands Restaurant

Woodvale Grove, Pamstech Hse
Tel: 447494

Description by pippa:

Restaurant MEDITERRANEO Westlands or Ngong - both same management
excellent italian fare, wide variaty of starters, antipasti, main courses and dolci, very good wine list - italian and south african, typical italian espressi, variety of breads, spreads and oil/vinegar come directly to the table even before you have got the menue , extremly friendly personnell, very knowledgable sommelier

price range: kenyan standard: high, european standard moderate

midweek try your luck and go but weekends reserve far in advance!

Tamambo Restaurant

Tamambo, is a modern African brasserie that delivers friendly attentive service and delicious food and cocktails. Warm earthy colours, stylish wood finishes and eclectic African artifacts create an intimate relaxed atmosphere. For private functions there is also a secluded dining area.

The contemporary menu features flavours from around the globe , including delicious dishes from around Africa and the desserts are TDF (to die for) ! It is also perfect for a quick lunch offering a quick lunch menu for those in a hurry.

With a terrific bar, Tamambo has a variety of the best cocktails and mouthwatering bar snacks as well as satellite TV to keep up with the latest sports action.

The atmosphere of Tamambo is a blend of sophisticated city elegance and casual hip. The open bar with satellite TV provides a lively comfortable place to meet friends.

Specials

LUNCH SPECIALS

Starters

Caprese salad
Grilled egg plant with sliced soft mozarella cheese served with tomato and basil vinaigrette

Spicy chicken and coconut soup
Spicy coconut broth finished with lime leaves, lemon grass and shredded chicken meat

Main

Marinated chicken legs
Marinated in garlic, rosemary, soy sauce, chillies and served with a choice of starch
and vegetables

Sweet and sour tilapia
chunks of tilapia in tempura finished with diced peppers and sweet n' sour sauce
served with coconut rice

Sweet and sour vegetables
chunks of vegetables sauteed and finished in sweet n' sour sauce served with coconut rice

DINNER SPECIALS

Starters

Spicy chicken and coconut soup
Spicy coconut broth finished with lime leaves, lemon grass and shredded chicken meat

Main

Fishy scaled Provencal fish fillets
Baked sea fish or tilapia fillets layered wit  thin slices of courgettes with
galette potatoes, onions, aubergines an dmixed herbs and finished with a tomato blanc

Dessert

Apple red wine cobbler
Warm apple poached in red wine topped with a crumbly crust served with
vanilla ice cream and red wine sauce

TO GO!!!
Too busy to go out for lunch? Call Tamambo for Lunch to go!!!
Please place orders before 11am. Orders will be ready to be picked up by 12.

Contact Details

TAMAMBO BAR AND GRILL
The Mall, Westlands,
PO Box 1131, Sarit Centre 00606,
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: 20 4448394/5/ 4448064 Fax: 20 448059
e-mail: info@tamambo.co.ke
website: www.tamarind.co.ke

Hunters Steak House

GREAT NEW RESTAURANT IN THE HEART OF MKOMANI

The Hunters Bar in Ambalal house had long been a famous landmark on the Mombasa gourmet’s map.

Now nestled in the heart of Mkomani, Heinz Riegger has opened Hunters Steak House for lunch and evening dining - closed on Tuesdays.

The restaurant has an attractive Mediterranean style with a bar and tables arranged around a beautiful court-yard and a very spacious air conditioned seating area inside.

The menu is large and appealing and whilst being famous for its perfect steak dishes, also offers a great choice of seafood.

Location

Hunters Steak House
Mkomani, Mombasa

(near Tamarind Restaurant, slightly hidden. Just ask for the Tamarind Restaurant and when there, look around. Can't miss it.)

The Carnivore

The Carnivore is justifiably referred to as Africas Greatest Eating Experience. Twice voted amongst the worlds 50 best restaurants by UK based Restaurant magazine Carnivore is described as amazing This open air meat specialty restaurant has strikingly different food service and atmosphere to any other restaurant in Kenya. The Carnivore since its inception has played host to over 2 million customers from across the globe including numerous celebrities. In fact the Carnivore visitors book read like a global whose who!

Whole joints of meat - legs of lamb and pork, haunches of exotic meat, rumps of beef, sirloins, racks of lamb, spare ribs, sausages, chicken wings, skewered kidneys, even crocodile, and other tasty morsels - are roasted on traditional Maasai swords over a huge, visually spectacular charcoal pit that dominates the entrance of the restaurant.

The Carnivore makes no show of the familiar restaurant traditions of passing out menus and waiting for people to order. Diners simply take their seats on the Zebra striped chairs and the movable feast begins. First comes the soup of the day then a sizzling cast-iron plate is placed in front of each guest along with a plate of home baked brown bread and butter. An army of carvers wearing striped aprons and straw hats then move from table to table carrying the Masai swords laden with different prime meats deliberately carving unlimited amounts onto the sizzling, cast iron plates in front of each guest. Accompanying the meat feast is a wide selection of salads and vegetable side dishes, and also a variety of exotic sauces made from the Carnivores own recipes and stacked on to a double storey-revolving tray in the center of the table. The feeding frenzy doesnt stop until defeat is declared by the over-fed guests who signal that enough is enough by lowering of a white paper flag perched atop the central tray. This is followed by dessert and coffee. The full meal including a soup course is at a set price. A vegetarian menu is also offered.

Adjoining the main restaurant is the Simba Saloon - a vibrant informal restaurant that incorporates a childrens playground (very popular at weekends) and a lively nightclub. The Simba Saloon provides an alternative to those who do not want to indulge in a large meal serving pizzas (from a traditional, domed, brick oven), an extremely popular salad bar at lunchtime, steaks, hamburgers, scampi, trout, chicken, and other light snacks.

The nightclub operates from Wednesday to Sunday and has themed nights to cater for fans of contemporary African music, rock, soul, dancehall, new jack swing and old school.

The Simba Saloon is well known for hosting some of Africas best musicians and also many international ones such as Maxi Priest, Yellowman, Sadao Watanabe, Manu Dibango, Salif Keta, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Ismael Lo, Habib Koite, just to mention a few.

Tamarind Dhow Trip

Welcome aboard the Tamarind Dhow for the ultimate magical experience. As soon as you step off the gangplank, you are met by a traditionally-dressed waiter who shows you to your table and serves you with a Dawa the house cocktail made with vodka, lime, honey, sugar and crushed ice. As the dhow slips gently away from the jetty, the resident band starts to play and you quickly fall under the spell of the magical Tamarind atmosphere.

With two sailings a day, you may choose lunch, shaded from the midday sun by a canvas awning, or maybe a romantic candle-lit dinner under a star filled sky.

With attentive service to match the cuisine, your meal draws to a close while the waiters serve coffee from a traditional Arab brass coffee service. By now the band is in full swing, playing a variety of popular rhythms which soon have the majority of guests dancing on the main deck.

The original Tamarind dhow "Nawalilkher" was built in 1977 for trading. At 23 metres, she is the largest dhow on the coast. Purchased in 1986, she was converted for restaurant use by her original builder Fundi Bini on Lamu Island, under the watchful eye of Mohammed Shalle, who is still her captain today.

Some years later Nawalilkher was joined by a second dhow the Babulkheri. Just slightly smaller at 16 metres overall. The two dhows together can seat up to 135 guests in spacious comfort, making them ideal for an extra-special outing, wedding celebration or grand dinner.

The Menu

Mixed Seafood Hors Doeuvres

 * * * *

Soup of the day

 * * * *

Grilled Half Lobster Served with Rice and Tamarind Salad

or

Grilled King Prawns Served with Rice and Tamarind Salad

or

 Seafood Swahili Served with Rice and Tamarind Salad

or

 Grilled Prime Fillet Steak Served with Baked Potato And Tamarind Salad

 * * * *

Tropical Fruit Salad With / Without Kirsch

 * * * *

Coffee and Halwa

Tea

Camomile

Lemon Grove

 Night Time

Tamarind Sea Food Restaurant

When it comes to seafood the Tamarind Restaurant dives deeper than anyone to bring you the finest and freshest fare, and goes further than anyone to prepare it. Since our launch in 1972, The Tamarind has gained a reputation as Africas finest seafood restaurant. The menu is a blend of the best of French, Asian and African cuisine and The Prawns Piri Piri, Chilli Crab and Lobster Tamarind have earned the restaurant world-wide fame and rave reviews, from many international dining publications.

Built in Arab style architecture with high arches and a crenellated roof, the elegant, gleaming white building has the perfect setting, a starlit terrace perched on a cliff overlooking the picturesque Old Harbour of Mombasa.

The seating capacity of the restaurant is 160 covers, and it caters to local residents as well as seasonal tourists and visiting business people.

Some of the Tamarind's famous dishes are:

Starters

Fresh Kilifi oysters
Kenyan oysters grow wild and are small but very tasty. They are served on a bed of ice and accompanied with fresh brown bread, limes and tabasco.

Spicy tuna sashimi
Traditionally cut, but creatively complemented with mildly spiced Japanese eggplant

Smoked salmon mille feuille
A beautiful combination of Norwegian smoked salmon, mango, melon, oven dried tomato and a drizzle of horseradish cream (The salmon can also be sxerved plain with brown bread)

Lobster and crab guacamole
Freshly poached warm lobster medallions, complemented with crab meat in a guacamole dip and served with our classic French dressing. Allow 15 minutes

Baked salmon cheesecake
A smooth Gouda and fresh salmon cake, dressed with a champagne caviar cream

Vietamese prawn summer rolls
Mildly spiced crunchy prawns and vegetables, rolled in rice apper, served cold with a well-spiked sweet and tangy dip

Pâté of chicken and ostrich liver
A delicious creamy pâté served with Cumberland sauce

Palm heart Caesar salad
The classic Caesar salad enriched with marinated paolm hearts and green asparagus tips and served in a crispy parmesan basket

Carpaccio of seafish Takaungu
Fresh sea fish filets, thinly sliced and drizzled with a coconut, lime, garlic and coriander sauce

Avocado with prawns or crab
Avocado filled with baby prawns or crab meat in a piquant cocktail sauce

Oysters Mambrui
We lightly gratinate these tasty little oysters with soy sauce, garlic butter and coconut

Deep-fried crab claws
Crumbed crab claws, deep-fried and served with tartare and garlic piri-piri sauces

Crab moneybag
Crabmeat encased in wafer thin pastry served with a cream and dill sauce - light and delicious.

Calamari maridadi
Succulent grilled calamari with olive oil served with mixed green leaves and red sweet pepper salsa.

Szechuan duck parcels
Spiced duck meat and crunchy stir fried vegetables in thin pastry and enhanced with a sweet chilli dip

Soups

Tamarind fish soup
A house speciality. An Indian Ocean version of "Bouillabaisse served with croutons and rouille.

Cappuccino of lobster bisque
A stylish but authentic bisque topped with a paprika mousseline glaze

Thai prawn soup
A light spicy broth with crisp prawns, coriander and lemon grass.

Spicy chicken or crab and coconut soup
A brilliant combination of chicken or crab, sweetcorn, coconut, lemon grass and chilli

Fresh cream of tomato
Made with fresh tomatoes, vegetable stock, herbs and fresh Jersey cream

Seafood

Tamarind seafood platter
A spectacular assortment of all the seafood we have available to day - some hot and some cold. Minimum for two persons, the platter is served with a variety of dips and sauces. Perfect for those who want to try it all.

Tamarind seafood gumbo
An elegant Mardi Gras feast of lobster, crab, prawns, calamari, and garlic salami (optional) simmered in a Creole broth, white wine and okra

Seafood tagliolini
Al dente thin pasta topped with slightly spiced seafood and a coastal coconut touch

A Selection of Fish
We usually have a large selection of fresh fish form different origins

• red snapper (kungu), rock cod (tewa), sea bream (changu) or a game fish from the Indian Ocean
• Tilapia from the fresh water lakes of Kenya
• Fresh salmon fillets imported from Norway Some fish can be whole or filleted can be served poached, grilled, meuniere, deep-fried, masala, piri piri, chilli, Swahili, Tamarind, just to name a few.

We also recommend:

Red snapper and prawns Harissa
An exotic Moroccan speciality combining spices, salsa and a brandy green peppercorn cream.

Spanish baked fish fillet
Topped with a black olive and basil crust and served on saffron and garlic potatoes, sun dried tomatoes and a flavourful sherry and vanilla jus

Baked salmon in champagne sauce
Perfectly done, set on a bed of spinach, and served with parsley potatoes, asparagus tips and lightly covered with a champagne cream sauce

Lobster
Tropical lobsters are correctly known as "langouste" or "spiny rock lobster" and do not have claws but are excellent eating. Since they come in varying sizes, we sell them by the 100 grams. Bearing in mind that 70 percent of a lobster is carapace (shell), a small portion is 500 grams, a medium 700 grams and for the healthy appetite, a large one is 900 grams or more.

Grilled lobster flambéed with cognac
Charcoal grilled spiny rock lobster, flambéed with brandy and served with lemon butter sauce.

Lobster Swahili
The meat is taken out of the shell, sautéed in garlic, turmeric, saffron, tomatoes and coconut cream. Its then returned to the shell and served with coconut rice.

Poached lobster mojo
Gently poached in herbs, lime, black pepper and stock, anchored on a potato and horseradish mash and served with the poaching essence.

Crab
The Kenyan species of crabs are one of the best eating in the world. They are best served as they are, but if you would like us to do the work and take the shell off, please let us know when we take your order. We will supply all the implements needed; cracker, bib, lobster pick and a large finger bowl. Fingers are a must!

Whole steamed crab
Served hot with butter sauce or cold with mayonnaise.

Chilli crab
Not as hot as the name implies. A spicy and slightly sweet Indonesian dish that is truly sensational.

Crab in ginger
A bowl of cracked crab cooked in soy, chicken stock, garlic and fresh ginger.

Sunset pwani crab
The crab meat is lightly sauteed in olive oil, garlic,ginger and a touch of chilli and beautifully surrounded by grilled palm hearts and asparagus tips.

Prawns
All our prawns come from the Indian Ocean off the East African coast. If you insist on having the shells removed, please ask, but we think they are best left in the shell to retain their succulence.

Prawns Piri-piri
Grilled with garlic butter, chilli, paprika, lime juice and coriander.

Prawns en-brochette
Perfectly grilled on the skewer with an assortment of grilled baby vegetables and a herb lemon butter.

Garlic beach prawns
We have cooked these on beach picnics for years and they are simple but excellent, sautéed with their shells on in butter, garlic, salt and lime.

Punjabi tikka masala prawns
Succelent shelled queen prawns and spinach in a pungent tikka masala sauce, creatively set on a naan and topped with a refreshing pickle.

Grills and Entrees

Prime fillet steak
grilled plain or rubbed with coarsely ground pepper sautéed and served with a Madagascar green pepper sauce.

Prime T-bone steak
A large T-bone steak grilled over charcoal served with herb butter and a baked potato.

Ostrich fillet in a wild berry sauce
Farm reared ostrich marinated in red wine, succulently sautéed and served with saffron potatoes, fried beetroot and a fruity jus.

Supreme of Ruaraka duckling
Pan seared slices of duck breast and ripened camembert set around a sweet potato gallette, salad leaves and drizzled with a black currant and port gravy.

Grilled spring chicken
A whole spring chicken grilled with ginger, honey, and garlic and lime.

Spicy grilled Molo lamb chops
Mildly spiced with green curry paste and set on a potato and pea mash acccompanied by kachumbari and a flavourful minted lamb jus.

Desserts

Crispy kattafi and apple flambe
Lightly sauteed apple slices,laced with a shot of calvados, set on sweet filo nest and topped with vanilla ice cream.

Tree tomato teardrop
A smooth luscious tree tomato and white chocolate mousse layered with tree tomato compote and complemented with its own coulis

Crêpes
Mt Kenya Wafer thin pancakes cooked in butter, lime and orange juice, flambéed with cognac and Kenya Gold coffee liqueur. A dollop of ice cream complements this dish.

Chocolate and banana mille feuille
Layers of chocolate ganache, caramelized banana and rum infused sabayon, set on a crispy baked filo pastry and topped with a rum n raisin ice cream.

Sticky toffee popover brulee
A light hollow popover, filled with a creamy rich toffee brulee and complemented with a tangy citrus sauce.

True passion
A gorgeous white chocllate and passion fruit mousse served with a berry and passion coulis.

Poached pear in red wine
A delightful pear bavarian mousse, topped with a rich red wine ice-cream and enhanced with poached pear.

Homemade ice creams
Vanilla, coconut or chocolate served with a hot chocolate sauce.

Fresh fruit sorbet
Homemade lime, passion, mango, strawberry, tree tomato and banana. Try a combination of three flavours.

Seasonal fruit salad
All the tropical fruits garnished with seasonal berries and fresh whipped jersey cream.