Planet Yogurt

While wandering through the mall last weekend looking for a Safaricom store my friends and I stumbled on something wonderful, a fro-yo place. For those of you not in the know, fro-yo is frozen yogurt and a delicious, and (in my head) healthier substitute for ice cream. Since I'm not a huge fan of Kenyan ice cream, I was quite excited to try this place.

Location: Junction shopping center at Ngong Road and Kingara located inside by the elevator in the new section of the mall
Price: Um, the Handsome Hamburgler paid so I don't remember; I think it was less than 500 KSH (~$5.50).  It's done by size and weight.
Atmosphere: I felt like a teenager again hanging out at the mall with my friends.

Suggestions Welcome

Dear People of the Interwebs:

I have a request for you.  I feel like I have visited many great places to eat and hang out in Nairobi (some of which I may or may not have gotten around to blogging about yet), but I would like to know where your favorite happy hour places, restaurants, pubs, or late night hotspots are in Nairobi and around Kenya. 

My stomach thanks you.

Phoenician Sushi and Lebanese Restaurant: Updated

Location: Junction shopping center at Ngong Road and Kingara on the patio adjacent to Mediterraneo AND Matundu Lane
Price: 800 KSH (~$9) for edamame, Bento boxes start at 1100 KSH (~$12.50), Sushi platters start at 1200 KSH (~$13.50) We were also informed that the restaurant no longer accepts credit cards so make sure you are carrying cash; if you're caught without but craving some sushi Junction has just about every ATM known to man located just across the parking lot. 
Atmosphere: The atmosphere at the sushi bar outside the mall cannot compare to the garden patio at their former location on Karuna Road in Westlands. It is directly next to the entrance to the new section of the mall and while you don't notice your fellow diners at the restaurants nearby, I do wish the potted plants had taller trees to block all the foot traffic in and out of the mall. 

Abyssinia Exotic Ethiopian Restaurant: Updated

In my quest to eat my way through all of the Ethiopian restaurants in Nairobi I revisited Abyssinia. A former work colleague was in town for a couple of nights so I introduced him to the deliciousness, because while in Kenya why not gorge yourself on Ethiopian food?

Location: Brookside Grove behind Safaricom House in Westlands
Price: Beers 200 KSH ($2.50), Around 300-600 KSH per dish ($3.75-$7.50)
Atmosphere: There is a large outdoor patio as well as private rooms around the perimeter of the parking lot. It's surrounded by trees and set up in an old house like most Ethiopian restaurants in the area. It has always been quiet and a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a leisurely dinner.

Sierra Bar and Brasserie

Location: Yaya Centre, the bar is on the 2nd floor next to the food court and the restaurant and terrace is upstairs on the 3rd floor
Price: Starters and platters cost between KES 500-1800 ($6.25-22.50), entrees range between KES 800-1800 ($10-22.50), beers KES 180-200 ($2.25-2.50), wine KES 350 per glass (~$4.40)
Atmosphere: While the restaurant is located inside Yaya, which doesn't sound like the place you want to go for a fancy dinner, once you're seated on the terrace (or beer garden as they refer to it) you don't even think about the fact that you're at a mall.  However, the same can't necessarily said about the lounge on the 2nd floor.  It is directly next to the food court and surrounded by shops so you don't get the same quiet effect as when you dine upstairs.

Fairview Hotel

The Fairview has four restaurants to choose from, two of which I've had the opportunity to try out. I have yet to venture over to their gourmet restaurant, Pango, and exclusive wine cellar/bar but am looking forward to visiting at some point. 

Location: Upper Hill on Bishop Road across from the Israeli Embassy
Price: Beers KES 250 (~$3.15), Cocktails starting around KES 350 (~$4.40), Mukutan Garden Cafe entrees KES ~400-1000 (~$5-12.50)
Atmosphere: The garden cafe has a lovely water feature and it is easy to forget that you are so close to the City Centre when sitting surrounded by plush greenery and are shielded from the honks of Nairobi traffic.

Osteria del Chianti: Updated

Osteria is the purveyor of delicious Italian food throughout Nairobi. I have dined at both the Hurlingham and Village Market locations and just discovered that there is yet another location in Karen. I have yet to go there but I think I prefer the Kilimani restaurant as there is also a building selling ice cream out behind back. The chocolate was a bit strong but the chocolate chip was delicious.

Rolf's Place

A group of about 15 friends and I spent Easter weekend just outside of Nairobi near the Nairobi National Park. We started our Saturday by stopping at Rolf's Place for a leisurely lunch on our way to Masai Lodge, located just down the road.  

Location: About 1 1/2 km from the Masai Gate of Nairobi National Park; you take Magadi Road past the Mbagathi Gate and keep right where the road splits and head towards Rongai. Take the next left onto Masai Lodge Road and head towards Kitengela Glass Factory.  

Price: Entrées are from KES 800 to around KES 2000 (approximately $10-25)

Atmosphere: The medieval style restaurant and lodge is built on a cliff face overlooking the Nairobi National Park and Nairobi skyline. They also boosts views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and the Ngong Hills. As the namesake restaurant slash lodge slash entertainment venue of the successful chef/restauranteur they pay an inordinate amount of attention to detail down to the very silverware. Everything from the glass panes overlooking the river to the chairs and the silverware were embossed with the owner's name or initials.   

Queen of Sheba

As my lunch buddies and I are obsessed with Ethiopian food, we were excited to learn about Queen of Sheba (also known as the Pink Lady) and even happy to discover that it is located in our hood. It's good food for a good price.  

Location: Hurlingham: Off Argwings Kodhek between Marcus Garvey and Rose Ave. It's located inside Metropolitan Court, the second gate on the right.
Price: Entrees KES 300-500
Atmosphere: When you walk up to the gate you aren't sure if you're walking into a person's compound or if it's an actual restaurant. Once you make it into the restaurant it's painted in bright colors and authentic African artwork. There are several seating areas inside and out; although the outdoor space is covered as an extension of the house.

Mediterraneo: Updated

Location: Ngong Road in Junction Shopping Center next to Java House, Westlands in Pamstech House on Woodvale Grove between Lower Kabete and Mpaka (now closed), Westlands at NineWest; Runda near the UN
Price: Entrees 800-1400 KSH (approx. $10-17.50)
Atmosphere: The Westlands location has a smaller, more intimate atmosphere, but the balcony and patio seating at Junction is nice as well. It's nicer to go later in the evening to the Junction location as the patio is directly next to Java House and it gets quite busy and noisy there during mall hours.