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

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