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Author: Angel Ngugi

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Christine Ngugi

Joined In Dec 2020

About Me

I am a bubbly extroverted 25 year old currently living and studying in Nairobi. I enjoy travelling and trying out new places to eat. My favourite place to be is anywhere by the beach, with a beer. You will most likely find me with my nose in a book or dining alone, like most extroverts do, of course.

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Activities

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
GREAT MUSIC UNDER THE STARRY SKY
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4.33

My friends and I are huge fans of Fireboy and we were looking forward to the concert at Ngong Racecourse. For the week towards the concert, we were solely bumping Fireboy on our respective playlists. Previously, we had obtained our tickets on mtickets.com during a flash sale we happened upon on their Instagram page for KSH 2000 which was down from KSH 2500 (standard ticket price). We left our home in an Uber pool on Thika Road for Ngong Racecourse on Saturday. Ngong Racecourse is located on Ngong Road and is a spacious outdoor venue under the starry sky. We were pleasantly surprised to find the event so smoothly organized with parking being coordinated so well outside the gate. After showing our tickets at the gate, we received our bands and we were in! In Nairobi, it is necessary to exercise caution at concerts since petty thieves sometimes make their way into the venue. This was not the case at this concert organized by fomoevents. My friend misplaced her purse while having a good time at the concert and was surprisingly able to retrieve it with all the items intact. This was a good ending to a very good night. The performers at the event included Nviiri the Storyteller and we danced all night to music from Dj Grauchi and DJ Shinki. My personal favourite was Karun who looked like a star and perfomed her hit single “Glow Up”. By the time Fireboy came on stage, we were having a splendid time and his perfomance was icing on the cake albeit we had waited for him to the early hours of the a.m. The sound was great and nothing beats listening to Fireboy perform “Like I Do” under the starry sky. Overall, it was one of the best concerts I have attended in Nairobi. The bathrooms at the venue accomodated the population and had cleaning assistants throughout the night.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
LOVELY EVENING WITH FRIENDS

I had heard of Samaki Samaki Restaurant as a great place to have seafood and enjoy jazz music on Sunday from their different social media pages. I had been looking forward to trying it out and so when the opportunity arose, I accompanied my friend Marylynn to have a nice dinner and catch up over a nightcap. The restaurant is located on Othaya Road and is easily accessible by normal transportation ( Uber/self-drive). The restaurant has adequate parking near the back of the restaurant from where you will walk about 50 meters to the entrance. We arrived around twilight which is the best time to appreciate the lights in the restaurant and especially at the bar with netted chandeliers. My favorite place to sit is at the bar so I was definitely thrilled by the ambiance. We sat at the bar and got to looking at the menu soon enough. The food is reasonably priced but the side dishes are sold separately. I ordered the lamb chops (KES 950) while my friend ordered the pork ribs with a side of roasted sweet potatoes (KES 450). While we waited for our order to be prepared, I had Pina Colada (KES 800) which was absolutely delightful. The food was not as great tasting as it looked but the drinks more than made up for it. The restaurant has nice couches and lanterns for when it gets chilly in the outdoor seating area. The bar has a last call at midnight but the restaurant remains open till late. I would recommend this restaurant for a nice nightcap or to hang out in the evening with friends.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
NAIROBI NIGHTS

Nairobi is well-known for its very active nightlife scene. At Milan Restaurant, it is no different. Milan Restaurant and Bar is located in Westlands at Mirage Towers. It is located on the second floor of Mirage Towers. The building is secure with adequate parking space in the basement from where you can take the elevator leading up to the restaurant. After getting through the bar`s security, you will be led into the entryway which has white floral arrangements hanging from the ceiling. At night, the bar comes alive with different DJs playing at the booth each night. During the day, the restaurant is a favorite brunch location for many Nairobians. I like Milan for its tight security and ambiance. Here, you can have a few beers while you catch up with the latest football match on their numerous Tv screens. The restaurant also has a balcony that you can book for that special occasion such as a birthday brunch. If you're looking to have a nice time in one of Nairobi's nightclubs, I would highly suggest Milan. The only downside I would say is that the drinks are definitely a tad more pricey as compared to other nightclubs but not outrageously expensive. I have always had a great time here.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
VALENTINE'S DAY AT SHAMBA CAFE.

" There is this cute little spot that I wouldn't mind taking you to" is what my boyfriend said to me on Valentine's Day after he told me to get dressed since it was going to be a surprise. The drive to Loresho is calm on sunny afternoons as it is currently in this summer heat. Immediately I clocked that we were headed to Shamba Cafe, my excitement peaked. Shamba is Swahili for garden and Shamba Cafe is surrounded by a farm and has a greenhouse on the premises. The interior decor is pleasing to the eye and the cafe is quite spacious. I would advise having a reservation to get your preferred table, especially on busy days, like Valentine's Day weekend. You may opt to sit inside, like us, or sit outdoors in the garden. The cafe is very family-friendly, I might add. As soon as we were seated at our preferred table, our menus were handed to us and we decided on the Ruttini Cabernet Sauvignon and the Apple Pie as an aphrodisiac. The dessert was an absolute delight. They have a wide selection of platters to choose from as well. After our wine, my date bought me a lovely bouquet of red and pink roses with baby's breath from the convenience store on the premises. My experience overall was an 8/10.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
AN AFTERNOON IN THE GARDEN
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4.83

Noir Gallery is easily accessible from Westlands Road and is located on Muthangari Drive. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon outdoors. The art pieces at Noir Gallery decorate the walls from the entryway. You can walk through the gallery before proceeding to the garden, where there is a bar and restaurant. Noir have incorporated nature into the gallery by having an open air space in the middle of the gallery with a small garden of plants and a fountain. The art pieces are by different artists and were certainly a highlight! The bathrooms at Noir are co-shared which I quite liked. The garden restaurant is a sight for sore eyes and the fairy lights strewn over the tree branches that are lit when is approaches evening add to the ambience. The staff at Noir checked on regularly - but not in an overbearing way- while having our meal which consisted of grilled chicken with a side of potato wedges and broccoli. This cost KSH 1400 per plate. They accept both cash and credit card payments. For our accompaniment, we ordered the Decanau Merlot which was lovely as well. All in all, it was an afternoon well-spent. After our meal, we strolled through the gallery while sipping on a glasss of wine and tried to decipher the abstract art. I am pleased to have discovered this gem and it is certainly a place I will frequent regularly.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
THAT RAMEN GOES SLURP!

If you love Chinese and Japanese food, you should definitely try out Cheka Restaurant. Located in Lavington, the restaurant is located in the quiet suburbs of Nairobi. I was craving some pork ramen that evening and went online to scout for places to satisfy my cravings when I recalled this restaurant. I had been here once before and had tried their dumplings and chicken ramen which were quite a delight. The restaurant has ample parking space which is free and the neighborhood is quite secure. My date and I arrived at the restaurant at around 7 pm. We were seated by our waiter who asked if we would prefer to sit outdoors or indoors. It gets quite chilly in the evening and the restaurant provides Maasai shukas (traditionally patterned blankets) for their guests to use, which I loved. We chose to sit outdoors and soon our menu was handed to us. Their menu consists of a wide variety of seafood including oysters, prawns, and shrimp. The ramen dishes go for KSH 1000 per bowl which I thought was fairly priced. My date ordered the chicken ramen while I ordered the pork ramen ( well-done). While we waited, we ordered a glass of mango juice and pineapple, and mint juice for my date. We skimmed through their alcoholic menu and decided upon a tot glass of our drink of choice, whisky. AMBIENCE: The restaurant is family-friendly and cozy and has a few porch swings situated at different corners of the restaurant. They have an open kitchen and you can see the chefs whip up your meal if you sit indoors. The designated smoking area is outdoors for the comfort of other guests. The bathroom is an all-inclusive bathroom that is shared by all guests. The seats are more of wooden benches which I did not mind in the slightest. SERVICE: It was a relatively busy night but we had no complaints about how we were attended to. Our waiter made sure our meals arrived on time and checked on us frequently on how we were enjoying our meal. CHARGES: The menu at Chekafe is fairly priced and will not hurt your pockets. All in all, I was very well pleased and full due to their generous portions. The chicken ramen was absolutely delicious, I must add. It is worth checking out and sampling their other seafood options.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
PERFECT PLACE FOR A NIGHTCAP!

The entrance to the 9West building located at the heart of Westlands is underwhelming - just your usual mall-esque building that houses offices, a couple of restaurants and a few stores. I had already checked online that Bambino would be on the ground floor and wouldn't be that hard to find. There is a basement parking lot in case you decide to drive there and a lift that goes up to the ground floor. The music is what first alerted me that we were headed in the right direction and we found the entrance easy enough. At the door, we were well received by a member of the waiting staff who politely asked to seat us or if we had a reservation. On clearing our reservation details, she led us to our table. The lights in the restaurant make for the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner date or drinks after work with friends. There are different couches and tables in the restaurant and you can make special requests on where to be seated in your reservation. I could tell that I was not underdressed at all. FOOD: I must say that Bambino has outdone themselves with their appetizers. At our table, we ordered the Poached Prawns Burrata and avocado, Charcoal Grilled Octopus, and Triple Cooked Fries at a cost averaging Ksh 1500 per plate. I had a Long Island while I waited which was delightful. For an Italian restaurant, my expectations were quite high for their pizzas. These expectations were however not met. Their pizzas were a tad bland with minimal toppings and obviously, oven-cooked. Pizzas cooked in an oven have the crust burnt a little at the edges which I generally do not mind. However, the crust is what I was working with, what with their minimal toppings so I didn't quite enjoy the pizzas as much as I did their appetizers. The service at the restaurant was great considering that they had a full house and we were very well taken care of. I plan on making a reservation at Bambino for Valentine and enjoying the night with my lover. The restaurant is definitely worth checking out.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
An amazing brunch with friends.

Hero restaurant is located on the 9th floor of Village Market at the Trademark Hotel. The elevator on the ground floor opens up to a small hallway that leads to the restaurant. I visited the restaurant on a Sunday and I was impressed by the view of Nairobi from the restaurant. The restaurant has great artwork on the walls and an open-plan kitchen. On this particular Sunday, there was a DJ near the bar who entertained us the whole day. I was meeting my friends there and we decided to have a table where we could have a view. The restaurant was pretty empty but tables became more occupied as evening approached. The menu at Hero is quite vast and has a lot of seafood options, which are my favorite. I ordered the Loki’s Cup cocktail which is gin-based as I waited for my appetizer and the main course of aged sirloin steak. The waiter attending to us, Eric, was absolutely charming and helpful. He ensured that all our needs were met and our orders were brought to us as quickly as possible. My appetizer was a mushroom soup that was absolutely divine. It had the distinct taste of mushroom which I love in a soup. My aged beef sirloin came to our table soon after. The steaks are generally served on stoves and cast iron pans which enable one to reheat the food or cook it according to your specification. I always prefer my steak well-done so I loved this. For the prices, each cocktail ranged from KES 700- 800. The appetizer was KES 600 while my main course was KES 2100. For dessert, I had a mango sorbet, which cost KES 500 and was the perfect ending to a perfect meal.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Arguably the best hotel in Nairobi!

This hotel is for starters situated at a very convenient place at Redhill Limuru road which is very easy to access from whichever highway without a hustle. It has absolutely no reservation costs and my god, the ambience! It gives off a castle feel, a place fit for even the Queen of England to reside if she is ever in the country on tour. Very pompous and magnificent. The environment is also very quiet and cool and from the green, fresh air it is obvious that they support the ideology of green tourism. They have a very wide parking that can accommodate a lot of cars and ideal for wedding grounds. You cannot afford to miss the cuisines prepared from this place. Very sumptuous, finger licking foods with the best aromas. I personally had wedge potatoes and ribs. At first I thought the portions appeared small but I ended up extremely full and unable to clear my plate. The food was prepared with a lot of due diligence, came in within minutes of ordering and was served hot. The chef was very friendly and made us extremely comfortable. It has numerous great views for taking photographs but you might need to throw on a coat as it gets cold. We also had the pleasure to meet the General Manager who asked us how our experience dining with them was. He allowed us each a coffee on the house as it had gotten dark and extremely cold outside and extended future invitation to dine with them again. I cannot fault this place if I tried. Other hotels should bow down and take notes on how it’s done. If I could give more than a 10/10- I would.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
A place to enjoy variety of yummy ice cream flavours.
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4.33

If you have been to Village Market, Sarit Centre, the Junction Mall or Thika road Mall popularly known as TRM, then you are probably familiar with the famous Coldstone. Their icecream is remarkable to say the least amd definitely worth every coin. The tiny cup goes for $3.5 but if you are a group of 4 friends they give you a $4 dollar discount so you get to pay $10 dollars only! They have a wide array of icecream flavours to choose from which is the one of the things I love about the place. Their cake slices taste heavenly and their waffles are to die for. I honestly always have trouble deciding what to choose everytime i go there. If you opt for extra toppings, one is charged an extra $0.5. The attendants there are generally friendly and advice you on the best choice on the flavours based on your personal preferences in case you have no idea what to choose . The ice cream is served to you in paper cups with plastic spoons. Some branches have a dining area while the ones in the mall are usually at the food court so you can sit and enjoy your ice cream if you do not want it to-go.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Amazing view of the National Park
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3.17

If you’re looking for a place to spend an afternoon with some soul music over a drink, look no further. The serene view of the national park ahead is beautiful and extremely calming. It is an intimate restaurant, not overly crowded with tables although you need to make reservations well in advance. You can sit indoors although why would you choose indoors when you can sit out on the terrace and enjoy the spectacular view? I was eager to try out the various food options from their menu which looked quite inviting. Sadly, there is nothing to write home about the food. The wait was long and the portions mindlessly huge without the benefit of good taste. Were it not for the decent views it is ideally not the best place to eat at. On a positive note however, one of the waitors constantly checked in on us to make sure we were taken care of and when we weren’t, he made sure that we were taken care of. He is a gold standard for service that I haven’t experienced in a long time. I would go back with some friends to have a drink and enjoy the view.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Awesome views at the hotel but dismal service.

Ole Sereni is a premium wildlife resort strategically located just off Mombasa road overlooking Nairobi National Game Park. I went here on a late night dinner date with very high expectations seeing as it is a five-star hotel and I was severely underwhelmed. We’d made reservations for 7pm but due to the crazy traffic from where we were coming from added on to Mombasa road traffic, we ended up getting there at 11pm. So I would suggest if you’re looking to dine in, you make a 2-hour allowance for travel time just in case. On arrival, there was absolutely no one at the reception save for the guard at the entrance. You can easily get lost navigating your way around as the staff seemed quite unbothered about the guests coming in. When we eventually got to our table, the waitress that approached said that the dinner menu was not operational beyond 11pm hence we had to order from the breakfast menu. The wait was ridiculously long for a table for two, we waited for one and a half hours. As it turned out, the wait was immaterial as the disappointment that hit us when our plates were finally brought to the table was profound. The portions were extremely small, keep in mind that this was a breakfast menu and therefore we were basically having sandwiches. They felt stale and absolutely not our money’s worth. I would not go back even if there was instant service. The view of the park which is one of their selling points in their advertisement is currently blocked by the new road therefore a good dining view is not something they can boast about anymore. Overall, I think hotels that are not star rated would be better choices. So save yourself two hours of waiting for food and explore other options. For a 5-star hotel, this is arguably one of the worst dates I’ve been on.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Yummiest pork, fried to perfection!

The restaurant is located in Ruaka Town and is quite famous among Nairobi residents for its pork delicacy. It is certainly worth the half-hour drive from Nairobi, without traffic if lucky. The interior decor is simple and can easily pass for an ordinary fast-food place. The food certainly speaks for itself. The ambience is not all that but has great rustic decor. There is plenty of tap water and hand soap as well as paper towels around which is very reassuring that they uphold hygiene. Their Piri Piri pork and honey soy was extremely scrumptious . The pork was very well spiced with liberal chunks of onion which really brought out the flavor. The pork comes with several side options with the most popular one being ugali, a local delicacy. The service was fast- about 15-minute wait time. The payment options are varied; visa card, M-pesa or cash which is very convenient. The prices are pocket friendly and the joint is very close to Two Rivers shopping mall hence a cheaper option for shopping after lunch. I would absolutely recommend this joint for pork lovers.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Awesome roadside supermarket with free parking and delicious treats!

Magunas is rapidly becoming everyone's favourite shopping place for folk across town in all their new branches especially after their new look following their renovations and new outlets countrywide This is because of the their fresh farm produce including groceries, milk, wide array of goods from households items such as kitchenware, food items not to mention their great bakery with freshly-made pastries. I specifically love their fresh cinammon rolls and cannot help buying two or three everytime i am there. They recently started producing their own yoghurt brand known as Magunas yoghurt going for $7 only and let me not lie, I have not bought any yoghurt brand ever since. It is thick and quite rich in flavour you should grab one the next time you're there. I have been to two of their outlets , their outlet on Murang'a road and their new branch along the Nyeri-Nairobi highway. I frequent the latter. They have a beautiful entrance with ample parking space out front so you can trolley your shopping to your car without having to carry the shopping yourself over a long distance which can be quite tiring. The supermarket has numerous entry points with friendly security personnel ready to take your temperature and assist sanitize your hands before entry into the supermarket. The supermarket is quite spacious with a well organized interior allowing the aisles to be well spaced with their bakery and food stand located on one side of the ground floor. Their attendants are really helpful and come to your aid in case of any confusion or query. Their first floor has a vast womens and men collection of clothes that is quite pocket friendly and of great quality which is rarely expected from most supermarket wear. They have numerous cashiers so one is attended to quick and swiftly. Sanitizer is placed at the exit point in case one wishes to sanitize on their way out which I found really convenient. Magunas has now become my number one shopping option when traveling.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Green Haven!

Greenhills hotel is one of the prides of Nyeri Town having been one of the most famous hotels since i could remember. Going there for swimming on Sunday afternoons in my childhood was the highlight of my week. It is located on Ringroad , a well known neighborhood among the Nyeri folk. The environment quiet and serene. It is just a 10 to 15 mins drive from the busy town center and very conspicuous stone walls with well cut hedges before you reach the main entrance so you cannot miss it. During this covid-19 period the guards at the security check point at the entrance are extra careful ensuring they take your temperature and sanitize your hands before driving in. Their entrance gives off this African theme with beautiful stone carvings just outside the reception which has very friendly staff at its front desk. One thing i love about this place is that their icecream parlor is located just beside the pool. I mean, how convenient is that! On a hot day after taking a dip in the pool you can have a good rest under the sun on their poolside seats as you enjoy some icecream. Their portions are reasonable which is another thing i love about the place and their waiters ensure minimal delay once food is ordered. Greenhills hotel is famous for its end year celebration on the 31st every year having people from all over the Nyeri and its environs flooding to enjoy their signature midnight fireworks. They always hire a band or Dj all day that day and all through the night ensuring guests stay entertained throughout. I must say they have made my New year's eve memorable for over half a decade. Besides the music, they also set up tiny bonfire on their lawn so families can sit around and keep warm through out the night as they sip drinks enjoying the music awaiting the new year's.If your kid does not fancy swimming, their bouncing castle and swingset always keeps the kids busy and having fun which is another parents love taking their kids out here. The grounds are quite extensive giving children ample space to play a distance far off from the parking lot which I found child-friendly thus ensuring there is no potential hazard or risk of an accident. I would highly recommend a visit to Greenhills hotel one of this fine afternoon, you will love it there!

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Family-friendly resort in Karatina, Nyeri
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3.67

Ol Doiyo is like an oasis along the very lonely highway leading to Embu, a few minutes drive from Karatina Town. The resort is a favourite among residents of Nyeri and Karatina town, as well as people traveling from out of town since it is right on the highway. When you drive into the resort, you get into the parking area where you leave your vehicle. The resort is not built on a large piece of land, so everything is pretty close together. The parking area is a few metres away from their accommodation and restaurant. Most people choose to sit by the pool area while they dine. There is a walkway to the pool, alongside which you will see a swingset and a bouncing castle during weekends. The swimming charges are 200KES per head and they have both an adult and baby pool. Ol Doiyo is perfect for locals to have lunch at or for business-people traveling from out of town to stay at but it did not strike me as the best place to have a holiday or getaway to. For starters, I like resorts to have more space and allow for a little discretion. The kid play area is also very small and kids activities are limited to either swimming or playing on the swingset. The bathrooms on the grounds for non-residents are about 4 in total and poorly maintained. The changing rooms at the pool did not have warm showers and are quite few considering the large number of clientele. The staff also get quite overwhelmed on busy days like holidays where there is an influx of customers and orders may take about an hour to arrive. Their barbecued meat is however, phenomenal.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Shop right at Shoprite!
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4.17

The Shoprite shopping experience is one you should definitely not miss out on. If you are one to buy household items and grocery in bulk this is the right place for you. Shoprite is well known for it's cheap yet quality goods. Their groceries are ever so fresh and i love love love that they always stock my favourite mushrooms! Which I more often that not find other supermarkets running out or not stocking it completely. Gardencity mall and pass quite a number of supermarkets on my way there is because the shopping experience there is different. Their bakery and food section always offers fresh food. I personally have had incidences where i ate food from supermarket restaurants and it did NOT end well however with shoprite my whole perception on ready made supermarket food changed. You should definitely try some pastries from their bakery trust me, you won't regret it. They have excellent customer service which is another reason why I choose to shop there, you know how queues and staying in lines can get so annoying and I never have to worry about that when it comes to shopping with them. Their shopping area is also super spacious with their aisles well spaced which is a plus. The mac and cheese from their deli is to die for!

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Great experience shopping for eyewear!

Optica is a good place to get prescription glasses or sunglasses and get an eye checkup. They have several branches countrywide with trained professionals who help you get a good pair of glasses according to your preferences. One of my favorite things about Optica is that they always have a resident ophthalmologist or optometrist. I visited their garden city branch four months ago to see if I could get a replacement for my frames which had unfortunately broken. This branch is located in the ground-floor of the mall and is very spacious. When I walked in I was received by an attendant who politely enquired on how they may help me. I asked if it was possible to get my frames fixed or get a replacement for the particular section that was broken. She asked if she could see them and if in the meantime I would want to take a seat while she enquired on the issue. Unfortunately the damage was irreparable so I had to settle for the second option which was to get a new pair. I must say that their service is excellent and they gave me a free eye check up to determine if I would need a change in the lenses as well. Their frames range from $50 to $300. I settled on a pair of frames that I loved and they took my contact information so that they would inform me on when to collect them later that week. I would definitely recommend Optica to a person looking for a store to shop for eyewear.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Serene haven for meetings and work-lunches!
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4.33

Ikigai is a lone establishment in Lower Kabete. The road leading up to Ikigai was smooth with a view of the Kabete landscape. The place is beautiful with a green lawn and trees, making it a perfect place to escape for a breath of fresh air. However, this is a common place to hold business meetings because of its quiet nature and the establishment is set up to enable that. There are open-air board rooms with screen to project presentations and white-boards for illustration. The rooms are airy and spacious and well-decorated with beautiful interior decor and paintings. Before you get into that area though, you will pass through the reception with a waiting area. We had a work meeting and had informed them prior that we were going to be there. The lady at the reception then led us through a hallway and to the back where there was a long wooden table and chairs. After our meeting, we had lunch which was served to us at the same table. The food was pretty great and the portions were very satisfying. The buns on the burgers were quite frankly the softest I've ever had. I would recommend Ikigai for work meetings. There are several rooms to hold conferences in if you would prefer to have meetings indoors. I do recommend you try their coffee - made right in front of you by the nicest barrista!

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Mexican restaurant in Nairobi – first time trying out tacos!

This Mexican restaurant is located in Westlands at Kenrail Towers. It’s about 20 minutes from the CBD with mild traffic. Happy hour comes in a double portion from 7:00 pm to 9pm, then again from 10:00 pm to 11:30 pm, which is pretty generous and something I haven’t experienced anywhere in Nairobi. Drinks have the buy one get one free . The elevator to the restaurant opens up to a small corridor leading up to the entrance. It had a more vast eating space than I expected, with options to sit indoors or on the terrace. The interior decor had very warm and earth tones. The reception and bar are in the middle of the restaurant on opposite sides of each other. I had purposely come to try out the tacos and I couldn't wait. The haven is pretty and the lights are a bit dim adding onto the ambience. The atmosphere is the same as a lazy Wednesday evening when all you want to do is indulge (and most probably do not have to work the next day) A waitress came to our table promptly and offered us the menu. We all decided on varieties of the tacos - beef, chicken and vegetarian. As I waited for my meal, I decided to use the bathroom. These have an unusual set up- with no gender assignment and having them accessible to everyone. I loved the idea and execution. The food was anticlimactic however, with the tacos being absolutely bland. Considering this was my first time trying out Mexican food, I wasn't at all captivated nor impressed. The shells were too dry and the salsa was just chopped up tomatoes and onions. The margaritas that we had after were top notch. The service we received was great as well. This restaurant is part of the JTL group that also owns INTI and Honey & Dough and of the three, I’d rank it second.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Yummiest sweet potato chips and soy wings!

The location is extremely alluring! It is very scenic for good Instagram pictures--if that is a priority for you. There are lots of hanging plants and intricate interiors that gives the restaurant a pleasant soothing aura. The food is a bit pricey and the flavors are very generic so you may be underwhelmed if you’re an explorative person. But all in all really tasty. I had their sweet potato chips and soy wings and they were absolutely yummy! 10/10 service from the waitress that served me. For cocktails I tried the Tamarind Whiskey Sour that tasted amazing! For someone who is absolutely not a whiskey lover, I would definitely take this a second and a third time without a thought. The food presentation was also creative and it’s safe to say that this place is an all-round winner!

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Good food with a dash of racism

My friends and I went to Js for their famous Thursday night live performances. Now the audience at Js is typically majorly white. On arrival, we were harassed at the entrance by the guards who were just downright disrespectful. The craziest thing about this is that he did not seem to bother with other white people our age. When we eventually got in, the blatant racism was even more appalling. The staff and the management in particular do not care about service- for black people at least. White customers who arrived way later than us were served faster while we remained waiting. The word is that they stereotype black people as unable to tip better. Ironically, they put up this establishment in a predominantly black country which makes you wonder. The restaurant has been called out on social media for racism and harassment of black customers to no avail. Unless reforms were made, I would not recommend the joint to anyone.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
An enlivening experience ; Dining in the midst of stunning art.
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4.83

Picture this, you walk into a random restaurant you looked up online and decided to give a try. On arrival, you’re confused as to whether you’re in the right place because it looks like an art gallery. Someone walks up to you and affirms that you are indeed in the right place and asks you if you have any personalized requests. You’re overwhelmed. You eventually sit down and order a cocktail and before you even take your first sip, someone introduces themselves as a stand up comedian and is absolutely hilarious. There is so much laughter in the room, you can almost miss a joke because it just won’t die down. You’re silently wondering whether this place is even real and if so where it has been all your life. This was my first time experience at the Collective. Such a mind blowing experience! A lot of warm energy, laughter and good vibes and as an artsy person, the diverse art pieces there made me feel like I had just discovered the coolest joint where art was alive. I was only there for happy hour and I can therefore not make a commentary on the food. The prices are however moderately high as I observed from the menu online. Perhaps the best place for a friendly drink up during happy hour if you’re not looking to spend a lot. But I will definitely be back.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Great restaurant, poor service.

The restaurant is a half open space in a new building with Kenyan Retro style decorations. It is perfect if you’re looking for African style food done in a modern contemporary western way. I’d heard a lot of good about Nyama Mama before my visit and hence my expectations were extremely high. They were however dashed on arrival as the reception was absolutely terrible. We had to find our own table and as if that were not enough we were seated for a while before we were approached by any waiter or waitress. The waiter was very clueless about the menu when we asked him to describe certain dishes. We eventually settled on burgers, chicken stew and quesadillas. The burgers were great but the rest of the food was just average. I had a vanilla milkshake with popcorn toppings which was absolutely disappointing as it made the entire milkshake taste burnt. In my opinion, you could get better elsewhere for a similar price. Their cocktails however, washed down the disappointment. They were extremely good and the presentation was even better as they serve them in Beer Steins which gives off such a good traditional vibe. The setting is perfect for business meetings as well as the environment is so serene .

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Awesome ambience, not-so-awesome food.

This restaurant has among the most well thought out aesthetics. It is absolutely gorgeous! Well lit, cute knickknacks on a display shelf and warm lighting. The restaurant arrangement offers sufficient circulation space, good table layouts with varying seating arrangements. Large tables for larger groups and smaller cosy ones for intimate seating. Nice private nooks at the outdoor section as well. The washrooms look really good too- gives a bamboo sort of vibe. A weird thing to note but owing to how often women take mirror selfies of their outfits, then this observation is justified. Their customer service on social media was fantastic. I personally communicated with a lady via whatsapp. The responses were timely and the lady was very kind and patient and even advised me on an ideal seating position and the down payment to make for reservation. Unfortunately, that is as much as this restaurant has to offer. The service in person was terrible. The food took too long. Waitresses were not friendly and very unprofessional. They kept mixing up our orders (I was there for lunch with my friends, table for 8). To make it worse, our food was cold on arrival. The food was very mediocre, very bland. I ordered Pasta Ravioli and when the food arrived, we couldn’t find the pasta. On further enquiries they insisted that it was in there when clearly there was no pasta. I eventually changed my order to buttered chicken and Jeera Rice. I frankly hated it! I expected bursts of flavor and was severely underwhelmed by how bland it was. I absolutely did not get my money’s worth. The drinks were however, good. Perhaps Honey and Dough is just good for happy hour.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Hub for fitness, cinemas, dining and shopping.

I usually visit Diamond Plaza to attend my yoga class on Saturday mornings but I decided to try out their ANGA cinema one Friday evening. The cinema at diamond plaza is located on the 11th floor of the building. Until just recently, I had absolutely no idea that Anga Imax had a branch at Diamond Plaza and I am absolutely glad that I found this hidden gem. Right from the second you step out of the elevator on 11th floor, the entire floor is a vibe! The reception is magnificent with a plush maroon circular couch sitting at the center of the floor and a huge chandelier hanging over it. There is a massive mirror on one of the walls, that in a manner I cannot explain just adds onto the aesthetic. There is a beautifully decorated corridor with flower pots and miniature bicycles, stools and park benches giving you a serene outdoor feel and is great for taking pictures. The staff at the reception were extremely friendly. The tickets were cheap in comparison to the other imax branches that I had to confirm whether there was on offer but the lady at the reception affirmed that those are indeed their regular prices. In addition to this the 3D glasses are absolutely free. I had large sized popcorn that was delivered to me at my seat. At first they were extremely salty so I took them back and they promptly made me another and brought them to my seat. It’s a cinema experience you definitely want to try.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Disappointingly average
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3.67

Ole Sereni is a premium wildlife resort strategically located just off Mombasa road overlooking Nairobi National Game Park. I went here on a late night dinner date with very high expectations seeing as it is a five-star hotel and I was severely underwhelmed. We’d made reservations for 7pm but due to the crazy traffic from where we were coming from added on to Mombasa road traffic, we ended up getting there at 11pm. So I would suggest if you’re looking to dine in, you make a 2-hour allowance for travel time just in case. On arrival, there was absolutely no one at the reception save for the guard at the entrance. You can easily get lost navigating your way around as the staff seemed quite unbothered about the guests coming in. When we eventually got to our table, the waitress that approached said that the dinner menu was not operational beyond 11pm hence we had to order from the breakfast menu. The wait was ridiculously long for a table for two, we waited for one and a half hours. As it turned out, the wait was immaterial as the disappointment that hit us when our plates were finally brought to the table was profound. The portions were extremely small, keep in mind that this was a breakfast menu and therefore we were basically having sandwiches. They felt stale and absolutely not our money’s worth. I would not go back even if there was instant service. The view of the park which is one of their selling points in their advertisement is currently blocked by the new road therefore a good dining view is not something they can boast about anymore. Overall, I think hotels that are not star rated would be better choices. So save yourself two hours of waiting for food and explore other options. For a 5-star hotel, this is arguably one of the worst dates I’ve been on.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Stellar reception, amazing staff.

I spent three nights at this hotel with my mum back in 2019 and it was a great stay! Sarova is among Kenya’s first luxury hotels located in Nairobi CBD and a short car ride from sights such as Nairobi National Museum. The most commendable feature about our stay here was the staff. We got a stellar reception on arrival and I was obliged by the service rendered by the hotel for the rest of our stay there. I enjoyed the heated pool on the 5th floor and the spa within the changing rooms which is inclusive of your stay package. You don’t even have to worry about damaging your hair if you’re a lady and you happen to be there with open hair as there is a miniature salon within the changing rooms whose services are well inclusive of the stay package. The key cards to the room were a little problematic and we had to on a number of occasions ask for assistance from staff to get the door to our room to open. Hopefully, they have fixed that. We had lunch in the Thai restaurant on our first day there and the food was lovely but the portions were ridiculously small. Therefore, for the rest of our stay there, we would have lunch and dinner in other restaurants within the CBD then just go back to the hotel room. The breakfast was buffet and it is all-you-can-eat within breakfast hours.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
The pizza was not so great but it's a great restaurant to hang out at!

Now I'm certainly not the person to return a plate of food that I ordered even if it's horrible. I'm very much the kind of person to brave through well-done steak even if I specifically asked for rare. Anything to not be a Karen I suppose. This was the case when I ordered pizza from 360 degrees. The restaurant, which is more of a fast-food restaurant, is located at the Rosslyn Riviera Mall. The mall is quite dull, with it mostly having offices and a few restaurants, and most common to residents around the area. The mall however is beautiful and noticeably clean. I had decided to try out the restaurant for Nairobi Pizza Week since it was a new place for me and my partner and we wanted to check out the mall. The restaurant is located on the second floor. Once you walk in, you will be impressed by the interior design and the lighting. They have a bar and many TV screens that show football games. The restaurant gave me the vibe of an up-end local where you can grab a beer and watch the game. It was a hot day so we chose to sit out on the terrace. All their pizzas are oven-cooked so if you do not like your crust a little burnt and dry, then you wouldn't enjoy the food here. For the pizzas, the selection was very limited with them offering a vegetarian and non-vegetarian option only. The options both came with a starter and dessert option. I chose the vegetarian option, which I regret. The pizza was abysmal with scattered toppings and burnt crust. The ice cream for dessert was however delicious. We spent a total of 26$ for both. I would go back to 360 degrees to try out their other menu options and to watch the game on a weekend! I'm not the biggest fan of their pizza though.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Well-stocked supermarket for all your needs!

Naivas have very many stores across the country and is a favourite supermarket for many people. You know how you look forward to these discounted deals that mostly only happen around Christmas? What if I told you it could be Christmas for you more than once or twice an year. I cannot get enough of the deals they usually got going on. I usually shop at Naivas at least once a week and I find their underground free parking so convenient. They usually stock groceries, electronics, sports equipment, food and they have a deli and bakery. Currently they have their #krisibilaworries promotion where they give shoppers vouchers after shopping which is quite a pleasant surprise. These deals are always available at every branch so there is no excuse as to why you aren't grabbing your trolley already. Naivas opened a branch back at home and I must say they have really made my shopping a happy experience. Their branches are quite spacious with two or more floors and always well stocked. They have escalators and ramps to enable anyone with disability to have an easy shopping experience as well. If you do ever find yourself in a situation where you needed something and the supermarket you went to doesn't stock that, Naivas most definitely got you 99% of the time .The place gets so packed at times which is expected because who would want to miss out on their amazing offers. Their cashiers are usually swift so one never has to stay in line for that long. Naivas is still a preference for so many Kenyans because it has evolved and withstood the test of time and are still a huge contender for all the upcoming supermarkets to this day.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Swahili restaurant in the CBD

Kilimanjaro is the restaurant that I go to when I want to have Swahili dishes made by Swahilis in the CBD. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and finger-licking dishes. Traditionally, Swahilis eat communally from one large plate and that is how they serve their food here if preffered. The first thing that got me awestruck about Kilimajaro jamia is it's interior which by the way, you can see from right across the street because of it's partially transparent glass walls. A couple of my friends and I went there on a Friday evening and I got to see the restaurant in all it's glory with it's well lit , beautifully accesorised lighting. They have these earth brown and golden yellow theme inside that makes the place look classy but still gives off this warm feeling at the same time. Their tables are usually set for two or four but you can opt for a booth on their upper floor in case you'd like a bit of privacy. I particularly loved the fact that their pricing is quite pocket friendly with a meal of biryani going for about 400KES. Their fish curry is to die for by the way, so if you do get there and not know what to order you can never go wrong with their curries or chicken strips. It is the perfect go-to place for those Sunday afternoon family outings since they give these awesome full ,quite delicious platters that go for sh2000. They have efficient customer service who patiently walk you through the menu options in case you need help. People ask how far would you go to keep your tastebuds happy and I say all the way...To Kimathi street .

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Quality cinema experience
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4.33

I personally had my first 3D movie experience at the Gardencity Imax Branch when they had the movie premier for the Avengers-End Game and the experience was just mind-blowing to say the least. Imax is located at a corner of the first floor of the mall neighboring several fast food outlets. When you walk in, you will first encounter the reception which has couches to sit and wait if you're early for your movie and several vending machines. The attendants at the reception are so friendly and patient especially when you haven't t decided on a movie yet . They also give their views and advice you on which one to watch based on your own personal preference. The 3D glasses are sold just outside the entrance to the movie usually just 300KES and you keep them for your next cinema visit. They have social media sites where you can catch their updates on what is currently showing in case you are a pre-planner so you can find out if anything you'd fancy watching is available before you go there. I find this highly convenient-especially their instagram page @centurycinemaxkenya. What i love most about them is their Student Thursday offers whereby on Thursdays , students get movie discounts having their tickets go for 500KES inclusive of salted popcorn. If you fit the non-student criteria no need to feel left out because they have their tickets still inclusive of salted popcorn going for 550KES on Manic Mondays! On choosy Tuesday tickets go for 800KES but get this, they are inclusive of popcorn, a soda and an option of either nachos or a hotdog. To top it all off they put reclinerbseats in their new Sarit centre branch. Cool right? So tell me, who would want to miss out on such a wonderful experience!

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Efficient travel and parcel delivery services.
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4.33

If you live around Nyeri you have probably heard of 2NK Sacco or the Nyeri Shuttles. This company of public travel vehicles frequent Nairobi-Nyeri route and have a stage in both towns. I always opt for Nyeri Shuttle as my back to school transport mode because they have are reliable and they have great customer service. When you get to the stage, the person in charge asks you your destination, tells you the pricing and asks if you're interested in boarding the car then so he can organize how to get your ticket . They are actually very kind which I loved because I have experienced rough and the rude that comes with matatu travel a couple of times. They ensure you are comfortable and if the available seats are not what you want they book you into the next matatu in line without question. Their seats are comfortable and their cars in good condition so your travel experience is smooth snd enjoyable. What I love most about thee Nyeri Shuttle is there ever efficient parcel delivery services. They charge 250KES for your parcel and it gets to Nyeri from Nairobi within the next 4hrs. They actually send you a text message to inform you of its arrival and notify you so you can go ahead and collect it at a time that is convenient for you. I no longer have anxiety about sending packages my way when I'm back home in Nyeri because i have never failed to get them intact . All they ever require from you is some form of identification so you are assured no one other than the rightful owner can claim a parcel or package after arrival. How cool is that! For only 250KES.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Lovely four-star hotel in Nyeri town

White rhino is a 4-star hotel located near the heart of Nyeri town. I frequent the place a lot but on this day I went there for an afternoon out with my friends since it was a convenient option after a long day of bank queues. It is a surprisingly quiet area considering its proximity to the busy town centre with it's entrance overlooking the ever busy road to the outskirts of town . Their on-site café was one of the things I loved most about the place as it had this brick architectural decor with a great open feel to it so you can actually see them make your coffee or drinks. I loved the customer service with their waiters immediately taking your order and ensuring one is comfortable. Their orders are not delayed which is a plus considering the numerous times one has poor customer experience in such hotels. We had icecream that day which they served in huge glass bowls, which I loved. The place has ample free parking space therefore incurring parking fees should not be a worry. On the downside, they do not have a pool so you would have to consider other alternatives if you wanted to add the whole swimming experience to your stay or visit there. You can also order food from the restaurant which is inside the hotel however their portions are a bit wanting consider their pricey cosmopolitan menu. I have been there previously for a university event and was in awe of their conference rooms which were quite spacious and well lit. It is therefore definitely a go to place for someone in search of a location for business events or meetings since they have business halls too. The manager was also quite friendly to us and ensured we got what we needed and any issues we had attended to. PRICING : The food is affordable, going for about 10$ for a meal. The accommodation pricing is available on request and defers according to rooms. AMBIENCE : If you choose to book a stay here, you will enjoy the view of the neighboring RingRoad Estate. The countryside air is fresh and clean. They do have a bar downstairs and room service for all your needs. Overally, I would rate the hotel 7/10.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
If the shoe fits…
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4.33

Growing up Bata was, and still is one of the most popular shoe chainstores. Wearing one of their signature designs from the quality leather shoe collection was such a big deal and dimmed an unsaid "must have". Besides the school wear , Bata has a vast collection of leather men wear, classic lady designs and kids shoes making sure there's something for everyone in your family. Their shoes tick all three boxes i.e. pocket friendly prices, superb leather quality and above all fashionable! They also stock sports wear for both kids and adults. Their Bubblegummers are particularly famous with kids. If you want to add to your North star sneaker collection this is definitely the go to place. Bata have numerous outlets around the country with over 150 stores makeing it highly convenient and easily accessible to all customers who wish to pay a visit. They also have an online store, batakenya.com, which enables you to shop safely with the current Covid 19 situation. Their attendants are prompt and cater to you within 2 mins of entry into the store even on a typical packed back to school day with their weekly restocking every Friday ensuring constant supply of their vast products. I have personally had them meet me at the entrance which i found very welcoming, not to forget their assistance in shoe size measuring with their keen hygiene observation. Having been to quite a number including the Nyeri, Juja and Garden City branch, I must say they do have a well organized interior with shoes arranged strategically so one walks right up to the collection of their choice with minimal confusion. Definitely a good customer experience so be sure to walk into your nearest BATA shop next time!

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Think of it like a local drugstore-but for cosmetics

Now you might think hmmm cosmetic sooo just the basic lotions and makeup products???Well no,Bestlady is way more than just .You'll be surprised by the wide array of beauty products from shampoos,to braids to hair products ,relaxers , treatment to equipment like blow dryers that they stock . I have had a chance to experience the famous Bestlady cosmetics which has become one of the most frequented cosmetic shops countrywide with numerous outlets and have gotten to expand their branches to Meru, Nyeri, Nairobi, Thika and even along Thika road.It is a wholesale and retail store therefore making it possible to save a few coins for every purchase made thus proving to be a cheaper alternative from the usual privately owned cosmetic shops. They have attendants on every aisle ready to give advice on whatever products you wish to purchase. However, at times the attendants are not knowledgeable about the products which becomes a bit annoying especially in their small outlets. They also take a while before they restock so it sometimes makes one take more available alternatives. They might also misadvice about stocking a product- this I experienced first hand. I therefore ended up making a repeat visit for a product they don't even sell . I found to be a huge inconvenience. Besides that , it is a great place to shop with a whole variety to choose from making you spoilt for choice .

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Best choice of long distance road travel in the North-Rift region
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4.17

If you are looking for a guarantee of luxury and safety when travelling between Nakuru, Nairobi, Eldoret, Mololine is the unparalleled travel company for you. The entire experience traveling with them is one to remember. First of all , their booking office is in Nakuru, which is convenient since matatus were relocated from Nakuru CBD in March 2020. You're met warmly by a jovial uniformed staff that hand you a handwashing soap while the other opens the tap for you to rinse off your hands, making sure you have no contact with the tap, which lets face it, is always a bummer for a public used water source. I know you're probably already in love with this but I'll keep going, you are directed to the teller that deals with your destination of choice. After paying you pass through a metal detector and your bags are checked. You are then directed to a waiting area where you can buy yourself some snacks from their canteen which include delicious samosas and sausages, water, and even earphones which are important for such a long journey. There are sparkling clean restrooms to freshen up before the journey too within the premise. Once the vehicle is full and has gone through checks, you can all board and begin your journey. The drivers are very polite and professional and even if you choose to have the car pick you up along the way. If you are tired of the tussle of matatu stages with every conductor pulling you towards their vehicles, pulling your luggage and chanting 50 destinations in a microsecond half a foot from your eardrums, Mololine is the choice for you. The Mololine booking office is an enclosed premise and gives you the class you'd want from a travel. Think of it as an airport for the road.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Last Call!
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3.83

Mwendas Pub is your typical local ; familiar faces and the bartender knows your favourite drink but doesn't know your name. The local is located in the CBD making in the perfect place to unwind after a long day of work. It however misses the most important aspect of a local pub ; they sadly do not serve food. Regardless, the place is always bustling with customers. It has two floors of space although the total floor area is quite limited. The bar is located upstairs and the resident mixologist is situated here where he serves his legendary Long Islands to customers. The music is always good and loud enough for both floors. Mwenda's Pub has a tiny parking lot that can only accommodate a few cars so I would recommend one to take a taxi, especially if you're going to be drinking. The place gets quite full very fast so if you're hoping to secure a table for you and your friends, I would suggest that you arrive early, say 7pm. The drinks are affordable and it is a place that I love going to on Fridays to have a drink after the long week. It is important to note that the pub has no air conditioning and very few windows, so it does get quite hot and uncomfortable especially when the place is full. So be sure to secure a table near a window so that you're not all sweaty and uncomfortable! I would rate the place a 6/10.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Home for endangered species and exotic animals in Nanyuki.
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4.67

Named after William Holden, a wildlife conservationist and award winning actor, this wildlife conservancy is located in cold Nanyuki in Central Kenya. The place is dedicated to preserving wildlife and especially endangered species around the world. The centre accommodates local groups and international groups for education on conservancy and environment. Our school had arranged for us to visit the conservancy. The tour guide was quite a riot - he was witty, educative and super-friendly. During the introduction, we were led into a room for the briefing on everything we would need to know before we started the tour. He led with an excellent summary of the place and what it's about- its history and values. He then had us stand for an icebreaker in a song- which was great for the teenage audience. Nanyuki gets really cold so it would be great to carry warm clothing, gloves and be prepared. The tour was great with the conservancy having rhinos, snakes and llamas. I was quite glad to see llmas and have them thriving in the Nanyuki weather. The place is family-friendly, school-friendly and great for trips with large groups.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Hub for creatives and art in Nairobi.
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4.17

The Nairobi National Museum is a place that showcases Kenya's rich history and cultural heritage. Located about 10 minutes drive from THE CBD, the museum is easily spottable and has free entry. You however have to register at the gate. You can walk in or drive in into a vast parking lot. The museum is open on all days of the year, apart from public holidays, from 8:30am to 5:30pm.  The museum is a popular destination for educational school trips on the weekdays and is famous among créatives and lovers of performance arts as it holds shows on Sundays there as well. The museum grounds have a botanical garden and nature trail for lovers on nature, an art gallery showcasing a lot of Kenyan art and shopping facilities to get gifts for your loved ones, especially if you are a tourist. The museum is popular among young people in Nairobi and is a great place to socialize while indulging in Nairobi's art scene. The location is a great place to hold conferences via bookings on their website.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Product authenticity and value for money!
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4.83

This store caters to all your makeup needs! It is located at the Waterfront Mall, Karen. I had such a great experience shopping there during their November sales period for Black Friday. The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable on make-up needs for every person and guided me through the process of choosing the right foundation shades for my skin type. I was greeted my a young lady who asked me if I needed some help shopping to which I responded that I needed to find an appropriate foundation, mascara and setting spray. She then guided me to a seat in front of the mirror and said she would be back in a jiffy. She then proceeded to bring out two shade testers and tested them on my skin. It was evident which shade was mine and we settled on that one. She then did my whole face to have me see how the colour would look of I did it and I was satisfied. When I asked about their different sprays, she gave me a n informed opinion and left the decision up to me. By the time I left the store, I felt well catered to and appreciated as a customer and I would certainly give them 5 stars for customer service. I ended up paying 3550 KES for a sale that would have ordinarily cost me 4250 KES. They packed my purchases in a small, cute paper bag. I will certainly go back to get more makeup products since I have utmost trust in their customer service and make up authenticity.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Fun filled activities on a ranch in rural Nyeri.

This recreational facility is located in rural Central Kenya, about 40 minutes drive from Nyeri Town. The ranch is located quite a distance from the main road in Chaka on a murram road so a four-wheel drive is best especially during the rainy season. The facility offers free parking to guests. It is the perfect getaway location for you and your family since it caters to everyone. They have several fun-filled activities for kids of all ages like bouncing castles, go-carts, archery, quad-bikes, roller-skating, swimming and paintball. The pricing of activities is categorized into age groups and range from 35$-100$ per person, with access to at least three activities offered on the ranch. It is certainly a place that you have to plan for prior if you have kids since you can certainly run up quite a bill. The have a restaurant on the ranch on which they offer kid-friendly and adult meals, as well as soft drinks and alcohol. The ranch also offers accommodation in their lovely suites with a glorious view of Mt Kenya. The staff are extremely helpful and my experience there was very wholesome. The ranch only accepts mobile money and card payments, with a strict no-cash policy.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Luxe have nailed the customer experience! (pun-intended)
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4.67

The nail parlour is located in Bihi towers which is near Moi Avenue behind Nation Centre. I had the loveliest experience getting my nails done at Luxe. They prioritize customer experience, comfort and satisfaction. When you walk in, you will first note the cleanliness of the place and its shiny white interior. The staff are quite meticulous and one is required to leave their shoes at a designated place near the entrance. The staff are friendly and accommodating with them being prompt to receive you and usher you into the parlour. I had come to get a manicure and pedicure and was directed to sit on one of their comfortable leather seats. There is always soothing music playing at the parlour. The lady attending to me then proceeded to give me a splendid pedicure that included a foot massage. The quality of service is 10 /10 and their pricing is affordable. A manicure and pedicure go for 18$ each. The place is sanitary and hygienic and one has a view of Nairobi since is located on the 10th floor. I would definitely go back for these services as I got real good value for money spent.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Thrilling experience seeing Marine life on a glass-floor motorboat

The Marine Park is located on the coastal shore of sunny Malindi. We took a forty minute drive from Malindi Town to the Park which is owned by the Kenya Wildlife Service. At the gate, they ask for identification and then you pay an entry fee for you to be let in. We drove in after paying 500KES per person and parked the car in the lot. The beach is a lovely site to take in, with lots of boats available to take you on drive and Marine life if you take a walk along the beach. I remember encountering beautiful starfish and marveling at their colours. There are strict instructions to not tamper with marine life and especially not to take any home, which we adhered to. When we came in we were not dressed for the beach but we quickly changed at the changing rooms available near the beach into our swimsuits. We had planned on going snorkeling and visiting the nearest island. I would advise you to carry your own swimming attire. However, life jackets, floaters and snorkeling material are available for hire at about 2$ each. There are many fishermen with boats ready to take you and your group for boat rides. The prices differ from individual to individual and having a local to haggle prices would be an advantage. The cost averages 300KES per person and we were a group of 10. This caters for your boat trip and back. It is easier to bargain prices if you are a large group though the maximum number of people per ride is about 15. The boats have glass floors that enable one to view the beautiful fish. I would advise one to leave majority of your stuff at the shore or in your car since the boat does get quite wet and the motorboat gets windy. I lost my hat to the ocean and one of my friend's phone got soaked in the oceans salt water. The experience however, is exhilarating. The owner of our boat, who was also our guide, stopped the boat at shallow waters out at sea and we were able to go snorkeling and have fun with the waves. I remember being so happy and is was so bittersweet that we had to go back. Our guide was informative and patient while we took pictures and had fun at the island. I would go back with my friends to experience that thrill again. The charges are friendly and only different for tourists at the entrance. This is a budget-friendly fun thing to do while in Malindi.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Wide variety of quality and fashionable clothes
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4.33

This departmental store is locally owned and has consistently been a popular place to shop for clothes in Nairobi. It is located in two of the popular malls in Nairobi - Two Rivers Mall and Thika Road Mall. I have visited both stores and they are both lovely. I noticed that the store at Two Rivers has a wider range of men's clothing whole the one at Thika Road favours the ladies in terms of variety and selection. The store has a strict no pictures policy - which was yelled to me at a very not-so-polite manner when I attempted to take a mirror selfie at the store. The selection is divided according to floors with an elevator joining the two floors. Baby clothes and men's clothes are located on the first floor at Thika Road Mall. The changing rooms are numerous and well-lit with floor to ceiling mirrors which are awesome for trying out clothes. The women's collection consists of sundresses, blazers, shorts, official pants, palazzo pants, jeans, sweaters, t-shirts, hats, bags, belts, shoes, innerwear and shirts. They usually have sales bi-monthly and have their clothes available at affordable prices during these sales. I made a few purchases of palazzo pants and shorts on sale at a total of 2250KES. They accept both cash and card payments. They pack your purchases in eco-friendly reusable bags that are branded with their logo, which I loved. I would definitely go back to shop here because the changing rooms cater to customer needs and you will always find a piece that you will fall in love with.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Hiking in the rainforest
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4.83

We decided to visit Kakamega Forest National Reserve while in Eldoret on a work trip. The remnant of the rainforest is a tourist attraction in Kakamega and is owned by the Kenya Wildlife Service. I had never been to Kakamega before, located in the Western part of Kenya and I was eager to make this trip. We started our trip at 7am and took the c39 road to Kapsabet. If you are coming from Nairobi by road, you would have to take the highway to Nakuru and then to Timboroa, about a five hour trip. We arrived at our destination in about one and a half hours. We had made sure to eat a heavy breakfast and carry snacks for the journey. The entry fees are 2.5$ for an adult and 1$ for children under 12 years. The forest is a home to several species of birds, monkeys, snakes and bushbucks. The thing with this forest is that you never know if you will find a snake however the park attendant reassured us that the snakes would not come out since we were quite a large group and there is safety in numbers. This did nothing for my phobia of the reptile species but nothing was going to deter my plans of exploration. The forest has tall trees that create a canopy and making sun rays almost impenetrable. We walked for a while in silence, appreciating nature and then we came to a clearing. The guide was showing us the different species of trees and flowers as we walked through the forest. We were advised to be as silent as possible so as not to disturb the wildlife in their natural habitat. We spotted a few birds and monkeys. We chose not to hike up to the hill since we were already quite tired, however if you choose to you will have a glorious view of the entire forest. The long grass is also quite dewy so having a pair of boots would certainly come in handy. I would go back to hike up to the hill and enjoy the small waterfall in the forest and most certainly carry a waterproof pair of shoes!

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Basic experience trying out their chicken

Ananas Mall in one of the relatively smaller malls yet is quite the hub for residents in the area and students, since it has two neighbouring universities - Gretsa University and Mt Kenya University. It is visible from the highway and has ample parking space that you pay about 2$ for. The mall houses a supermarket and several fast food joints, including Galitos. We were on our way for a road trip to Muranga when we chose the mall as our stopover to use the bathroom and grab a quick snack. I was quite relieved to find Galitos, whose chicken I love since it's usually fried crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. The mall is busiest during the weekends so your order could take longer than expected. I ordered the spicy chicken and fries and a cold soda. The nice attendant issued me with a receipt and sweetly asked me to come for my order after 10 minutes. Luckily, we weren't in so much of a hurry since we were on schedule and could afford to wait for 10 minutes. I waited patiently and eventually got my order, 15 minutes later. The chicken at this Galitos branch did taste a tad different; more bland. It was however not altogether bad, it's just that the quality was a little lower than what I'm normally used to. My meal cost me a total of 650KES. Safe to say this is one of my leeat favourite Galitos branch. However, the restaurant was clean and the staff were very kind and friendly.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
If you love interior decor, this is the place to shop!

I love interior decor and decorating my living space according to my preferences. Of course my favourite magazine is Architectural Digest and looking at indoor spaces is so satisfying for me. This is one of the many reasons that Tile and Carpet proves to be one of my favourite stores for interior decor. The other main reason is that it has every single thing you're looking for under one roof! Yes, I know. It's almost too good to be true. They stock anything from construction material such as tiles and sinks and bathtubs to carpets and curtains and light bulbs. You name it, they got it. I visited the store during their annual sale, which is usually in the month of July, during which they have amazing offers for all their products. The sale period lasts all month long. This is the best period to shop for all your household needs, for a steal. My mum and I were shopping for new drapes for our living room and had a myriad of options to choose from. These were going for about 10-15$ per metre. We managed to find a good selection of drapes that we were satisfied with. The store is well staffed with efficienct workers who are very handy. I would advice anyone going there to have a list of things you would like to get prior to going because it is very easy to get distracted by all the stuff at the store and end up not getting anything. It is also advisable to come early since it is often quite packed with busy shoppers.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Best place to experience the Nairobi Night Life

If you are a fan of bars with a rustic feel then you will enjoy 1824. Popular among the young crowd in Nairobi, 1824 is located in Langata area. The name of the bar is easily spottable from the main road, in roman numbers. The parking area is quite minimal considering the large amount of people that come to the nightclub. It is located right off the busy road and I would advise one to take note of the busy road and crossing at night. The bar has large ceilings and bricks walks. The tables are beer drums and high stools, giving it the feel of an Irish bar. Its unique interior design and affordable drinks draw a large crowd and has been one of the bars in Nairobi to consistently draw people to it ever since I moved here, 5 years ago. They serve beer, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks at probably the cheapest prices in Nairobi, making it popular among campus students around the area. The bar is quite popular on Sundays where football matches are aired on their large TV screens and customers enjoy their drink to the music that the DJ plays. The DJ booth is located on higher ground that the sitting area in sight of everyone at the bar. I would recommend it for a polite drink on Sundays if that's your sort of thing. It is also quite the scene on Friday nights to have fun and dance to international, African and local music with your friends.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Flea Market and Chill…

K1 is quite popular among Nairobians on Sundays as there are usually shows from artists, awesome dining experience and drinks flowing. The parking lot fills up pretty quickly and one may have to park on the street due to the large influx of customers during the weekends. The scene is usually a younger audience from about ages 18 to 35 and good vibes all round. The clubhouse has a cafeteria style dining experience with wooden tables and long benches. What is very characteristic about the place is the use of colorful umbrellas to make a canopy for the roof outdoors. This makes is a favourite place for customers to take their photos for social media, of course. The clubhouse has a bar, restaurant, indoor bar and outdoor sitting area. They also facilitate a flea market on Sundays where vendors showcase their items for sale. The clubhouse generally has the feel of a social - with lots of activities happening on site. There is a pool table near the bar if you would like to enjoy a game as well as screens to catch up with your favourite football match. They permit smoking and are one of the few locations in Nairobi that are LGBT-friendly. With a budget of 25$, you will have a meal and 2 cocktails during happy hour. I would definitely go back for a round of beer with my friends and burgers and to shop at the flea market!

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
My stay ended all too soon!
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4.83

If I was to describe Radisson Blu, Upper Hill in one word, it would be IMMACULATE. Located just off a busy highway, the entrance leads you to the front of the restaurant where there is valet parking or drop-off. The concierge was very friendly and welcoming and a helped me remove my bags from the car. I checked in to the hotel around noon and was led to my room while a porter helped me with my bags. The view from my room was absolutely stunning. I had booked the room on a work trip since we had a conference there the following day and I couldn't help feeling sad at the thought of having to leave. The room had a view of the hotel swimming pool and stunning architecture and a view of Nairobi City further beyond. The room itself was gorgeous with a queen-sized bed, a nice bathroom and has every amenity that I would need during the stay. While at Radisson, I used the conference room, the restaurant, the bathrooms at the hotel and of course, my suite. Using hotel bathrooms is a quirk of mine since I love rating their cleanliness and the ones at Radisson are by far the best bathrooms I've used. They are spacious and have a lounge area - where I sat and rested my feet a little bit from wearing heels all morning at the conference. The restaurant served amazing food--three courses and dessert. They do accept walk in guests to the restaurant so you can enjoy the chef's special (which I recommend) My stay was very short-lived but I had an overall good experience,with no complaints. I regret not having enough time to use the spa and actually relax and I would go back again to spend some quality time with myself - not on a work trip this time!

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Burgers on a bus!

Famously known for their burgers, Mama Rocks is located within Alchemist Bar, in Westlands. The burger joint is actually an open bus - from where they make and serve the burgers from. Outside the bus is a small dining area with cafeteria-style benches and tables. When you walk in, you will notice a board with all their burger offers in colorful chalk. It is quite a popular joint and you will barely find space to sit during the weekends, and one might opt for takeout. I visited Mama Rocks on a Wednesday, right after school because I had been craving burgers all week. The restaurant was relatively deserted and I was the only customer there - which I loved because I normally find it crowded. I ordered their spicy beef burger which goes for 890KES. The restaurant also sells sauces that are packaged in 500ml glass jars. I particularly love their mango-flavored spicy sauce with everything! The staff are friendly and they do have waiters who serve you at your table, despite them being more of a food truck. I took my order to go and I wasn't disappointed at all when I got home and had a bite of that juiciness!! My cravings were certainly satisfied. I would definitely go back on a weekday and to try out more of their burger options!

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
I don't want no substitute, I swear it's Deja Vu!

Nairobi night life is an active, busy, hype scene. This nightclub is popular to millenials and Gen Z's in Nairobi. The music is always good and the hotdogs sold outside the club have been known to be the antidote to the worst drinking episodes. The club is located in Westlands which is an easy commute from the CBD. No entry fee is charged to access the club and security is top notch. The club has two floors with the bathrooms being located on the first floor. I would recommend a table on that floor since taking the stairs while drunk or tipsy is not easy nor a pretty sight. The bar is located immediately to the right after the entrance,if it is your preference to sit at the bar. They serve food and the drinks are affordable. The club is busiest on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and is usually quite packed to capacity. This is my favourite local club while in Nairobi and I would like to go back without worrying about Covid-19 guidelines.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
I still demand a rematch!

Paintball fury is a park located at the Waterfront, Karen. My friends and I went there on a Saturday afternoon, after having called them prior and booked a 1 hr slot from 1pm to 2pm. Getting there was a complete hustle, with us getting stuck in busy Nairobi traffic and having to weave our way through traffic. Saturday mornings are quite busy in Nairobi and using a "bodaboda", which is the local motorbike transport, is way easier. We arrived at the Waterfront which has a huge parking lot. The mall has a huge water park with slides and bouncing castles. It also houses several restaurants in case you're hungry and is the perfect place for you and your family to have a nice weekend outing. The mall is kid-friendly and children of all ages will have access to the Waterfront if they can swim. We made our way to the Paintball arena. As you approach you can hear the sounds of the guns and people screaming at each other. We were a few minutes late and they had given away our slot to a group who had already arrived so we had to wait another forty minutes. They provide overrals which you change into. The overalls were few, old and dirty but we had no choice if we wanted to do the activity. There is a booth in which you leave all your bags when you enter the paintball arena. We wore our overalls and waited for the next group to finish their game. In the meantime we selected team captains and chose team members. The paintball experience is wonderful for competitive people as it involves using tactics and using your senses, taking care not to shoot people who are on your team. After the referee blows the whistle, the game starts and you are supposed to steal your opponents flag. The game was well-coordinated by the facilitators and we had a great time. They explain the rules of the game before you enter in detail and provide you with the paintball guns. I loved the experience since it was my first time trying out paintballing and it surpassed my expectations. I would love to go back for a rematch since unfortunately, my team lost.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
World-class learning

I am currently in my fifth year of study at Kenyatta University and I have loved every single minute of it! Kenyatta University in located in Kiambu County, along Thika Road. The university offers a lot of courses in Science and Arts as well as language programs such as Korean and Chinese. The school occupies a large area with colleges located in different areas of the school. It would certainly help if you own a scooter, bicycle or car to help you move about campus although there are shuttles that facilitate this. My favourite place is the library - yes I'm a nerd. I have spent most evenings at this facility. The library had five floors and vast reading space. They have a modern system for borrowing books and it is very well-stocked for all undergraduate and post-graduate students. The school also has a lot of food vendors and a school cafeteria for meals. There is also a pool, badminton court, football pitch and rugby field on the premises. I live outside campus but the school provides accommodation to students who opt to live on-campus. The school is eco-friendly and prioritizes a clean environment and preservation on trees. As such, the school is evergreen and you can opt to sit on the benches in between classes in the school parks. Adjacent to the school is a small town, which I like to think of as Hogwart's Hogsmeade. Here, some students reside but it is a popular place for students to have lunch and get their printing done. The lecture halls are located all over campus and allocated according to colleges. Exams results are given to us through our online portal accounts, which I find efficient and modern.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
It's St Patrick's Day everyday!

My friends and I decided to visit The Tav on a Wednesday evening right after we got off from school. The restaurant is about 30 minutes away from our school on Thika Road and about 10 minutes from the CBD. Located in Westlands area, the first thing you will notice is the green interior. At first I thought that they were certainly committed to ensuring their patrons have the utmost Irish experience. My conclusion when I left was that they are just Irish enough for Nairobi, but a true Irishman would've called their bluff. In Irish fashion, beer is served in plenty and pitchers are sold at affordable rates. The set-up is airy, with high ceilings and one side of the bar being open with a view of the parking lot and the highway. There is ample free parking provided on the grounds. The Tav is located on the ground floor of a small mall with other businesses. When we walked in, a waiter ushered us in and showed us to out table. The tables are wooden with stools although there are is a comfortable booth-like sitting area as well. We were a party of four so we sat in one of the booths. The bar has a DJ occasionally playing his set in the evenings. I guess that was as Irish as it got - the decor and the beer. We ordered a burger and fries each and a round of cocktails. The restaurant however does not have bathrooms and one is supposed to use the bathrooms located in the mall. The place is quite popular and gets quite crowded in the evenings as locals pass by to have a polite drink and enjoy the music. Our food took quite a while to arrive but the drinks had been served prior so we were enjoying those as we waited. The food was great and I daresay, worth the wait. We left immediately we finished our food and paid the bill since it was a school-night but I would definitely go back on a weekend to enjoy the music and great food.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Shop for all your pharmaceutical needs!

Othaya Chemist is quite popular among locals due to their access and subsidized prices for all your pharmaceutical needs. The pharmacy is located along the road, where you can parallel park your car for 50KES to the County Government. The pharmacy is usually quite packed, with lots of people looking to refill their prescriptions here. The attendants are about five, with a guard at the entrance and one cashier. When it is packed, which is most afternoons, there is little room for discretion while talking to the pharmacist over the counter. The staff however are quite helpful and explain in detail about your prescription needs and requirements. The service is fast and within a maximum of 10 minutes you will be attended to and you can leave. They accept all types of payment and you are issued with a receipt. The pricing for medication is not exaggerated, as compared to other pharmacies, making it beloved amongst locals who loyally come to Othaya Chemist to fill up their prescription. I loved the service and customer care here and the guard, having worked there for a while is quite helpful as well. Their opening hours are Mon-Sat from 0800 hrs to 1730hrs. In case you need help administering any medication, they have a room and a nurse to aid one with that. They are well-stocked and will rarely refer you elsewhere. They have all their credentials and business licences on display for everyone to check as well.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Lovely store but no parking space.

Kasturi supermarket is a locally-owned supermarket located in Nyeri Town. The supermarket is a favourite for residents who live in the outskirts as it is on your way out of town. Its downsides include lack of parking space and not having a large variety of items. It however solved the problem of having no supermarket on the upper side of town and continues to have a steady influx of customers. The supermarket has two floors and they stock household items, food and a few electronics. They accept cash, mobile and card payments. The supermarket is Indian-owned so you have the advantage of having access to Indian spices, which I personally love. The staff are helpful and friendly. The only reason I wouldn't shop at Kasturi is because I would find it too hectic to park and carry my purchases from the supermarket to the car. That aside, I love the store and would go back for the spices!

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Poor planning and very crowded space

Growing up in Nyeri, often shopped at Mathai Supermarket for all our household needs. Over the years, Mathai expanded and continues to be a place where many residents shop from on a daily basis. It is located right at the heart of Nyeri Town and often used as a landmark by locals and anyone who's unfamiliar with the area. It also located on a busy one-way street, always bustling with people. Despite expanding their space and having more floors, the space is still very crowded with narrow aisles and poor planning. It is impossible to have a trolley and move it around the supermarket due to the lack of space. I found it odd that the shoes were right next to the bakery. It also does not accommodate the disabled- with no ramps to access other floors. It has a bakery, deli and no parking space outside. If you have a car, you will park it on the street and pay 50KES parking fees to the County Government. Mathai is a good place to shop for one or two items if you are in a hurry and the worst place to shop for bulk. I however still shop here for their bakery's delicacies.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Captivating and serene country landscape
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4.67

We decided to visit Paradise lost one Saturday with my friend for a barbecue on her birthday. We had looked for an outdoors location in a serene environment near Nairobi and decided on Paradise Lost, which is a 30 minute drive from the CBD. The entry charges were 5$ per person for East Africans. The property has lots of activities that include boat riding, exploring of caves, a waterfall, picnics and barbecues, although you have to carry your own equipment for the barbecue. These activities are charged about 2-4$ each on-site. When you drive in, you will have access to a parking lot where you can leave your car or you can choose to use to your car to move from point to point. We had taken a taxi to tree location so we walked in. They do not sell food within the premises so I would recommend one to carry a snack and water. The path does get quite tiring with lots of climbing especially with exploration of the caves. This is a great place to come with your fiends and family and enjoy the quiet countryside of Kiambu County while having a picnic. The lake is vast and there are life jackets provided in case you want to have a peaceful boat ride on the still waters. They have taken great care to make sure the environment stays clean with waste disposal bins at every location. Bathrooms are also available on the property. I had a lovely date and I was so glad I had decided on wearing trainers.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Least favourite shopping experience in the CBD

Located in the Nairobi CBD adjacent to the National Archives building, Mr Price is quite the landmark. The store here is one of the smaller versions of the department store with larger stores in Garden City Mall and Two Rivers Mall. Possibly the easiest location to wait for someone or a taxi if you are unfamiliar with the city, there are a lot of people outside the mall who may appear to be hovering at first glance. There is also a lot of activity outside the store, being as it is near a bus stage. The store caters to both men and women, having a wide variety of selection to choose from. Women's clothes include bags, jeans, shorts, dresses, blouses at an average price of 7$. I'm not quite familiar with the men's section although the appear to be well stocked in that department. Since it is one of the oldest and smaller stores, the space is quite limited with narrow aisles and few changing rooms. This does not give one an enjoyable shopping experience. The staff here are not so helpful and leave one to wander through the store unattended to. I would shop here if I wanted something quickly while in the CBD. It is however my least favourite of the branches.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Satisfying day at the game park
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4.83

Nairobi is the only city in the world to have a national park right within the city. It was quite baffling that it took be two years to visit while I lived there. I think my reservations about animals in cages and how lonely they must be away from other wildlife and the forest had hindered my plans to visit the place. The park is located right off the main highway in Langata, Nairobi. My two friends and I used the local transport to get there and told the conductor to have us alight at the park since we were new to the area. You can also take an Uber if you are new to the city. We alighted and walked in to the reception, which is a booth where they issue tickets after you make your payment. We did not have prior knowledge that they do not accept cash payments and only mobile money and visa payments are valid to buy tickets. The charges for East Africans are 2.5$ and 5$ for foreigners, which is so affordable. After making our payments they let us in. The park is set up such that you take a walk through it while taking in the wildlife. You do not have a guide however there are numerous signs leading one through the right path. The walk path is on high ground and is made of wood. The park is a nice place to take pictures and enjoy fresh air away from the busy city. We had the pleasure of seeing a lion, a rhino, numerous monkeys, zebras, a pair of ostriches, a warthog and other free wildlife such as hares and squirrels. The animals are in fact in restricted area and some in huge caged areas like the monkeys. The walk is quite long and I would recommend one to carry water and a snack. There are places designated to rest as you go through the park. If you stay till the evening, you might have the pleasure of witnessing the animals being fed by the park attendants. The park is a nice destination for tourists and locals to visit while in Nairobi.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Everything green! And orange and purple and….
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4.67

If you enjoy grocery shopping as much as I do, then you will definitely enjoy Zucchini supermarket - a supermarket that exclusively caters to your grocery needs. Located in most Kenyans malls, Zucchini continues to the only place I get my groceries from because you are assured of quality produce and cater to delivery options. The mall stocks fruits and vegetables as well as cereal, measured by the kilogram. The malls also has a deli, in which they sell milkshakes, ice cream and yogurt. Their ice cream options are more than 30 and it is always fun to try new flavours. The restaurant is very family and child friendly, making it quite popular on the weekends. There is seating space inside the supermarket, however it's not so vast and it can get quite crowded if more that 6 families want to eat there. The prices for the shakes and ice-cream (charged per scoop) are about about 3-5$. I shop here on Sundays to restock my kitchen and enjoy an oreo milkshake.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
My everyday stop and shop location!
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4.83

For a chain store that is still pretty new, Quickmart have managed to penetrate the Nairobi supermarket scene and proved to be a favourite among shoppers. Their newer branches are even more modern with glass walls and huge space with a warehouse design. I love shopping at Quickmart because the staff are resourceful, helpful, friendly and it is a family-friendly place. They have a deli which sells delicacies such as kebabs, spring rolls, rice, beef stew, fish fillet, chicken and other Kenyan meals. When I am too lazy to cook, this is my favourite store to get a yummy meal at affordable prices. They have a bakery as well where they sell their very own packaged bread at cheap prices, cake, muffins, biscuits, mandazi and creamy donuts with sprinkles. They can also make cakes on order for your birthday with preferences on design. I love their cakes - they do a pretty good job at the decor and their pricing is 10$ per kilogram. As most supermarkets here in Kenya do, they supply smart cards where they award points for shopping, which you can redeem to get a subsidized cost on your purchases. This is highly beneficial if you are a regular shopper at Quickmart, like me. Their grocery section is well-stocked with fresh groceries. You can either purchase groceries by the kg and go cut them up for yourself or buy already packaged cut-up groceries. The supermarket has an electronic section, clothes section, toiletries, furniture and an alcoholic section. Quickmart is quite busy in the evenings with most shoppers making their purchases on their way home from work. There is ample parking space and the staff are quite helpful in loading your purchases to your car when overwhelmed. Overally, I would recommend this place for all your shopping needs. I plan on making my last-minute Christmas shopping at the store

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
A breath of fresh air in serenity

Karura forest is located in Kiambu town, about forty minutes from Nairobi CBD. The forest is lush green and vast, occupying a large area of Kiambu County. I lovue that one can access a haven like Karura, not too far from the city. The forest caters for numerous activities such as picnics, bicycle-riding, bird-watching and running. Karura is a favourite for locals who want to enjoyed the serene environment of the forest, walk their dogs or workout. I arrived at Karura on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I accessed the entry on Kiambu road via public transport. The gate to the forest is about 50 meters from the road. There are gardeners who sell a variety of plants by the roadside near the forest making it a place where people come to shop for house plants or garden plants. I walked up to the entryway and enquired about the charges. It cost about 3$ to access the picnic site and 2.5$ to hire a bicycle. I paid and was issued with a receipt which I was advised to keep until I left Karura. I was them permitted to enter. If you have a car, there is a safe parking lot where you can leave it and then walk in. As I walked through the forest, I noticed a lot of people walking their dogs, which was lovely because I'm definitely a dog person. The forest has tall trees creating a canopy, therefore sheltering one from the harshness of the sun's rays. I walked for about an hour before I reached the picnic site, which had some swings nearby, lavatories and a football pitch. I was already tired by this time and was ready to leave. However, I had the pleasure of enjoying a peaceful stroll to think and recharge for the week ahead. The picnic site is great with tables to accomodate groups of if you'd prefer to not sit on the grass. The forest is peaceful and the paths are well defined so it's not easy to get lost. Watch out for snakes though!

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
You want it? They got it.
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4.83

Carrefour has two branches in Nairobi, at Two Rivers Mall and Thika Road Mall and one in Mombasa town, at Nyali Mall. The supermarket has a warehouse style, with everything located on the same floor and arranged in aisles and named according to their categories. Shopping at CarreFour is a great experience because their is vast space, making is a great place to get that last minute Christmas shopping done. There are many cashiers so the queues are fewer. They also have an express aisle where shoppers purchasing 10 or less items can go through quicker. Carrefour have embraced technology in their invention of a mobile app for shopper points as opposed to a physical smart card where you can just scan and monitor your shopping points yourself. Their customer care service is located within the building and is helpful and reliable in solving customer complaints. The supermarket has a bakery and deli within the building and they make the most delicious baguettes. The prices of goods are affordable and they always have stands with offers on a variety of items. Everything is pretty easy to locate but they have staff in case you need any help with anything. They also have price checkers situated along the aisles in case something does not have a price tag. If you love shopping as much as I do, Carrefour is a great place to do this at and you are always assured of great service.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Dining right at the heart of the city.

Café Deli is located in the middle of Nairobi CBD- making it the perfect place to have a work lunch, a date or a quick cup of coffee. It has the feel of a coffee shop but also is quite large for the raw experience of intimacy of a local coffee shop. The meny is quite favorable with affordable prices. With a budget of 12$-20$, you can enjoy a nice meal at the restaurant. They offer a wide variety of meal options and quite well staffed for a large restaurant and a wide clientele. If you are someone who would like to enjoy a great meal to the lulling sound of the Nairobi street noises then this is definitely the place for you. I had the mushroom soup and the steak and potatoes. I would highly recommend the mushroom soup. The restaurant accommodates large parties with spacious tables and two floors of dining room. I frequent Cafe Deli every time I am in the Nairobi CBD because one is always assured of great food and great ambience.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Hidden gem in Kikuyu town.

I would say that Crave's Kitchen is a hidden gem located in the rural area of Kiambu County, Kikuyu town. Kikuyu is about an hour's drive from Nairobi CBD and the restaurant is smack in the middle of Kikuyu town. The countryside restaurant accepts walk-ins and is quite popular. Parking is located on the street so you would have to pay 1$ for parking. The restaurant has a rustic feel - with brick  unfinished walls and pictures on them. My favourite thing about the place is that there is a bookshelf full of books to read while eating and copies of the daily newspaper. My old soul felt right at home. I was having dinner there on recommendation from a friend and I arrived at 6pm  and walked in to wonderful aromas of fried beef and pork.  If you are the kind of person who would enjoy a candlelit restaurant, quiet and serene,then this is a place you should certainly try out. This lighting is intimate, which is perfect for a romantic date filled with great food and conversation. I ordered pork and mashed potatoes, which had also been recommended. The staff are amazing and quick since the place is busiest around dinnertime.  The food was amazing and savoury. The pork was especially good and salted to perfection. I had tea after my meal which is quite amusing if you know me but this is the kind of place where you would enjoy a cup of tea and look at the newspaper headlines. The prices are so friendly with me paying around 6$ in total for the meal and the tea. I know, right? My favourite thing about the countryside is good food that is not overpriced. I did not like the bathrooms- there were only two stalls for ladies and hardly any water which I found quite unsanitary. Crave's Kitchen is a place I'd have dinner everyday if I was a local. I would definitely go back. I would rate it a 7/10.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
First time experience trying out Indian food in Nairobi.
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4.83

It was my first time trying out Indian cuisine at Darwar restaurant. I have always loved my food a little spicy and quite hot. I thought Darwar opens all day and hadn't quite looked at the opening times. It turns out that Darwar is one of those restaurants that open for about 2-3 hours during mealtimes, three times a day. Given that we had gotten lost a couple of times enroute to the location, we arrived quite late- just as they were about to close up after lunch. However, they were nice enough to still let us in. The restaurant overlooks Parklands area and you have an awesome view if you decide to sit by window. The menu has a vegetarian and non-vegetarian option. We ordered the non- vegetarian option which consisted of rice, chicken curry, bean stew and naan bread for two. The food comes with mild, medium and hot sauces as dip options. The curry was absolutely delicious and the naan was soft and buttery. The food was ravishing. They had however neglected to indicate to us which sauces were hot and we had to find out for ourselves via trial and error. The prices are friendly and the tables sit around 3-4 people each. This would be a great place for a family lunch or dinner and I would rate it as an Indian restaurant that is worth trying out! The service was amazing, given that they served us while the restaurant was closed and didn't hurry us at all. I loved the food and I will definitely go back.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Glorious views of the Indian Ocean at the Marina
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4.67

The restaurant at The Marina is one of the places you must dine at when you visit the Kenyan Coast. The restaurant is located in Nyali, a twenty-minute cab ride from Nyali town. Nyali town gets really busy around rush-hour with traffic so we took longer than expected to get there. The Marina has accommodation, a private beach, and a restaurant. However, only residents have access to the private beach. The restaurant is located at the beachfront at an altitude of about fifty metres and supported by pillars. You can walk right up to the edge of the restaurant and take it all in where there are a metal and glass boundary. This location is perfect for sundowners and having a drink or a meal while watching the sun setting over the beach.  The floors are wooden with comfortable seats and shades over them.  There are several restaurants to choose from but we wanted one outdoors with a clear view of the ocean. We took our time before we ordered since we were taking it all in.  It was around 6 pm so it was breezy - I would recommend one to carry a fleece or jacket. We ordered burgers for a party of 5 with a side of fries for all orders. The view and serenity that come with it would be enough to get me to come back to Marina again because the service was dismal, with our food arriving an hour later.  The burgers are not that great, considering we had to wait an hour for them. However, we were determined that we wouldn't let anything ruin our experience and we had our dinner to the calming noises of waves splashing in the ocean. The burgers cost around 11$ each. The restaurant is certainly child-friendly and family-friendly.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Felt anchored at this floating restaurant.

I seldom have the pleasure of dining in (on?) floating restaurants every day so my dinner at Mooring's Restaurant surpassed expectations. The sensation of buoyancy as you walk into it is thrilling and the restaurant itself is a sight for sore eyes. The restaurant is located in Mtwapa, Kenya. It is about 700 metres from the main highway and we arrived in our cabin about ten minutes. It is located right by the sea in a place with low altitude and where multiple ships dock. The staff informed me that they offer boat rides as well. The restaurant is a nice place to try out seafood but they also serve pizza and other fast food options. It was a Saturday afternoon and interestingly, this is also karaoke night at the restaurant.  After we had a quite satisfactory meal of pizzas and one Long Island later, my friends and I had the loveliest night singing to karaoke and having the best time.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Unsatisfied with the service but great pizza regardless!
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4.67

We decided to try Spring Valley Oven for Nairobi Pizza week. The restaurant is famous for its delicious and wide array of pizza options. Located in Kabete, it is around thirty minutes away from Nairobi CBD. I ordered my Uber at around 6 pm although I should warn you that the roads are quite busy around this time and you may encounter some traffic. It is adjacent to a Shell petrol station and has a parking lot. There is a florist who sells flowers right outside the restaurant, which I loved because I'm a sucker for a bouquet of tulips. They are one of the few restaurants that are pet friendly.  They have hooks for your leashes and I saw about two customers who had their dogs with them. If you feel a way about pets then you would certainly be taken aback. They have a dining area that permits smoking as well. The restaurant gets a little busy in the evening and is not quite as busy during the day. If you would like to dine in some silence I would suggest you dine here during the day. I chose an empty table - which was quite hard to find - and made my order. The staff at the restaurant, who was quite nice, seemed a little overwhelmed by the influx of customers and I had to order twice after waiting for so long. My order took around forty minutes to prepare. By this time, I was already tired and changed my order and took it to-go. I used the bathroom once and they were insufferable. The pizzas however were great--the crust was a little burnt but was overall delicious. I would go back again for the food on a slow day. I didn't get to enjoy the ambiance and fresh air of the Kiambu countryside. I would rate it a 6/10.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Ocean views while dining at Yul's

This was one of those gems that we discovered randomly and by accident. Albeit it being around 5 minutes drive from where we were staying on vacation, we had no idea of its existence. I guess this happens when you are your own tour guide relying of Google maps. It was around 5pm on a Saturday evening and we wanted to enjoy a nice cocktail with a view of the ocean when one of our friends who had been to Mtwapa before suggested Yul's restaurant. When we asked a local driver about its location, he told us that it was 5 minutes away at most without traffic and we requested him to take us there. This cost us 50ksh each and we arrived shortly after. The first thing you will see is an entry way to the restaurant right from the parking lot. We made our way in and could not believe that we had not been here before after spending almost two weeks just 5 minutes away. Yul's has a private beach and the view of the ocean is breathtakingly beautiful. Given that the sunset made it even more captivating. The restaurant has changing rooms if you would like to take a dip in the ocean. They also have an ice-cream deli with assorted options and I had an vanilla ice cream cone. Their policy however is that you have to purchase something if you want to access the beach and yes, they did ask for a receipt. We sat and ordered a round of cocktails - I had a mojito while enjoying the view and everything about it. They do have seafood options in the food menu at affordable prices. The cocktails were 9$ each. I enjoyed my cocktail very much and we all went to take a stroll at the beach thereafter. There are camel rides if you'd want one and people selling jewellery at the beach. I noted that there were no bathrooms close to the beach area and the only ones available were right next to the front entrance with the changing rooms which proved to be a tad tedious. We however enjoyed the overall experience. I would recommend this place for a sundowner or a place to have lunch or dinner with an amazing view.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Awesome Swahili food at a streetside café

During my two week vacation in Mombasa, I found out that most times I would just walk in to a random eatery and the food would be exceptional. I think this is my favorite thing about the coastal town. On this day, my friends and I went exploring Old Town Mombasa which is smack in the middle of town. We walked mostly or took the local transport, tuktuk, to wherever we needed to go. By about noon we were beat and needed an icy beverage and some steaming food. We strolled back into town and were looking for a favorable place that looked the most popular. This led us straight to Tarboush Café. Tarboush is write on the street, with some part of the dining area out on the street while some indoors.  If you choose to sit outdoors, there is a tent-like shelter and you have full view of the streets- which was amazing because coastal architecture and the people are so lovely. We were welcomed in the most gracious Swahili welcome and the sat us at a nice corner.  The aromas were already so tantalizing and I couldn't wait to order. The staff handed us menus promptly while making lovely conversation with us since it was highly obvious we were tourists. This gave me a homely feeling of your local cafe, where they know you by name and are super-friendly. I love the intimacy of local cafés. We ordered the biryani - which is coastal rice cooked just right with spices and meat which is poured right on top of the rice. We also ordered the ukwaju, which is tamarind juice that they make themselves and refrigerated so it's just right for the extremely humid weather. The waiter took our orders and no more than ten minutes later, our food arrived. I love chilli with everything so of course I sprinkled a little on my food just before I started eating. I am not exaggerating when I say that that was the best biryani I had ever had the pleasure of tasting. The rice was just right, cooked to perfection with traces of cloves and the meat stew gave it a nice texture that wasn't dry at all. The portions were quite generous and I didn't think I would even finish. The café is quite a family one with some kids and some businessmen who worked around the area coming in for lunch. The staff mostly converse in Swahili but they speak English as well. The only thing I regret was not trying the shawarma but oh goodness, I was quite full. The biryani and the juice cost us around 600/- per person which was certainly worth it.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
The view of the ocean healed me.

We had been planning to visit Forodhani restaurant during our vacation in Mombasa but we actually discovered it on accident during our exploration of Old Town, Mombasa. The path leading up to the restaurant is full of history and Swahili architecture and gorgeous Swahili doors. When you reach Forodhani there is a tunnel-like entry way into the restaurant. We had walked up to it however, if you are driving the parking space is on the side of the street. The view is quite breathtaking and we took it all in before we chose a place to sit. I would recommend this place from the view alone. I mean, how often do you get to dine while having a view of the Indian Ocean and beyond, Nyali town. I could not get enough pictures of the view. The staff were quite adequate and friendly and they helped us find a table in a quite packed restaurant since it was around lunch hour and the place is quite popular. My girlfriends and I were quite famished and I ordered the masala fries and they both had the biryani and tamarind juice. Tamarind juice is quite a staple is coast and you will find almost all restaurants have it on their menu. Despite being almost a full house, our food arrived quite promptly. The masala fries were quite spicy, which is just how I like all my food. The serving was adequate and I was stuffed after. My companions said their food was satisfactory as well, though not the best biryani they'd ever had. We had our juice while watching boats slowly move across the ocean and it was the most calming feeling. This restaurant is a place that you'd certainly want to visit everytime you're on vacation because it never gets old and the experience is always exhilarating. I would rate it a 8/10.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Awesome food with rooftop views overlooking Nairobi.

I will start by saying that the restaurant was not what I expected at all. Located at the rooftop of Executive residency's best western, the view is spectacular. It certainly surpassed by expectations and I was pleasantly surprised. When I got off the elevator, a waiter welcomed me and asked me if I would prefer to sit indoors or on the terrace. I obviously chose the terrace. The rooftop has an indoor pool and a spacious dining area. The terrace has swing chairs and I chose a corner of the terrace with a view on one of the chairs. I would recommend this place to have lunch when you want to treat yourself and take a breather and relax. The waiter handed me the menu and I decided on a burger and fries although I would recommend that one tries the chef's special. The food is presented well and is quite tasty. The burger had the softest buns and the beef patty was juicy and well done as per my request. The budget for one to dine here would be 20-30$. I would go back for the view and relaxing lunch at the rooftop overlooking Nairobi.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Weekend getaway in Nyeri.
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4.67

FK restaurant is located right off the Nairobi-Nyeri highway, a half-hour drive from Nyeri Town. It is the perfect weekend getaway if you want to get out of town for a while since it just an hour and a half drive from Nairobi. The resort has a pool, a camping site, gym, boards rooms for meetings and accommodation. When you drive in, you will find a 100-metre driveway leading up to the front of the restaurant. The resort has beautiful grounds for weddings as well which are to the right of the driveway. My parents and I had gone here to have a relaxed lunch on a Sunday afternoon and had not made a reservation and were pleased to find out that they did accept walk-ins. There is ample parking space in the lot. When you walk in, the first thing you might see is a board with the chef's specials written on it in the hotel lobby. We walked right passed the lobby into the entryway leading to the restaurant. The pool is located right in the middle of the restaurant dining area in everyone's sight. I don't know how I feel about everyone watching me semi-naked while they dine but the pool is lovely. We chose a dining area with a view of the entire restaurant. The dining area is outdoors with no roof and a floor that is grass-carpeted. The will have a view of the Nyeri countryside with tall eucalyptus trees and fresh air. The waiter assigned to us welcomed us to the restaurant and gave us our menus. We mentioned that we would like the chef's special which chicken while my mum had the beef. While we waited for the food, I went exploring to the campsite. There are steps going towards the camping site, which is at the lowest altitude and right next to the River Marua. The campsite is lush green with a few trees and the sound of the river is very relaxing. The resort provides camping gear to clients who would like to camp. They also provide barbecue services from their staff during camping. There are bathrooms right adjacent to the site as well, which is quite eco-friendly. I don't quite remember the exact charges for camping but they were very pocket-friendly. I made my way back to the dining area to have lunch and found that they had already brought it to the table. The food was great, with the chicken being the right texture, not too dry and an absolute delight. Afterwards we all had a beer and enjoyed each other's company in silence as we enjoyed the serenity of the place. Accommodation here goes for about 50$ a night and the bill was about 70$ total. There are certainly cheaper meal options but we wanted to celebrate a personal milestone in style. I love the resort and restaurant and I would rate it a 9/10.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Just another day at my favourite local coffee shop.

Java is the kind of coffee shop that is amazing for all kinds of meetings. That catch up meeting with your friend, that business prospect, a quick coffee date, a blind date... You get the gist. It has the perfect environment to catch up on some work as well and fill up on caffeine. It's the perfect mix of local coffee shop but still has a dash of bourgeoisie and is located in almost every Kenyan mall. Coffee lovers will definitely enjoy the place. It kind of reminds me of the coffee shop that Lorelai from Gilmore Girls went to everyday, with the same sense of familiarity and homeliness. The ambience is very congenial - with burgundy walls and paintings for the interior decor. You can choose to sit indoors or outdoors depending on your preference. It is summertime in Nairobi and of course I opted to sit outdoors while working on some assignments. When I go to Java, I almost always have their giant samosas which go for 1$ or 1.5$. The samosa and a great cup of tea will be enough to soothe any bad day. It's also the perfect thing to order when you're just a tad hungry but not enough to order a meal. They have an awesome breakfast menu too. I have been hangover countless times in the morning and have had an amazing Java breakfast to kick-start my day. The staff are always friendly and knowledgeable. If you do choose to visit here I would recommend you to try their latte and chocolate cake if you're going for something sugary and their samosas if you're going for something savoury. I would rate it a 8/10.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Lovely birthday dinner with great food and their signature caramel cake.

I would like to begin by saying that the staff at Art Café are absolute gems! They are so friendly and respond to customer requests so efficiently and promptly. It was my friend's birthday and we decided to have dinner there mostly because we wanted to try out their famous caramel cake and partly because the dinner date was so last minute. We decided on the Garden City branch on Thika Road, about a half hour's drive from Nairobi CBD. The glass door entryway leads to ample sitting space, the reception, kitchen and bakery. From the ground floor, you have a view of Garden City Gardens since the sitting places are on the edge of the mall perimeter. The restaurant has a designated smoking area out on the terrace. As I took off my coat and sat down, a waiter handed me two menus to select from - a drinks menu and a food menu. The food menu was very versatile and pocket friendly with lots of options.  The alcoholic drinks were a bit on the pricier side. While I waited for my date to arrive, I pondered over my choices. She arrived a few moments later and I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs which a spicy mojito and she had mashed potatoes and chicken with a long island. Their cocktails go for half price during happy hour which is from 4pm to 7pm so I had just missed it. The waiter took our orders and menus and left. Our food arrived in about twenty minutes. The plating was appealing and I was famished so it certainly whetted my appetite. The meatballs were cooked to perfection and the spaghetti were just right. My date did comment that her chicken was a little dry but otherwise, the meal was scrumptious.  The bathrooms are located on the ground floor to the right of the stairs which might me cumbersome if you are dining on the first floor. There is always contant music playing at the restaurant as well. For dessert, we had the caramel cake with the words "Happy birthday!" written on the plate on chocolate frosting.  I did not enjoy the spicy mojito very much quite frankly. In total, the bill came to 45$ for both my date and I. I would definitely visit the place again for a dinner date. I would rate it a 8/10.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Weekend family lunch over great pizza
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3.83

Located on the first floor of Garden City Mall just off Thika Road, Big square is the perfect kind of restaurant that would be perfect for a family weekend lunch or casual lunch with friends. The space is airy, with a nice outdoor eating space with a view of the childrens' recreation area on the mall grounds and a view of the adjacent Thika Road. Although it is adjacent to a few other fast food places, I personally do not think Big Square falls into this category with its interior decor and vast menu. Big Square is normally known for its pizzas and they have amazing pizza offers for  groups or duos.  The staff are prompt, efficient and friendly and the service is efficient. The only downside is the aspect of (some) lack of privacy. Given it is located in the mall, the dining area is right next to the mall corridors. If you are the type of person who enjoys discretion while dining and few distractions, this place would certainly not be a good fit. The place is also quite noisy on a weekend so it would not be a suitable place to get some work done. The menu is not exactly vegetarian-friendly with few options to choose from. They have an alcoholic drinks menu with happy hour for cocktails. The pizzas arrive on round wooden plate-pans. My date and I ordered two large pizzas that go for a total of 15$ with mango juice for 2.5$. I had the boerwors option while they had the chicken periperi. The crust has the perfect thickness, on the thinner side and the toppings were an absolute delight. The mango juice was chilled which was perfect for a hot Saturday afternoon in Nairobi. Our bill came to about 20$ total with a tip. I would rate it 6/10.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Great ambience and perfect modern coffee shop.

Coffee Casa is a coffee shop cum restaurant located on the Mezanine floor of Doctor's Park, Parklands. The building is right off the road, neighboring Aga Khan Hospital. The elevator opens up directly into the cozy restaurant. You will immediately notice the interior decor and high ceilings. There is a display stand of fabric and pillows right at the entrance that they sell at 1000/- each. The space is laid back with a modern contemporary cafè look. The reception is located behind a counter that has a display of treats like samosas, meatpies and an array of sweet treats. You can opt to sit indoors or outdoors but it does get chilli at night. The tables are cafeteria style - with wooden tables and long benches. They however add a twist to it by adding pillows for a cozy aesthetic. We arrived to the location a party of five. Within a few minutes of settling down, a waiter approached our table and handed us a menu and I settled for a chicken burger and an accompaniment of fries. The burgers were medium-sized , juicy and freshly grilled. The chicken was a little dry but the fries were really good - with paprika sprinkled on them. We also ordered a round of cocktails while I had a mocktail. The reception we received was impeccable as our attendant was available for us at every beck and call. It's a good space for a hangout with friends and/or personal time. They dining area accommodates large groups. The menu is quite favorable and with a budget of 7$-15$, you will have some nice options to choose from. The bathrooms are clean and are located next to the entrance. Overall, we had a great night, took lovely pictures and thoroughly enjoyed the food drinks. I would rate the place a 8/10 and highly recommend.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Delicious burgers on a budget!

If you like an assortment of cheezy, juicy burgers with thick patties grilled to perfection according to your preferences then Urban Gourmet is the place to be! Urban Gourmet Village Market is located one corner of the mall, away from busy shoppers. The restaurant had interior decor based on the colours of the restaurant - black and yellow. They are usually open from 9am to around 10pm. I went to Urban Gourmet on a Friday evening after an entire afternoon of shopping in the mall. The mall itself is quite large and has a lot of parking space on the grounds and in the basement. Urban Gourmet would not be the best restaurant to visit at the mall if you want a good view since it has the disadvantage of being at an unremarkable corner. When I arrived, a waitress promptly handed me the menu and I quickly chose the Texas Burger which I had been craving all week and a side of onion rings. The Texas Burger basically comprises of a beef patty, a fried egg, cheese, bacon strips, lettuce and tomatoes in between the softest buns. I know the sound of that rings the calorie bells in your mind but the delight it causes to your taste buds is certainly worth it. The burger, as usual, did not disappoint and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff are efficient and welcoming and this would certainly be the place to be if you're looking to have a quiet meal. My bill came to a total of 9$ but they do have a 2for1 offer on Mondays where you get two burgers and a side of either onion rings or fries.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Fine dining in lush green Karen.

Talisman is the kind of place you want to go for a fancy date with your lover. Say that birthday dinner, anniversary dinner or no occasion - just romance! Located away from the hustle of the city in lush green, quiet Karen, it is the perfect hidden gem. We did not have a reservation for dinner and were lucky to find a table. I would recommend you to make a reservation, just in case because the restaurant is quite popular. The decor has warm tones and a couple of fireplaces and fire lanterns for light and warmth. The main dining area is semi-private and outdoors but under a shelter. You can opt to sit indoors if that's a preference. The concrete floor is interrupted by plants at the edge and the breathe of fresh air while dining is serene. They offer you a blanket when it gets chilly in the evening. I was in the company of two of my girlfriends and we had a three course meal each. I do not exactly remember the names of the meals but I had the fish fillet as the main course and the flavors were amazing. Each course goes for about 12$-20$ each, certainly on the higher end. The plating is amazing and the portions are filling. We spent about 40$ per person. I had a slice of carrot cake for dessert, which was plated with a side of ice cream. This was absolutely delicious. I vowed to certainly go back to Talisman for a romantic night filled with great food.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
An awakening of my taste buds

I arrived at Urban Eatery on a sunny Sunday mid-morning to meet my friend for brunch. During that week they had a wonderful brunch package in partnership with White Cap which is a Kenyan beer. I had been having the worst week and I was looking forward to the food and catch-up. Urban Eatery is located in Westlands area, Nairobi right beside the highway. The have a short driveway exit from the main highway where you will find ample packing space. It was a Sunday and it is a popular family spot so there were a few people enjoying their food as well. When you get past the security check into the restaurant, your first sight will be the bar. It's quite remarkable and a nice place to sit, if you're into that sort of thing. Drinking at the bar, that is.  There is a lot of sitting space on either side of the bar with a lovely outdoor area on the terrace. My eating companion had already sat indoors so I joined her at our table. The staff are quite friendly and resourceful. They knew about the menu and specials in depth. Short after handing over the menu to us, we decided on the steak. She had the 21-day marinated beef steak grilled with beer, medium rare with a side of mashed potatoes and a salad while I had the marinated lamb and roasted cucumber with a side of mashed potatoes and baby spinach. Another friend joined us a few minutes later and he ordered roasted chicken with a side of fries and corn. All the meals came with a complementary White Cap beer. The food frankly surpassed my expectations, with the meat being exceptional. The mashed potatoes had been mashed to perfection with traces of butter which blended nicely with the juicy steak. I still daydream about their steak to this day and I would 10/10 recommend it. I am not quite the biggest fan of beer so I barely had it but it completed the meal perfectly. The chef outdid himself. Urban Eatery also has  wide array of vegetarian options and an awesome kids' menu. There are tables that can seat as many as fifteen if you are a large group. The bathrooms at the restaurant are clean and well stocked and easily spottable. I would give this location a 9/10 for family brunch dates, friend dates and Sunday lunches.

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Angel Ngugi 85 Reviews
Lovely experience with great food.
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4.67

My partner and I had been planning to try Chinese food in Nairobi for the longest time and as we millennials often do, had looked up the menu at Mister Wok Restaurant, Parklands online and were quite impressed. See the things that I love most about Chinese food are their servings and the use of soy sauce in almost every cuisine. If you love those then this is a place you should definitely try out. We arrived at Mister Wok on a Friday at about 9 pm which is usually our date night. The drive leading up to the restaurant is quite secluded and lonely that we thought we were lost for a second. The property is quite private and gives the impression of exclusivity. The guard at the gate was quite friendly and let us into the lot with ample parking space. The lot leads write to the front entrance where the indoor sitting space is located. It looked quite cozy indoors however we wanted somewhere more private where we could talk. We expressed our wishes to the maître d who then led us to the terrace by the pool where he sat us in a private dining area that looks like a gazebo. This was lovely however I would recommend you to carry a coat since it was quite chilly at night. The gazebo can seat as many as eight guests. There was adequate lighting which was semi-dim and quite romantic, I might add. Shortly, two menus were handed to us and he left us for a few minutes as we pondered on our options. The menu has a wide variety of options that are vegetarian-friendly. The drinks menu is not quite as vast and we only had five or six options to choose from. We both agreed that the mango juice appeared to be the most appealing. We then ordered the Schezuan sizzling beef, Beef fried rice, and Shezuan spicy noodles. I love the taste of chili with everything so I always order the spicy version of all my cuisines. Immediately we were ready to order, a waiter who was patiently waiting not too far away came over and took our order and menus. This is important because we were the only guests who had sat outside and it was very easy to forget about us. We waited for about 15 minutes and another waiter came to set the table and brought three sauces as dips. These were sweet, mild, and hot chili. They also give a complimentary salad composed of carrots sticks and cucumber soaked in vinegar that tasted really nice for bites as we waited. The noodles and the rice came five minutes later in two separate large bowls. They set the table and provide smaller bowls to serve onto. The Shezuan sizzling beef serving came last in an iron wok still sizzling and smelling absolutely delicious. I was famished and I could not wait to start eating. The servings are generous and the food was more than enough to serve two. They mentioned to us that they make their own noodles and they were amazing. The noodles are thick and are fried in a splendid mix of soy sauce, chili, and salt that just taste divine. I ate them with a fork however they do provide metal chopsticks if you have that as a preference. The beef fried rice was a little dry but I poured some of the sauces on it and a little of the sizzling beef for a little razzle-dazzle that pleased my taste buds. My partner loved all of the choices we had and this is definitely a place I would consider as an option again for a romantic date night with great food. The bill was about 25$ and we tipped 5$ to our amazing waiter. When we left they gave us complimentary mint sweets. As usual, when I go to a restaurant, I almost always use the bathroom at least once and I was dismayed. The bathrooms by the pool looked poorly maintained while the ones at the entrance had only two stalls so I had to wait a few minutes. However, this did not take away from our experience and would not significantly affect my total rating of the restaurant.

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