Chez Sonia

I know curiosity killed the cat! but I like the idea of being curious and wanting to know more about the places I visit. My husband and I got to try Chez Sonia one Friday and I must say I was impressed! Hubby likes calm, serene places where we can have a sober conversation without being interrupted by background music, Chez Sonia exceeded our expectations. It’s quite a long way down Peponi Road: it’s number 68, on the left and just before the right turn to New Muthaiga. From the carpark you climb some steps to a white and rambling house that would have been built, I think, in the 1950s. It has lots of rooms: a dining room, smaller ones for private dining or meetings, and a room for exhibitions. All are interestingly furnished and hung with paintings. I found out that Chez Soni means (at the house of Sonia in French). Chez Sonia is a quaint house with a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Thick greenery and tall trees surround the tables of white garden furniture. Jazz music plays in the background. French novels, contemporary art, wine bottles, and boutique shops occupy the inner rooms. The clientele is a mixture of locals and resident expatriates. South African and Chilean wines dominate the Kenyan market but here at Chez Sonia, they have branded themselves to exclusively sell European wines, mainly from France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. The best part of chez Sonia is you get to combine fine dining with a cinema experience or live music or jazz on the green. The vibe was great and the service was very attentive.. The sun was now and again shining through the clouds, so we chose to sit in the also rambling garden; a very bushy garden, with some striking moonflower shrubs. The scattered tables were suitably distressed; all the white plastic chairs were a cross between art nouveau and the local bent wood Nubian ones. I was actually surprised to find out that the food here is very affordable compared to different places we have been. we got to try two dishes on their menu, which entailed a lot of cheese. So if you’re a fan of cheese, this would absolutely be lovely for you. This was the Combined platter containing 3cheese of your choice (pecorino romano, provolone, taleggio, Emmental) & 3 charcuterie which are like ready-to-eat meat products eg ham gustoso, same Napoli, mortadella, saucisse séche) and Zanzibari fish curry with coconut rice. At Chez Sonia not only do you get a great ambiance but you will also get good quality wine at reasonable rates… I highly recommend Chez Sonia to couples who love to dine in chilled and comfortable places.

Do you know of a place in Nairobi where you get to kick back, listen to birds while you enjoy your drink? If not, let me tell you about Chez Sonia. It’s a tranquil bar located along the suburban Peponi Road some 20 minutes from Nairobi CBD and taking a cab costs you about kes 600. The first time my partner showed me their Instagram, I was somewhat reluctant because it looked too chic. Upon visiting, I know that it will be among my favorite spots to unwind. It’s a great bar whose premises was a home now converted to a bar. The lush garden and lawn with lots of trees, the rustic feel of the decor, and the chilled music are things you didn’t know you need in your life till you experience it. I also think it’s an ideal spot to propose. I had a wonderful time and going back.

Chez Sonia located in the lush, fresh-aired and tranquil Peponi Road is an interestingly furnished and cute spot that was converted from a private home into a lovely wine bar . It’s a charming, tranquil and cozy spot to sit, relax, fine dine and sip on some of the best delicious wines that only Chez Sonia prides themselves in. The space is a combination of indoor seating and outdoor garden sitting. The inside seating is made up of open space and private rooms. Each room is uniquely named and uniquely furnished, I however didn’t get the chance to get inside so I’ll shade light on the outdoor seating. The garden seating area has cute furniture, on the tables are fresh flowers, artsy coasters and miniature table dolls, appealing 2.endo ‘aura of the self ‘pillow on the seats and impeccable art work hanging on the green, leafy trees. The tables are nicely spaced out which allows for intimate privacy .I loved being hit by the sun, listening to the birds chirp as I sipped slowly at my cold glass of Pinot. FOOD: – (The Food Menu ranges from Kshs.500 – Kshs. 3500) I had the; 1. Parrot Fish Meuniere (lemon &butter sauce served with potatoes wedges.) (Kshs. 1500/=), the parrot fish is a unique flavor, similar to the other fish but a little bit more meaty. The marinade and butter sauce sip through easily to enhance the flavor. The wedges were thick, crispy on the outside and warm and soft in the inside. 2. Artisanal Dumplings in Lamb and Bok choi (5 pieces) (Kshs.750/=), the lamb filing was rich and juicy and that dip in soy sauce stole the show. These dumplings were too delicious but felt so tiny. WINE: – (The wine selection per glass ranges from Kshs.500- Kshs. 1800) 1. Cave de Tain – Premieres Notes Syrah –AOC (Kshs.600 per glass). Freshness in a glass, this dry wine is delicious with berry fruity undertones. It paired perfectly with the baked fresh parrotfish. 2. Inycon-Pinot Grigio (Kshs. 600 per glass). This is a Southern Italy White Dry wine that has citrus notes, it went so well with the dumplings. Chez Sonia is a great spot to unwind after work or a cozy hangout with your loved ones over wine.