Address: Haile Selassie Ave / National Bank Bldg
Phone:  251811


Traveler Reviews

A classic perfection with some old fashioned scents
Reviewed by StephanKahl on Jan 9, 2011


Yesterday we finally made it to the prestigious Tamarind Restaurant hidden in the middle of the political district of nairobi. The restaurant reminds of the great European three star kitchens in the nineties. Comfortable sofas and chairs around perfectly clean tables. The waiters are living the school of the french »grande cuisine« by heart. The place is well established, so some very minor signs of wear show but can be gratefully ignored without the slightest irritation. An intimate place for everybody who likes to move on the slippery parquet of the ceremony of celebrating nice food. Being dressed in T-Shirt or shorts might be allowed -- but believe me you will feel much more comfortable dressed-up in a nice shirt or an evening dress. The life piano music was adding nicely to the ambience. For the two of us it was just a bottle of Champagne and a selection sea food: Salmon and sashimi of tuna as starters baked fish fillet and grilled lobster for the main course. The food was prepared perfect and on the point. Yet the kitchen lacks the inspiration and creativity of the modern 21st century kitchen. But you don't come here to be surprised by some new food gimmicks but to get the best quality in sea food available. Yes, there are some dishes without fish or crustaceans -- but that's like going to the cinema and leaving after the advertisements. The desserts are prepared to perfection as well and round up the image of an evening that was -- well perfect. Resuming the evening I would describe the Tamarind as a place for Kings and Presidents, gourmets and lovers of excellent sea food. It is not recommended for show-offs or fast-food-lovers. A cathedral of the classic grande cuisine in the middle of East-Africa.

Brilliant Ostrich
Reviewed by Cindy25171 on Dec 29, 2010


We went here with client, the food was great and the service decent. Teh ostrich steak is one unique experience! Very good and tasty. Teh seafood is also good and the service was fine. It was actually a slow night so the waiters ahd enough time to run around us and all in all it was a good night. Prices are very fair under 80 Euros for 3 with drinks. This restaurant is a very good option if you wnat to be sure.

The best eating place in the world
Reviewed by HelenaRame on Dec 27, 2010


I just read all the reviews and can't stop laughing. "Apricot colour table clothes and central district location"... People! The food served at that restaurant in second to none not only in Nairobi, but anywhere in the world! Please tell me where did anyone taste better cooked oysters in coconut (Mambrui) or Flambeered lobster! We travelled all over this planet and haven't found better place yet. Leave alone nonsenses a-la "stuck in 80s". If you want most gorgeous seafood in your life (though it does not come cheap!), go for it! We have been eating in Tamarind Nairobi or now 15 years and take hats down, still, for the Excellency of It! With old chef or without!

Exceptional Service combined with good quality food
Reviewed by jimmy_r_coleman on Nov 29, 2010


We visited Tamarind on a Tuesday evening, and even though the restaurant wasn't full there was a pleasant atmosphere about the place (aided by the piano player in the centre) The food was of a high standard. Me and my wife mainly stuck to the seafood which was highly recommended by the waiters, however I did try the Quail Mount Kenya style which was also very good. However I would say the main selling point of this restaurant is the friendly staff (our waiter took our names at the start, which then made the whole service a little bit more personal and then presented us with a complimentary dessert at the end of our meal with our names written in chocolate) Overall, great evening and would recommend for anyone staying in Nairobi

Wonderful Experience!.
Reviewed by amarcorose on Nov 15, 2010


We enjoyed this restaurant so much. There were five of us, lovely atmosphere and the service could not have been better!. I can see why it is considered a five star restaurant by the Nairobi locals. It seemed it was mostly "visitors" the night we were there.. I am using the word visitors instead of tourists, since it looked like out of towners were being entertained by locals, or business people as well as "tourists" We were treated graciously and the food was outstanding. I have never seen prawns as large as ones served ! We had the waiter select what he felt was the freshest and the restaurant was best known for serving....he did a wonderful job. Seeing some of the other reviews make me wonder if they are comparing this restaurant to a Michelin starred restaurants. This was not a San Francisco, New York or Paris experience....it was a fantastic experience in Nairobi before a Safari. (although we were dressed very casually, this was totally a "dress-up" place, yet we were treated as if we were wearing formal attire.!!