What a pleasant surprise at Hilton poolside restaurant

Located along the busy Mama Ngina Street in the heart of the CBD, Hilton Nairobi is famously known for its captivating 17-storey architecture, which has become more than a landmark of the city.

Behind its antique walls, lies great history and culture dating back to the post-colonial ages. Built in 1969, the hotel now boasts of four restaurants and one impressive pub, all competing with the myriads of five-star hotels popping up in Nairobi in recent years.

One such attraction is the Pool Restaurant at the roof top of the building, with a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline. With a maximum capacity of around 60 people, the area is ideal for that intimate and relaxing weekend or just a small vacation to escape from it all.

It is open on all seven days of the week from late morning till early evening. The restaurant has a mini bar where one can enjoy drinks as they soak up the sun.

The ambiance suits the outdoors, with its wooden chairs and grass-thatched parasols providing protection from the unpredictable and sometimes extreme weather conditions we are now used to in Nairobi.

Maasai shawl

It gets a little chillier than one might like during the cold season. However, to counteract this, is a waiter on standby to offer you a Maasai shawl which will keep you warm.

The menu, which is changed twice a year, is what you would expect of any ‘by the pool side’ food, but with a twist.

I was surprised to find the selection was more organic-oriented, with special mixes of freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices.

They also have a wide array of delectable sandwiches to choose from like their steak sandwiches, the grilled vegetable parini and their signature which is the club sandwich. I sampled the latter and all I can say is you have to taste it to believe it.

Prepared by the restaurant’s French chef Yvonnick, his creation is enough to have you going back for some more. The serving is quite generous and worth the experience.

Burgers are served hot, with some savoury cheese, and there is more meat than bread making it as enjoyable as it can get. Other selections in the menu like the grilled snapper and papaya salad are definitely worth sampling.

The Pool restaurant also has a Kenyan BBQ night, where specialties like Nyama Choma or meats marinated in local spices are served.