Tl;Dr (Too long; Didn't Read): Great atmosphere, delicious food, courteous and professional staff.
Full Review:
OMG I found an absolute Gem in Addis Ababa!
Kesel Steakhouse was just what the Doctor ordered when I was in search for something familiar but not exactly; if you know what I mean.
The saga began when my fiance and I arrived at another restaurant she found on Social media only to find it empty and the kitchen staff just lounging in the exposed kitchen. I immediately knew dining there was sure to be yet another disappointment and I said "absolutely not, we're leaving!😤" So we walked out and I went to consult with the "oracle" (Google 😅) to find something that would hopefully be less disappointing. The restaurant I chose was about a ten minute walk from where we were so we went for it. Upon arrival though, we discovered the restaurant was not open that evening 😮💨. The next closets option was Kesel Steakhouse which was about another ten minute walk however, she was wearing heels 👠... Need I say more? We got a taxi and three of tried to find this seemingly unknown treasure.
After finally finding the place on a hidden side street off the main road, the atmosphere was very comfortable and welcoming all while maintaining a certain level of class and sophistication; so far, so good. Admittedly, I was in full American-@sshole mode due to me being extremely hangry and tired of disappoint in terms of dining experiences (food and hospitality specifically). So I was visibly distrustful of the experience to come. The waiter and the staff handled me like champs! They remained courteous and professional and assured me there was nothing to worry about. I feel embarrassed about my initial behavior honestly as I soon discovered it was completely unnecessary.
I was looking for a good steak so the fact that the menu was a little limited didn't bother me; they had the essentials: T-bone (imported), Sirloin (imported), and some local meat options; along with some really good chicken, fish (white or Salmon), and Veggie options. I opted for the Sirloin cooked medium with arugula salad and french fries for the sides. My lady chose the wings with the waiter's suggestion of mac and cheese and mash potatoes for her sides (mainly so we both could taste a bit of everything). We also order the cauliflower soup for a starter.
The food came in a timely manner and the presentation was beautiful 😍. The portion sizes were perfect; the steak tasted amazing; I was dancing in my seat y'all! I was so overjoyed because I really love a good steak and it turns out that's hard to come by in Addis Ababa.
Everything was on-point... except the wings we each took one bite and decided to send it back 😔. However, when we expressed our dissatisfaction, the waiter was very kind about it and Chef Yosef also came to speak with us about the problem personally. I know it's sometimes risky sending fd back but I'm actually glad we did. Chef Yosef helped us choose a fantastic alternative for my indecisive finance 🫣. It was an amazing chicken dish that came with what the chef described as "marry me" sauce. I must say that if she hadn't already said yes, she definitely would have after that!
While talking with the Chef, we discovered that the restaurant was actually brand spanking new; hasn't even had there official Grand Opening as yet. After hearing that, I felt compelled to write this review and help promote this gem 💎. My finance and I will definitely be returning and I encourage you to give them a...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Kesel Steakhouse, and I must say, it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The highlight of my meal was the medium-rare steak, which was cooked to absolute perfection. The meat was incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor – exactly how a steak should be.
The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy yet sophisticated, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed evening out. The staff were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, ensuring that every aspect of our meal was flawless.
If you're a steak lover like me, I highly recommend Kesel Steakhouse. Their dedication to quality and attention to detail truly sets them apart. Without a doubt, this is a 5-star dining experience that I can't wait to...
Read moreI will start with the interior design of this restaurant - it is nice and modern. The toilet is, however, about 80% as good as the rest of the restaurant, but this may be me being picky.
Service was good. We got served some focaccia bread and chilly sauce first. The focaccia would have been better served toasted, I reckon, but was otherwise fine. We then got some pasta-based dish and a T-bone steak (labelled imported from South Africa). Must say that the steak was a bit thinner than I would like; I prefer a steak thicker than an inch and a half. The pasta was excellent. We had some ice cream for dessert - it was less creamy and more watery than I would like.
That is it -...
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