Artcaffé Restaurant Rhapta Road Westlands — Restaurant in Nairobi

I’ve held back from writing this for months. I wanted to be sure. I’ve been to this place multiple times since last year, and every time I go alone, I leave feeling invisible. It’s like no one gives a damn that a customer is sitting there.

But whenever I walk in with my white boyfriend, the experience changes completely. We get served almost immediately. Within two to five minutes of sitting, someone’s there with menus, checking in regularly, treating us like we matter. That contrast is hard to ignore and I’ve observed it repeatedly.

But when I go alone, as a young, dark skinned, Kenyan woman, it’s a different story. I get ignored. Completely. I sit, I wait, and nothing happens. No menus. No eye contact. No service. I’ve tested this over and over. This wasn’t once. This was five different times.

Today, I’d had enough. Despite it being a slow day due to the protests, (it’s June 25th & Kenya is still fighting for its freedom again) I walked in and sat down as usual. The place was quiet. Staff were chatting. They saw me walk in and of course I waited for someone to come take my order but again, no one came. Not even a glance.

Eventually, I stood up and left like I always do and no one bothers to ask if you’ve been served etc!

Let’s be honest, if you’re not light-skinned, if you’re not with a white person, especially as a young dark skinned woman, this place might not treat you with basic respect. It feels like they size you up the moment you walk in, decide whether you belong, and act accordingly. And if you’re a young, dark skinned woman, you have to work twice as hard just to be seen.

This is Kenya. We’re in Africa. Most of us are black. The staff are Kenyan too. Yet somehow, whiteness still gets prioritized. That’s unacceptable. And on a day like June 25th, when people are literally out protesting for dignity and justice, this kind of behavior hits even harder.

Shame on you, Artcaffé. Shame on your management. Shame on your staff who look at fellow Kenyans and decide we’re not worthy of service. We’re not in colonial times anymore. Start acting like it.

To my fellow young, dark skinned women: be warned. If you walk in there, don’t be surprised if you’re ignored unless you come with someone white. That’s...

Friendly & professional staff! Excellent service compared to experiences I’ve had elsewhere! Ambience is better than any other! Try their rooftop for the sun, breeze, views, or just a nice environ, and when it gets cold, they have their soup & bread in-season offer to warm you up—roasted bell pepper and cheesy bread is my favorite! Their Americano? Not the strongest if you’re a strong coffee lover, but the other coffee types are great. And they have a market downstairs with just about any grocery. Way Pricier than our usual Kenyan markets/standards, but they prioritize quality and healthy, natural, organic foodstuff and that’s what matters—their fresh spinach & skuma wiki (kale) tastes like no other when cooked. And I just found somewhere for organic homemade oat bread!!! Homemade/Organic everything: eggs, yogo, sauces, nut butters and chilies…they’re a healthy eating enthusiast’s paradise! Oh and their all-day playlist!!! Don’t get me started!!

Additional April 2025: So good I had to keep coming and also review again😅 the staff make the place what it is! As a repeat customer, You become like family but they’ll never display the ‘familiarity breeds contempt’ attitude, they always…always maintain professionalism; makes it easy for a guest to keep coming back; that’s topnotch in the service industry. And they’re also friendly and very bubbly. Their ever-changing little things like the decor, plants (which are even more and better than before on the rooftop) etc, makes it never-boring and a great place for me to keep going. Playlist is great, chilled, you hear it but it’s not noisy—kind of like it blends in the background and entertains you without shouting at you for attention or distraction—you can enjoy it if hanging out for fun or if you’re there for work or a meeting; it somehow just fits evrything. Suggestion: In addition to the healthy/organic stuff on the menu to meet present-day customer needs, it’d be a game-changer if you introduced an option of free-range eggs to the menu, I wouldn’t mind paying much more for it; as I’m sure other clean eaters like me would agree. Overall; awesome heavenly...

This Artcaffe is a fantastic spot, offering a welcoming ambiance that’s perfect for a range of occasions. The two-floor setup provides ample seating and great views, making it an ideal place to work from, catch up with friends, or enjoy a relaxed family outing. The interior is modern yet cozy, creating an inviting environment where you can feel right at home, whether you’re diving into a project or savoring a leisurely meal.

The drink menu is a standout, especially the signature “Dawa,” which is a must-try. This refreshing cocktail is a local favorite, blending honey, lime, and vodka for a balanced drink that’s both invigorating and soothing. Artcaffe’s coffee offerings are equally impressive, making it a top choice for caffeine enthusiasts. Also happy hour closes by 7pm

On the food side, Artcaffe doesn’t disappoint. Their menu is diverse, featuring options that cater to various tastes, from hearty breakfasts to satisfying mains and indulgent desserts. Fresh ingredients and flavorful recipes are evident in each dish, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Overall, Artcaffe Rhapta Road hits the mark for both convenience and quality, with attentive service adding to the experience. Whether you’re looking to be productive or simply unwind, it’s a go-to spot with just the right balance of ambiance, delicious food, and...