LUCCA — Restaurant in Nairobi

FYI - Lucca is a city on the Serchio river in Italy’s Tuscany region. It’s known for the well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center and its cobblestone streets. A bold move to name a restaurant in Kenya but oh did they deliver!

During our recent trip to Nairobi, my husband and I had the pleasure of dining at Lucca, and it far exceeded our expectations. Nestled in a serene setting that blends the charm of Tuscany with the natural beauty of Kenya, Lucica offers a truly transportive experience — one that left us both enchanted and already planning a return.

From the moment we arrived, we were taken by the ambiance. Whether dining indoors or al fresco, the atmosphere is effortlessly romantic, with meticulous attention to detail in both design and presentation. The setting evokes a sense of being tucked away in a quaint Italian town, yet perfectly harmonized with the surrounding safari landscape and local climate.

The service by Mercy Mutheu was exceptional — warm, eloquent, and impeccably trained. She demonstrated a deep knowledge of both the wine and food menus, guiding us with thoughtful recommendations that enhanced our entire meal. It was the kind of attentive yet unobtrusive service one might expect from a Michelin-starred establishment (we mentioned our stay at Hotel Negresco and restaurant Le Chantecler).

The cuisine itself was both refined and satisfying. Each dish was beautifully plated and skillfully prepared, balancing authentic Italian flavors with creative flair. Each course had the correct flatware (I am old school). From appetizers to dessert, every course felt carefully curated to elevate the dining experience. Flatware was removed promptly and glasses were refilled without notice.

If there was one regret, it’s that we didn’t book our stay at the Villa Rosa Kempinski, where Lucca is located. The restaurant alone convinced us that next time, we’ll make it our base for a more immersive experience.

Lucca is more than a restaurant — it’s a romantic escape, a sensory journey, and a perfect evening wrapped into one. Highly recommended for couples, special occasions, or anyone looking to indulge in world-class dining with an...

Ah, Lucca the restaurant where mediocrity dines with disappointment.Let me regale you with a tale of culinary tragedy.

If you've ever dreamt of dining in a place where flavor goes to die a slow, painful death, Lucca is your ticket to gastronomic purgatory. It's as if the chef has taken a solemn oath to banish taste buds to oblivion. Each dish arrives at your table with all the excitement of a deflated balloon, leaving you questioning your life choices and wondering if you accidentally stumbled into a culinary wasteland.

Now, let's talk ambiance. Picture this: You're nestled in the bosom of the illustrious Kempinski Hotel, gazing out of your window at a view so underwhelming, it makes you question the very fabric of reality. Luca mirrors this experience perfectly. It's as if they've taken a page out of the hotel's playbook and decided that "meh" is the new black.

But fear not, dear diner, for amidst this sea of culinary despair, there shines a beacon of hope: the servers. Bless their souls, they navigate the treacherous waters of Luca's menu with a smile so bright, it almost distracts you from the impending disappointment. Almost.

In conclusion, Lucca is the kind of place you visit when you've exhausted all other options and have resigned yourself to the fact that you'll be eating regret for dinner. So, if you're someone who loves themselves and appreciates quality, do yourself a favor and steer clear. Your taste buds will thank you, and you'll spare yourself the view from the Kempinski rooms—underwhelming, sometimes sad, and a perfect metaphor for the...

The ambience is very nice even at night but that’s all I can say about this place.

It was actually my birthday last week and we decided last minute to go out and enjoy a nice dinner. Upon reaching to Lucca, we noticed that the place was busy but we decided to inquire the manager if there was a table available for 4 pax. The manager literally said “we are fully booked so go and eat somewhere else” in a extreme rude tone as if we had insulted him.

After following his advise, we actually discovered a new restaurant that will be now our favorite hangout (La Dolce Vita in Muthaiga). At least there the manager is very welcoming even if it was half an hour before they closed and the place was busy, they managed to make room for us something that Lucca just kicked us out...