Samaki Samaki Seafood and Jazz — Restaurant in Nairobi

On the evening of Tuesday, 30th July, my family and I dined at the esteemed establishment of Samaki Samaki restaurant. Upon our entrance, we were graciously received by the host and promptly seated. The ambiance exuded a pleasant aura, complemented by the amiable demeanor of the staff. Our evening commenced with a selection that included 4 seafood platters, 1 well-done Beef Fillet, a T-bone steak cooked to medium-well perfection, a Margarita pizza, and an assortment of sides comprising Chips, corn, Parmesan Potatoes, and sautéed veggies. Our beverage choices were 3 fruit punches, water, apple juice, orange juice, and a refreshing Coke.

Regrettably, our experience was marred by a prolonged wait of 45 minutes for our meals, leading to restlessness among the kids due to the chilly evening. The Margarita Pizza, though visually appealing, failed to meet expectations in taste. The undercooked pizza base and tasteless sauce detracted from the overall enjoyment, with the saving grace being the quality of the cheese. Subsequently, the fruit punches were marred by an unpleasant fishy aftertaste, diminishing their appeal. The fruits were clearly contaminated.

As the main courses arrived, our anticipation for a culinary redemption was met with disappointment. The seafood platter and steaks, marred by inconsistent cooking. While some elements of the platter suffered from undercooking, such as the prawns, others like the octopus were unfortunately overcooked, bordering on charred. The steaks, ordered to specific doneness, arrived overcooked and challenging to consume, akin to the texture of biltong. Furthermore, the Parmesan Potatoes, a promised delight, turned out to be a simple offering of baked baby potatoes with a sprinkling of Parmesan, while the absence of the sautéed veggies due to an oversight further detracted from the meal.

In light of these culinary inconsistencies and service lapses, it is imperative to address the need for enhanced attention to detail and quality control within the culinary and service departments of Samaki...

Samaki Samaki offers a unique and inviting ambiance. The architecture is thoughtfully designed, incorporating modern elements with a touch of traditional Kenyan flair. The layout provides a comfortable and relaxed dining experience, perfect for families, friends, or even solo dining.

Food: The restaurant is known for its affordable yet delicious seafood dishes, offering a variety of fresh fish and seafood options. Whether you’re a fan of fried, grilled, or stewed fish, there’s something for everyone. The portions are generous, and the flavors are well-balanced, catering to both local and international tastes. There are also non-seafood options available, making it a versatile spot for different preferences.

Service: The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring that customers feel welcome from the moment they step in. Orders are taken promptly, and the wait time for food is reasonable. The team is knowledgeable about the menu, which helps when making recommendations.

Value for Money: Samaki Samaki excels in offering quality food at affordable prices. The value you get, especially for seafood, is impressive compared to other restaurants in the area. It’s a great option for dining out without breaking the bank.

Overall Experience: If you're looking for a restaurant that combines great food, a pleasant atmosphere, and affordability, Samaki Samaki is a top choice. It’s perfect for both casual outings and special occasions. Highly recommended for...

I arrived before my companion & was ignored for almost 10 minutes. Waitresses walked past me severally, some even avoided eye contact as I tried to get their attention. I was seated at the patio near the indoor bar but even that did not help. Until one guy came from the bar to check if I'd been served. I was just about to walk out.

One very pleasant waiter was sent to take our order...he suggested our cocktail & mocktail which were both fantastic. We ordered baby back ribs & sliders & plantain. Sliders were ok. Plantain was great. Ribs were terrible. Tough, bland, chewy and definitely reheated. They were not fresh. We couldn't finish. The waiter asked if we'd like to speak to the chef & we obliged. She never showed up. 1st they said she is swamped dispatching food then eventually they said she is just busy. It was early afternoon and there were countable guests but oh well.

We were served by 2 different waiters so there was alot of confusion. Service was definitely not seamless.

Ambience is great as it's very pretty. Parking is limited.

Highly unlikely that there will...