Fine dining restaurants are known for offering quality dishes prepared by skilled chefs, beautiful ambiance, and sophisticated service. Nothing exemplified this definition more than the Eagle’s The Steakhouse at Ole-Sereni. After days and weeks of planning and coordinating, the day finally arrived. I eventually had the chance to explore the culinary delights of the restaurant renowned for its exquisite offerings. Ole-Sereni was the perfect place for this, and there was no better way than its signature dishes.
The restaurant is already popular on its own. Ole-Sereni is a renowned name in the city. So, an opportunity to have a first-hand experience at the restaurant was something I was never going to pass. Located off Mombasa Road, adjacent to Nairobi National Park, the restaurant provides an accessible escape from the city’s bustle, approximately 20 minutes from the central business district. It also offers easy access from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport if you’re traveling from a different city. You get breath-taking views of the Nairobi National Park from all its restaurants.
At first, I thought I would be dining at the famous Acacia Restaurant in Emara Ole Sereni. However, with Chef Torsten Schubert’s guidance, I settled for the Eagle’s The Steakhouse. This is one of the most exclusive restaurants in Nairobi, and I could see why. You could find the finest aged steaks that are hand-picked, relish fresh seafood from Kenya’s coast, and experience the mouth-watering vegetarian options that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart.
First Impressions
We planned to start the review at 4 pm, but I arrived an hour late. Talk about Nairobi’s notorious traffic and evening rush hour, but nothing could deter my excitement. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect, so I approached the experience with an open mind and a hungry appetite.
I was accompanied by a friend who expertly captured the delicacies through photography. We made our way to the fourth floor, where the Chef was waiting for us. The restaurant comprises a private bar, artisanal lounge, and one of the best private dining rooms in Nairobi. It is ideal for hosting pre-dinner drinks or reception based on the cozy and luxurious atmosphere. Did I mention this restaurant has incredible views of the Nairobi National Park? You can spend a relaxing time gazing at the greenery from the terrace while enjoying your meal.
The environment inside this restaurant was magnificent, exuding a warm and elegant ambiance. My friend commented how the soft jazz melodies floating through the air complemented the food and created an atmosphere that is both lively and serene. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic evening. The gentle jazz music created a relaxing backdrop that enhanced the overall experience.
Excellent Service
Fine dining means enjoying an extravagant meal at a restaurant where every detail has been thought of–from the décor and ambiance to the restaurant staff and service. In other words, it’s about feeling like you’re indulging in something luxurious without breaking your bank account. That’s how we felt at the Eagle’s The Steakhouse; we felt special.
The moment we stepped in, the staff exemplified hospitality. Chef Torsten Schubert welcomed us with infectious enthusiasm. After convincing him why we needed this experience, he was down to serving us the best dining experience there is. Our waiter, Muthoni, guided the experience with grace. Her recommendations were spot-on, and her attentiveness struck the perfect balance between being present without intruding. My companion found ample inspiration in the artfully plated dishes and the golden-hour glow of the sunset filtering through the windows.
The Culinary Journey
Our evening began with refreshing drinks. The waiter, Muthoni, started us off with a fresh passion juice for me and a blueberry mint mocktail for my friend, both signature beverages alongside options like the fruit jack bullfrog and ole sangria. The drinks were a refreshing blend of sweetness and herbaceous zest. Despite other inventive options on the menu, we opted for lighter choices to prime our palates. We wouldn’t want to hit the homerun before the main dish.
Starter
We started the culinary journey with the Shrimped Martini. Poached prawns from the Indian Ocean were arranged like edible art, crowned with tomato martini jelly. The dish delivered a bold, tangy punch, elevated by a silky cocktail sauce and drizzles of green onion oil. The sharp, sour taste was delightful. Chef Torsten’s touch on a classic seafood cocktail set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Main Courses
The main course was a trio of masterfully prepared dishes.
Stuffed Chicken Breast
The succulent chicken, stuffed with mushrooms and paired with truffled mash, was rich yet balanced. Charred corn and tarragon cream puree added smoky and herbal notes, while beer-buttered onion rings provided a satisfying crunch. The textures and flavors elevated the chicken to an experience I had never felt. It was delightful, to say the least, and the best part of my evening. I could have eaten more were it not for the two other majors on the horizon.
Norwegian Salmon Fillet
The chicken was followed by an impressive Norwegian Salmon Fillet. The salmon was grilled to perfection. I know this because it flaked effortlessly under the fork. Served atop crushed potatoes with spring onions, pickled cherry tomatoes, and crispy asparagus accompanied it. A delicate shellfish dressing tied the elements together, celebrating the ocean’s bounty without overwhelming it.
Sirloin Steak
In the main event was the pièce de résistance. The Sirloin Steak was a 250g cut from the center of the short loin, grilled and brushed with the Chef’s secret “meat butter,” served with classic steak garnishes. This sirloin was just perfect. The beef had a caramelized crust and a juicy, tender interior, which the Chef emphasized was selected from the best beef for optimal flavor.
Dessert
The sun was starting to set and darkness crippling in, so interior lights were switched on. As the atmosphere became merrier, we were presented with the “Chocolate and Gold” dessert. This is a hot chocolate fondant oozed luxuriously, complemented by chocolate “rocks,” cherry gel, and burnt white chocolate. Edible 23-carat gold leaf lent a touch of opulence, making the dish indulgent on the tongue. It was everything you need to complement a hearty meal. My companion who is a huge fan of chocolate said something like “heavenly” when describing the feeling. It’s not something to miss.
The Verdict
Eagle’s The Steakhouse at Ole-Sereni is a premier destination for those seeking exceptional cuisine in an extraordinary setting. We enjoyed the delicious food in a serene environment. If you are looking for the perfect date spot, this hotel has the right ambiance, atmosphere, food, drinks, and service. It’s a destination for celebrations, romantic evenings, or simply reveling in the joy of exceptional food.
The price points reflect the premium experience, but for those seeking a memorable splurge, it’s worth every cent. As the sun dipped below the park’s horizon, we left with a satiated palate and a lingering sense of wonder.
*Pro tip: Book a window seat at sunset. The wildlife views are as unforgettable as the food.*
Rating: 8/10 (Excellent)
