Dari Restaurant has been on my radar ever since I moved to Karen. Driving down Ngong Road, the hugely prominent sign for ‘Dari’ is opposite J’s bar. I’ve often wondered what lays beyond. Occasionally seen reviews for Dari but in all this time I’ve never known anyone that has been there.
Sunday dawned grey and cloudy. The kids were sick, the hubby was sick, my mood matched the weather. Tempting fate we decided to go for lunch en famile. I wasn’t expecting much but I was pleasantly surprised.
Dari restaurant and gardens
As you turn off the Ngong road, the traffic, road works and muddy puddles recede and are replaced by vast indigenous trees and the screech of peacocks. Dari restaurant is a very large plot on land that was originally within the Ngong Forest. In fact the largest indigenous tree in Karen is situated within its grounds. And the grounds are beautiful. Emerald green lawns. A gorgeous pond with splashing fountains and a little stream weaves their way thorough the terrace and seating down to the forest line. Dik Diks live here along with monkeys and resident peacocks… it’s quite the little oasis.
A modern faintly office like building, it looks unassuming on the outside but pleases inside. There’s a really funky looking bar, a large fireplace dining area for those cold July days and lots and lots of open airy glass enclosed seating. Outside seating options include a huge terrace. 6 private dining areas nestled in different corners of the garden or picnic tables on the grass.Family friendly
It was such an unexpectedly pleasant environment. That coupled with two bouncy castles cheered up the whole family immensely, adults because we didn’t see the kids at all during the two hours were there. The kids were happy in the castles or playing hide and seek in the forest.
A varied menu
The menu was diverse. Nyama Choma, using the excellent Morendat beef from Naivasha and Nanyuki. Patrons have the option to order a regular meal such as steak, lamb chops or kebabs or a ‘lava stone’. A hot plate for you to the cook the meat yourself. Not to be outdone there was a comprehensive Indian menu, pizzas, pasta and Kenyan style mains.
Thumbs up for the food
We ordered pizzas for the kids… they came on huge thick bases with loads of toppings. Personally the thinner the base the better for me, but the kids unused the glut of carby dough were in 5th heaven. Pizzas got a resounding thumbs up.
I ordered Kenyan chicken; a half chicken roasted with a spicy sauce and served with Poussin chips. The chicken was acceptable but not special. My issue was the skin, which wasn’t crispy as the sauce rendered it slightly soggy. The chips cooked with coriander and fried onions were heavenly. It was the least appetising of the dishes but that’s not to say it was bad. The crowning glory was the burger… the best I’ve had in Kenya. A huge handmade patty of great quality beef. Handmade with no gristle, the right consistency and cooked to perfection. It came with a homemade bun, an egg and blue cheese. I found it exceptionally good value for 1100 shillings. Dari was a pleasant surprise. It would be blissful on a sunny day with the lush grass, towering foliage and peacocks dotted about. Sadly the photos don’t do it credit on the grey sky day we went. The bar looked funky and modern good for a night out and its one of those rare places where I’d have been as happy to eat inside as well as out.
Birthday party venue
On the far side of the grounds was a big room and a bouncy castle where a kids birthday party was going on. Too far to impact on our visit which was great but clearly also another venue to consider for the kids. The bouncy castles were clean and larger than usual, and there was a kid’s entertainer on hand to keep them occupied (read steal the clown wig & chase him round the garden – as with all Bambaloolas.). 
I’d recommend a visit… and I’d love comments on your visits to Dari. I’ve heard tales of the food being bad. This wasn’t our experience, did we go on a good day. Let me know what you think?
Called yesterday for reservations but was informed that it was closed as it will soon be under new mgt
Another restaurant was recommended but the service was poor and the food not so great.
Please confirm that you are closed and advice your customers
Hello
I am not Dari restaurant – merely a blogger. Ill keep an eye on it an revisit soon for an update on the blog