Artcaffe Nairobi Personal Review | Trendy cafe Nairobi Art Cafe
Posted by Mr West | Filed under Cool Things, Hot Spots, Me, Personal
Its really trendy in here and the décor is on par with European standards. It is situated in
the Westgate shopping mall and has been going for 8 months now…. the things that makes it is the flooring and the simple design of the lighting and cream colours…
The staff are friendly and the service is pretty good but I doo feel that it a bit of an over kill with more than 15 people on the floor at one point.. i think that if they had some serious training and concentrated on fewer then that might raise the standards. I would be happy working here it must be one of the trendiest jobs in the country..
Well all in all its really great and i have enjoyed my hour here…. i must dash as im going up to NU Metre to see a film (Cinema) Also my internet is running out in a few mins and i want to make sure all of you get this…
I am a chap that really enjoys photography and things that look nice. I am currently on my PGCE year at Bath University which is training me to be a ICT teacher. I love playing rugby and going Kitesurfing in Kenya which is my home away from home.
December 23, 2009 at 9:13 pm
art caffe — manager name DEKEN, extremely RUDE !! service and the way he talks, i found to be very uncouth and low ! he does not know how to talk to his clients, all he did was accuse his customers mentioning that they are wrong.
i had a terrible experience, will never go there. and strongly advice people to exercise caution with manager called DEKEN !
January 21, 2010 at 1:54 pm
lovely lovely lovely . feels like home
January 25, 2010 at 9:44 am
finally tried this coffee shop after months of contemplating…. and while the decor is really nice and so is the coffee … I was disappointed with their creme brulee which was runny and cold, unlike what I’d had in France!!!! you should keep the same international standards for your food… and not try to hoax kenyans with terribly made european dishes.. or better get a new chef!!
February 16, 2010 at 4:50 pm
The Art Caffe in Nairobi is primitive. They haragues my family asking dor an I’d in order to pay by credit card. Must be the only restaurant in town that does so. They should therefore put up a big sign at the entrance that they do not accept cards so that everyone knows.
March 17, 2010 at 7:43 pm
art cafe was horrible..slow service, rude employees.
CLOSE IT DOWN AND OPEN SOMETHING LIKE A GAMES ARCADE.because clearly, that is an amateur cafe
April 22, 2010 at 9:49 am
I agree that the managers are arrogant and rude! The staff tries to keep up with it, but difficult for them. The prices are high, just because they out a touch of “West” in it…not worth it. We tried pizzas there – dry with minimum of filling in it! But the worst part – it is SOOOOO NOISY there, impossible to talk!
August 16, 2010 at 2:57 pm
The Decor is beautiful makes you feel like going inside, but the main thing the coffee tastes great, much better than Starbucks!
November 12, 2010 at 10:23 am
The best place to chill out in Nairobi, its cosy, comfortable and relaxing. The atmosphere is buzzing with soft chilled music in the back and the place is open till late.
x
The service is not entirely the best but definately welcoming…
The cakes are to die for…..and the banana smoothie tops it.
November 23, 2010 at 6:18 am
Art cafée is the best cafe nt only in nairobi but more so the whole country….other than good enviroment to hold gathering..we at art cafée try to provide the best service!
November 23, 2010 at 6:18 am
Art cafée is the best cafe nt only in nairobi but more so the whole country….other than good enviroment to hold gathering..we at art cafée try to provide the best service!
November 28, 2010 at 8:16 pm
I agree with the majority… art cafe is over rated and over priced. the staff are rude, its too loud and there is bearly any place to sit most of the time. the service is extremely slow and there is no hospitality whatsoever…i’d much rather the Java @ sarit. even though the art cafe food is good…its not worth it! at least @ java i can peacfully read a book + the coffee is gr8!
January 2, 2011 at 5:59 am
Artcaffe is the coolest coffee joint in KENYA,, period!!!!!!
January 3, 2011 at 8:39 am
I love ArtCaffe, there’s something about the ambiance, service, and food there……Hope all you fans will check out their new branch at Village Market, which is smaller, more intimate and quaint……….
January 11, 2011 at 11:19 pm
We have opened a new branch @ village market…come try it out
March 3, 2011 at 9:43 pm
I love the embiance, the trend and the work force on floor, been there twice for drinks and dinner and trust me, i got great service from one JOSEPH who was serving us by the terrace, polite, effecient and charming, he desevers to be recognised for his ambassodorship of this fantastic place..
Kudos JOSEPH!!!!
March 16, 2011 at 11:02 pm
To Darryl, Joseph says “thank you”, you give me motivation. Bring people like you.
March 24, 2011 at 3:57 pm
I’m surprised to hear people complain about “rude employees”. We go to the Artcaffe at least 3 time a month (Westgate and Village Market) but we never experienced this.
It is true the manager in Westgate is a little arrogant and he also gives his friends the best seats immediately and he lets people who are waiting at the bar wait, wait and wait. If you want to avoid the management in Westgate (see complains above) just go to Village Market!
The food in both restaurants is very good, high quality and always meets the standard.
April 13, 2011 at 11:18 am
i found art caffe to be very fun to be the staff is great (i also know the manager and i don’t know why people think hes rude here)
i the prices are not high for me
its a really good place 4/5
April 14, 2011 at 11:11 am
I salute evry1 in this haven,a place that i go2 exhale n enjoy my me time @least3 times when am around. As peaceful as my home,av brought my emirates friends here 2b honest they love it .plz kenyans give credit where it’s due.2 me it is 5*. I must say kuddos2 Eunice she is hospitable n welcoming.
April 15, 2011 at 6:10 am
Well i find that art caffe has top notch design and atmosphere although service is slow the end result is almost wortwhile it has goodd iced tea and salad but avoid the creme brulee or cheese cake
April 15, 2011 at 4:37 pm
all this talks about how rude the employees are is just unbelievable i was there last week (artcaffe westgate) n wasn’t impressed at all by this rude guest who called a certain waiter stupid and the poor boy didn’t complain or say anything he just continued workin……nway we guests should know that the employees are not just people collected from nowhere n they are very educated i have a favourite n the reason why she is my favourite is coz she makes sure i get ma service to the last minute her command of English and her accent plus her respect and understanding is just great…..tis funny to say that my son wants to be served by her everytime we come there coz she takes care of him.if the food is delayed his will always come first anyway enuff said but lets not forget that this waitress n waiters n evn learned than most of us who go there to disrespect them……….if anyone knows the girl am talking about please remind me her name for i wud exalt her n still nt care wat u lots fink…..xx
April 20, 2011 at 9:38 pm
worst place to b.y make lots of cash n pay ur employees peanuts?the managers r too uncouth n arrogant,starting with dekel,go back to israel you…..
April 21, 2011 at 10:05 am
chei sisemi kitu…..y complain here?
October 14, 2011 at 7:53 pm
Art caffe is a very good place to be but the wost thing is the way the management misshandles employees. Has anyone ever been 2 the kitchen? The chefs are used like slaves one having to remove around 20 orders in less than 5 min. I want to warn the owners that other highly rated restaurants and 5 star hotels are eyeing the chefs. They are polite effecient and accurate esp the grill and soucier cheffs. Kudoss to the kitchen team
October 14, 2011 at 8:12 pm
I agree with u Mr. Waesley. I happened to be at the kithens hotpass & what I saw was unbeliavable. The cheffs were fast & furious. I’d advice any one in search for very quality chefs to eye them because they’ve got speed accuracy and their quizine is mouth watering
October 20, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Dear sir/madam,
Am Geoffrey kenyan male and mine probably is about a request whether you can find a post for a waiter in your highly esteemed coffee cafe.
What really drives me most is quality standard which really thrills my desire to be part and personal one of you.
It’s my delightful hope that my desire and prayer will be met as i highly and patiently await for your response.
0712868559.
Best regards,
Geoffrey.
October 26, 2011 at 7:13 am
Greetings!
Is there any way I can reach the management of this establishment? It’s about an investment opportunity. Any help in this regard would be immensely appreciated.
Thanks!
Nick
November 2, 2011 at 9:26 am
What do you mean it must be the best place to work in the country?? A restaurant? Are you saying that all of the extremely educated people in Kenya can only aim to work in a restaurant?? Or did you mean the best place for a ‘waiter’ to work???
December 11, 2011 at 5:28 am
Innocent Kenyans Beware of Artcaffe Restaurant at Nakumatt Junction!
Here is what is going on in this restaurant. You get in there especially being a Kenyan born woman. When you take whatever you are having in this restaurant, you pay your bill, and leave. Behind you there is a jewish guy who is part of Artcaffe management who comes with guys in cilivilians who first just walk to where you have pa…rked your car and appear to you. The approach itself make you think they are carjackers or criminals because of the kind of picture they portray to you. The jewish guy come pretending how calm he is and ask you to follow him to go and see cctv of the pictures of people who have stolen stuffs and identifiy to him whether you know the thieves they claim to appear on the cctv. From there please realise you become a victim of being accused to be one of the thieves. Since you are innocent, you follow this jewish guy back to artcafe and here he has another jewish guy who is one fo the restaurant manager/supervisor(whatever he might be) and he comes out with a laptop to show you the pictures he claim to have and as you are waiting to see the cctv, the guy disappear with the laptop and you are sorrounded by security at Nakumatt and the kenyans and foreigners who are there. Your character and image get tarnished by artcafe management of accusations they have no evidence about and when the jewish guy realise that you are annoyed and upset with him, he promise you for a dinner like you cannot afford to buy dinner for yourself despite you paying your bills earlier in the same restaurant. When you call your collegues to come and see the whole drama, then they disappear inside the restaurant.All Kenyans, beware you might fall under this trap anytime at artcafe at Nakumatt Junction and find yourself at the police station recording a statement. Since this hotel is full of all kind of cultures in the world, you wonder why you become a victim just because you are Kenyan.Is such a big shame for a whole restaurant to operate like they are on the streets and a senior staff at artcaffe to even lie that he does not belong to artcaffe but he lies he owns one of the shop inside Nakumatt Junction premises. What …a shame for their scamming! You know what else they are doing? the same guy who seem to be in charge of the same artcaffe is coming with a bag where you are seated and he leaves it there and setting you up to see whether you will take the bag he has plotted on you. What a stupid operation he is using and you wonder why he thinks everyone who walk in that artcaffe restaurant is a thief.
December 12, 2011 at 11:27 pm
Beware Of Artcaffe
On Saturday 10th December 2011 at 2.21pm, I met my Business Partner and Her friend at the Artcaffe in Junction Nakumatt Mall, Nairobi, Kenya. This was my first time to visit this establishment.
My Business Partner and I sat at a separate table from her friend as we were discussing our business.
After an hour, we paid for our drinks and snacks and left Artcaffe. We then went to the basement where I had packed my new Audi A4 to show them some handbags I had brought from London for my Business Partner. As they both looked at them (in my boot), 2 big burly men appeared from nowhere and asked us in very intimidating tones what we were doing. Before I could even answer those 2 KK Security men and a tall older looking Middle East man materialized. At this point I thought that we were either being car jacked or something was very wrong.
The 3 of us were shaken and wondering what was going on, I quickly explained that I was showing my 2 friends my new handbags. The Middle East man asked me to lock the boot and come aside. I did as he asked and my friends were standing on one side of the car and I was standing on the other with the Middle East man. He explained to me that we were suspected of stealing a hand bag and laptop from Artcaffe and they had CCTV footage proving this.
When I looked at him in disbelief, and asked him if we could go and see the CCTV footage he agreed. At this point 5 more KK Security men appeared and we were frog marched all the way to the Artcaffe. When we got there I demanded to see the CCTV footage, the Middle East man again pulled me aside and told me that I was not a suspect and that it was my business partner’s friend who was. I told him that if that was the case I still wanted to see the footage and that I could not leave them.
After much confusion of whom had the footage, a short Middle East man accompanied by 2 Middle East women came with a laptop and the older tall Middle East man asked us to go to a handbag shop opposite Artcaffe to see the footage. When we got there, they then refused to show us the footage and told us that we were free to go. The old Middle East Man explained that it was a case of mistaken identity and that the handbag and laptop (which belonged to a tourist) had been stolen on 5th of December 2011.(please note, the 3 of us were not even in Nairobi on this date).
I looked at the elderly Middle East man in disbelief and asked him if he was the owner of Artcaffe, of which he vehemently denied that he was NOT and that he was a shop owner at the Mall and that we was trying to ‘assist’ us and the Artcaffe solve this issue. At this point a crowd of people and more KK Security had gathered round us.
I then confirmed with him again if we were free to go as we were not the suspects and he categorical said YES!
Disgusted and tired of the whole ordeal I asked my friends we leave and file a complaint later for this harassment.
As we approached the main exit/entrance of the Junction Mall, 5 KK Security men, stopped us and told us we were still suspects and that we should wait for the police to come.
I could not believe this nonsense, a Commander appeared in a KK Security Car with 3 other Security guards and blocked the exit/entrance and surrounded us and told us that we could not leave. I explained to him what had transpired in the last 1hour.
He then told me that the Elderly Middle East man was actually the owner of Artcaffe and that he had told the KK Security that he did NOT want Kikuyus (a major tribe in Kenya) in his premises as they are thieves and that he was 99% sure my business partner and her friend resembled the suspects in the video footage.
At this point it dawned on me that my business partner and her friend were not dressed according to the Artcaffe standard and they did not fit the so called urban chic criteria that can afford a meal at the Artcaffe. And I had been left out as I looked the part and drove an Audi A4!
The most ironic thing is that my Business Partner owns a very big NGO in Kenya that is supported by very many affluent people including 10 businessmen whose businesses are listed on the New York Stock Exchange!
To cut the long horrible ordeal short, we waited for 1.30 Hours for the Police to come, the police saw the footage of which they said that it was so unclear that one could not see the faces of the thief that stole on the 5th of December 2011(Please note it was only 1 thief not 3!)
We went to the nearest Police station (Muthangari Police Station) and wrote statements (although the Police insisted I was not a suspect) but I insisted on doing one as I do NOT Trust Artcaffe. The reason is that if the Owner can Lie to us with a straight face what can he do if given the chance???
My friend I urge you to please boycott this establishment that harasses innocent Kenyans, Racist, Classist and I strongly believe that we do not need foreigners (who we welcome with open hearts) to insight tribal HATRED in a Country that is only getting over the last Post Election Violence as we approach another Election.
Please pass this on.
By
Becky Karanja, a London resident.
December 14, 2011 at 7:45 pm
Was last at Westgate about a year ago one early morning. I ordered a double cappuccino but it took three waiters and 45 minutes to get my double. Meanwhile others with a different skin color came and were served very very quickly. I concluded that I was treated differently because of my skin colour. When leaving, I made them know and even asked for the managers number. I was given a name, a Mr. Sagi Vaknik but he didn’t care to take my call. So I swore never to step in there again. At my ‘local’, I get treated very well and I tip the waiters very generously.
December 15, 2011 at 2:23 pm
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December 16, 2011 at 11:55 pm
Surprised and shocked to read some of the stuff above. Very bad for a foreign group operating in Kenya to be racist!
I enjoy the place as it reminds me of home, the coffee and wine is good and the music is atmospheric. I have noticed however that the food is substandard, comes in small portions and is very much overpriced. Staff is friendly, but slow. Management I have not personally had to deal with.
In summary I would recommend ArtCaffe if you’want a drink or coffee or a pastry and are not in a hurry! For anything else there are better venues in Nairobi
January 27, 2012 at 5:17 am
Thank you for this. I have a lunch date with a friend at Art Caffe, Westgate Mall. It’s around 8:00a.m, and we are scheduled to meet at 1:30. Definitely changing plans and going to Java instead. I wanted to try Art, as I’ve always ignored it, but in reading the reviews my best bet would be to forget it.
February 20, 2012 at 4:03 pm
ma complain is to the management they treat em so badly wen us black ladies go there they think we are lookin for whites when am alone i rarely get servicce t wen i go with my american boyfriend am given top service haw sad…then they have this former waitress naw i think she is a manager or superviser very fair lady i think she has two jobs a night one she gets contacts frm clients sleeps around wth them and i hear she has stolen a large amount frm there i have happened t see her in nightspots with diff white en black men ..she is tarnishing artcaffes staff name..
March 1, 2012 at 9:30 am
Business’ like this need to be shut down. Its ridiculous that we are treated as second class citizens in our OWN country. Needless to say for those enjoying the extra perks (read expatriates) feel free to have it, its an embarassment to Kenya.
March 1, 2012 at 4:30 pm
u its so sad that such a smart establishment can be such mean t kenyans racism at its maximum ..so sad.cynthia the supervisor former waitress i will never forget haw baldy u treated mi the last time i was there
March 9, 2012 at 11:53 am
The best place to chill out in Nairobi, its cosy, comfortable and relaxing. The atmosphere is buzzing with soft chilled music in the back and the place is open
The service is not entirely the best but definately welcoming…customers satidfaction
The cakes are to die for…..and the banana smoothie tops it…woowww en the pastry”s me likey
March 16, 2012 at 8:31 am
Some really wonderful info, Sword lily I discovered this.
April 4, 2012 at 2:05 am
Good response in return of this issue with firm arguments and explaining all on the topic of that.
April 21, 2012 at 10:18 pm
I used to frenquent the place early last year but stopped when the waitress called Grace started making advances. When I rejected her, she made my visits unbearable. Was there early January and she wasn’t there and had a great time. I don’t know if she is on leave or left but if I see her there again, I will boycott it again.
April 24, 2012 at 5:11 pm
Good people,
I have checked all your replies and i am happy everyone is talking from his point of view. Again , whom said that there is no room for improvement? well, everyone can move from the Good level to the Best version anytime, that includes the Artcaffe.I will talk to the Manageress, soonest. She is very understanding.I was there the other day, and we had a good chat, so i believe that more will change for Better….thanks everyone for the comments.
Maasai Mcheshi
maasaimcheshi@gmail.com
April 28, 2012 at 2:19 pm
As a Jewish Israeli myself with a Kikuyu girlfriend, I was very sad to read how many Kenyans, especially Kikuyus, feel they have been discriminated against, and even harassed and humiliated, by the management they claim to be Jewish Israelis. If this is true, I’d like to apologize on behalf of my “compatriots” and ask any Kenyans reading this please not to generalize and treat each individual on their own merits.
Having read your comments, I have decided not to frequent the Artcaffè in Westlands but only the Village Market branch and would make the following comments: Staff appear to be polite to all customers, including fellow Kenyans, and are relatively efficient considering how young most of them are. The premises seem always be extremely clean and the ambience is generally good, calmer on the terrace if too noisy inside. Having lived in Italy, I would say the coffee and pizzas are quite good, although I think the coffee at Dormans is better (there is no Java at Village Market as yet), as are the pizzas and other Italian food at the Osteria Gigiri restaurant inside on the first floor. As for the criticism of the crème brûlée, having lived for ten years in France I can assure you that even there it isn’t ALWAYS good…
In conclusion, the quality of the food isn’t bad but you can get better value for money in the food court and, if you want a higher standard of cuisine, service and ambiance, the prices at the Jiko restaurant in the adjacent Tribe Hotel aren’t that much higher than at Artcaffè from my experience. That said, Artcaffè seems a good choice for the young with no shortage of money who want to be trendy.