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Thorn Tree Cafe

New Stanley Hotel, Kimathi St, city centre, Nairobi, Kenya
226 996
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Ranked #41 of 247 restaurants in Nairobi
Good for: Families with children
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night
Most recent review
- May 17, 2013
Restaurant details
Good for: Families with children
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night
Write a Review

47 reviews from our community

73% Recommend
    16
    18
    5
    8
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

This was our first stop in Nairobi as it was next to our hotel. They had a choir in there and that was nice. But the food was not all that and I think overpriced for what it was Would not recommend this place. Try eating outside the hotel. Taxes are a joke!

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Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
51 helpful votes 51 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013

Loved the pavement cafe feel, even though you are secure and covered. Loved the Thorn tree and its history, and for two out of three nights found the food exceptional. Best Lamb Shank I ever tasted - recommended, but the T bone (which was probably the most expensive item on the menu) was a let down. Quite tough, quite small... More

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Blairgowrie, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2013 via mobile

Visited restaurant for lunch. Food was good but we were left sitting waiting for our main course to be cleared for an unacceptable time, then had to attract attention for desert menu but nobody came to take order. After waiting for 15 minutes with no service had to look for somebody to get our bill.

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David G, General Manager at Thorn Tree Cafe, responded to this review
May 8, 2013

Dear Guest We wish to thank you for choosing to visit and dine at the Thorn Tree Cafe. We also wish to express our appreciation to you, for taking the time to review our historical cafe. We are delighted that you enjoyed the food, however, it is regrettable that your expectations were not met in terms of service, and your... More

Kitcat22
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
16 restaurant reviews
51 helpful votes 51 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2013

I've been dropping by the Thorn Tree in Nairobi's Stanley Hotel for years for coffee, dessert, light meals. It's always felt like a comfortable bit of old Kenya. Until today.... I ordered a banana split. When it arrived, it was clear that it had been sitting and melting for awhile before the server delivered it. The outer 1/4 of strawberry,... More

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David G, General Manager at Thorn Tree Cafe, responded to this review
April 15, 2013

Dear Kitcat22, Thank you for taking the time to review The Thorn Tree Cafe. We appreciate the fact that you have been a loyal patron for the last three years and are glad to learn that you appreciate the restaurants authentic heritage charm. Please allow me to apologize for your disappointment as above expressed. The restaurant is run in line... More

Seattle, Washington
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
23 restaurant reviews
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 7, 2013

Ate here for lunch and the staff were terrific. Had the grilled veggie sandwich and chips, which were nice for a quick bite. Heinz ketchup!

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David G, General Manager at Thorn Tree Cafe, responded to this review
April 15, 2013

Dear Bugdocsea, Greetings from Sarova Stanley. Thank you for the wonderful review. We appreciate you letting us know that the service experience was terrific and I will be sure to pass your review to the team. The Thorn Tree restaurant offers an array of menu choices and our chefs can prepare anything from a quick bite to a gourmet serving... More

London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
16 restaurant reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 27, 2013 via mobile

I saw this place rated in a Lonely Planet guide and was expecting a backpacker joint. Far from it, this place is swanky and the house burger is great. No backpacker can afford to eat here...so thumbs up from me.

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David G, General Manager at Thorn Tree Cafe, responded to this review
March 2, 2013

Dear Mr. Jonathan L, Thank you for reviewing the Thorn tree restaurant. It is a delight to learn that you were pleasantly surprised as we surpassed your expectations. We appreciate your sentiments and your feedback is very helpful to us. Please patron with us again. Warm Regards David Gachuru General Manager More

Nairobi, Kenya
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 25, 2013

The T-Bone Steak at the Thorn Tree Cafe is to die for. The chef does a wonderful job and will leave you craving for more. I can advice any meat lover to try this experience.

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David G, General Manager at Thorn Tree Cafe, responded to this review
March 2, 2013

Dear Ms. Hjkenya Thank you for taking time to post your review. We note your appreciation for the T- Bone stake and thank you for your commendation. Please patron at The Thorn tree restaurant again and we promise to exceed your expectations once again. Warm Regards David Gachuru General Manager More

Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 25, 2013

I ventured downtown this week and had an early supper at the famed Thorn Tree Cafe. It has been at least 20 years since my last visit. Still classy, good food, good service. And there is still a message board if you need to leave a message for a friend who is also passing through downtown. A fun trip down... More

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David G, General Manager at Thorn Tree Cafe, responded to this review
February 7, 2013

Dear Joy P. Jambo. Thank you for visiting with us gain. It is wonderful to learn that we have maintained the good level of service as you experienced 20years ago. Please visit with us again should you return to Nairobi. Warm Regards David Gachuru General Manager More

London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
21 restaurant reviews
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 24, 2013

All the dishes I've tried are very good! My favorite is the Salmon dish which I used to eat every other day during my 2-week stay in Stanley Hotel. The breakfast is good but it would have been better to have more American food as the hot meal buffet serve more African dishes. At night, the place transforms into a... More

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David G, General Manager at Thorn Tree Cafe, responded to this review
February 7, 2013

Dear Guest, Thank you for staying with us at the hotel on your last trip to Nairobi. Your feedback is highly regarded and we appreciate all the positive remarks. We take note of your concerns are looking into the issues raised. Please visit with us again. Warm regards David Gachuru General Manager More

Nairobi
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 8, 2013

A wonderful meeting and eating place with clean environment. It worth a visit anytime you are in Nairobi and you feel taking a lunch in a relaxed place.

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David G, General Manager at Thorn Tree Cafe, responded to this review
January 22, 2013

Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. We value your feedback and appreciate your commendation. Warm Regards David Gachuru General Manager More

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