We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Behind Artcaffe, my favorite place in... - Talisman

Back to Talisman

Talisman: Restaurant Reviews

320 Ngong Road, Nairobi 00502, Kenya
+254 705999997
Website
Update restaurant details
Cozy up to the fire and enjoy selections from our fusion menu!
20 visitor photos
Ranked #1 of 250 restaurants in Nairobi
4.5 of 5 stars 208 Reviews
Price range: $20 - $30
Cuisines: Seafood, Continental, Eclectic, Fusion
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Good for: Families with children, Romance, Doing business, Outdoor seating, Special occasions, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Delivery, Late Night, Dessert
Description: Recently reopened after extensive renovations, the Talisman is located in Karen just on the outskirts of Nairobi in an old colonial building among lush beautiful gardens. Relax either indoors or outdoors or outdoors on our beautiful patio. Chef Marcus Mitchell, who has trained in France and Spain, brings his own unique touch to each dish and has gained acclaim for his fabulous continental and fusion menu. Talisman's service team is also renowned for its hospitality.
Write a Review

208 reviews from our community

88% Recommend
    129
    56
    15
    4
    4
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
There are newer reviews for Talisman
See the most recent reviews
HCMC
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Behind Artcaffe, my favorite place in Nairobi”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 12, 2012

The food is fantastic. I am a vegetarian and this place has plenty of very good options. The setting is amazing, the food is awesome and the service is super fast. If you are in nairobi, you must go eat here!

Visited July 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 13 more reviews by infinitemass for Nairobi
Ask infinitemass about Talisman
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
J C, Public Relations Manager at Talisman, responded to this review
November 15, 2012
Thanks so much for leaving these lovely comments. We've been adding to our vegetarian selections and are always glad to hear these menu items are hitting the spot! Come on in any time.
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
East Africa
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Varied menu”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 10, 2012

Best to book. A good and varied menu, everything is delicious. A popular haunt of local residents. Roaring fires keep you toasty during chilly Nairobi evenings.

Visited November 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by barazani for Nairobi
Ask barazani about Talisman
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
J C, Public Relations Manager at Talisman, responded to this review
November 11, 2012
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. We're glad you enjoyed both the cozy atmosphere and our menu. Chef Marcus creates new specials each week, so come on back and try something new!
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Toronto, Canada
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
“The atmosphere is the best part”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 6, 2012

The food was nothing terribly special, although the atmosphere is great. Lots of candles and sculptures around, with wooden decor. I quite liked having some wine outside in the garden.

Visited September 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask ellejam about Talisman
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
J C, Public Relations Manager at Talisman, responded to this review
November 7, 2012
We're delighted that you enjoyed our warm, inviting atmosphere. The garden, fireplaces and candles do make a terrific setting. But we're really curious about what you tried from our menu. We're foodies here, and Chef Marcus does a bang-up job with his own signature style, so when food is rated "nothing special," our alarm bells go off! We'd appreciate your feedback, and we'd love to have you back again so we have another chance to wow you with what we can dish up!
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
San Luis Obispo, California
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
21 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
38 helpful votes 38 helpful votes
“Incredible Food”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 5, 2012

My wife and I had a grand time eating at the Talisman Restaurant after our excursion to the Karen Blixen House. The chicken salad was flavorful and spicy, and we loved the chicken wings and samosas. Worth a visit.

Visited October 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by Traveldudeworldwide for Nairobi
Ask Traveldudeworldwide about Talisman
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
J C, Public Relations Manager at Talisman, responded to this review
November 6, 2012
Thanks for making us part of your itinerary! We're delighted you took in the best that Karen has to offer, and we'd love to see you back here any time. Greetings to the great Lone Star state from Kenya!
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Great Food”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 4, 2012

The service is good and the food is equaly good. The setting and abiance is very enjoyable. If you feel like enjoying good food, this is the place to go

Visited March 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 16 more reviews by Jaco C for Nairobi
Ask Jaco C about Talisman
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
J C, Public Relations Manager at Talisman, responded to this review
November 5, 2012
So glad you enjoyed your meal with us! We're all foodies here at Talisman, and Chef Marcus does love to pull together amazing menu choices. Come back any time!
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Travelers who viewed Talisman also viewed

Tamarind Restaurant
Tamarind Restaurant
4.5 of 5 stars 107 Reviews
Nairobi, Kenya
Purdy Arms
Purdy Arms
4.5 of 5 stars 15 Reviews
Nairobi, Kenya
 
Aero Club of East Africa Restaurant
Aero Club of East Africa Restaurant
4.5 of 5 stars 41 Reviews
Nairobi, Kenya
Seven Seafood & Grill
Seven Seafood & Grill
4.5 of 5 stars 110 Reviews
Nairobi, Kenya
 
All restaurants in Nairobi (250)

Been to Talisman? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Talisman, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing

Browse nearby

Restaurants (250) | Hotels (80) | Things to Do (120)
Talisman
320 Ngong Road
Nairobi 00502
Kenya
Get Directions
What's Nearby:
Click map pins for more information.
Interactive map
Free Guide to Nairobi
Get your guide to the top local hotels, restaurants and things to do

Popular Nairobi restaurants

Hotels around Nairobi

Nairobi resources

Explore the world
Hotels
Travel Destinations
Sightseeing