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Children not welcome - Talisman

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Talisman: Restaurant Reviews

320 Ngong Road, Nairobi 00502, Kenya
+254 705999997
Website
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Cozy up to the fire and enjoy selections from our fusion menu!
20 visitor photos
Ranked #1 of 248 restaurants in Nairobi
4.5 of 5 stars 201 Reviews
Price range: $20 - $30
Cuisines: Seafood, Continental, Eclectic, Fusion
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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.
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201 reviews from our community

89% Recommend
    126
    53
    14
    4
    4
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
There are newer reviews for Talisman
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Los Angeles, California
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Children not welcome”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed December 27, 2012

Parents take note - children ARE NOT WELCOME at this establishment.

Front desk will not tell you this of course and will be happy to sell you a full priced (overpriced) meal. But the owner/chef will make your children feel very unwelcome in HIS restaurant.

Stay well clear - there are many other nice places to eat with kids in Karen these days.

  • Visited November 2012
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 2 of 5 stars Service
    • 3 of 5 stars Food
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Karen287 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
January 1, 2013
Talisman has always welcomed families and is an ideal setting for children during daytime meals. However, it is important to note that it is illegal in Kenya for children to be in our bar area. When our staff find children running around, they do have to politely request that parents take their children out to the main dining area. When a polite request isn't heeded, sometimes a firmer nudge is required. We are more than happy to have well-behaved, well-supervised children enjoy our restaurant, but we simply have to be firm when it comes to children in the bar area. We apologize if you were offended by the request to remove your children, but it's the law. You'll be more than welcome to come back during kid-friendly hours and enjoy all that Talisman has to offer little ones (like a great playground and patio).
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Talisman”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 19, 2012

I always love to eat here, the food is outstanding and always something new and different. A great place to enjoy going with special people. A wonderful place to be

Visited December 2012
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See 2 more reviews by Iris M for Nairobi
Ask Iris M 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
December 19, 2012
Thanks, Iris! We're glad to know Talisman is tops on your list, and we hope to see you again soon when you're in Nairobi!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
“Excellent eating”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 18, 2012

If you go to Nairobi, you must visit Talisman. The plates are of high quality and strike a tasty balance between classical and innovative. The lush vegetation in the courtyard provide shade and along with the meal most of your senses should be tingled. Lastly, do not miss their puddings which by full live up to their starters and mains. Even something as simple as a 'Sunday' is made an extraordinary experience.

Visited December 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 5 more reviews by Ida N for Nairobi
Ask Ida N 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
December 19, 2012
Thank you so much, Ida, for taking the time to tell us what made your Talisman experience such a special one! We're delighted you enjoyed the garden ambiance and especially our menu. Come back soon!
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Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Great food and ambience”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 10, 2012

It is a cozy restaurant in Karen. Food is great and service is fast and efficient. Sat outside under the trees and the ambience was good

Visited November 2012
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Ask Christine M 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
December 12, 2012
Thanks so much, Christine! We're so glad you enjoyed our beautiful garden and the service. Come back any time!
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Alicante, Spain
1 review
“Restaurant dining”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 10, 2012

When I was last in Nairobi I visited the Talisman on many occasions and I would highly recomend it not only for the varied and delicious food but the ambiance and friendliness of the staff.
Marianne and John Wilkinson

  • Visited January 2012
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Food
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Marianne18411 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
December 15, 2012
Thanks so much, Marianne! We're delighted you've enjoyed our atmosphere and friendly staff and look forward to seeing you next time you're in town!
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Talisman
320 Ngong Road
Nairobi 00502
Kenya
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