In this restaurant review, we are going to look into the new Slate Kitchen & Bar Restaurant, what it offers, what you should expect, and importantly; if it worthy your time and money to consider visiting.
Slate Kitchen & Bar is the heart of Westlands in Nairobi, just between Mövenpick Hotel and Skynests Residences, and opposite the sister restaurants; Bambino Kitchen and Mercado. Other sister restaurants include; INTI, Botanica, and MeSo
Slate offers a fusion culinary experience by blending French, Afro(West African), and Asian cuisines.
The reservation process is seamless. Ensure you reserve early beforehand as the weekdays and weekends ahead get busy. Reservation hours are between noon and 9 p.m. However, the restaurant remains open till midnight
Parking is convenient and available almost at all times including peak hours,
A Summary of Slate Kitchen & Bar
Ambiance Score:★★★★★(5)
Value Rating: ★★☆☆☆(2)
Food Rating: ★★★☆☆(3)
Service Score: ★★★★☆(4)
Ambiance & Atmosphere
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Rating: ★★★★★(5)
Slate is marked by its modern stylish upbeat interiors. Attention to detail sets the ambiance to a luxury level, which makes it an ideal restaurant for intimate diner dates.
This restaurant is a kitchen & bar meaning it houses a spacious bar section for those who just want drinks and a dining area where the decor is next level
It is minimalist yet stylish, and the wall art is simple and sophisticated at the same time, I love the different themes they have going on; grey with gold accents, woody warmth, and the touch of greenery to give the place an element of life.
Illumination is however on the harsh side if you sit next to the wall lights, the waffle shaped geometry on the roof is magnificent to look at. Seats are comfortable and tables are well spaced so that you can have your conversation collision-free, On how you love each other.
The bar section is just shiny (even the countertop itself)
The interior is awe-inspiring and everything is almost perfect. There is cool subtle and soothing music that plays along in the background elevating the mood even further
I would totally recommend Slate for fine dining and romantic serious date nights.
On this ambiance grounds, 5 out of 5 stars here.
Pricing & Value
Pricing: (＄＄)-(＄＄＄) – Moderate to High
Value Rating: ★★☆☆☆(2)
The restaurant charges excessive prices considering the subpar food quality.
Budget-wise, expect to spend between KSh 3,000- 3,500 for one, and over 5,000 if you go for seafood and other upscale dishes. Now for a date, multiply that twice and you will be approaching KSh 10,000 and beyond.
Such a substantial expense for a meal prompts the question: Is the food genuinely worth the cost? The short answer is no.
First off, the portions are way too small, just like in any fancy restaurant, and the food is just average; while it is good or better than standard restaurants, it falls behind if you compare other restaurants in its class and budget.
I feels like you are essentially paying for wall art, thus a 2-star rating in the value aspect. I would prefer good food over good decor any day.
Menu & Dishes
Rating: ★★★☆☆(3)
The menu itself is diverse and caters to almost all kinds of diets. Vegetarians especially are well catered for
Utensils are cutlery are heavy and quality. For the menu items expect uncertainty especially mains, it is either a hit or a miss. The food looks presentable and appetizing, it just doesn’t taste so mostly. It sometimes does go beyond your expectations, but just sometimes.
Sushi is good. The unique fusion dishes are a mixed bag and I feel like you will appreciate them after getting used to them.
Food is not consistent, some part is overcooked the other is way salty. They could use some improvement here
In the Slate restaurant bar section, especially for cocktails and mocktails, they are divine and I will give them a 5 out of 5 here since they are not overpriced like their food. Everything is smooth and harmonious and you can really tell quality alcohol and ingredients were used.
For the dessert menu, everything is good, my only concern is that Slate only has 4 items on this menu
I mean for the menu and food I will give Slate an average score because I kind of expect more from their class of restaurant
Service
Rating: ★★★★☆(4)
The only bad aspect of service at Slate Kitchen & Bar is the wait time. It averages 40 minutes to an hour which is really long
Depending on your waiter, for the most part, they are so good. They are well-informed about their menu and will help you navigate and also give recommendations.
You get that level of customized attention which I really appreciate, and constant checking on you to ensure you have everything you need, or in case you need to make special requests.
I would give them a 5-star rating here if they reduced the wait time.
Final Thoughts
Average Rating: ★★★★☆(4)
The final rating is a 4 out of 5 which is rounded up from the actual 3.5
With attentive service, a stylish atmosphere, and a menu that blends diverse cuisines, Slate Kitchen & Bar is good enough for those seeking a memorable dining escapade in Nairobi.
Although it doesn’t land on the best food experience, everything other than that is just beyond exemplary
Expensive but worth it for a nice night out or a date.
Here is the post summary of Slate Kitchen & Bar in Nairobi:
The good
- Ambiance
- Unique menu
- Good service
- Nice cocktails
- Good Sushi
The bad
- Long wait time
- Small portions
- Food inconsistency & quality
- Low value( overpriced for quality)
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