I’ve been wanting to visit the Arbor for many years now and finally got to do so a month ago with my aunt. Located on Manyani East road, the Arbor is a serene garden cafe that feels like a little escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. When you enter, the restaurant opens up to a vibrant garden with outdoor and some indoor seating as well. I came here on a sunny Sunday afternoon so it was nice to sit out in the sun but also get a nice shade from the big trees enveloping the whole garden.

Meso is a fine dining Japanese restaurant located in the Westgate Mall, Westlands. Reservations are not needed but if you’re going as a group-that would be recommended. Prices are on the higher side as well so plan accordingly. For starters we had popcorn shrimp tempura and pork gyoza. The shrimp was so good! It comes with a chilli mayo which I believe is the best condiment for that dish because I couldn’t stop eating it - or maybe it was my hunger lol, either way - a great choice.

Upon asking around for places to eat in Kigali, Soy was one that was mentioned multiple times. This restaurant is so beautiful. The ambience can be felt from the moment you step out into the driveway and are greeted by the big SOY sign emblazoned on a stunning cobblestone wall. The interior/exterior because it’s an outdoor restaurant that feels very indoor is just as inviting with its sea blue walls adorned with hanging plants and warm lighting at each corner making it feel like an oasis of sorts.

Silk noodles is a Chinese restaurant located in the Shanshui hotel complex. It’s hard to miss it as there is a big sign right at the entrance. Ambience wise the place is nothing to write home about which is PERFECT because it means they’re putting all their focus on the food! We got started with some chicken dumplings (KSH1,000), I didn’t know that an order of dumplings results in getting 20 of them!