Another Mediterraneo takes Nairobi to Italy

Mediterraneo Gigiri restaurant in Nairobi photographed by Susan Wong 2012 - octopus salad

Mediterraneo’s newest “Corner of Italy experience” in Nairobi is at its Gigiri location. Opened only since October, Mediterraneo is already overwhelmed with its popularity as a lunch destination. With consistent dishes and quick execution, the Gigiri location has certainly become a favourite in the neighbourhood.

Unlike the other locations, Mediterraneo Gigiri features a large villa painted with a glowing Tuscan yellow, expansive al fresco dining space, and an inviting groomed lush green lawn that unfortunately sports a sign, which reads “Please do not walk or play on the grass.” The space oozes romance from the white stone statues to even the decorative green space. However, with the adjacent construction, the constant hammering is an annoying reminder of Nairobi’s exploding development.

Flies were also a problem, but the staff was extremely attentive and managed to ward off the annoying insects with a sprinkling of fresh rosemary on our table – ingenious.

Mediterraneo Gigiri restaurant in Nairobi photographed by Susan Wong 2012 - grass

With the Westlands’ location set to reopen in a few months, the trio of Mediterraneo restaurants is leading the way with delicious Italian dining in Nairobi. Thanks to a team of three Italian chefs, each location consistently serves up the same dishes but with a slight individual flare, depending on the chef.

In general, the Capital Lifestyle experience was divinely indulgent and our afternoon was spent reminiscing the streets of Florence through the chef’s delicious creations. However, a few plates looked a bit sloppy with a few drops of sauce precariously decorating the side of the pristine white china.

A must try would definitely be the Steamed Octopus Salad dressed with selected garden herbs and topped with olive oil and glaze of balsamic vinegar. The simple flavours of the tender and fresh octopus was a delicious way to start, and the flawless dish cemented the amazing skills of the chef as octopus is one of the more challenging seafood items to cook correctly.

Mediterraneo Gigiri restaurant in Nairobi photographed by Susan Wong 2012 - creme brulee

Another must try would definitely be the Lemony Crème Brulee with Caramelized Brown Sugar. Though the dessert was a bit dry, it was still one of the best versions I had ever tasted in Nairobi. Thanks to its light and silky smooth texture, sweetened to perfection and its delicate yet thin crystallized top; not even a bit of dryness could turn you away from this one!



Book online at Eat Out Kenya and save now! Check it out now!
http://www.eatout.co.ke/Mediterraneo



FOODBLOG: Photo Credits Susan Wong 2012 © All rights reserved.

Mediterraneo Gigiri restaurant in Nairobi photographed by Susan Wong 2012 - stuffed tulips
Parmesan cheese tulips filled with sautéed wild mushrooms and broccoli florets in garlic, olive oil and parsley served with a creamy saffron sauce



Mediterraneo Gigiri restaurant in Nairobi photographed by Susan Wong 2012 - started fried
Golden fried escalop of calf’s sweet bread and spring vegetables in beer batter served with spicy clear honey dip



Mediterraneo Gigiri restaurant in Nairobi photographed by Susan Wong 2012 - risotto
Risotto with real Italian porcini mushroom – yummy!



Mediterraneo Gigiri restaurant in Nairobi photographed by Susan Wong 2012 - Lamu crab pasta
Flat spaghetti pasta tossed with Lamu crab meat, fresh ginger, garlic, parsley and fresh tomato sauce



Mediterraneo Gigiri restaurant in Nairobi photographed by Susan Wong 2012 - brown whole meal
Whole meal brown maccheroni tossed with cashe nuts zucchini, eggplant and broccoli in a light sun dred tomato pesto topped with Percorino Cheese flakes



Mediterraneo Gigiri restaurant in Nairobi photographed by Susan Wong 2012 - sorbet
Lemon sorbet with strawberry sauce



Mediterraneo Gigiri restaurant in Nairobi photographed by Susan Wong 2012 - apple pie
Apple and sultana pie with vanilla ice cream


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