
The legendary pavement café at the Sarova Stanley, with wood-fired pizzas and a deli counter.
The Thorn Tree Cafe is the historic open-air, bistro-style pavement café at the Sarova Stanley in the heart of the CBD, built around its famous acacia tree and message board. Travellers once pinned notes to the tree's trunk as a makeshift post office, a 'tree mail' tradition the café keeps alive, and the acacia, now in its third generation, has watched over guests from Hemingway to Churchill. The menu spans Mediterranean, French classics, Asian and Italian dishes, grills, wood-fired pizzas and heritage plates like beef sukuma wiki, with breakfast from 6:30 am and dinner into the evening.
"Nice cafe in the heart of Nairobi within the Sarova Stanley Hotel. The tree is no longer there as it sadly died a couple of years ago but after asking the staff they said they hope to be able to plant a new one soon. Nice ambience nonetheless, and the staff are great and attentive."
"This is a very interesting and historic hotel and cafe. The food and service were excellent. If you love old hotels with history, this is a must. It was very rainy when I went towards the end of the night, so no one was there, which was a little disappointing. I think you need to go during the day to get the full effect. If it is earlier, you can also walk a bit before and after in the city center."
"The was dish is a delightful balance of flavours and textures. The perfectly grilled chicken boasts a smoky char, complemented by a creamy, rich sauce on the side adds an extra layer of indulgence. The mashed potatoes, topped with crispy onions, offer a comforting contrast. The artistic plating and thoughtful presentation make this meal a feast for both the eyes and the palate. It's a well-executed dish that promises to satisfy.A good place to grab a lunch in town."
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