Okay, so your week was a 2/10. Your phone is dry, your brain is fried, and you’re scrolling through reels of people having way more fun than you. Sound familiar? Stop doomscrolling. I found the fix.
Last Friday, my friends and I decided to end the week on a high note and headed to 252 on Raila Odinga Way. And let me tell you, this spot didn’t just serve food, it served an entire vibe.
First impression? The vibe is immaculate. Walking in feels like entering a secret garden in the heart of the city. The space is lush with hanging plants and bursts of colorful flowers it’s chic, fresh, and instantly uplifting. We spotted a sleek event space, too, which tracks. This is clearly a spot built for good times, whether it’s a casual dinner or a full-blown celebration.
But let’s get to the main event: the food. We went for the legendary Platter for Two, featuring the famous Somali rice. We opted for tender, juicy chicken (though the traditional goat is definitely on our list for next time).
When it arrived, it was a feast for the senses. The rice was flawlessly fluffy and aromatic, the chicken was fall-off-the-bone perfection, and it was all accompanied by fresh lemon, a kick of chili sauce, and other cooling dips. And then, the iconic finishing touch: the bananas
We have to ask, is it even a Somali place without the bananas? That sweet, creamy slice against the savory, spiced rice is a combination we now consider essential. It just works.
To complete the experience, we ordered the Strawberry Lemonade, It was the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with real strawberry flavor shining through, the ideal, refreshing palate cleanser.
Our Honest Vibe Check
The Food & Flavor: 9.5/10
The platter is a masterpiece. Every component is intentional and delicious. The rice alone is worth the visit.
The Ambiance & Aesthetics: 10/10
The flower-filled, plant-drenched decor is a total mood-lifter. It’s the perfect backdrop for transitioning from work mode to weekend mode.
Service & Experience: 9/10
Attentive, friendly, and efficient even on a busy Friday late afternoon. Everything felt seamless.
Value for the Vibes: 9/10
Generous portions, premium quality, and an atmosphere you’ll want to soak in. It’s an experience that feels worth every shilling.
The Final Verdict
Overall Rating: 9.3/10
252 is more than a restaurant it’s a weekend ritual waiting to happen.With its vibrant, botanical atmosphere and deeply flavorful food, it’s the perfect place to gather your favorite people, celebrate making it through the week, and set the tone for the days ahead.
We left feeling genuinely refreshed, happily full, and already planning our next visit. Consider this your official invitation to upgrade your Friday. Honestly it felt like a reward.
The Takeaway:Gather your crew, order the legendary platter, and lean into the vibrant, flower filled vibes. Just remember: always say yes to a meal that is served with bananas.
