The Tigoni Gem
We had no real plans that Sunday morning, just a soft idea of brunch and a quiet birthday somewhere away from the city.
Tigoni felt like the right direction, the drive itself was already a gift, rolling green hills, breathtaking views of the tea farms, fresh crispy air, and that slow, calming shift away from Nairobi’s usual rush.
We arrived just past 1 PM. The parking lot was already full, cars lined up in a way that quietly warned us, this place was not as “hidden” as we thought. Still, we stepped out, hopeful.
Ahead of us was an entrance I couldn’t quite name, an archway of plants, almost like nature had shaped a doorway. Walking through it felt like crossing into something else entirely.
And that is how I experienced Fig & Olive for the first time.
A Farmhouse Escape with Character
The space opens up into a charming farmhouse setting, instantly warm and inviting. But what stood out first wasn’t the seating, it was the personality. I saw cars inside, yes, inside the cafe and my heart skipped a bit as a car lover.
Right at the entrance sat vintage cars,a clean white Bentley Mark VI, a muted olive green Ford Model A, and a classic VW Beetle. They didn’t feel like displays; they felt like part of the story the place was telling.
Before even reaching the dining area, you walk through a retail space.
And not just any shop, this one felt curated, almost like a collection of memories, as everything was strategically placed.
From the heavy wooden tables, crafted from old doors, unique home decor, artisanal food items, and pieces that carried a distinct coastal-Arabic charm. It was the kind of place where we paused… a lot.
The Wait, The Energy, The Rhythm
We didn’t have a reservation.
That was our first mistake.
The place felt alive, families, couples, soft bursts of laughter blending with the gentle clinking of cutlery and the distant ring of service bells. There was a rhythm to it all; busy, yet never chaotic.
At the entrance, we were welcomed by Asmara, a young man who was warm and energetic, managing the steady flow of guests coming in. Ahead of us was a family of five, then us, everyone waiting, hopeful.
You could tell the team was stretched, moving quickly but still present, still attentive.
We lingered by the entrance for 3 minutes, taking it all in, the movement, the conversations, the anticipation building with every passing minute.
We waited. And then, we got lucky.
A Menu That Knows Its Purpose
The menu is small, just a few pages. Intentionally so.
It changes with the seasons, focusing more on quality than variety, and once the food arrives, you understand why.
There’s a sense of care in every dish, like nothing is rushed or overextended.
Meals here are also served by time.
If you come in during lunch hours, you order lunch, not breakfast. It keeps the kitchen focused and efficient, allowing them to prepare each dish at its best rather than stretching across too many options at once. It also aligns with their farm-to-table approach, where freshness and timing matter just as much as flavour.
We ordered to share.
The beef burger came first. It had thick, double patties which were, juicy and rich with flavour, layered with cheese, pickles, and sweet onions. It’s served medium rare by default, something to note if you prefer otherwise.
The buns were perfectly toasted, holding everything together without overpowering the meat.
The Magic Salad
But the real moment came with the Caesar salad.
Lately, I’ve found myself leaning more toward salads, craving something lighter, fresher, and this one arrived at just the right time. There is something about a well-made salad that feels effortless, but this one wasn’t accidental.
The crispy lettuce, soft fresh eggs, juicy tender chicken, crunchy croutons, all tied together with a dressing that didn’t try too hard. Every bite felt balanced. Light, fresh, and quietly addictive.
I actually found myself reaching for it more than the burger, halfway through, I had completely shifted focus.
The burger was good, no doubt, but the salad stole the moment which says a lot.
Between bites, there were pauses. The kind where you just look at each other and nod.
“Mmmh.” “Yeah!” “Mmmh!”
That kind of food.
The cappuccino followed, it was smooth, creamy, and comforting. I had it without sugar as always, and somehow it worked perfectly with everything else on the table.
A Birthday Moment I Didn’t Expect
Then, without warning, it happened. From behind, voices.
“Happy birthday to you…”“Happy birthday to you…”
I froze.
Excited, embarrassed and grateful all at once.
The staff came through with a raspberry cake, which was soft and chilled, layered with real fruit and just the right amount of sweetness. Not overwhelming, not artificial, just clean, balanced, and honestly one of the best cakes I’ve had in the whole Nairobi, not exaggerating.
It felt personal.
The Atmosphere: Where Time Slows Down
This is where Fig & Olive truly shines.
The garden stretches wide and open, green in every direction. Whether you sit indoors or outside, the atmosphere holds the same calm energy. The music is soft, almost background to the sound of people enjoying themselves.
Kids run freely across the grass. There are small creative activities, painting, beading, while adults sit back, talk, and just exist for a moment.
It is quiet without being empty. Lively without being loud.
Even the idea that you can play padel, go to the gym or just walk around adds to the experience, it’s not just a meal, it’s a place you spend time in.
The restaurant feels open yet intimate, with vintage elements woven into every corner, creating a space where time slows and everything feels a little more present.
Service That Keeps Up
Despite how busy it was, the service never felt overwhelming or slow.
Our waitress, Philomena, was warm, attentive, and gave us space when we needed it. Orders came in good time, and nothing felt rushed.
The Verdict
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
What to Know Before You Go
- Reservations are not optional, but they are necessary, especially on weekends
- Brunch ends earlier than expected (around 12 PM)
- The cafe kitchen closes at 4 PM, deli and bar at 5 PM
- Prices are slightly above average, but portions and quality justify it
- Plenty of free parking available
- It is wheelchair friendly and kid friendly
- Carry a jacket, it get pretty chilly at times, if you are not used to cold.
Some places are just restaurants, while others feel like an escape. Fig & Olive is the kind of place you go when you want to slow down, whether it’s for a birthday, a quiet date, or a long overdue catch-up with friends.
Because it is not just about the food. It’s about how the place makes you feel while you are there and even after you leave. And that alone makes it worth the trip to Tigoni.
Fig and Olive Instagram: HERE
More Food reviews: HERE
