Liv Vin, La Casa Di Nico, La Terrazza & 7 other top wine bars & restaurants in Kenya

The inaugural Gambero Rosso Top Italian Wine Road Show, held in Nairobi on January 30, 2024, showcased the finest Italian-flavored establishments across Kenya.

Leading Italian wine expert Marco Sabellico, senior editor of Gambero Rosso’s Vini d’Italia guidebook expressed satisfaction at the growing passion for Italian wine and traditions in Kenya.

Top Italian Enoteca and Restaurants In Kenya Recognised At TheGambero Rosso Top Italian Wine Road Show In Nairobi Pulse Live Kenya

Recognising excellence in Italian cuisine and wine

The list features ten outstanding Italian restaurants, including

Liv Vin
La Casa Di Nico
La Terrazza
La Salumeria
La Villa
La Dolce Vita
La Cascina
Casa Mia in Diani
Roberto’s in Mombasa
Visiwa in Watamu.

Additionally, top Italian pizzerias like Pomodoro, Matteo’s, Solo Grano, and Mambo Italia were recognised, along with Roberto’s and Papa Remo in Watamu.

Top Italian Enoteca and Restaurants In Kenya Recognised At TheGambero Rosso Top Italian Wine Road Show In Nairobi Pulse Live Kenya

In the category of Italian wine bars, Wine & More, Enoteca, Winebox, New Italycor, and Liv Vin were celebrated for offering the best selection of Italian wines in the country.

Quality and authenticity at the forefront

Sabellico emphasised the importance of quality and authenticity in Italian cuisine, urging establishments to uphold the essence of regional recipes.

He highlighted the significance of using predominantly Italian ingredients to achieve the desired taste and essence of Italy.

Top Italian Enoteca and Restaurants In Kenya Recognised At TheGambero Rosso Top Italian Wine Road Show In Nairobi Pulse Live Kenya

The event, organised by Vinpodium, facilitated connections between European wine producers and African distributors, showcasing 35 top wineries representing fifteen wine regions of Italy.

Attendees, including local and regional wine connoisseurs, traders, and importers, had the opportunity to sample over 150 premium awarded wines, spanning White, Red, Rose, and Sparkling varieties.

A platform for growth and collaboration

Victoria Mulu-Munywoki, a Kenyan wine expert and sommelier, underscored the competitiveness of Italian wines in Kenya and East Africa.

Top Italian Enoteca and Restaurants In Kenya Recognised At TheGambero Rosso Top Italian Wine Road Show In Nairobi Pulse Live Kenya

She expressed confidence in the potential for collaboration between local wine importers and leading Italian wine houses, fostering a thriving Italian wine category in Kenya.

The growing interest in Italian wines reflects a broader trend in Kenya's evolving wine market.

Euromoney's Passport data from 2020 indicates significant potential for growth in wine consumption, with between 25 to 30 million litres of wine sold in Kenya annually.

Gambero Rosso aims to capitalise on this opportunity by raising awareness and promoting Italian wines, especially among new consumers and the younger generation.

Top Italian Enoteca and Restaurants In Kenya Recognised At TheGambero Rosso Top Italian Wine Road Show In Nairobi Pulse Live Kenya

Looking ahead

Tiina Eriksson, International Business & Events Manager at Gambero Rosso, highlighted Kenya's strategic position as a commercial gateway for East and Central Africa.

She emphasised the country's burgeoning middle class and their increasing appreciation for quality wine, presenting a lucrative market for Italian wines.